Loki RXTON 9 new sponge.

[K.K]

i play the 'old' blue sponge national version of Rx9 in 39˚ and gone through at least 10-15 sheets on my forehand and can say that the QC of the topsheet and the overall thickness is really good, but the sponges aren't. they change in hardness but also in density, so it is quite hard to get the boosting right even if you are very careful. but in my opinion that isn't too bad for a rubber in that price range and only start to matter if you play more then 2-3 times a week or play more serious then hobby and need something reliable in important matches (but those people would anyway buy something else or are sponsored). i am fine with it and interested to see what the new Rx9 neo has to offer

 

[Haito]

i play the 'old' blue sponge national version of Rx9 in 39˚ and gone through at least 10-15 sheets on my forehand and can say that the QC of the topsheet and the overall thickness is really good, but the sponges aren't. they change in hardness but also in density, so it is quite hard to get the boosting right even if you are very careful. but in my opinion that isn't too bad for a rubber in that price range and only start to matter if you play more then 2-3 times a week or play more serious then hobby and need something reliable in important matches (but those people would anyway buy something else or are sponsored). i am fine with it and interested to see what the new Rx9 neo has to offer

How long did the sheets last you?

 

[K.K]

How long did the sheets last you?

since I boost not very long. maybe about 4-6 weeks, with one initial layer and another thin layer after 4 weeks. sometimes the sponge dies only days after the second layer and then there are times when I get a max of 2 weeks more. but the topsheet was always in really good shape still. for context I play 7-12h a week. with esn tacky rubbers it is mostly the other way around, you don't need to boost but the topsheet dies so fast that they last the same time for me. but on the other hand they are way more consistent...

 

[Archosaurus]

since I boost not very long. maybe about 4-6 weeks, with one initial layer and another thin layer after 4 weeks. sometimes the sponge dies only days after the second layer and then there are times when I get a max of 2 weeks more. but the topsheet was always in really good shape still. for context I play 7-12h a week. with esn tacky rubbers it is mostly the other way around, you don't need to boost but the topsheet dies so fast that they last the same time for me. but on the other hand they are way more consistent...

Do you play at a really high level? It dies really fast from just one layer!

I play about 10-15 (although cutting it down a bit now ) and I'm disappointed if any sheet in general lasts less than 2 months.

 

[Kilogramme]

since I boost not very long. maybe about 4-6 weeks, with one initial layer and another thin layer after 4 weeks. sometimes the sponge dies only days after the second layer and then there are times when I get a max of 2 weeks more. but the topsheet was always in really good shape still. for context I play 7-12h a week. with esn tacky rubbers it is mostly the other way around, you don't need to boost but the topsheet dies so fast that they last the same time for me. but on the other hand they are way more consistent...

That is a lot of playtime, a rubber that cost so little, if that last as long as more expensive ESN, I guess it is a good option for you. I am listening to podcast, and apparently they greatly improved manufacturing process the past years. Maybe the new R9 and R9 NEO have better QC, and last longer.

 

[K.K]

Do you play at a really high level? It dies really fast from just one layer!

I play about 10-15 (although cutting it down a bit now ) and I'm disappointed if any sheet in general lasts less than 2 months.

since I am an offensive player my needs for a rubber are quite different then from other players and durability in general is pretty individual, but if you can play longer than 2 months with R9 in 39˚ with more then one layer of booster then either your stroke must be way less penetrating then mine or you just don't mind the dead sponge. still that says nothing about level anyway

 

[Haito]

since I am an offensive player my needs for a rubber are quite different then from other players and durability in general is pretty individual, but if you can play longer than 2 months with R9 in 39˚ with more then one layer of booster then either your stroke must be way less penetrating then mine or you just don't mind the dead sponge. still that says nothing about level anyway

Since I reboosted it, I can no longer put my whole power down. I am going straight through the sponge. I can play with it as long as I limit myself to about 70% of the power. Which is good enough for what I do.

 

[Archosaurus]

since I am an offensive player my needs for a rubber are quite different then from other players and durability in general is pretty individual, but if you can play longer than 2 months with R9 in 39˚ with more then one layer of booster then either your stroke must be way less penetrating then mine or you just don't mind the dead sponge. still that says nothing about level anyway

My reference point is DHS rubbers in 40 and 41 hardness, so maybe that's part of it. After about 6 to 8 weeks I can notice the sponge getting weaker, but I wouldn't say it's unplayable. Usually the routine I've had is 2 layers at first then 1 but I've cut it down to just 1 now. I do have a more brushing stroke although you do hear the wood often so I don't think it's exactly defensive or allround.

I do know some much higher level players who claim they get 6 months out of Provincial blue, and one of them boosts 2 layers every month. I think that's definitely a case of not minding the sponge. I'd hate it after 3 months for sure.

 

[Haito]

since I am an offensive player my needs for a rubber are quite different then from other players and durability in general is pretty individual, but if you can play longer than 2 months with R9 in 39˚ with more then one layer of booster then either your stroke must be way less penetrating then mine or you just don't mind the dead sponge. still that says nothing about level anyway

Also, one layer of booster did nothing on my R9 for some reason. Mine did nothing with one layer. I did like 6 to get it to curl. The rubber is very nice, downright bouncy now. But it is a bit soft. I have a deja vu, I think it would just right rubber for myself 2 months ago.

