Joola Rubbers

Joola table tennis rubbers — the sheet that glues onto a blade and provides the playing surface. Sold singly, so a full racket needs two.

The range sits mostly in the medium-to-hard sponges. A harder sponge stores more energy and rewards a full stroke, which is why it suits an attacking game; a medium sponge is the more forgiving starting point and still has plenty in reserve. Hardness is stated in degrees on a scale each manufacturer sets for itself, so compare within the brand.

Joola publishes speed, spin and control figures out of 10 for its rubbers. Thickness is chosen per sheet: thinner favours control and touch, thicker stores more energy. The topsheet is a wearing part, so sheets are replaced periodically — glue and cleaner are the consumables that go with them.