soft sponge

Ji-Soo Woo Asked 15 years ago

Hi Alois

I am thinking of getting Pryde 30, and maybe going with a Pryde 30 / Pryde combination.  However, I've heard 30 has a very soft sponge and just wanted to be clear about the properties of soft versus harder sponges.

From your earlier answer to a similar question I understand softer sponges = more control, more spin.

I read somewhere else someone claiming softer sponges was less susceptible to incoming spin.  Is this correct?

Also, that softer sponges were worse for blocking (which makes sense) and pushing (less obvious), but better for chopping.  Is this true?

I also understand softer sponges = less gears (in terms of speed)...and it is harder to do drop shots and really soft shots in general...is this true?

Thanks!

Ji-Soo

Alois Rosario Answered 15 years ago

Hi Ji-Soo,

Firstly let me tell you that we can now get Pryde 30. I haven't tried it out as yet so can't tell you much about it.

Softer sponges tend to give you more feel because the ball is sinking into the sponge a little more.  It is easier togenerate topspin on the ball because the ball sponge is wrapping around the ball a little more.  As far as which is better for blocking I think it is preference.  The harder sponge does tend to give you a more direct line when you block the ball but the softer sponge may allow you to feel the ball better.  I do like the harder sponge for blocking myself.

The harder sponge does mean less feel and touch.   However I like the harder top sheet for the short push because it gives me a direct line to play the ball short.  The softer rubbers tend to make the ball jump up a little high for me on the short balls.

I would like to hear others preferences though.