So I knew some people with an older model of Vic Firth practice pad model "PAD12D" (the 12 inch double sided pad). This older model has rubber all around the pad, as opposed to cutting it short where the VF logo is at the top of the pad (instead, the logo is printed on the rubber).

I've never tried the two pads side-by-side, but I believe that the black surface is a different type of rubber in the newer models. It may be my imagination, but I think I like the older ones better.

Can anyone confirm that these pads are different? I'd like to get a hold of one of the older ones but VF does not sell them anymore...
Oh, and please let me know if I'm totally wrong and the two rubber surfaces are the same material/thickness... It's been a while since I've played on either one.

The rubber on the newer ones feels a lot rougher as if it were threaded and the older one are smooth. I believe they are both gum rubber but maybe the techniques or manufacturing them are different. But yes, they are different but the same concept.