Blade getting softer

Most of the table tennis players know that through the years, a blade is getting more and more softer , thus having more control but without losing any speed . Do you happen to know the exact chemical or physical phenomenons that take place , which cause the blade to get softer ??? thanx in advance , George Dounas from Greece

Hi George,

The wood does get slightly softer over the years.  I think it is probably just moisture but I am certainly no expert.

I do think that it does lose speed because it gets softer.