DONIC DESTO F3

Description DONIC DESTO F3

Donic Desto F3 – is an inverted table tennis rubber, designed for offensively oriented allround players seeking a high level of control (ALL, ALL+, OFF-). Belonging to the Donic Desto series, the F3 stands out with its very soft sponge (~40°–42.5°, Soft), spin-elastic topsheet, dynamics, exceptional ball feeling, and pleasant sound, enhanced by the built-in speed glue effect (Formula DONIC). ITTF approved, made in Germany, the soft version is an excellent choice for players who value control, soft feel, and want an alternative to speed glue without its use.

Main features:

• Rubber type: Inverted
• Speed: 97
• Spin: 101
• Control: 97
• High tension: Yes (Formula DONIC)
• Tackiness: No
• Strategy: ALL, ALL+, OFF-
• Surface: Spin-elastic
• Sponge hardness: Soft (~40–42.5°, Soft)
• Sponge thickness: 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, Max
• Colors: Red, black, blue
• Country of origin: Germany
• Approvals: ITTF approved

Donic Desto F3 features a construction focused on control, spin, and feeling:

• Sponge (very soft): A very soft sponge (~40–42.5°, Soft) with large pores and built-in speed glue effect (Formula DONIC) provides a soft catapult effect, ensuring controlled speed and very long ball contact time (dwell time). Compared to Desto F2 (~45°) or Desto F1 (~47.5°), the F3 sponge is softer, close to Coppa X3 Silver (~40°), offering exceptional control and glue-era feel. Sponge thickness (1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, Max) allows selection: 1.8 mm is recommended for beginners wanting maximum control, while Max offers more power. The structure is optimized for looping strokes, blocking, and allround play.
• Topsheet: Spin-elastic, high tension topsheet provides high grip and spin, effective in looping strokes, serves, and blocking. The topsheet is less aggressive than Desto F1 Plus or Bluestorm Z2, but grippier than traditional rubbers (e.g., Butterfly Sriver), making it bite well into 40+ plastic balls. The built-in glue effect enhances elasticity, giving a pleasant “click” sound. The topsheet is durable (~70–90 hours of intensive play) and requires regular cleaning with Donic cleaner.
• High tension effect: Formula DONIC (first generation) creates a soft speed glue effect, eliminating the need for additional glue. The catapult effect is softer than Desto F2 or Desto F1, ensuring control and spin. The manufacturer strongly advises against using speed glue, as it may damage the sponge, and removing the rubber from the blade may risk tearing it. The warranty does not cover removal damage.
• High trajectory: Desto F3 generates a high trajectory, ensuring stability, spin, and easy attacks against backspin. The arc is higher than Desto F1 Plus’ flatter arc, similar to Coppa X3 Silver, making it ideal for looping, blocking, and allround play at the table or from mid-distance.
• Spin sensitivity: Due to the grippy topsheet, the rubber is somewhat sensitive to incoming spin, but the soft sponge and longer dwell time ease shots against opponent's looping, especially when blocking or returning serves.

The rubber weighs about 45–50 g (cut, 2.0 mm thickness), making it lighter than Desto F2 (~48–52 g) or Desto F1 Plus (~52–56 g), thus suitable for players seeking a lightweight racket. Available in red, black, and blue colors, compliant with ITTF rules. Recommended to use water-based glue (e.g., Donic Vario) and protective film.

Donic Desto F3 features the following technical ratings:

• Speed: 97 (controlled). The rubber is medium-speed, suitable for topspin strokes, blocking, and allround offensive play at the table or mid-distance. Speed is lower than Desto F2 (99), Desto F1 (101), or Coppa X3 Silver (103). The soft sponge ensures controllable speed depending on the player’s technique and blade.
• Spin: 101 (high). Due to the spin-elastic topsheet, the rubber generates high spin, especially in looping, serving, and open attacks. Spin is similar to Desto F2 (101) or Coppa X3 Silver (107), but lower than Desto F1 Plus (110). The high arc boosts spin, facilitating attacks against backspin.
• Control: 97 (high). The rubber offers exceptional control due to the soft sponge and longer dwell time, especially when blocking, returning serves, and in precise shots. Control is higher than Desto F2 (95) or Desto F1 (93), but slightly lower than Coppa X3 Silver (99).

