DONIC BARACUDA BIG SLAM

Donic Baracuda Big Slam is an inverted (pimple-in) table tennis rubber designed for all-round and offensive players (ALL+, OFF-, OFF) who emphasize controlled attacking with strong spin. This rubber features a soft sponge and a highly tacky (spinny) topsheet, a high flight arc, and a satisfying sound, offering exceptional spin, excellent control, and stability. Created using the "Formula DONIC" technology with an integrated speed glue effect, the Baracuda Big Slam is a softer version of the Donic Baracuda, providing even more control and sound. The newly designed topsheet reduces wear and extends the rubber’s lifespan. Made in Germany and ITTF approved, this rubber is versatile, suitable for both forehand and backhand, and ideal for players seeking spin and precision.

Key Features:

• Rubber Type: Inverted (pimple-in)

• Speed: 9-

• Spin: 10++

• Control: 7

• High Tension: Yes

• Tacky: No

• Strategy: ALL+, OFF-, OFF

• Surface: Tacky elastic

• Sponge Hardness: Soft (Soft+)

• Sponge Thickness: 2.0 mm

• Colors: Red, Black

• Country of Origin: Germany

• Approval: ITTF approved

Construction optimized for spin and control:

• Sponge (soft): The soft sponge (~38–42° on ESN scale, Soft+) ensures a longer dwell time (ball contact), which facilitates spin generation and control in topspin shots. Compared to the medium-hard sponge in Donic Baracuda, the Big Slam sponge is softer, offering more feel and a pleasant impact sound but slightly less speed. The sponge thickness (e.g., 2.0 mm) enhances spin and stability.

• Topsheet: The tacky elastic topsheet structure provides very high friction, allowing strong spin generation. The newly designed topsheet reduces wear and edge damage, extending rubber life (~70–90 hours of intense play). The grip is strong enough that Baracuda Big Slam effectively "bites" into 40+ plastic balls, ensuring stability in open attacks. Regular cleaning with Donic cleaner is recommended to maintain tackiness.

• High tension effect: The integrated speed glue effect enhances topsheet elasticity, producing a catapult effect typical of modern European rubbers. This helps attacks against backspin and improves accuracy in counter-looping shots.

• High flight arc: Like Donic Baracuda, the Big Slam has a high flight arc, stabilizing ball trajectory, increasing spin, and allowing easy execution of extreme angle shots or lifting low balls. The soft sponge further emphasizes this arc, providing extra safety margin.

• Non-tacky: Unlike Chinese tacky rubbers like Donic Akkadi Taichi, Baracuda Big Slam’s topsheet is not sticky (tacky), so it is less prone to dust but still very grippy.

• No anti-spin properties: The rubber is sensitive to incoming spin, so blocking or chopping requires proper technique.

Physical and technical details:

• Weight: About 40–45 g (cut, 2.0 mm thick), lighter than Chinese rubbers like DHS Neo Hurricane 3 National (~50 g), making it suitable for players seeking a lighter racket.

• Available in red and black colors conforming to ITTF rules.

• Recommended water-based glues (e.g., Donic Vario) and protective film.

Performance metrics:

• Speed: 9- (controlled). Suitable for topspin strokes, looping, and controlled counterattacks close to or mid-distance from the table. The soft sponge and high tension effect provide balanced speed, lower than Donic Baracuda (speed 108) but enough for versatile offense. Speed depends on player technique and blade.

• Spin: 10++ (very high). Thanks to the extremely grippy topsheet, it produces exceptional spin, especially on looping, serves, and open attacks. The high flight arc supports spin, allowing easy lifting of low backspin balls and spinny strokes. Considered one of the spinniest rubbers in Donic’s lineup.

• Control: 7 (high). Offers excellent control during attacking strokes, especially looping and open attacks. The soft sponge and longer dwell time provide extra feel and safety margin on risky topspin shots. However, due to sensitivity to incoming spin, blocking or chopping demands technique.

• Trajectory: High, curved flight arc suitable for looping and topspin attacks. This arc facilitates lifting against backspin, enables extreme angles, and provides safety during counterlooping. During blocking, the trajectory may be too high, requiring racket angle adjustment.

Players praise its "spin potential," "high arc," "control," and "pleasant sound."

Suitable for all-round and offensive players:

• Works well with blades like:

  • Donic Persson Powerplay (balances speed and control, good for ALL+ players)

  • Stiga Allround Evolution (emphasizes control, ideal for backhand)

  • Butterfly Primorac OFF- (provides spin and feel, good for looping)

  • Yasaka Sweden Extra (control base, good for all-rounders)

  • Donic Appelgren Allplay (lightweight, enhances rubber control)

Best paired with ALL+ or OFF- blades, as the soft sponge and grippy topsheet use the blade’s elasticity and control. Suitable for forehand and backhand, especially players emphasizing spin and precision.

Ideal for players seeking spin, control, and feel:

• All-round and offensive players (ALL+, OFF-, OFF) who play topspin, looping, and controlled attacks.

• Spin-focused play seeking high spin and high trajectory.

• Controlled offense, suitable for forehand or backhand, especially looping strokes.

• Close to mid-distance play: effective looping, open attacks, and counterattacks.

• Serves and returns: very effective spin serves due to strong spin. Receiving demands technique because of spin sensitivity, but flicks and topspins are easier.

• Attacks against backspin: high arc and grip make lifting low balls easy.

• Counterlooping: large safety margin and accuracy.

Player ratings (out of 10):

• Looping: 9.7 (excellent due to spin and arc)

• Open attacks: 9.4

• Serves: 9.2

• Blocking: 8.8

• Counterattacks: 8.5

• Chopping: 7.5 (requires technique due to spin sensitivity)

Players highlight "spin potential," "control," "pleasant sound," and "easy handling."

Summary:

• Speed: Controlled (9-), suitable for looping.

• Spin: Very high (10++), effective looping and serving.

• Control: High (7), excellent for attacking.

• Highly grippy topsheet with strong friction, no ball slip.

• High flight arc: easy lifting and angled shots.

• Soft sponge: pleasant sound, longer dwell time, more feel.

• Durability: New topsheet design reduces wear.

Notes:

• Sensitive to incoming spin: blocking and chopping need technique.

• Not too fast: slower than harder rubbers, limits flat strokes.

• Passive play: high arc and spin sensitivity make blocking and chopping harder.

ITTF approved and competition-legal, the Donic Baracuda Big Slam is popular among all-round and offensive players for its spin, control, and pleasant sound. Effective against 40+ plastic balls, it offers stability and precision in looping strokes. Suitable for forehand or backhand, especially players emphasizing spin and control.

Donic Baracuda Big Slam is made for players who want maximum spin, control, and a pleasant feel. Its highly grippy topsheet, soft sponge, and high arc guarantee easy attacks, safe looping, and stability. An ideal choice for all-round and offensive players, the Baracuda Big Slam is a spin and control masterpiece!