In the racket they are the protagonists. EVA and FOAM rubbers are the core and heart of any Padel racket. Both materials dictate the hardness of a racket, a determining point when playing. While EVA rubber stands out for its hardness properties, FOAM rubber has porous characteristics and, therefore, softer.
If we only talk about two materials, it is because EVA rubber and FOAM are the most used for the manufacture of Padel rackets. Noise, touch, vibrations or hardness will depend on the use of one or the other rubber. Therefore, before choosing a racket, you should know the differences between these rubbers.
What is EVA in Padel?
EVA rubber is a thermoplastic polymer composed of layers of ethylene and vinyl acetate. Its name is short for ethyl vinyl acetate but in practice all Padel players refer to it as EVA.
EVA rubber is more resistant than FOAM rubber and its morphology shows a smooth touch. Given its resistance condition, EVA rubber blades usually have a longer useful life.
Lines such as the Fénix or Raven de Siux integrate EVA rubber at their core and the power achieved with this material stands out remarkably in the style and level of play.
Advantages of EVA foam
Padel rackets made of EVA rubber have a series of characteristics that, depending on the player's experience, can be considered advantages when playing Padel. These advantages are:
- Power: Padel rackets with EVA rubber have a lot of ball output. In this way, stronger blows can be achieved.
- Hardness: despite the densities that EVA rubber presents, the thermoplastic polymer continues to give the racket a harder touch. Thus, the deformations are not so common in blades with EVA. All this translates into a longer useful life for the blade.
- Control: because yes, EVA foam not only provides power but also control. In this case, the rigid touch provides greater security, comfort and control during the hit.
Disadvantages of EVA foam
Compared to FOAM rubber, EVA rubber presents intolerable disadvantages for some players.
- Force: at the moment of impact, with EVA blades it is necessary to apply more force to the ball so that it is thrown off.
- Lower absorption: this disadvantage is directly related to the hardness of the rubber. The lower the absorption capacity, the more likely the discomfort in the elbow, which can lead to more serious injuries.
Types of EVA padel rubber
The density of the rubber has created a key categorization in the materials used in the blades. Thus, a distinction is made between:
- EVA Soft rubber: it is a low-density rubber close to the properties of FOAM rubber. It has more ball output, but still has a relatively hard touch.
- Black EVA: present in a large number of rackets, Black EVA rubbers offer great power and control.
What is FOAM in Padel?
FOAM rubber is another polymer that is used in the manufacture of blades. In this case, FOAM rubber has polyethylene pores that make it a softer material than EVA rubber.
For players looking for a soft touch and a good ball output, this rubber becomes a perfect ally. Also for those players who suffer injuries or drag discomfort in the elbow.
FOAM Advantages
Among the advantages of FOAM rubber are:
- Control: in the blades with FOAM rubber the ball output is more noticeable. In other words, it feels like the ball comes out on both soft shots and spikes.
- Noise: the sound when hitting the ball with FOAM Padels is less thunderous than that produced with EVA rubber Padels.
- Vibrations: in this type of blades, vibrations are significantly reduced. This is because FOAM rubber is more absorbent and exerts a spring effect on impact.
Disadvantages of FOAM
However, as with EVA foam, FOAM is not perfect and some players negatively value some characteristics associated with its use.
- Durability: The useful life is shortened with these softer rubbers, as is the case. The deformations appear earlier in FOAM rubbers, which makes it necessary to make blade changes sooner than desired.
- Power: the relationship between soft rubber and power is directly proportional. The softer the rubber, the lower the power of the racket.
