Evalite
EVAlite is a cross-linked foam comprised of Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA), a copolymer with general (average) characteristics of structural qualities as:
EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) Material Type Moisture-Resistant EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) Foam
Tensile Strength Range 0 to 500 psi
Elongation Range 201-300%
Lowest Operating Temperature -99° to -1° F
Highest Operating Temperature +100° to +200° F
Actual Operating Temperature Range -70° to +160° F
(as listed by McMaster-Carr regarding their EVAlite foam)
Often used in varying temperature, impact-resistant applications, EVA is a valuable padding an insulative material in many industrial workplaces such as automotive plants, welding shops, and others.
EVAlite, being comprised of such a strong and durable copolymer, has found its way into thousands of non-industrial uses, such as cheap flipflops, camping mats, inner soles for shoes, backpack-strap padding, weight bench padding, and many others. Foam fighting sports have found a few other uses for the foam. It represents the strongest, most durable foam currently being employed in foamsmithing. EVAlite can be obtained in numerous thicknesses, sheet sizes, and densities, it has become a valuable resource in unique, durable weaponry.
One of EVAlite's negative aspects is building weapons using it cost $xx beyond the standard $5.88 price of Blue Camp Pad (Wal-Mart Camping Pad.) Its cost-prohibitive nature often outweighs its durability for the low-budget foamsmith. Of the many arguments that surround the blue foam v/s EVAlite debate, cost is generally the focal point. While proponents of blue foam say it is cheaper to build weapons with the highly versatile foam, thereby producing more weapons for ease of transition between them, those people in support of EVAlite claim their weapons last longer, thereby reducing the cost of ownership over time(such as the lack of need to replace blades due to blowout, sweet spot development, etc). In the end, EVAlite is simply a sturdy but more expensive alternative to the classic blue foam. EVAlite can be found through many vendors like McMaster-Carr.
A comparable foam is Minicel, which is sold for less money than EVAlite.