Rubbers

Rubbers

Table tennis rubbers — the sheet that glues onto a blade and provides the playing surface. A rubber is a wearing part: the topsheet loses grip with use, so sheets are replaced periodically while the blade underneath stays. They are sold as single sheets, so a full racket needs two, and the two sides do not have to match.

Surface type is the biggest single difference, and the types are not comparable with each other. Inverted (pimple-in) rubbers present a smooth face and are what most players use for spin and speed. Short pips point outward and are less affected by incoming spin, which suits hitting and blocking close to the table. Long pips return spin in ways an opponent has to read, and belong to a deliberately disruptive style rather than a beginner's racket.

Sponge hardness sets how much the sheet does for you. A softer sponge grips at lower speeds and is more forgiving; a harder sponge stores more energy but needs a full stroke to activate, so it rewards technique rather than supplying it. Hardness is stated in degrees, but each manufacturer measures on its own scale — compare figures within a brand rather than across brands.

Thickness is chosen per sheet, usually between about 1.5 mm and MAX, and sometimes OX, which means no sponge at all. Thinner favours control and touch; thicker stores more energy. If you are choosing by intent rather than by number, start from offensive, allround or defensive sheets and read the specifications from there. You will also want glue to fit them and cleaner to keep them.

5 of 217 products

Butterfly Roundell Soft Rubber
Butterfly Roundell Soft Rubber

Butterfly Roundell Soft Rubber

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$76.44 CAD

Colour
Butterfly Roundell Rubber
Butterfly Roundell Rubber

Butterfly Roundell Rubber

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$76.44 CAD

Colour
andro Impuls Speed Rubber

andro Impuls Speed Rubber

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$71.99 CAD

Color
Joola Micron Rubber

Joola Micron Rubber

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$52.06 CAD

Color
Tibhar QUANTUM X PRO Soft rubber

Tibhar QUANTUM X PRO Soft rubber

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$86.87 CAD

Color