Rubber sheets come with varying sponge thicknesses, which act as a trampoline between the topsheet and the wood. A thinner sponge will result in a harder feel, as the ball will make less contact with the sponge and more with the wood surface. This produces less spin and speed. In contrast, a thicker sponge will provide a softer feel and generate more spin and speed, as the ball will sink deeper into the sponge and be launched out with greater velocity.

The performance of rubber sheets deteriorates over time and with exposure to the elements. As it ages, the rubber will produce less spin and will feel less lively. The lifespan of your rubber sheet can vary depending on usage, but a general guideline is:

(# of days played/week) = (#of times to change/year)

This means that if you play once a week, you should change your rubbers once a year. And if you play three days a week, then you’ll change your rubbers three times a year, once every four months. Professional players usually change their rubber more often, like monthly, bi-weekly or weekly. This equals an estimated lifetime of a rubber to be around 60 playing hours. A rubber generally needs to be replaced after about 2 years, regardless of whether you have played less than 60 hours with it.

A worn-out rubber will be noticeable in play and upon visual inspection. You’ll notice your rubbers losing their color. This change happens slowly over time, so it can be hard to notice. It’s essential not to play with worn-out rubbers over long periods. If you do so, you’ll acquire bad habits, since you will compensate with your technique to make up for your faulty equipment. Most players with worn-out rubbers become more passive because it’s hard for them to attack with equipment that has no grip. A good way to tell if your rubbers are worn out is to rub a ball across the rubber, and if it slips more in the middle, then you should switch out your rubber.

You should also change out your rubber if it has suffered substantial damage from hitting the table. While small nicks/cuts on the edge won’t impact your in-game performance, they can quickly develop and spread easily.

STIGA rubber clean is specially formulated for cleaning table tennis rubber sheets. It's an VOC-free liquid cleaner that effectively restores the rubber surface to its original condition. To maintain the performance of your rubber sheets, it's recommended to clean them after each use and store them properly. Apply STIGA rubber clean on the surface, use the sponge on the top of the bottle, let it dry and then place your racket in the case. For optimal results, store your racket in a temperature-controlled environment and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures for extended periods of time.

Inverted rubbers, known for their tacky surface, have the ability to produce immense spin. They are suitable for all types of play, whether you are an attacker or a defensive player. This rubber type is considered the most adaptable option.

Short pimple rubbers are the inverted version of traditional rubber sheets. The gap between the pimples helps to neutralize spin from your opponents' shots, allowing for more aggressive attacking play regardless of spin. This type of rubber is ideal for hitting, blocking, and returning serves, but it is not as effective at producing spin as regular inverted rubber sheets.

Long pimple rubbers are often used by players who rely on their opponents' errors. They are similar to short pimple rubbers in composition, but the pimples are taller. When the ball comes into contact with this surface, the taller pimples bend easily, reversing the incoming spin. This keeps the opponent guessing about the type of spin on the ball.

No-sponge (OX) rubbers have a long pimple top sheet without the use of sponge. They still effectively neutralize spin, but the strokes produced with them have less spin, less speed, and a crisper feel.

The DNA rubber with Power Sponge Cell (PSC) is a revolutionary rubber that offers increased power compared to traditional rubbers. This rubber allows for great speed and exceptional spin, without sacrificing control. With its unique sponge technology, the DNA rubber with Power Sponge Cell (PSC) allows players to generate more power behind their shots, while still maintaining precision and accuracy. Whether you're an aggressive attacker or a precision-minded player, the DNA rubber with Power Sponge Cell (PSC) is the perfect choice for anyone looking to take their game to the next level. Its advanced design provides improved ball control, extra speed and maximum spin, making it the ideal rubber for aggressive players and those who want to take their play to the next level. Whether you're looking to dominate the competition or simply improve your game, the DNA rubbers with Power Sponge Cell (PSC) is the perfect choice.

The top-sheet and sponge layer are assembled at the factory during production.