The Butterfly Glayzer 09C is, next to the Butterfly Glayzer, the other variant of the latest rubber series from Butterfly. Here, a (slightly) sticky topsheet is combined with a modern Spring Sponge X sponge.
This rubber concept is not new. With the Butterfly Dignics 09C, an even harder sticky attacking rubber is already available. However, the pricing is different. While the Dignics rubber is one of the most expensive table tennis rubbers, 44,90€ seems ridiculously low in times of inflation and price increases by many table tennis brands.
Butterfly Glayzer 09C & possible alternatives
The Glayzer 09C has competitors not only from within the brand. In fact, the table tennis market has been literally flooded with so-called tensor hybrid rubbers for several years now. Manufacturers and table tennis players have long been interested in combining the strengths of sticky rubbers with modern sponges.
Thus, with the Xiom Vega China, JOOLA Golden Tango or Golden Tango PS, Nittaku Sieger PK50, Donic BlueGrip C1 or C2, Yasaka Rakza Z or Rakza Z Extra Hard and Tibhar Hybrid K1 Euro, a whole range of hybrids are available.
In the meantime, Donic, for example, has already started to discontinue the first rubbers from the hybrid family, with the BlueGrip R1 and V1. Some element was still missing from the in theory brilliant rubber concept.
The effect of the strengths from both rubber concepts, if too hard sponges or too sticky rubber surfaces are used, offset each other. The differences to the cheaper China hybrids are too small in terms of performance.
Less stickiness and softer sponges keys to success
One can only speak of a breakthrough since it was possible to make the stickiness and firmness of the topsheet lower, so that even softer sponges are compatible in combination.
The most extreme example are the Donic BlueGrip rubbers S1 & S2, where the sponges from the Donic Acuda S1 and S2 respectively have been combined with a slightly sticky rubber surface. The S2 version has a sponge hardness of only 42.5° EUR.
In a similar approach, Tibhar created the Hybrid K3, a slightly sticky tensor rubber, but also with a hard sponge. In addition, there is another rubber version of the Hybrid series, the Tibhar Hybrid MK, which comes with a 48° EUR hard tensor sponge.
Expectations for the Glayzer 09C
Besides the rubber concept, there is also the question of how performant the Glayzer 09C will be in the first place. After the experiences with the Butterfly Glayzer or the Butterfly Rozena, the two other alternatives to the more expensive top rubber series Tenergy and Dignics, I do not know to what extent the G09C will be an enrichment among the large number of modern hybrid rubbers.
I will now examine this in my review of the Butterfly Glayzer 09C. In addition, I ask myself what the rubber can do at all? Where are the strengths? What are the weaknesses? Is there a type of player who should definitely should try it out? And what are good alternatives?
Technical features of the Butterfly Glayzer 09C
After unpacking the Butterfly Glayzer 09C, I discovered both the usual carton rubber protector and an adhesive foil to protect the rubber surface. However, the rubber protection foil is quite a bit stickier than the topsheet of the G09C.
I would say that there is minimal tackiness. When examining the stickiness, it is noticeable, at least with my reviewed rubbers, that the black rubber is slightly more sticky. Otherwise, it should be said that the topsheet appears very elastic. The pimple structure is kept short, slim and tightly standing.
The gray sponge of the Glayzer o9C does not differ at all from that of the Butterfly Glayzer from a purely visual point of view. A fine-pored and even pore structure is also apparent. Blind tested again, I would assume a sponge hardness of approx. 50-52° EUR. Officially, the hardness level is 42° JPN. The compression test and also the later playing suggests a 50° EUR hard rubber. At least that’s what I get from the playing feel.
The weight of my reviewed rubbers surprised me very positively. The packaged rubbers (red 2.1mm and black 2.1mm) have a weight of 97.29g (red) and 97.66g (black) respectively. The uncut red rubber shows a weight of 68.89g, while the black rubber weighs 69.25g.
The cut rubbers leave a weight of 45.96g (red) and 46.08g (black) on my two blades (prototype of the Tibhar Offensive Premium and my backup blade Butterfly Viscaria).
Playing characteristics of the Butterfly Glayzer 09C
I was able to play the first counter strokes using the Butterfly Glayzer 09C with a high level of control. The basic speed of the rubber is rather moderate and comfortable. The grippy-tacky topsheet slightly slows down the ball, which I consider more helpful than disturbing.
The hardness of the rubber in combination with the softly decelerating ball impact provides a direct and sensitive feel at the same time. For faster counterstrokes, however, the directness stands in the foreground. Furthermore, the Glayzer 09C does not really have a catapult effect, but must be activated with your own stroke hardness and speed.
Topspin & trajectory
With the topspin opening, a hefty spin can be generated. The ball release, which is strongly directed towards the tangential direction of the stroke, requires a tight closing of the racket blade in order to generate optimum traction. The arc is then rather flat to medium flat. By using the wrist, all strokes can be nicely wrapped and equipped with a sharp rotation.
Especially the spin focused topspin of the Butterfly Glayzer 09C is extremely toxic and often makes opponents underestimate the rotation due to the flat trajectory of the ball. If direct points are not scored, the opponent’s passive blocks can be effortlessly utilized on the next stroke.
Opponents, on the other hand, who like to counterloop or rely on speedy blocks, unfortunately had little trouble exerting pressure on me once they adjusted to the incoming spin. That changed when I switched between fast and slow topspins.
Final stroke, half-distance & rubber-blade-combination
Despite the moderate basic speed of the Glayzer 09C, final strokes can also be applied close to the table. The hardness of the rubber is absolutely sufficient for this purpose. In combination with a carbon blade like the Viscaria it is also possible to play straightforward and without compromise, whereas with a pure wood blade the final speed and the last power can only be extracted by your own stroke hardness.
