I am a huge advocate of the combination racket; smooth sponge rubber on one side, long pips without sponge on the other side. I use the Seemiller Grip and twiddle, often several times during same point. I use long pips for both forehand and backhand, topspin and under-spin, offensive attack and defensive chops. I've tried long pips with thin sponge. It makes gluing easier, and stays on longer, but doesn't play as well. It was easier for opponents to handle my difficult game. Realizing my mistake, I went back to OX, (no sponge). It takes more time to master Feint OX than long pips with sponge, but is much harder for your opponents to deal with it. The best long pips rubber is what you are used to. Otherwise, more expensive isn't any better. Since long pips needs to be changed more frequently than other rubber, it behooves the buyer to purchase this high quality Butterfly long pips rubber for less than more expensive brands of the same quality. If you have used other long pips brands, stick with it. But, if you are using long pips for the first time, buy Butterfly Feint OX. You'll save substantially each time you need to replace it. A good friend of mine swears by Crop Circles long pips. I have tried using his racket. It wasn't the same, and threw off my game. Of course, he is used to it, and my racket would throw off his game, too. Also buy glue sheets for replacement or have Paddle Palace make it for you. Rubber cement works poorly either for gluing on a new sheer or making repairs if it peels off around the edges. By buying Butterfly Feint OX you can get the best for less. Admittedly the name is uninspiring. So if I get it in red, I call in The Tantrum and if I get it in black I call it The Dark Side.
Stephen Dreyfus