STIGA DNA Dragon Power 55 is a high-performance pimple-in rubber designed for advanced offensive players who prioritize powerful looping, fast drives, and aggressive third-ball attacks. Featuring a slightly tacky topsheet and a firm 55° sponge, this version delivers stronger rebound, higher speed, and more direct ball trajectory than the 52.5° variant. Developed in Germany with input from top Chinese national team players, DNA Dragon Power 55 is ideal for forehand-dominant loopers who want a tacky rubber that plays fast and aggressively without losing spin control.
Specs
Type: Offensive
Surface: Slightly tacky (C-Touch Tensor)
Sponge Hardness: 55° (ESN scale)
Sponge Thickness: 2.15 mm
Speed (Factory): 162
Spin (Factory): 146
Control (Factory): 75
ITTF Approved: Yes
Made In: Germany
Pros
Excellent spin and power with a tacky surface
Strong rebound and direct energy transfer for offensive play
Ideal for advanced forehand loopers who play from mid-distance
High-quality construction and stable performance
Cons
Demands solid technique to control due to its firmness
Lower margin for error in short game compared to softer versions
Less suitable for backhand flicks or passive blocking unless on a soft blade
Scoring Breakdown
Aspect
Rating
Explanation
Speed
4.5
Faster and more direct than 52.5°, excellent energy on full swings.
Spin
4.5
Sticky topsheet and hard sponge enable very high spin on fast strokes.
Control
3.5
Demands precision and good timing; slightly less forgiving than softer versions.
Grip / Tackiness
4.5
Tacky surface helps with spin manipulation, especially on serves.
Throw Angle
3.5
Medium arc, flatter than 52.5°, faster trajectory off the bat.
More rebound than 52.5°, especially on counters and loops.
Hardness Feel
4.5
Clearly hard; stable and solid during strong impacts.
Durability
4.5
Excellent build, tackiness and performance hold up well over time.
Core Performance Aspects
Looping & Topspin Play
STIGA Dragon Power 55 is designed for heavy topspin play at high speeds. The tacky topsheet grips the ball well even at high impact, allowing for loaded topspin loops. The 55° sponge requires active brushing and good timing, but rewards with fast, spin-heavy trajectories and penetrating shots. The arc is flatter than the 52.5°, which gives faster clearance and added pressure on opponents.
Driving & Hitting
This rubber excels in direct attacks. Flat drives, forehand kills, and third-ball smashes come off fast and clean, thanks to the dense sponge structure. The increased rebound means the ball explodes off the rubber when contacted solidly. The 55° version is a Chinese-style power tool that actually features a catapult when needed.
Blocking & Passive Play
Blocking requires more precision. While the rubber is stable on well-timed punch blocks, it is less forgiving on passive blocks due to its hardness. The tackiness doesn’t overly grip the incoming ball, but placement errors can be more punishing than on the 52.5° version. Active redirection and punch blocks are effective, especially on carbon blades.
Serve & Receive
Serving with Dragon Power 55 remains excellent, spin-rich short serves, fast topspin serves, and deceptive side-under combinations are easy to generate. On receives, the rubber is sensitive to contact angle. Pushes stay low and spinny when executed properly, but touch-based receive requires adjustment due to the faster rebound and firmer sponge.
Flicks & Short Game
In the short game, the 55° version feels firmer and less dwell-focused. Short pushes must be executed with precise touch, and flicks demand confident hand speed and a stable base. The tacky surface helps maintain control, but the rubber plays more direct, so softer blades are recommended for short-table work.
Distance Play (Mid-Far Table)
At mid to far distance, Dragon Power 55 truly excels. The added hardness and catapult enable powerful counter-loops and strong pressure shots. Loopers who rely on spin and depth from behind the table will appreciate how the rubber maintains arc and drive when activated. It plays more like a hybrid of Hurricane 3 and a fast tensor, with more forgiveness.
Strategic Considerations
Comparison to Similar Rubbers
Compared to the Dragon Power 52.5, the 55° version offers more speed, a flatter arc, and stronger rebound, but with reduced dwell time and decreased touch sensitivity. It plays closer to Hurricane 3 (Provincial or National Blue Sponge) in hardness and brushing feel, but with noticeably more built-in speed and elasticity. Versus Butterfly Dignics 05, Dragon Power 55 is harder and tackier, with a more direct rebound and less catapult. Compared to TIBHAR Evolution MX-S, it offers a tackier surface and more linear response, with better spin on slow loops but less bounce in passive shots.
Blade Compatibility
Pairs best with medium or flexible carbon blades (e.g., inner carbon) or soft 5-ply wood blades. Stiff blades can make the setup feel too harsh unless the player has a high level of technique. Innerforce ALC or 5-ply Limba outer blades are often recommended by advanced players using this rubber.
Ideal User Profile
Best suited for advanced or upper-intermediate players with a forehand-dominant topspin game. Especially effective for aggressive loopers who like to open with spin and follow with speed. Less suitable for passive or all-round players unless paired with a softer blade. The 55° version is a natural progression for players moving from hybrid rubbers to a harder Chinese-European fusion style.
STIGA DNA Dragon Power 55 is a fast, powerful, and spin-oriented rubber that rewards confident offensive play. With its slightly tacky topsheet and firm sponge, it provides excellent spin and strong rebound for loopers and third-ball attackers. This version is ideal for forehand play at high levels, especially for players who want a tacky feel without sacrificing modern speed and directness.
Need more power and spin in your forehand game? Explore STIGA DNA Dragon Power 55 and experience a tacky rubber built for offensive pressure play. Available now at top table tennis retailers.
