Does anyone have a preference between "Durablocks" and "Soft Sanders" for block sanding? I realize these are both brand names but I hope people know what I am talking about. Are they essentially the same or would it be a good idea to have a set of both. I don't want to buy both and find it wasn't necessary.

Personally I don't care for the soft style blocks when working large flat areas. They tend to flex too much and usually end up arching in the middle.
I like the round and teardrop shaped Durablocks for working rounded areas and inside corners.
Soft blocks are good for final wet sanding in my opinion but that's about it.

I like this style block for getting things straight and they make them in a variety of materials now. The key is no flexing.

i have durablock knockoffs, just cheap longboards and cut them to the sizes i want, they are pretty much the same as durablocks but just cheaper, i also like balsawood, it too is cheap and can cut it to size and shape it for raduis etc
krem