The rubber compound of the Dornenglanz III contains many artificial polymers that make the coating softer and more elastic than all other long SpinLord knobs. In addition, the Dornenglanz III is very grippy. The (by the way very robust) knobs themselves are slightly wider than with the other long pimples from SpinLord. The distance between the knobs is average. The pimples have a cylindrical shape with a small conical reinforcement at the pimple bottom. The pimple heads are finely grooved. The Thorn Gloss III is noticeably slower than the previously available long knobs from SpinLord, only the spike fire is almost in the same speed range. In direct comparison to the also very slow Lion Claw, the Dornenglanz III plays completely differently due to its incomparably higher elasticity and the softer rubber compound. It is more versatile and the ball flight curve is shorter and more dangerous. The Dornenglanz III is particularly suitable for playing at the table, as it is primarily made for active and aggressive playing. The Dornenglanz III is also ideal for playing block balls (active and passive). With block balls, he is now very similar to the zeitgeist in playing behavior, while he is more effective than this surface in other strokes. Overall, the Dornenglanz III in ox can now be regarded as an improved version of the Zeitgeist (and less as a new version of the Dornenglanz or the Dornenglanz II). Even in ox, the classic undercut defense is quite possible and also dangerous. In the variant with sponge, the undercut defense becomes even more effective, so that the variant with sponge is a good option for classic defenders. Also, the version with sponge is hardly faster than the ox version (however, the control is a bit lower). For playing block balls, however, the Dornenglanz III with sponge is much weaker than the version without sponge. By the way, the sponge is a very slow and soft sponge “Made in China”. Overall, the Dornenglanz III in 1.0 mm is still slower than other long knobbers in ox. The Dornenglanz III can be easily combined with almost all woods. As with almost all Spin Lord coatings, the control values of the Dornenglanz III are very high. Therefore, the Dornenglanz III is also very suitable for players in lower leagues. We think that especially players who have been satisfied with coatings such as the zeitgeist or the sting fire will love the new version of the Dornenglanz III. Even players who find the thorn shine good, but a little too difficult to play, should try this coating.
