[al123]

which way round is the foam meant to be in a pad? thin hard stuff on top or on the bottom? any preferences?

[lagerstarfish]

hard stuff on top

[mrjonathanr]

Hard on top disperses impact across a greater area. Hard on the bottom you'd just crater through a small area of soft stuff  and land on the thin hard base. For a big drop this could make quite a difference.

[surfchimpster]

The really good pads tend to have the thin hard stuff on top and bottom...

[Johnny Brown]

I'm not convinced that's an advantage personally, it just makes them heavier.

[andy_e]

"Insert" joke about "thin hard stuff" here. Double double entendre.

[Drew]

AFAIAA only DMM do the whole sandwich thing. Good pads, but not as good as they used to be.

[mrjonathanr]

Climbing factory do 3 layer too

[Big Dave]

"Insert" joke about "thin hard stuff" here. Double double entendre.

Mines quite old so gone all soft...