Very impressed with this practice pad. It takes a bit more effort, as it has a 'softer' surface, but without losing any response. Less noisy than the harder pads, as it has a lower tone to it. A great supplement to the more 'traditional' practice pad. Only immediate downside, might be wear and tear, due to the fact that it's made of a softer and more porous material! Been using it approximately an hour a day for about a month now - and the hit area is beginning to show. Might also be a bit on the expensive side, but a definite recommend if you can afford it.