The JOOLA DYNARYZ AGR is the harder version of the two new TOP rubbers from JOOLA. Therefore, the question arises whether the AGR has more to offer compared to its softer counterpart, the JOOLA DYNARYZ ACC.
Basically, harder rubbers are more demanding to play. At the same time, a hard rubber always has the advantage, if the player has the appropriate technique and the necessary arm movement, of having high speed and rotation potential.
When JOOLA launches its new flagship rubber series, the harder DYNARYZ AGR is automatically in the spotlight. The competition is quickly identified. The andro Rasanter R50 is one such candidate, as is the Donic Bluestorm Z1 Turbo, which I recently reviewed.
But above all, the JOOLA Rhyzer Pro 50 should not be missing, as it also has a 50° hard sponge. The pimple structure is similar. But what are the differences? Can the AGR really become the new flagship among JOOLA rubbers?
Technical attributes of JOOLA DYNARYZ AGR
The topsheet of the AGR is similar to that of the ACC. We have a grippy, thin upper rubber whose pimples are wide and short. The sponge has the same fine to medium-sized pores. The harder sponge (50°) makes the overall rubber feel much harder. While it was still possible to press the ACC completely through, this is no longer possible with such a hardness. In addition, the same smell of factory tuning is omnipresent.
In addition, the JOOLA DYNARYZ AGR is no lightweight. With packaging, the rubber shows a proud weight of 110.75g on the scales. The rubber (red Max+) brings along 74.22g uncut. Cut to Stiga’s standard size, 49.37g still remain on the racket.
Playing characteristics of JOOLA DYNARYZ AGR
The enormous power that resides in the JOOLA DYNARYZ AGR is clearly noticeable from the very first strokes. The rubber conveys a direct feel. The basic speed is very high. Despite the high degree of hardness, a clear catapult effect appears on direct strokes. While the DYNARYZ ACC still conveyed a benevolent feel for the ball, which concealed some mistakes, with the AGR you don’t get away with an unclean stroke technique.
Since I played the rubber during the first practice session only towards the end, when I was already quite unfocused and tired, it became very clear to me that every stroke has to be executed very cleanly. Otherwise, a mistake follows another mistake. Fortunately, I review rubbers more often than once. At the second practice, I was very motivated and in a good mood. This allowed me to see the full potential of the JOOLA DYNARYZ AGR.
Topspin, finishing strokes & overall spin
With the topspin opening, you have to be careful to hit the ball early and move it forward quickly. The power that the rubber develops during first attacking spins is impressive. If you want to loop softly and slowly, the complete wrapping and pacing has to be done with your own arm and wrist movement. The rubber has an extreme, medium flat and long arc. The perfect window is very small despite executing with the appropriate technique.
In principle, every stroke is to be seen as a finishing stroke. The best combination I used in my tests was to prepare the rally with the backhand (ACC) with a lot of spin and then aim to finish the point with the forehand. I felt like I only got one or two blocked balls back after I charged through with the forehand.
When it comes to rotation, I honestly can’t say if I got the maximum out of it. To me, it felt like there was more I could do. But the fast attacking strokes have so much power and velocity that I don’t think it matters how much spin you could ultimately achieve. With my technique, there was less spin in than with the DYNARYZ ACC.
Counter loops & half-distance play
I didn’t play many counter loops in a lot of rallies. The rallies were too short for that. During practice, it became apparent that with the JOOLA DYNARYZ AGR it’s more appropriate to finish the rally early than to loop around from half-distance for a long time.
Further away from the table, I didn’t like the rubber. The arc was too flat for my variable topspin game. Especially when I had to take the ball very late, the AGR seemed too inflexible to produce a dangerous spin ball. On the other hand, when I took a step forward, I could immediately overpower my opponents and win the rallies.
Comparisons
DYNARYZ AGR has very good dynamics from close to the table, but it has the same problems that were already present with the Rasanter R50, Bluestorm Z1 Turbo or JOOLA Rhyzer Pro 50. Without an after-treatment by rubber tuners, these rubbers have a lot of power, but are too inflexible as a whole. Especially when you really can’t accelerate directly during the rally.
Compared to the Rhyzer Pro 50, there is a bit more speed and dynamics. I think the hardness is about the same. I like the AGR a bit more, especially on the final stroke. On the other hand, I was able to get a little higher arc on my loops with the Rhyzer Pro 50.
Service & return
Serving was quite solid. Compared to the ACC, I lacked the lightness and the nice feel for the ball. However, I was able to produce the same amount of spin on perfectly executed serves. The harder sponge gave me a more accurate feel for the placement.
On the return, I noticed that personally, the rubber doesn’t suit me at all. I just need a little feedback. Even if it’s just a little bit. I’m always amazed of the differences a slightly harder sponge makes. The only situations I liked were when the opponent played pure underspin very short. The short strokes could be placed directly behind the net. On sidespin or other kind of serves, I made a lot of easy mistakes or made it to easy for my opponents.
The ultimative stroke, which I can do the worst, was the direct forehand flip. Those things really exploded. My banana flips were only good when I hit the ball very shallow. When I brushed through the ball fuller, my banana flips were too harmless.
Blocking & shooting
The active blocking game went quite well. The hard, direct feel and the potential to always be able to work against the ball are impressive. With passive blocks, before I’ve fully felt the ball, it’s already jumping back into the net or over the table. Especially with softer topspins, passively holding the racket against the ball is not a good idea. The JOOLA DYNARYZ AGR enormously spin-sensitive and takes an enormous amount of rotation in such situations.
In the shooting game, I was able to dominate my opponents well. Unfortunately, I also have to say here that it hardly ever came to that in game situations, since I either made the point or a mistake beforehand ;-). The high defense was not much fun. When I compare it to the ACC, the AGR just seems like a wooden board on this kind of play. Counterattacks from a distance require more brute force than spin.
Conclusion on JOOLA DYNARYZ AGR
The JOOLA DYNARYZ AGR is a very demanding table tennis rubber. As a true powerhouse, the fast topspin opening and the final stroke are the showpieces. It becomes more difficult when looking for ball feel. Furthermore, the AGR hardly forgives mistakes and demands that you take full initiative with every stroke.
Compared to the Rhyzer Pro 50, the JOOLA DYNARYZ AGR is faster and has even more power. More rotation is unfortunately not available. At least not with my playing skills.
I would recommend the rubber for uncompromising attacking players who want to dominate their opponents with fast loops and hard-hitting final strokes. In addition, they should play close to the table. Long rallies should be avoided and are not necessary.
Among the DYNARYZ rubbers, I personally find the ACC better, as it plays more coherently. With the AGR, I consistently had the feeling that the rubber literally cries out to be tuned even softer to bring a little more flexibility into play.
