DONIC BLUESTAR A3

Donic BlueStar A3 – is an inverted table tennis rubber designed for offensive all-round and aggressive players (ALL+, OFF-, OFF) seeking a perfect balance of speed, spin, and control. As part of the BlueStar A1 and A2 series, A3 uses the revolutionary Optimized Energy Sponge (OPTE) technology but with a softer 47.5° sponge compared to A1 (52.5°) and A2 (50°), making it easier to control and more versatile. The slightly tacky, extremely grippy topsheet ensures extreme spin, while the fine-pored sponge provides a dynamic catapult effect. Made in Germany, ITTF approved, the BlueStar A3 is an excellent choice for advanced players looking for a well-balanced rubber suitable for play up to the professional level.

Key Features:

• Rubber type: Inverted

• Speed: 127

• Spin: 126

• Control: 94

• High tension: Yes

• Tackiness: Slightly tacky

• Strategy: ALL+, OFF-, OFF

• Surface: Extremely grippy

• Sponge hardness: Medium-soft (47.5°, Medium+)

• Sponge thickness: 2.0 mm, Max

• Colors: Red, black, blue

• Country of origin: Germany

• Certifications: ITTF approved

Donic BlueStar A3 stands out for its advanced construction, tailored for all-round offense:

• Sponge (medium-soft): The fine-pored sponge with 47.5° hardness (Medium+) and OPTE technology offers exceptional elasticity and cushioning. Compared to BlueStar A2 (50°) and A1 (52.5°), the A3 sponge is softer, providing longer dwell time and better control while maintaining a dynamic catapult effect. The sponge thickness (2.0 mm, Max) balances speed and spin, suitable for both aggressive and controlled shots. The fine-pore structure ensures a responsive feel, close to Butterfly Tenergy 64, but with a unique Donic character.

• Topsheet: Slightly tacky, extremely grippy topsheet guarantees maximum spin and precision. Identical to the BlueStar A1 and A2 topsheet, it is European-style, close to Bluefire M1 Turbo, with subtler tackiness than the BlueGrip series. The elastic surface reduces dust accumulation and is durable (~50–70 hours of intense play). The grip effectively "bites" 40+ plastic balls, ensuring stability in looping shots and serves. The surface requires regular cleaning with Donic cleaner.

• High tension effect: OPTE technology with molecular tension provides a powerful catapult effect typical of modern European rubbers. This enhances speed and spin, facilitating attacks against backspin and counter-looping shots. The catapult effect is gentler than in A1 or A2, making it easier to control.

• High arc trajectory: BlueStar A3 generates a high arc, stabilizing the ball’s flight, ensuring extreme spin and enabling precise topspin shots with a large margin of safety. The arc is similar to A2, but the softer sponge offers more flexibility when playing controlled strokes.

• Slight tackiness: The topsheet is only slightly tacky, making it less sensitive to dust accumulation than the BlueGrip series, but still maintaining strong grip, suitable for spin-based strokes.

• Spin sensitivity: Due to the grippy surface, the rubber is sensitive to incoming spin, requiring technique when blocking or chopping, but the softer sponge improves control.

The rubber weighs about 45–50 g (cut, 2.0 mm thick), lighter than BlueStar A1 (~55–60 g) or A2 (~50–55 g), making it suitable for players seeking a lighter racket. Available in red, black, and blue colors, compliant with ITTF rules. Water-based glues (e.g., Donic Vario) and a protective film are recommended.

Donic BlueStar A3 features the following technical ratings:

• Speed: 127 (controlled). The rubber is fast, suitable for controlled topspin, looping, flat hits, and counter-attacks near the table or from mid-distance. The OPTE sponge ensures balanced speed, lower than BlueStar A2 (131) or A1 (135), but higher than BlueGrip S1 (113). Speed depends on the player’s technique and blade.

• Spin: 126 (extreme). The extremely grippy topsheet generates extreme spin, identical to BlueStar A1 and A2 (126), slightly higher than BlueGrip C1 or C2 (125). The high arc strengthens the spin, making it easy to lift balls with backspin and execute high-rotation spin shots.

