Ultra-thin sponge?

[RefereeNumber2]

Saw a Japanese Youtube review of an "ultra-thin" rubber -- an inverted rubber but with a very thin sponge (i.e., less than 0.7mm).

I'd never heard of such a thing before, but it seems like it actually has some interesting properties. Does anyone know more about these kinds of rubbers? Are they basically like short pips, or do they behave differently? What are the strengths and weaknesses in case I encounter somebody using these rubbers? lol

 

[rbtitco]

uNlEsS uR pRo, yOu hAvE zErO bUsInEsS uSiNg a RUbBeR tHis ThIcK

 

[enoxzr]

While 0.7 is very thin, long pimple with sponge thin even, its not uncommon for people, especially more experienced/older players, to play with 1.2 ~ 1.7 sponges, speaking of control and spin.

I can see a use for it being a backside rubber for a traditional penhold player. Rubber is likely to be thin and light, but not completely useless. Possibly twiddling it while having some pimple on the other side?

 

[Kenspin]

Saw a Japanese Youtube review of an "ultra-thin" rubber -- an inverted rubber but with a very thin sponge (i.e., less than 0.7mm).

I'd never heard of such a thing before, but it seems like it actually has some interesting properties. Does anyone know more about these kinds of rubbers? Are they basically like short pips, or do they behave differently? What are the strengths and weaknesses in case I encounter somebody using these rubbers? lol

I use it and it has several positive aspects.

It is good for service returns, especially placing them short with backspin and unless you have a very fast blade it is difficult to overhit the return off a fast serve. A fast low and long dig return is a good feature.

It is great for serving and can generate very high levels of spin. Because it is slow, this can be deceptive, as a light brush looks innocuous.

Great for blocking but will need an active block if you receive a slow loop or flat hit. Also can generate very heavy chop and its easy to put in a disguised float as there is little difference in the speed generated.

Good for flicking back short serves flat as the tackiness holds the ball well. Flat kills work well. Hard sponge then kicks in so speed generated can catch receiver out.

Easier to spin up from backhand than forehand when looping and the kick is deceptive as it accelerates off a slow pace due to the dwell on the tacky surface. Not great from long distance unless chopping.

Needs frequent cleaning.

Probably best as a backhand rubber with a faster rubber on forehand for contrast and variety.