 

[K.K]

Also, one layer of booster did nothing on my R9 for some reason. Mine did nothing with one layer. I did like 6 to get it to curl. The rubber is very nice, downright bouncy now. But it is a bit soft. I have a deja vu, I think it would just right rubber for myself 2 months ago.

then the new orange sponge seems to be a bit stiffer, because the old blue sponge version of R9 that I play is curling pretty significant even with one layer of haifu nat yellow.

 

[K.K]

My reference point is DHS rubbers in 40 and 41 hardness, so maybe that's part of it. After about 6 to 8 weeks I can notice the sponge getting weaker, but I wouldn't say it's unplayable. Usually the routine I've had is 2 layers at first then 1 but I've cut it down to just 1 now. I do have a more brushing stroke although you do hear the wood often so I don't think it's exactly defensive or allround.

I do know some much higher level players who claim they get 6 months out of Provincial blue, and one of them boosts 2 layers every month. I think that's definitely a case of not minding the sponge. I'd hate it after 3 months for sure.

I think orange sponge H3 39 and blue sponge R9 39 are pretty similar in hardness so you can compare a bit. I would not dare to touch anything beyond 40, but if you mainly brush and don't play with impact then it doesn't matter for you anyway. i think you would be happy with R9, because the topsheet is really durable

level and durability are not always connected, but playstyle and hours you put in is. your story of this one specific player will not matter much if we don't know the context

 

[Kilogramme]

I think orange sponge H3 39 and blue sponge R9 39 are pretty similar in hardness so you can compare a bit. I would not dare to touch anything beyond 40, but if you mainly brush and don't play with impact then it doesn't matter for you anyway. i think you would be happy with R9, because the topsheet is really durable

level and durability are not always connected, but playstyle and hours you put in is. your story of this one specific player will not matter much if we don't know the context

I have read somewhere that Old R9 BS 40° equal new NEO 39 (it is suggested to get 1 degree down compared to old R9). Is the old R9 BS sponge similar to R7 BS sponge? The R7 40 has a blue sponge, which looks like a "springy" #80 sponge from DHS but black and with 40°. The new NEO sponge really looks like H3s blue sponge from the picture I recieved.

 

[K.K]

I have read somewhere that Old R9 BS 40° equal new NEO 39 (it is suggested to get 1 degree down compared to old R9). Is the old R9 BS sponge similar to R7 BS sponge? The R7 40 has a blue sponge, which looks like a "springy" #80 sponge from DHS but black and with 40°. The new NEO sponge really looks like H3s blue sponge from the picture I recieved.

I only tried R7 in 39 one time for one training but i did not like it. compared to R9 it is softer, bouncier, way less power and higher throw. feels more like a hybrid than a chinese rubber and reminded me a bit of rakza Z

 

[Haito]

I only tried R7 in 39 one time for one training but i did not like it. compared to R9 it is softer, bouncier, way less power and higher throw. feels more like a hybrid than a chinese rubber and reminded me a bit of rakza Z

Somebody at my club had a 37 and 39 R7. I think it was very good for coached beginners and intermediates. Very consistent and easy. I did not have had extended time to test it though.

 

[Kilogramme]

I only tried R7 in 39 one time for one training but i did not like it. compared to R9 it is softer, bouncier, way less power and higher throw. feels more like a hybrid than a chinese rubber and reminded me a bit of rakza Z

Also the Loki germany guy said that Loki stopped building custom product, and started to focus on genuine product. In that mentality, they will drastically reduce the number of rubber/blade model, and focus on quality items. Initially they made custom to get money and gain reputation. So you can guess that custom made product have shit QC and probably shit longevity. If they wants to improve their image, they needs to make better products, that lasts with good QC.

 

[Haito]

Also the Loki germany guy said that Loki stopped building custom product, and started to focus on genuine product. In that mentality, they will drastically reduce the number of rubber/blade model, and focus on quality items. Initially they made custom to get money and gain reputation. So you can guess that custom made product have shit QC and probably shit longevity. If they wants to improve their image, they needs to make better products, that lasts with good QC.

Welp they got a reputation of bad QC to the point where top sheet peels off the sponge so... That strategy might have not paid out. That being said. The products I got from them so far. Very happy.

 

[victormanriquey]

Im reviewing Battle 2 and Battle 2 Neo now (unboosted so far) but I'm gonna do begin next year R9 OS in FH/BH and the NEO in blue and try to give my thoughts on those, im too curious now

 

[dingyibvs]

Im reviewing Battle 2 and Battle 2 Neo now (unboosted so far) but I'm gonna do begin next year R9 OS in FH/BH and the NEO in blue and try to give my thoughts on those, im too curious now

I heard that B2 is truly factory boosted and does not need boosting right away, let us know if that's what you think as well!

 

[Colestt]

With jike on the cover? Never saw those, mind sharing the cover?

Sorry with ljk on the cover. Still want to see?

 

[victormanriquey]

I heard that B2 is truly factory boosted and does not need boosting right away, let us know if that's what you think as well!

Will do for sure! So far no booster needed and some drawbacks due to that as before, but Neo is a bit better