SpinLord Hydra X
Maximale Zeichenanzahl 500
This is a dangerous, highly versatile all-round long-pip rubber, but it is not an 'easy-to-play' one.
You can check availability and our current prices here. This price only applies to purchases made directly from us. We only deliver to selected countries.
The Hydra X is a medium-speed, all-round, long-pimple rubber intended for experienced players. Designed to offer maximum disruptive effect, it is suitable for a wide range of situations and aimed at experienced players.
It was developed in collaboration with pimple rubber enthusiasts from Noppentest.de. Particular emphasis was placed on durability during the development process.
Following numerous tests, we concluded that the 'Dornenglanz' pimple geometry best suits a long pimple rubber designed to achieve a high level of disruption. This is why we chose it for the Hydra X.
Secondly, medium-speed pimple rubber is ideal for a versatile playing style. If the pimple is too slow, either the disruptive effect will decrease or the pimple will become less versatile. Very fast pimples do not create any more disruption than medium-speed ones, but their playing characteristics are more limited. Therefore, we have ensured that the 'Hydra X' falls within a similar speed range to the 'Dornenglanz' and 'Stenenfall Pro'.
However, a good pimple rubber should also be more durable than the 'Dornenglanz'. To achieve this, we increased the natural rubber content and made the pimple heads ribbed. Admittedly, this results in slightly less disruption during passive blocking, but it is still considerable. At the same time, the Hydra X outperforms the Dornenglanz in certain other stroke types, particularly undercut defence.
Ultimately, the Hydra X is extremely durable; in fact, it is slightly more durable than the Sternenfall Pro, making it our fastest, most durable long-pimple rubber. Otherwise, only slower, very soft pimples achieve a similar level of durability.
To maximise versatility and increase the disruptive effect, we have added a polymer to the rubber compound to enhance its elasticity. Consequently, the Hydra X is slightly more elastic than our previous long pimple rubbers. The pimples bend more quickly, meaning the playing behaviour is slightly less linear than with the Sternenfall Pro. However, it is still very predictable — just not for the opponent.
The rubber compound is slightly softer than that of the Sternenfall Pro, yet it can still be classified as medium-hard — i.e., slightly harder than the Blitzschlag.
During the development phase, we gave the Hydra X to three pimple-out enthusiasts (frequent testers) with different skill levels and playing styles. They also had a number of other rubber compounds to choose from. The result was clear: all three testers rated the Hydra X as the best by far.
Consequently, the Hydra X is our first all-round long-pimple rubber that is well suited to every type of stroke and achieves a high level of disruption. The equation 'all-round pimple rubber = harmless, easy-to-play pimple rubber' no longer applies here. While the Hydra X can be mastered by players in lower divisions, it takes time to understand all its facets and use them to one’s advantage. Once mastered, it reliably does what the player wants, including winning points through precise ball placement.
However, the Hydra X is not suitable for players who almost exclusively block or play undercut defence with rare attacks of their own. Nor is it suitable for players who attack almost every ball. These players would be better off with specialised pimpled rubbers such as Dornenglanz for blocking and Agenda for chopping. The Hydra X, on the other hand, is the right choice for players who want to play more than two types of stroke and who are often unsure which long-pimple rubber to choose or where they will have to compromise. Such players can confidently opt for the Hydra X, safe in the knowledge that they will achieve good results without having to compromise.
In our opinion, the Hydra X is suitable for all blades from DEF to OFF+, but not for fast offensive blades. For these, the Dornenglanz X is a better option.
The Hydra X is also available with a sponge. This sponge is slightly faster than those used in our other long-pimpled rubbers. It is a medium-hard, controlled offensive sponge manufactured in China with a relatively low catapult effect. As usual, the sponge version is particularly well-suited to chopping the ball. However, it offers slightly less overall versatility as it is weaker when playing disruptive shots close to the table.
| Manufacturer | SpinLord |
|---|---|
| Speed | 4 |
| Control | 4.5 |
| Deception | 10 |
| Sponge colour | orange |
| Durability | very good |
| Made in | China |
The values given for speed, spin, control and disruption are based on our own tests. They may therefore differ from the manufacturer's specifications.
Some values may vary, for example the weight of table tennis blades.
OX rubbers should be attached to the blade using an adhesive sheet. This is not included if you purchase a SpinLord rubber.
For rubbers with sponge, use a suitable VOC-free glue to attach them to the blade. Do not use glue sticks, adhesives containing solvents or any adhesive not specifically designed for table tennis rubbers.
Rubbers should only be attached to sealed blades.
Please note that we cannot guarantee that the rubber can be reattached multiple times. Depending on the type of sponge used, it may be damaged when removed from the blade, even with professional assembly.
Please also note that rubbers may warp to a greater or lesser extent depending on the type. Consequently, the amount of rubber adhesive required to assemble the racket varies from rubber to rubber.
Please refer to the instructions for using the rubber adhesive.