OOAK Table Tennis Forum

Hi I am just beginner so please answer the following questions:

1) I see for the same rubber type in the online shop sometimes there are variants based on different sponge set-up like Japanese or German sponge or color-based sponge or soft and hard sponge...can any of you explain the effect for such different variations. In addition different manufacturers tend to have different special sponges like tension, etc...they're so confusing for me.

2) I also want to know the effect of sponge thickness when you choose new rubber.

Sponge colour does not matter, it just allows you to identify them. Softer sponges generally are spinnier and offer a bit more feel and control, but they are slower.
Some sponges are tensioned, which generally makes them faster but offers less control.

Thicker sponges generally offer more speed and spin, but less control.

_________________
OOAK Table Tennis Shop | Re-Impact Blades | Butterfly Table Tennis bats
Setup1: Re-Impact Smart, Viper OX, Victas VS 401 Setup2: Re-Impact Barath, Dtecs OX, TSP Triple Spin Chop 1.0mm Setup3: Re-Impact Dark Knight, Hellfire OX, 999 Turbo
Recent Articles: Butterfly Tenergy Alternatives | Tenergy Rubbers Compared | Re-Impact User Guide

Thanks for the answer. How about the characteristics of Japanese and German made sponge ?

I agree to a point...

Most of the german and Japanese sponges are very high quality, whereas a smaller range of the chinese sponges are good quality. Most Chinese sponges are harder, and often denser, which generally suits hitter/drivers more than loopers.

I find the Japanese sponges have a wide range of soft sponges, and they feel quite springy and are usually very light. They tend to responge very well to speed glue... German ones tend to be a little more for power...

But as speedplay mentioned, you can get most of almost any kind... I've just generalised a little...

_________________
OOAK Table Tennis Shop | Re-Impact Blades | Butterfly Table Tennis bats
Setup1: Re-Impact Smart, Viper OX, Victas VS 401 Setup2: Re-Impact Barath, Dtecs OX, TSP Triple Spin Chop 1.0mm Setup3: Re-Impact Dark Knight, Hellfire OX, 999 Turbo
Recent Articles: Butterfly Tenergy Alternatives | Tenergy Rubbers Compared | Re-Impact User Guide

Sorry, have another question on sponge... I read in many threads questions about sponge measurement e.g. 40 degrees etc ? Can someone explain it please.