The DONIC Bluestorm Z3 impresses in our review with lots of spin, a soft touch, and high playing comfort. As the softest rubber in the series, it offers more control and forgiveness than the Z1 or Z2 – ideal for spin-oriented players who value feel and variability. Here, we’ve summarized the key information about the DONIC Bluestorm Z3.
OVERVIEW
DONIC Bluestorm Z3 Review
Current Pricing:
starting at $45.95
The Z3 is the softest rubber in the Bluestorm series from DONIC and impresses with excellent feel, extreme spin, and solid control.
- The Best Table Tennis Rubber 2025
DETAILS
DETAILS
ADVANTAGES
Benefits of the DONIC Bluestorm Z3:
Excellent ball feel
Thanks to the soft sponge, the Bluestorm Z3 provides excellent feedback – you can clearly feel the ball on the racket, making precise placement and control easier.
High Spin
A soft 42.5° sponge enables long ball contact and plenty of spin – ideal for topspin players who want to generate a lot of spin, even with less power.
Catapult Effect
Provides a strong catapult effect, allowing for high speed even during passive play or from mid-distance.
Forgiving & Control
Compared to harder rubbers, the Z3 is noticeably more forgiving – blocks, pushes, and returns can be played more securely.
Features & Special Characteristics
DONIC Bluestorm Z3 Review
Innovative technologies for a better playing experience:
| Merkmale | Details |
|---|---|
| Playing Style | ALL+, OFF -, OFF |
| Brand | DONIC |
| Rubber Technology | Coarse sponge for a soft feel |
| Sponge Thicknesses | 1,9 / 2,1 / 2,3 Mm |
| Sponge Hardness | Medium (ca. 42,5° EUR) |
| Release Year | 2017 |
Coarse-pored, soft sponge (42.5°)
A coarser-pored and softer sponge compared to other models in the Bluestorm series. Provides a pleasant playing feel and a distinctive sound during topspins.
Ultra-thin top sheet with high tension
The top sheet of the Z3 is noticeably thinner than that of conventional rubbers and is under high tension, allowing for the use of a thicker sponge to increase power and speed.
Spin-elastic surface
A particularly elastic surface enables high spin development, making it ideal for spin-oriented players.
Max+ sponge thickness
The “max+” version offers an even thicker sponge layer than the usual Max versions, providing extra power and dynamism.
DONIC Bluestorm Z3 Review: For Players with a Spin Focus
The Bluestorm Z3 is for players who prioritize control and ball feel over raw speed. With its soft 42.5° sponge and elastic surface, it offers a smooth yet precise ball contact, especially appealing to spin-oriented players. Compared to its harder siblings, the Z3 is noticeably more forgiving, making it ideal for a varied and feel-based offensive playstyle.
Strengths in Gameplay
The DONIC Bluestorm Z3 in tthis review shows its strengths particularly in open spin play: the ball is easy to engage, the trajectory is safely controlled, and the spin is solid. Even in more passive situations, such as blocking or counterplay, the rubber remains predictable and pleasantly soft. Players who often play from mid-distance will appreciate the control and stability during longer rallies—while there is a noticeable reduction in speed, it is offset by the high precision, making it barely a negative factor.
Handling and Weight
Weighing around 45 to 50 grams (cut), the Z3 is one of the lighter rubbers in its class. The balance on the racket is well-calibrated—not too head-heavy or cumbersome—and provides smooth handling, especially during quick direction changes or backhand actions.
For those who prefer a quieter, spin-oriented game but still want a good dose of dynamism, the Bluestorm Z3 is a reliable partner at the table.
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