Friendship 729 New Cream is not designed for outright speed, prioritizing spin and control over raw pace. It offers decent speed for drives and loops with proper technique but lacks the explosive power of modern tensor rubbers. Players relying on heavy-hitting fast drives will find it more controlled than blisteringly fast.
Spin
Spin generation is a defining strength, thanks to the tacky natural rubber topsheet. It excels at imparting heavy rotation on serves and executing spinny loops. While it requires good technique and player input, a well-executed stroke results in significant ball rotation, ideal for players who dictate play with spin.
Control
Excellent control is a hallmark, provided by the tacky surface and supportive sponge which deliver a predictable, accurate response. This high level of control benefits developing players learning to manage spin, execute precise shots, and smoothly transition between offensive and defensive play.
Dwell Time
The combination of a tacky topsheet and supportive sponge provides good dwell time, allowing the ball to stay on the rubber's surface long enough to impart significant spin. This contributes directly to both spin generation and overall shot control.
Tackiness
The rubber features a distinctly tacky topsheet, characteristic of Chinese-made rubbers. This provides a sticky feel on ball contact and is crucial for its spin-generating ability and control. It offers a significant level of tackiness that aids in spin manipulation, though it may not be as intense as some top-tier Chinese models.
Throw Angle
The rubber produces a medium-low throw angle, resulting in a flatter ball trajectory. This can be advantageous for drives and blocking but requires a more upward brushing motion to generate high-arcing loops.