In the half distance the Butterfly Glayzer 09C comes to its limits. The dynamics and power of the rubber are strongly limited. Although I was able to counterloop the balls cleanly and safely with the help of the topsheet, it was lacking in dangerousness. You have to put a lot of effort into the stroke in order to increase the pace.
Comparisons to the Butterfly Glayzer 09C
Compared to the many hybrid rubbers mentioned during the introduction, the Butterfly Glayzer 09C is one of the slowest alternatives. The rubber simply does not have the dynamics and power of modern tensor sponges.
On the other hand, the topsheet is very performant in terms of rotation. There the Glayzer 09C possesses more than many of the other hybrids. The best comparison to a tensor hybrid rubber I encounter in the spinny and variable JOOLA Golden Tango PS.
The difference is that the GTPS has more dynamics and power, but at the same time generates less spin. As you can see, the best comparison rubber is no true replacement. I am looking forward to the comparison with the Donic BlueGrip S1, which I unfortunately could not review yet. However, the review of the even softer BlueGrip S2 leads me to conclude that the BGS1 must definitely be compared with the Glayzer 09C, even though the Glayzer rubber is even harder.
It’s the same with the Tibhar Hybrid MK, which I will take a closer look at next week.
Now I would like to classify the Glayzer 09C within the Butterfly rubbers. I’ll start with the Glayzer. First of all, the Glayzer 09C is clearly more undynamic, a bit harder and has a different feel due to its topsheet.
The G09C is slower despite the harder sponge. In return, I could experience a maximum degree of rotation, which is generally only possible with the absolute TOP rubbers. The normal Glayzer, on the other hand, has very good, but not maximum, spin levels.
The comparison to the Butterfly Dignics 09C is also very clear. The G09C is simply slower, more undynamic and at the same time a bit softer. The topsheet is less sticky and on the pre-stage to simply extremely grippy. The trajectory of the ball has a similar height, but is shorter compared to that of the D09C.
Serive & Return
When serving, a heavy spin can be generated with the Butterfly Glayzer 09C. All my serves, but to highlight the sidespins, troubled my opponents. The control is always outstanding, as the slightly sticky rubber produces spin even with minimal motion.
In short-short play over the table, when laying up and precisely placing returns, or when pushing hard and playing towards the end of the table, the G09C appears to be precise, spin-strong and direct at all times. The rubber adopts an extremely high amount of spin when played actively. On passive strokes, the combination of a low-catapult sponge and sticky rubber absorbs quite a bit, keeping the sensitivity within bounds.
Active returns over the table are an absolute strength of the Glayzer 09C. Direct flips are precise and can be played flat. The right touch is easy and intuitive to find. No exaggerated catapult or something similar disturbs. The banana flips perform very well, bringing some opponents to despair.
The opening over the table succeeds smoothly and dangerously. The flat, spin-strong strokes often deliver points. The final stroke is also excellent when playing over the table.
Blocking, counterplay & shooting
I consider the Butterfly Glayzer 09C to be strong in the blocking game. I can play very safe and passive blocks as well as push the opponent away from the table. The direct-hard and low-catapult feel, coupled with control and precision are a feast for the eyes.
The spin acceptance is there on passive strokes, but it’s not crucial. On counterplays, the opponent’s pace can be carried along nicely. An active counter-block game close to the table works very well.
Due to the degree of hardness, finishing strokes and shots can be applied well. It becomes especially dangerous when you work with some spin in the process. But the straight, dry shot is also playable, although I would wish for more power.
Long and high defense
In general, the Butterfly Glayzer 09C is extremely dominant in the spin play. Backspins of any kind are dangerous and sharp. That’s why I positioned myself in the long defense, just to see how good the rubber is at this.
I was really surprised how controlled and spin-rich I could play. The backspin defense can be held very flat and unpleasant to the opponents. Any wrist movement is rewarded. You can dig in nicely in the long defense and wait until the opponent tries to use short pushs. Then move forward and loop dangerously or even use final strokes on too passive balls.
Glayzer 09C plays like a modern Tackiness rubber in the defensive game. And in the attacking game with enough speed to become very dangerous in switching between offense and defense.
The high defense also succeeds safely and can be integrated well as an in-between shot. I emphasize, however, that you have to play the ball very actively upwards. Due to the sticky surface, the control is very high.
Conclusion on Butterfly Glayzer 09C
The Butterfly Glayzer 09C is an exciting hybrid rubber, which has an extreme rotation and a lot of control over the ball. Its greatest strengths can be found in the spin game at the topspin opening, as well as in various backspin variations. In addition, the rubber dominates the active game above the table and can also convince in the block-counter game.
The rubber reaches its limits when it comes to final speed and dynamics. This becomes especially clear from half-distance and during longer rallies. Even when used monotonously, the advantages in terms of spin can quickly be seen through by the opponent. In combination with a more offensive rubber, however, the G09C can serve well as a setup for scoring points.
I recommend the Butterfly Glayzer 09C for spin allrounders, who want to loop safely and dangerously, who want to develop a skillful block-counter game at the table or who need a spin strong rubber for long defense, which can also attack on one or other occasion.
In addition, players who like to play with hybrids but ultimately need more control can do well with the G09C. For switching to a hybrid rubber, the G09C is great as well.
In any case, I am very pleased with the rubber, which is not simply a softer version of the Dignics 09C, but rather appeals to a broad range of table tennis players with more focus on control and is also affordable due to the comparatively low price.
