Dignics 05: Long term review

Equipment:

Played with T05/T64 for a few years, them switched to H3N/T64 for 3 years. I got a test-sheet of Dignics from my friend in Tokyo, Red Max. There was no difference between the test sheet and the commercial one, except that the test sheet came in unmarked packaging.

Over the past 6 years, I have used a Double Day Valiant ZLC/ALC and the review was done using the same blade. I own 3 of these blades (all identical, 89g) and have T64 Black on BH ALC and Dignics 05 Red on FH ZLC.

Weight: 70g uncut, cut to BTY head 47g.

Topsheet grip: Very good, best among Euro/Japan rubbers.

Topsheet hardness: Medium, harder than Tenergy 05.

Overall bounciness: Low on soft touches, very high on full impact.

Detailed review:

In my opinion, this is hands down the best Euro/Jap rubber on the market today for aggressive looping, while still maintaining a high level of control.

The ball does not skid off the topsheet at closed angles when driving, like it does with T05.

Neither do you have to use 100% power like H3N to get a blazing shot.

On low gears this rubber is 10% faster than H3N and probably 5% slower at the highest gear. The advantage is that it is quite easy to reach the highest gear and it does not bottom out like T05 on drives against underspin.

Comparison to boosted H3N:

Marginally less control in short game. Retains the sharp trajectory which is possible while driving against underspin like H3N. Has enough support to counter-drive through fast topspins, but not as much as a 40 degree H3N.

Comparison to T05:

Less bouncy in the short game, especially when less spin is involved. Short no-spin game was always difficult for me with T05. More grip, which makes is easier to lift heavy underspin and drive through lighter underspin. Faster at highest gear, especially when the sponge is fully involved.

Lifespan:

I have used it for more than 2 months now, probably around 120 hrs. Most of it has been training with a lot of looping both ways. Amazingly, the topsheet is still full of life and I could get another 120 hrs from it. The sponge has become a bit lifeless, but it still plays better than an MX-P does after 2 weeks.

In comparison, the T64 which I use on the BH has started disintegrating with a couple of small holes near the top quadrant and the edge chipped off. D05 is very resilient to chipping off and there is not a single tear anywhere on the topsheet.

Is it worth it?

Its probably a bit too hard for the BH, especially on a carbon blade. After a month, its become harder than it started out, so I don't know the longetivity on the BH.

On FH one can easily use it without much worry even if it gets harder than its already stated 39 degree sponge. Think of a 1 week old, well boosted H3N 39. Thats how this rubber plays after 1 month when it gets a bit harder (which is perfect).

Who will love it?

People who use a boosted H3N 39 (but hate the hassle of boosting), have tried everything ESN and given up beacuse of the instability in brush looping whenever the topsheet is involved. People using 40-41 degree might find it a bit softish, especially the feel of impact when loop-driving.

The cost turns out to be the same as using 3 sheets of commercial + time wasted cursing the gods when the boost starts dying after 10-12 days.

Who won't like it?

People who are used to T64/80's short strokes. With some getting used to, T05 users may start liking it.

It comes out cheaper to use than T05 or boosted H3N, both of which are already the best price/performance rubbers in my opinion.

It's interesting I'm exactly that person OP described. I used to use H3 Provincial but now moved on to D05 because I couldn't stand the hassle of reboosting every once in a while. So far I'm liking the D05. 

Thats funny, I went exactly the opposite way. ESN -> Tenergy -> Dignics -> Hurricane. lol Dignics is the reason I decided to give H3 a try. Dignics is awesome at first, the topsheet is super Durable. However, after a few months the sponge dies even though the topsheet still looks brand new. When the sponge dies, I tried giving it a boost, but it didn't really help much. After the sponge dies, it just becomes a total brick. I didn't wanna play 80 bucks every 2 to 3 months. It's just too expensive. In Vietnam, I can get commercial H3 NEO for like 17 bucks and H3 Provincial orange sponge for like $32. I've been using Reviver Phoenix booster, its not that expensive. Yes, Dignics is really a great rubber. It just costs too damn much!

BTW, I like T05H for the FH a lot, but I won't use it because all Tenergy sheets lose grip so badly in humid conditions.