rubbers

George Unknown Asked 15 years ago

Hello pingskills!

i have a question based on rubbers and to be more specific sponges!

What is a japanese or a german or a chinese sponge and what are their differences?

Also what are the advantages of using hard sponge instead of soft OR soft instead of hard sponge?

What is the catapult effect and the springy sponge?

i would be very happy if you could answer me these questions, thank u!!!

Alois Rosario Answered 15 years ago

Hi Giorgos,

The Japanese or European sponges tend to be softer than the Chinese sponges.

The advantage of a softer spong is that you can feel the ball better and tend to have more control and spin from the sponge.

The harder sponge usually goes with a tackier rubber.  The ball doesn't sink into the rubber as much but uses the brushing action onthe top of the rubber to generate the spin.

It is purely a matter of preference and feel which one is better.  World Champions have come from those that use both types of sponges.

The grippier surface tends to have a higher throw effect.

The catapult effect is just like a trampoline.  If you stretch a piece of rubber it will have more bounce to it, just like a trampoline.