What Does "Super" Mean in Oud Grades?

"Super" is among the most traded of oud grade names, applied to the high, resin-rich grades. But what does it mean exactly? In this article we explain what is meant by "Super," its usual indicators, and why it is a marketing name, not a fixed standard that differs from one seller to another — so you read it with awareness, not with dazzlement.

Where does this article sit? This is from the articles of oud grades and classification, and it comes after how is oud sorted?

What is meant by "Super"?

"Super" is an English word that entered the oud trade globally to indicate the high grade. So when the seller says "Super oud," they usually mean an oud of the advanced grades: rich in resin, dark, with a good scent on burning. And it sits near the top of the ladder in many classifications, even if above it there is sometimes "Double Super" and "Triple Super."

But "Super" is not always the ultimate grade; for in some houses it is the highest available, and in others it is an excellent grade above which are rarer grades. And so its position on the ladder differs according to who uses it.

What are the usual indicators of the "Super" grade?

The "Super" grade often combines these indicators:

  • Richness in resin: a high proportion of the dark aromatic resin.
  • Dark color: wood tending to darkness as an indication of the resin.
  • Density and weight: heavier pieces, which may be semi-sinking or sinking.
  • A good scent: a clean, present character on burning.

But these indicators are approximate, not defined by a number. For one seller may require full sinking for the "Super" grade, and another suffices with semi-sinking along with an excellent scent. And so the question about the actual indicator remains more important than the name.

Did you know? "Super" is a borrowed word, not a scientific term

"Super" is not a scientific term for the density of the resin, but rather a general commercial word meaning "high grade." And so it does not carry fixed numeric specifications; rather its meaning is determined by whoever uses it.

"Super" is not a standardized measure

The most important thing you should know: there is no body that regulates the meaning of "Super." For what one seller calls "Super" may be, for another, "First grade" or "Excellent," and the meaning may differ between Indonesia, India, and the Gulf. And so "Super" from one seller does not necessarily equal "Super" from another, neither in the indicators nor in the price.

And this does not mean that the name is without use; for it indicates to you that the seller classifies this piece among their high grades. But it means that you ask: what does "Super" mean to you? And what are its indicators? For the name is a beginning of the conversation, not its end.

How do you deal with the name "Super"?

Do not buy "Super" merely for the name. Rather ask the seller to show you its indicators: is it sinking or not? And what is its color and density? And how is its scent on burning? Then test with a sample. For when you know what is behind the name, it neither tempts nor deceives you. And the transparent seller welcomes this question, and shows you why they classified their piece as "Super."

And in the following article we move to a grade that rises above "Super" in many classifications: what does "Double Super" mean?

Did you know? Ask "what does your Super mean?"

The best question in front of the "Super" grade is: what are its indicators at this seller specifically? For the answer reveals their credibility: the honest seller states the indicators, and the misleading one settles for the luster.

Grades whose indicators we state, not only their names

We state what each grade means in actual indicators, not an abstract name. Begin with a sample by which you assess the oud yourself.

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This is from oud grades and classification, and it is preceded by how is oud sorted?

And to know whether classifications are standardized see are the classifications globally standardized?

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