Donic BlueGrip J2

I tested the BlueGrip J2 on two outer-composite blades: the Donic Zhang Jike Original Carbon, which has a slightly stiffer Viscaria-like character, and a Stuor clone of Butterfly's 70th Anniversary Hinoki/ALC construction with a Kiri core. Both are fairly direct blades, and that certainly influenced my impressions. The J2 is a modern offensive hybrid rubber with a distinctly Chinese-inspired character, but with considerably more life in it than a traditional, unboosted Chinese rubber. It is still not quite my preferred type of rubber. However, I can appreciate what Donic has achieved here, especially when comparing it with the earlier BlueGrip C2. Despite being the J2 rather than the more aggressive model in the range, this is already a serious attacking rubber. It favours forward, relatively horizontal strokes and produces a low-to-medium throw, perhaps medium at most. The trajectory is direct and keeps the ball down, making aggressive play over the table particularly effective. Yet opening against backspin is surprisingly easy: the grippy surface gives enough hold on the ball to lift heavy underspin confidently, and there is plenty of pace available when you engage the sponge properly. One of the more interesting characteristics is how clearly you can distinguish between using the topsheet alone and driving through the sponge. The transition is manageable, and the rubber feels reasonably linear. Short touches, drops and placement are excellent; controlling both the direction and depth of the ball was easier than I expected. Even improvised, defensive 'survival' shots could be kept on the table without too much trouble. Compared with the BlueGrip C2, I found the J2 noticeably easier to handle.

Have been using on BH with JM SZLC and it has been very good so far. Very consistent, spinny loops and great control. Not the quickest rubber (tenergy 05 hard, etc) but makes up for it in consistency. EDIT: I have since moved this to my forehand and it is great - very safe and consistent when counter-looping from away from the table, great control and touch, etc.

After playing with the BlueStar A2 (52.5° sponge) for several months, and briefly testing the BlueGrip C2 (55° sponge) in between, I decided to try out the BlueGrip J2, which is billed as a "symbiosis of the BlueStar and BlueGrip C series" (52.5° sponge, with a claimed overall hardness of 55.2°). I tested all three rubbers (in max thickness) on my Lemuria SALC, a clone of the Butterfly Viscaria SALC. When I played with the C2, which actually has a harder sponge (55°) than the other two, I immediately felt him much softer than the J2 or the A2. - I think a very soft topsheet is responsible for this impression. Regarding the ball trajectory, I didn't notice any major differences between the three rubbers. However, in terms of spin generation, the J2 ranked last among the three; both the A2 and the C2 produced significantly more spin for me. Overall, I didn't find the playing feel of the J2 particularly pleasant, - it felt harder than most other 52.5° rubbers. ( ... and even harder than the C2!) Conclusion: the J2 is absolutely not an option for me. It simply lacks elasticity! By the way, my rubber in max thickness (cut to 157 x 150 mm) weighs 49.2 grams (compared to 50 g for my A2). The topsheet of the J2 isn't tacky enough to really grip the ball. Addendun: I’ve just bought the C2 and plan to put it through its paces on the same blade over the coming period. ;-P My review should follow soon, then.

Exceptional Backhand rubber for chinese style. For forehand it's preferable J1 . The durability is outstanding. For J1 removing the glue is quite easy , for j2 is not so easy removing the glue (the sponge will be damage). I reccomend not using liquid glue but use high density glue like FineZip or DHS.

Not an expert at all, however the Bluegrip J2 is such an amazing rubber for those looking for a rubber that's easier to use compared to DHS Hurricane 3. I use it on my Yasaka Ma Lin Carbon blade and for a rubber that's 52.5 degrees, it surprisingly has a softer feeling when looping. I've only used it on my Forehand so i cant speak for how it feels as a backhand rubber. (I saw that this rubber had no reviews so I wanted to put down something so someone can at least have some info to go off of. Rating might be off).