I know that this topic has been visited many times...I read a lot of posts here already.  I'm just wondering if you that use reticulated foam use it for everything.  I've used 1/2" reticulated quite often, however, I still purchase the regular polyfoam from Hancock fabrics also.  It seems with the current price of polyfoam, I could get the reticulated for even cheaper...would you use simply that then?  Or do you think there is still a "place" for polyfoam? 
Guess I'm just wanting some input on all of this, especially since cost has been going up.
Also, everyone please feel free to post where you purchase your foam (poly and reticulated) for the best prices.  It's always nice to get updates and current BEST prices.
Thanks!
Sara

I've been getting my foam from www.foamdistributing.com but I won't say they are the cheapest, they just happen to have a wide selection and are the only place that I have bought from so far. They don't have a minimum order either. You can order 1/3, 1/2, or full sheets. Their blue LUX foam seems really nice for a higher-end polyfoam that doesn't seem to break down as fast as plain polyfoam.

~Nate

I normally use regular poly foam or what is called here in KCMO, EVA foam.  EVA foam is most commonly used in making cushions for boats and such because it is high density and does not absorb water like regular foam. I've maybe only used reticulated foam once.  

Now wouldn't this foam make a cool looking puppet if you didn't cover it?! http://www.foamdistributing.com/products/rebond.html

I think the EVA foam is like the outdoor foam I've been using instead of "Scott" foam.  It seems that I can get this outdoor foam even cheaper than the regular poly foam from Hancock.  I've been considering using this for everything...puppets will be much lighter and I think the foam will last longer.  Poly foam breaks down after a number of years.
I get the outdoor foam from here:  http://www.foamandfoam.com
Sara

Just out of curiosity, would the Dryfast foam offered at foamdistributing be better than polyfoam? is it similar to Scott foam? The specs are:
DENSITY: 1.8 PCF
COMPRESSION: 60 LBS
FIRM
RESILIENT

It looks like it has a higher PPI than the LUX foam I have been using. I know many say it doesn't matter as much if the foam is being covered inside and out, but for my own curiosity, I'd like to know!

~April

Lovable Puppet Pals - curious as to where you are. Our local Hancocks no longer carry foam, only a batting type foam substitute.  I use to buy all my foam there.

Lovable Puppet Pals - curious as to where you are. Our local Hancocks no longer carry foam, only a batting type foam substitute.  I use to buy all my foam there.

I am in Thorp, WI...Central.  I shop at the Hancock in Eau Claire, WI...it's about 1 hour from me. 
It's still that green foam...wish it was white!  But because of the price, I will probably go more towards the outdoor "Dryfast" foam in 1/2".
Sara

I've begun using reticulated foam which I purchase from Albany Foam in Albany NY.  Before that I used some lower quality green poly foam I purchased from Joann Fabric's, probably the same as what you all get from Hancock.  I switched because I wanted a more durable foam and reticulated is supposed to be the most durable.

So, Jon, are you using 1/2" or 1" reticulated foam?
And which one is it from the Albany site...I see several kinds.

I like foam fast and it is certainly a lot cheaper. I like using all type foams I keep all sizes and shapes.

Billy D.