First, the surround on these is rubber as far as I can tell, stiff and doesn't compress to the touch. I can't quote the exact material because I'm not a synthetic expert. I can say the cast basket on the assassin is brilliant though.
As for a review, I may not be the guy to do the review I don't have any equipment for measurements and I need a line output converter to run the amp so I'm not gonna have the best signal (any suggestions for a good converter?). Moreover, I make no claims to the experience necessary to do a good review, I've owned only 3 subs as this will be the first I have run correctly. I will however give my two cents on how is sounds to me once I finish the install. Just don't expect it to sound like Shakespeare or Tesla.