Do new rubbers take time to bed in

Gordon Unknown Asked 15 years ago

Hi Guys .

I keep going back to 2 sheets of " Donic JP Gold " that are approx 2 yrs old ( i play about twice a week ) approx 3 hrs . They look AWFUL , faded , tied , but play great .

Purchased new JP Gold 2 months ago , exactly the same thickness 2mm . but the whole bat feels different & plays differently ..

No feel , no touch ..

I've seen your exhibition using different size bats & also the England legend Alan Cook do the same & from a spectators point of view it looks like you were born with these in your hand .

Do Rubbers Need to be " Bedded In " ??  Many thanks

Alois Rosario Answered 15 years ago

Hi Gordon,

New rubbers will feel a bit different.  I would just give yourself a chance to adjust to them.  Because Table Tennis relies so much on touch, a small difference in the reaction of the rubber will feel different.  I usually find it takes a week or so to adjust properly.  You are used to 2 year old rubber which will react very differently to new rubbers.  The new rubbers will be better for you in the long run.  Just give them time.

That is one of the reasons the better players change their rubbers every few times they play so that it is always the same.

We do enjoy doing the exhibitions.  We are planning on making another Exhbition Video.