• Control: 94 (high). The rubber offers better control than BlueStar A2 (92) or A1 (90) due to the softer sponge and longer dwell time. The high arc provides a safety margin in looping, blocking, and service returns, making it suitable for all-round attackers.

Trajectory: High arc, suitable for looping, topspin attacks, and controlled strokes. The arc stabilizes the ball's flight, facilitates attacks against backspin, and ensures precision in counter-looping shots. When blocking, it is necessary to close the racket angle due to the high trajectory. Users praise the "spin potential," "control," and "balanced dynamics."

Donic BlueStar A3 pairs well with all-round and offensive blades:

• Donic BlueStar A2: Balances speed and spin, suitable for OFF- players.

• Stiga Allround Classic Carbon: Provides control and spin, ideal for all-round play.

• Butterfly Primorac OFF-: Emphasizes precision, suitable for looping.

• Yasaka Sweden Extra: Maximizes control, suitable for ALL+ and OFF- play.

• Donic Waldner Senso Carbon: A dynamic blade that enhances the rubber’s spin.

The rubber pairs best with ALL+, OFF-, or OFF blades, as the softer sponge and grippy surface utilize the blade’s elasticity and control. Suitable for both forehand and backhand sides, especially for players seeking a balanced game.

Donic BlueStar A3 is designed for players seeking a balanced combination of speed, spin, and control:

• For offensive all-round players (ALL+, OFF-, OFF) controlling topspin, looping, and blocking.

• For aggressive attackers looking for a rubber that balances spin, speed, and control.

• For spin-based play, suitable for forehand or backhand, especially in looping and serving.

• For play close to the table and at mid-distance: Effective in looping, open attacks, blocking.

• Serves and receive: The grippy surface allows generating spinny serves, and the softer sponge facilitates precise returns.

• Attacks against backspin: The high arc and grip allow easy lifting of low balls.

• Counter-looping: Precision and spin in counter-looping shots.

The rubber is extremely effective in looping (9.7/10), serves (9.5/10), blocking (9.3/10), open attacks (9.2/10), and counter-attacks (9.1/10). Flat hits (8.9/10) and chopping (8.0/10) require technique due to spin sensitivity. Users emphasize “control,” “spin potential,” and “balanced feel.”

• Speed (127): Controlled, suitable for offense.

• Spin (126): Extreme, highly effective for looping and serves.

• Control (94): High, suitable for all-round players.

• Grippy surface: Maximum friction, strong spin.

• OPTE sponge: Dynamics, high arc, longer dwell time.

  Balanced weight (~45–50 g) offers a lighter alternative compared to BlueStar A1 and A2, making it ideal for players seeking a lighter racket for better maneuverability.

  Donic BlueStar A3 stands out with:

• Speed: 127 – Fast yet controlled, suitable for topspin and counterattacking play both at the table and mid-distance.

• Spin: 126 – Extremely high spin potential, perfect for heavy loops, spinny serves, and lifting backspin balls.

• Control: 94 – High control due to the softer sponge and long dwell time, enabling precise placement and consistency.

Surface Grip – Maximum friction and excellent grip from a slightly tacky yet very grippy top sheet.

OPTE Sponge – Enhanced dynamics, high arc trajectory, and extended ball contact for improved spin and control.

Lighter Weight – A balanced, lighter feel (~45–50 g cut), aiding faster stroke recovery and better handling.

Ideal For:

• All-round offensive players (ALL+, OFF-, OFF) looking for balance between speed, spin, and control.

• Aggressive attackers who value consistency in looping, blocking, and counterplay.

• Spin-oriented players using either forehand or backhand for looping and spin serves.

• Mid-distance and close-to-table play – excels in looping, open attacks, and blocking.

• Serving and receiving – grippy top sheet generates spinny serves and soft sponge helps with precise returns.

• Attacks against backspin – high arc and grip make lifting low balls easier.

• Counterlooping – accurate and spinny returns under pressure.

Performance Ratings (out of 10):

• Looping: 9.7

• Serving: 9.5

• Blocking: 9.3

• Open attacks: 9.2

• Counterattacks: 9.1

• Flat hits: 8.9

• Chopping: 8.0 (requires skill due to spin sensitivity)

Users highlight its "control," "spin potential," and "balanced feel" as standout features.