Neoprene vs Rubber

Mr. Bond

Mr. Bond

Orbis Non Sufficit
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I've noticed more people using neoprene facings. Why is this?

The neoprene I'm familiar with doesnt seem as firm as rubber, does this not cause the noise to be louder during ball impact? Or is the neoprene used for facings much firmer?

Is it much cheaper than rubber? doesnt seem like it would be much...

Do BCA specs allow for "any" elastic material to be used as facings?
 
Just like rubber, neoprene is measured by Shore durometer scale.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shore_durometer

I, and most of the other mechanics using Neoprene use a 60 duro neoprene, I believe that is what Diamond uses as well. I think the neoprene you might be thinking about is sponge neoprene like they use in wet suits.

I like the neoprene because it does not get hard and crumbly like the rubber facings get. Now that being said, if you were to order 100% gum rubber sheet and cut it into facings it would probably be more like the Neoprene.
 
thanks, i guess that is what i was really wanting to know, how the elasticity compared between the two.
 
Neoprene is cheaper, more resistant to enviromental factors, and in this application I see no advantage to 60 duro gum rubber.
Neoprene is easier to cut(in a straight line).
Gum rubber may last longer since its more abrasive resistant but gee wiz we're only talking about $.25 if that.
 
I also like the way neoprene reacts when it is sanded when trimming down the facings. It you can get nice crisp edges when you are done.
 
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