Customer review for Nittaku Hammond Z2

External Review for Nittaku Hammond Z2 on February 2, 2023

Again Revised: It took me many hours of testing (with different blades) to fully determine the qualities of this rubber. At the beginning of my tests, I used some blades that were too stiff and hard, which led to rather unsatisfactory results. Back then, the Z2 (with only 1.8 mm and solvent-based glue!) landed on my Stuor Professional Long 5 (Inner) on my BH. - Wonderful! ... absolute security on all shots, whether at the table or far behind it. Above-average speed and spin values characterize this rubber (along with good control). Opponent serves can be easily "wrapped around" and returned safely. The height and length of the trajectory allow me to get significantly more balls to the target! Facts: Black rubber with 1.8 mm, original packaging 102 g, uncut 68 g. and cut 46 g. (160 x 150 mm) Black rubber with 2 mm, original packaging 105 g, uncut 70 g. Sponge hardness according to Nittaku 45 degrees. (... also measured by me! ;-P) - however the Z2 feels harder!!! ... about 47.5 to 50 degrees. I recently played with it on my SANWEI 75 Inner ALC (1.8 mm, FH this time!) and was absolutely thrilled again. - however I felt it was lacking a bit of speed. ... so I bought it with 2 mm. The increase in speed and spin was enormous, like with no other rubber before!!! - but unfortunately too much for me. :-((
Conclusion: If you own the right blade for this rubber (or buy one new!), you've got a truly high-performance rubber, which at 1.8 mm should be manageable for many players. At 2 mm or more, however, it becomes a speed monster. ... and "considerably more demanding" !!!
Addendum: My wife played this excellent rubber for a season (with 1.8 mm on both sides in a lower league!) on a Donic Appelgren Dotec Control solid wood. For my part, I "would have to" get this rubber now (to be happy again!)... in 1.9 mm. ;P - or change the blade!!! :-(( ... which I did, of course ......... :-D

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