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For my style and level of play EL-S is the perfect rubber. In combination with the Donic Waldner Off 2016 I have found my perfect setup! Now, the problem is that after playing 6 practice sessions x 3 hours each = 18 hours with the rubbers I can definitely start to feel the topsheet deteriorating to the point where it does grab the ball as well as when the rubbers were new and I have to put a lot more effort in my shots to get a similar quality. The sheets also don't feel as 'lively' and there are finger marks from my thumb and index finger (shakehand grip). I suppose my backhand shots are quite consistent as there is a mark on the backhand rubber where the boll has contacted the rubber the most. I clean the rubbers with Tibhar combi cleaner after each session, let them dry for 3-5 minutes and put the bat in the wallet until the next practice.
I have to say that this time of year it is quite humid in the UK which could have contributed but 18 hours... even Donic rubbers have lasted me longer! Given that I am not a professional player I certainly don't want to spend ~80 quid on rubbers every month or so.
Is there a more durable alternative to EL-S with similar playing characteristics? What I like in EL-S the sponge hardness (~45 degrees) in combination with the wood I am using, the fact that the rubber is quite linear and therefore good for all types of shot, very spin (when new!) and easy to lift backspin on opening topspins. What I mean by linear is that with some rubbers there are two very distinctive reactions you get - slow and dull when the sponge is not engaged and fast and bouncy when you engage the sponge. I don't experience that with EL-S which is why I like it.
I have to say that this time of year it is quite humid in the UK which could have contributed but 18 hours... even Donic rubbers have lasted me longer! Given that I am not a professional player I certainly don't want to spend ~80 quid on rubbers every month or so.
Is there a more durable alternative to EL-S with similar playing characteristics? What I like in EL-S the sponge hardness (~45 degrees) in combination with the wood I am using, the fact that the rubber is quite linear and therefore good for all types of shot, very spin (when new!) and easy to lift backspin on opening topspins. What I mean by linear is that with some rubbers there are two very distinctive reactions you get - slow and dull when the sponge is not engaged and fast and bouncy when you engage the sponge. I don't experience that with EL-S which is why I like it.
