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 how you play rather than by number, our rubber selection guide starts there: pick learning the strokes, all-round play, topspin attack or defence and it sets the type, sponge hardness and thickness that usually suit, then places every rubber we carry by sponge hardness, brand by brand. You will also want glue to fit them and cleaner to keep them.