Murray-White Ut Distinctio Est

Speed is the rating of the power generated by the rubber or blade. Speed can be broken down into loop speed (heavy topspin stroke) and volley speed (speed on flat contact, like a smash or volley). Using a faster blade/rubber produces faster shots which, at high speeds, reduces the amount of control.

Spin is the amount of ball rotation generated by the rubber. This is affected by the rubber's tackiness, sponge thickness, sponge hardness as well as the blade's flexibility.

Control refers to how easy it is to control the ball using this equipment. Equipment that is too fast or too spinny reduces control though equipment that is too slow or not spinny may also decrease control.

Tensor Rubber - Tensor rubbers have a pre-tensioned rubber topsheet, already pulled tighter so it has some built in catapult effect to increase speed and spin. Normal rubbers don't have extra tension.

Anti-spin Rubber - Anti-spin rubbers have a relatively frictionless surface and are often slow, meant for a defensive style of play.

Sponge Hardness refers to the density of the sponge. This is measured in degrees:

Rating	Description	Degrees
8+	Hard	45+ degrees
6 - 8	Medium Hard	43-44 degrees
4 - 6	Medium	41-42 degrees
2 - 4	Medium Soft	38-40 degrees
Under 2	Soft	under 37 degrees