Trajectory: High arc, suitable for looping strokes, topspin attacks, and blocking. The arc stabilizes the ball flight, eases attacks against backspin, and ensures precision in blocking. Users praise the “soft feel,” “control,” and “harmonious sound.”

Donic Desto F3 suits allround and offensive blades:

• Donic Appelgren Allplay: Maximizes control, suitable for ALL players.
• Stiga Allround Classic: Balances speed and spin, ideal for ALL+ players.
• Butterfly Primorac OFF-: Provides spin and precision, suitable for OFF- play.
• Yasaka Sweden Extra: Emphasizes control, suitable for ALL+ play.
• Donic Persson Powerplay: Dynamic blade, enhances rubber speed.

The rubber pairs best with ALL, ALL+, or OFF- blades, as the soft sponge and grippy topsheet utilize the blade’s elasticity and control. Suitable for forehand or backhand, especially for players seeking control.

Donic Desto F3 is designed for players seeking control and spin:

• Offensively oriented allround players (ALL, ALL+, OFF-) controlling topspin strokes, blocking, returning serves, and controlled shots.
• Spin-oriented play, suitable for forehand or backhand, especially in looping, serving, and blocking.
• Play at the table and mid-distance: Effective in looping, blocking, and returning serves.
• Serves and receive: Grippy topsheet enables spin serves, and soft sponge facilitates precise returns.
• Attacks against backspin: High arc and grip allow easy lifting of low balls.
• Blocking: Exceptional control and soft feel ensure stability.

The rubber is highly effective in blocking (9.6/10), serving (9.4/10), looping (9.3/10), returning serves (9.2/10), and counterattacking (9.0/10). In flat hits (8.8/10) and smashing (8.2/10), technique is required due to soft sponge and limited speed. Users emphasize the “soft feel,” “control,” and “glue-era harmony.”

• Speed (97), controlled, suitable for allround players.
• Spin (101), high, effective in looping and serving.
• Control (97), high, suitable for blocking and returning serves.
• Grippy topsheet: High friction, strong spin.
• Sponge: Soft feel, longer dwell time, harmonious sound.
• Lighter: Balanced weight (~45–50 g cut).
• Durability: Wear-resistant (~70–90 hours).

• Limited speed: Not suitable for very aggressive attacks.
• Spin sensitivity: Blocking or smashing requires technique.

Glue prohibition: The use of additional speed glue is strongly discouraged. Applying speed glue can damage the sponge, and removing the rubber from the blade poses a risk of tearing. Damage from removal is not covered under warranty.

Summary: Donic Desto F3 is a high-control, soft-feeling rubber designed for modern allround and spin-oriented players. With its soft sponge (~40–42.5°), high-tension elastic topsheet, and integrated speed-glue effect (Formula DONIC), it provides excellent control, spin, and a pleasant “click” sound. It is ideal for topspin strokes, blocks, and spin-oriented play near the table or at mid-distance.

Recommended for:

• Players seeking a rubber with great control and spin for an allround or offensive-allround strategy (ALL, ALL+, OFF-).

• Those who enjoy the feel of speed-glue era rubbers without using actual glue.

• Players preferring a softer rubber that performs well on both forehand and backhand.

• Users looking for a lightweight setup with good touch and dwell time.

Not ideal for:

• Very aggressive attackers seeking maximum speed and power.

• Players who lack technique when dealing with incoming spin (due to the rubber’s sensitivity).

• Those wanting to use traditional speed glue methods.

In conclusion, Donic Desto F3 is a well-balanced rubber for players prioritizing spin, control, and a soft, responsive feel. It’s particularly suited to allround attackers and spin-focused players who value dwell time, precision, and dynamic feedback.