Thanks to Alex for the opportunity to test this.
This is the softer variant - I think I read 40 deg sponge somewhere? If so that would be along the lines of the tensor scale. It feels to me (by touch, not play), a little harder than victas v15 limber which is noted also at 40 deg.
Some pictures....
The packet, with tensor-esque symbol in the corner
Domed out of the packet....this made it a little tricky to glue. It didn't smell heavily tuned though, unlike the Tibhar Evolution mxp on the other side that still reeks of factory booster weeks later!
The sponge....not entirely smooth but the pores are very small
The pimple structure...quite thin and tall as you would likely expect from a rubber purported to be spin orientated
Topsheet and sponge look top quality, no blemishes at all and just a light sheen to the topsheet. It feels very grippy, no stickiness, and overall feels medium-soft to the 'squeeze' test.
That's all for now until I get a chance to have a hit with it, probably Sunday.
EDIT 25 May 2016
I have now had four decent sessions with the Regalis Red, including 3 hours yesterday. This soft version of Regalis is for me a backhand rubber, and the reference rubbers are Victas V15>limber. (also 40 degree sponge) and Rakza 7 soft. Generally I use 2mm on backhand so I wondered if I would have an issue with max, but here is the strange thing. It looks and to me also plays like a very thin max. I have Tibhar evolution mxp (2.1-2.2mm - Tibhar use a range) on the other side of the bat and that looks thicker. Other testers, does yours also appear the same?
So, how does it play?
First up it has a lowish throw for this type of rubber. This is a key characteristic and defines the rubber. Certainly lower than the v15 and rakza. It is also more linear than the other two, with a lesser catapult/bouncy effect in the short game. I really like both of these properties, as once you adjust to having to give the ball a little more 'air' it becomes a very safe rubber (for an offensive rubber of this type).
I should say that the short and serving game spin is very good indeed, especially service. Short, spinny backhand serves, even off high tosses (this is a tactic I like to employ to fool opponents that I am going for a long serve!) were consistent and loaded. Even plain backspin variants were catching out players who play me regularly.
Moving into the world of topspin, this is a good and thoroughly competent rubber. I have been struggling to work out whether it is just giving a glue sound (click/crack!) or whether it is bottoming out on harder shots. Whatever, it is somewhat loud. I suspect the latter as earlier this week when we did some fishing vs 'put away' practice, where I always play forehand, I flipped the bat and didn't bottom out. R7 soft and v15 limber would have done.
Spin in the topspin environment is very good without being exceptional. It is however a very safe and consistent rubber.
Blocking is just superb! Blade angle needs to be sufficiently closed but it just soaks up the spin and speed and sends it back.
So what's not to like? Well, it seems quite sensitive to spin in the short game. Once the sponge is engaged this is not the case, so blocking or topspin to topspin is fine. Also, although quick there are faster options out there. It is almost a half classic/half tensor option. It is linear and rewards committed strokes.
After a few sessions it is unmarked and unchipped.
I like it lots and it is now my main BH rubber.
In summary, v15 limber (V) vs rakza 7 soft (S) vs Regalis red (R)....
Serving R>S>V
Short game spin R>S>V
Short game control R>V>S
Topspin S>R=V
Short game spin sensitivity worse to better R=S>V
Speed .... Not a lot of difference
Linearity R best S worst V middle
Blocking R , S=V
Durability .... Too early to sure but R and V look best, S is prone to chipping.
Throw (low to high)... R, V, S
Questions welcome......
