Test report on the Donic Bluefire JP 03 - By Mika Stuermer
Another rubber that I tested in my search for a new backhand rubber is the Donic Bluefire JP 03. With the softest model within this series, I wanted to test how a soft rubber affects my game. For a direct comparison, I used the Bluefire M2, which I play on the forehand.
Technical features of the Bluefire JP 03
The Bluefire JP 03 is equipped with a soft sponge and a grippy, elastic topsheet. As with all Bluefire rubbers, the sponge is blue. My specimen (red, 2.0 mm) weighed 99 grams in its original packaging. In terms of weight, it was almost not different from the Bluefire M2. I was, therefore, very curious to see what differences I would notice on the table.
Playing characteristics
I could feel that this rubber is definitely much softer than the M2 from the very first strokes. After playing the rubber for a few hours in training and also in matches, I can now share my experiences with you.
- Counter-attacking and shooting
Although the JP 03 is certainly not one of the fastest rubbers, I didn't have to use much more power than usual to get speed into my shots when counter-attacking and shooting. The soft sponge in combination with the built-in catapult effect ensured good acceleration. This allowed me to increase the speed relatively easily when necessary.
During topspin, the soft sponge and the grippy, spin-elastic topsheet ensured good rotation development. Personally, I found the rubber a little too slow and soft for dynamic attacks, but this composition is ideal for spin-oriented players. In addition to the brilliant rotation values, this model offers you a high level of ball safety for controlled topspins, which makes it easier to avoid simple mistakes in offensive openings.
On the other hand, I really liked the rubber for blocking. Thanks to the soft setup, all blocking balls could be controlled and placed extremely well. In addition, thanks to the elastic topsheet and the effective catapult effect, I had to use very little force to play powerful blocks. This meant that both safe, precise block shots and aggressive blocks were not a big problem.
The BlueFire JP 03 also impressed me in the return game with its particularly controlled play. I was able to react very variably to all serves without losing ball safety. The grippy surface made it possible to hit very rotational serves and returns. The rubber is therefore ideal for a very flexible and safe opening.
Conclusion
Although this rubber did not become my new backhand rubber in the end, it is still an interesting model. I would mainly recommend it to players who prefer spin-heavy, controlled attacks. The soft sponge and the grippy topsheet offer ideal conditions for generating an enormous amount of rotation.
This means that all-round / power all-round players in particular (ALL / ALL+) will appreciate this rubber. On the other hand, I would recommend a somewhat harder rubber to all attacking players who want to play with pressure and yet be as variable as possible.
Shop description of the Donic BlueFire JP 03
The Donic Bluefire JP 03 is the softest version of the JP rubbers. This model combines the extremely grippy, firm, yet elastic topsheet typical of the JP series with a slightly softer sponge (42.5°). This makes it the softest and slowest version of the JP series.
The softer sponge leads to an excellent feeling, as well as a good speed and great spin values, with the best possible control. (Control 7+ / Speed 9+ / Spin 10++, manufacturer specifications). Furthermore, highly rotational topspins from a safe, controlled game are no longer a problem.
With these characteristics and values, this rubber is suitable for all allround or power allround players, who attach great importance to good control, but still want to act in a forward manner with a lot of spin.
The BlueFire JP 03 and the other members
The Bluefire JP03 is the slowest and softest version of the “Bluefire” product series, but there are also other models available. Check out our summary:
- Donic Bluefire JP 01 Turbo: The fastest and most offensive version within this series, despite the fact that there are harder rubbers out there.
- Donic Bluefire JP 01: Highly rotational due to prolonged ball-contact-time. Ideal for aggressive strokes. Manufacturer specifications: control 6+, speed 10+, spin 10++.
- Donic Bluefire JP 02: Ideal for ALL+ and/or OFF- players. The golden mean within this series.
- Donic Bluefire JP 03: The softest rubber within this series for optimal control. Manufacturer specifications: control 7+, speed 9+, spin 10++.
- Table tennis rubbers: In case this is not what you want, check out this link. Here is an overview of all table tennis rubbers.
- Donic rubbers: In case you prefer Donic rubbers, this might be something for you!
