Palio Gold Tyrant and Silver Tyrant: A Tacky-and-Grippy Forehand/Backhand Pair
The new rubbers are actually called the “Blue Gold Tyrant” and “Silver Tyrant,” but the names can’t help calling to mind the Golden-Horned and Silver-Horned Kings. In Journey to the West those two are sworn brothers — originally the furnace-tending boys of Lord Lao Zi, sent down to the mortal world at Guanyin’s request to set a trap for the monk Tang at Lotus Cave, each wielding one of Lord Lao Zi’s treasures in well-drilled coordination.
Palio’s new Gold Tyrant and Silver Tyrant are likewise a well-matched pair: one forehand and one backhand, one tacky and one grippy, one spin-first and one speed-first — complementary brothers that bring out the best in each other.
Gold Tyrant — Forehand
The Gold Tyrant is built for the forehand: a tacky black topsheet over a blue high-density sponge (the red topsheet comes with an orange sponge), sponge hardness 50–54°, sponge thickness 2.15mm. The whole sheet is slightly heavy at 84g, and it comes pre-boosted from the factory. Contact feels light and quick with no sluggishness; ball speed is moderate, and the feel is crisp and clean. The tacky topsheet over a high-density sponge has a natural advantage in generating spin: ball control is extremely stable and loops are loaded with spin. Power is at a ‘sufficient’ level — it feels slightly lacking under very big strokes, but at small-to-medium power it does plenty.
Silver Tyrant — Backhand
The Silver Tyrant is built for the backhand: an aggressive grippy topsheet over a high-elasticity sponge, hardness 38–42°, thickness 2.15mm. The whole sheet is very light. Overall elasticity is excellent, ball speed leans fast, and the feel is especially crisp — you can clearly sense the ball sinking into the sponge and springing back out. Topsheet grip is average, so on active attacks you need to meet the ball more and let it sink into the sponge for better stability; with too little impact, the ball tends to slip off. Power is again at a ‘sufficient’ level. It’s a standout at blocking, with very steady returns.
Verdict
Neither Tyrant is expensive, which makes them ideal as everyday house rubbers for club players. The Gold Tyrant is equally happy looping and hitting; the Silver Tyrant excels at both flicking and twiddle-punch backhands. I’d especially recommend the Silver Tyrant — it’s ultra-light and a great fit for the backhand of penhold players.