What difference does sponge thickness make to hybrid rubbers?

[ridderz65]

Hi guys,

In rubbers such as D09c, V15 Sticky, K3 etc etc - the hybrid rubbers - what difference does sponge thickness make?

What playing differences would you get between using the MAX and then the next sponge thickness lower?

I’m trying to decide what would be best for me to use, MAX or the next sponge thickness lower.

 

[ridderz65]

Anyone?

 

[banbekas]

My guess is that a thicker sponge offers more potential for spin and speed, because it’s harder to top out the rubber when you hit hard. This might be why the current generation of hybrid rubbers uses thicker and harder sponges, to prevent professional players from reaching that ceiling too easily.

For amateurs like most of us, we’re unlikely to tap into that full potential anyway, so why bother with max sponge?

 

[kobe23]

In general, the thinner the sponge, the easier the rubber bottoms out and engages the wood, which is where the stiffness of the wood can make a day and night difference. I.e. on a thin sponge, using a compliant paddle, there could be plenty dwell for looping; on a stiff paddle, the ball will likely rebound fast off the face without much spin imparted.

 

[TampaBayTableTennis]

Generally speaking: Additional weight. More noticeable on blades with larger face like Harimoto. More weight takes more energy to get going. Feels less nimble but more powerful when you do connect with a fast swing.

Feeling (based on Rakza 7/7S (1.8,2.0,M) and D80 (1.9 vs 2.1): Thinner sponge makes you feel ball in blade more. Less bouncy/spongy. Easier to control but harder to generate. Blocks will be slower, loops vs backspin require more energy (but may let you have more confidence swinging fast).

 

[vanjr]

I think it is about total weight of your set up and some degree of control. Fast blade speed is good (knowing kinetic energy is more dependent of velocity. KE = 1/2 * m * v^2

At my club almost everyone plays with max sponge.