Do new table tennis balls damage rubbers?

The introduction of new plastic table tennis balls, which replaced the traditional celluloid balls, has led to some concerns and observations regarding their impact on table tennis rubbers.

Reduced Spin and Grip

The new plastic balls tend to have a smoother surface compared to the celluloid balls, which can result in less spin generation. This smoother surface may also affect how well the rubber grips the ball, potentially leading to less consistent spin and control3.

Durability and Wear

There is no direct evidence that the new plastic balls inherently damage the rubbers more than the old celluloid balls. However, the overall performance and durability issues associated with the new balls might indirectly affect how rubbers wear out. For instance, players may need to adjust their techniques or use different equipment to compensate for the changed ball behavior, which could influence rubber wear3.

Player Adjustments

Players have noted that they might need faster blades and spinnier rubbers to offset the reduced spin and different playing properties of the new plastic balls. This adjustment could potentially affect the lifespan and performance of the rubbers, but it is more about adapting to the new ball rather than the ball causing direct damage to the rubbers3.

In summary, while the new plastic table tennis balls do not directly damage rubbers, they can influence how rubbers perform and how players need to adjust their equipment and techniques, which might indirectly affect rubber longevity and maintenance.