In short
- EVA: harder, more precise and more durable. For players with a good stroke.
- Foam: softer, with more ball output and kinder to the arm.
- Many rackets combine both or use EVA of different densities (soft, medium, hard).
Inside every racket there is a rubber core that defines much of its behaviour. It is what makes a racket feel «hard» or «soft», whether the ball flies off by itself or you have to push it. The two main types are EVA rubber and foam.
EVA rubber: precision and durability
EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) is a compact, elastic rubber. It offers a firmer feel and very precise control: the ball goes exactly where you send it. With a hard shot, it returns a lot of power. It also deforms less with use, so the racket lasts longer.
Foam: comfort and ball output
Foam is a softer, lighter material. It absorbs vibrations better and offers lots of ball output on soft shots, making it ideal for beginners and players with elbow problems. In return, it loses precision on very hard shots and degrades sooner.
| EVA rubber | Foam | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Hard / firm | Soft |
| Ball output | Medium | High |
| Control | Very high | Medium |
| Vibration absorption | Medium | High |
| Durability | High | Medium |
Comfortable rackets and firm-feel rackets
Which core suits you?
- Beginners or arm discomfort: foam or soft EVA.
- All-round game: medium-density EVA.
- Attacking players with a strong shot: hard EVA.
The core works together with the faces. Learn more with our comparison of fibreglass and carbon and our guide to choosing a racket.
Looking for feel and precision?
Round rackets with a balanced core for players who build the point.
