The best ping pong paddle is well-crafted, durable, and affordable for newbies and professional players alike. Call them table tennis rackets, racquets or bats, here are the best 10 ping pong paddles money can buy in 2020.
Choosing the right paddle that will take your skills and drive spin to the next level depends on a raft of factors that include your budget, playing style, skill level, physical build, and age. Check out our buying guide at the bottom to find out more about these considerations and more tips on how to pick the perfect table tennis racket.
In a hurry? You can skip right to our top picks below.
1: STIGA Pro Carbon Performance-Level Table Tennis Racket
STIGA Pro Carbon Performance-Level Table Tennis Racket with Carbon Technology for Tournament...
- Performance-Level Table Tennis Racket
- ITTF Approved Rubber for Tournament Play
- Features Carbon Technology for Power and Speed
- Performance Ratings- Speed: 99 Spin: 100 Control: 80
- 7-Ply Extra Light Blade, S5 Rubber, and 2mm Sponge
- Performance-Level Table Tennis Racket
- ITTF Approved Rubber for Tournament Play
- Features Carbon Technology for Power and Speed
- Performance Ratings- Speed: 99 Spin: 100 Control: 80
- 7-Ply Extra Light Blade, S5 Rubber, and 2mm Sponge
Highlights:
- 7-ply, performance-level paddle with an extra light blade, features carbon technology for power and speed
- ITTF approved S5 rubber + 2mm sponge for tournament play
- Performance ratings- speed: 99 spin: 100 control: 80
Review:
Five layers of topnotch, lightweight wood for power & speed, plus dual-layer of high-performance carbon for optimal response & rigidity. Premium cushioning sponge and replaceable S5 rubber. And superb construction quality. The Stiga Pro Carbon racket is our pick for the best ping pong paddle because it combines durability, quality, and performance like no other.
This competition-ready professional paddle with top-shelf features is rated perfect 100/100 for spin performance, but also scores surprisingly high for control and speed. It sports a seven-ply ultra-light wooden bladed enameled in two millimeters of sponge backing and best-in-class rubber, so it provides precise response with each strike.
Pros will love its centered shock-absorbing tube that disperses vibrations, which means your hand feels no shock at all. Instead, every bit of energy is conducted through its flared-type handle, making it a great choice for professionals and amateurs alike. If you’re after great spins with an excellent combo of control and power, this ITTF-certified paddle should be your go-to. Period!
2: Nibiru Sport Ping Pong Paddle Set
NIBIRU SPORT Ping Pong Paddle Set (4-Player Bundle), Pro Premium Rackets, 3...
- 1️⃣ COMPLETE PING PONG SET - This premium indoor and outdoor ping pong racket set of table tennis paddles bundle comes with everything you need to enjoy solo or team play, with four ping-pong paddles and eight durable ping pong balls
- 1️⃣ COMPLETE PING PONG SET - This premium indoor and outdoor ping pong racket set of table tennis paddles bundle comes with everything you need to enjoy solo or team play, with four ping-pong paddles and eight durable ping pong balls
- 2️⃣ PREMIER QUALITY TABLE TENNIS PADDLE SET - Crafted with durable rubber with premier thickness and balance for improved ball speed, control, spin
- 3️⃣ REACTIVE PING PONG BALLS - eight 3-star white and orange table tennis balls crafted with 40mm thick and durable ABS material; ideal for amateurs, beginners, and professional pro players alike
- 4️⃣ INDOOR and OUTDOOR PLAYABILITY - Each piece of ping pong starter kit racket set we create is strong enough to play both indoors and out. The superior quality ensures ping pong paddles set of 4 can be used by children and adults
- 5️⃣ GUARANTEED SATISFACTION - When you want the indoor and outdoor table tennis play, select our table tennis racket pack. We back every product with unbeatable quality
Highlights:
- Each set includes 4 premium 7-ply paddles and 10 tournament-level ping pong balls
- Performance ratings: Power 7.8, Spin 7.6, Control 9.4.
- Best ping pong paddle under $50 for budget shoppers – Nibiru only offers the best quality table tennis equipment, the best customer service, all at great prices.
Review:
Let’s not kid ourselves; shopping for a quality ping pong paddle under $50 can get dicey pretty quickly. When it comes to table tennis paddles, as with most sporting items, you get what you pay for. So, if the price is too good to be true, then the blade will probably warp, chip, and have rubber that’ll likely bubble or peel off easily. But Nibiru paddle is a reliable product, while its price is sinfully affordable.
It’s true, the Nibiru ping pong set of 4 paddles and 10 three-star balls will set you back a little shy of $30! While the quality is slightly lower than our top pick – STIGA Pro Carbon, each paddle is incredibly sturdy and boasts a high-tack rubber construction for optimal control and power.
The thick layer of cushioning sponge underneath the deep-textured rubber allows the padded to keep up with hard hits and strikes will offer increased speeds and better ball control. While some users did have an issue with the lack of casing, the ratings and reviews for this beauty are overwhelmingly raving.
And given that you have four paddles in the set, you can use them for many years. Just in case, there’s also a 12-month replacement warranty for extra peace of mind.
3: Killerspin JET200 Table Tennis Paddle
Killerspin Jet 200 Table Tennis Paddle, Recreational Ping Pong Paddle, Table Tennis...
- SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS: The perfect table tennis paddle for learning basic strokes and perfecting ball control, this racket is designed for recreational ping pong players who want to improve their game
- SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION: Blade consists of 5 layer wood and Jet Basic rubbers to perfect your skills, while flexible PVC tape surrounds the ping pong racket for protection
- SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS: The perfect table tennis paddle for learning basic strokes and perfecting ball control, this racket is designed for recreational ping pong players who want to improve their game
- SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION: Blade consists of 5 layer wood and Jet Basic rubbers to perfect your skills, while flexible PVC tape surrounds the ping pong racket for protection
- PERFORMANCE RATINGS: Control: 8.5, Spin: 7, Power: 6
- PERSONALIZED MEMORY BOOK: Store your ping pong paddle in a gift-worthy storage case and record scores, collect signatures, and write personalized messages
- DIMENSIONS: Flared handle table tennis paddle measures 6” x 6 1/8”
Highlights:
- SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION: 5-ply wooden blade with Jet Basic rubbers to perfect your skills, and flexible PVC tape surrounds for optimal protection
- PERFORMANCE RATINGS: Control: 8.5, Spin: 7, Power: 6
- PERSONALIZED GIFT: Store your ping pong paddle in a gift-worthy storage case and record scores, collect signatures and write personalized messages
Review:
As far as control and power go, the Killerspin Jet200 paddle is our top pick, but it delivers much more than you can think. With a 5-ply premium wooden blade, high-performance rubber, and gift-ready packaging, it combines durability and quality at its best, all at a super bargain price. Available in 3 charming colors – lime, mocha & navy blue, this stylish ping pong paddle under $50 has garnered so many glowing reviews on Amazon.
This is a fantastic paddle for ping pong newbies trying to learn new skills and add more ropes to their sleeves, as well as seasoned players looking to improve their performance with a sleek-looking, top-performing racket. It’s also a fun addition to any family recreational or game room.
The Jet200 has a well-attached rubber that provides additional spin & power, exquisitely distributed weight for a reliable hit at every strike, and flared wooden handle for maximum comfort. The cherry on top is that this gem is packaged in a fabulous custom memory bookcase. There’s a section and marker inside the box so you can keep a tab of your scores, not to mention it makes for an A+ present.
4: STIGA Supreme Performance-Level Table Tennis Racket
STIGA Supreme Performance-Level Table Tennis Racket made with ITTF Approved Rubber for...
- Performance-Level Table Tennis Racket
- ITTF Approved Rubber for Tournament Play
- Features STIGA ACS for Control and Speed
- Performance Ratings- Speed: 90 Spin: 92 Control: 89
- 6-Ply Extra Light Blade, Future Inverted Rubber, and 2mm Sponge
- Performance-Level Table Tennis Racket
- ITTF Approved Rubber for Tournament Play
- Features STIGA ACS for Control and Speed
- Performance Ratings- Speed: 90 Spin: 92 Control: 89
- 6-Ply Extra Light Blade, Future Inverted Rubber, and 2mm Sponge
Highlights:
- Sports STIGA’s ACS technology for Control and Speed
- ITTF approved 6-ply extra light blade, future inverted rubber, and 2mm sponge for extreme performance and tournament play
- Performance Ratings- Speed: 90 Spin: 92 Control: 89
Review:
If you are a newbie looking to improve your skills, the STIGA Supreme Performance will provide you with a tournament-grade bat at a fairly affordable price. This professional paddle boasts a six-layer ultra-lightweight wooden blade, Stiga’s topnotch care, future-inverted rubber for a cleanly solid shot, and a 2mm cushioning sponge to dissipate vibrations.
What ultimately makes this beauty a good fit for ping pong newcomers is its holistic qualities. The maker rates Supreme Performance with an 89 control rating, a 92 spin rating, and a 90-speed rating. Naturally, you may want a product that scores 100’s across the spectrum, but using a bat with a high level of spin & speed could actually make control very difficult. This is much akin to starting your driving lesson with a top-of-the-line Formula 1 car.
Just like a learner’s car, Stiga Supreme offers unbeatable functionality and dependability. You will also love its revamped middle veneer and WRB that provides reliable recovery and blade balance.
5: Butterfly Pro-Line Hand Assembled Professional Table Tennis Racket
Butterfly Balsa Carbo X5 Pro-Line Table Tennis Racket - ITTF Professional Ping...
- PROFESSIONAL TABLE TENNIS RACKET: This ping pong racket is for players that want to attack and need a touch of control to dominate opponents. ITTF approved for table tennis tournaments
- BALSA CARBO X5 CARBON BLADE: The Balsa core offers light weight & great touch while the Carbon layers add power. Designed for close to the table attacks plus power for mid-distance ping pong shots
- PROFESSIONAL TABLE TENNIS RACKET: This ping pong racket is for players that want to attack and need a touch of control to dominate opponents. ITTF approved for table tennis tournaments
- BALSA CARBO X5 CARBON BLADE: The Balsa core offers light weight & great touch while the Carbon layers add power. Designed for close to the table attacks plus power for mid-distance ping pong shots
- TENERGY 80 FX 2. 1 RUBBER: This ping pong paddle is equipped with Tenergy 80 FX 2. 1mm offering a great balance of high speed and heavy spin for attacking. FX gives it a softer sponge for more control
- BUTTERFLY TABLE TENNIS RACKETS - Butterfly rackets are the preferred choice for professional players
- SHIPS ASSEMBLED – The Butterfly Balsa Carbo X5 blade is assembled by hand in the USA with Tenergy 80 FX 2. 1mm Rubber. Butterfly Free Chack rubber glue is used to apply the rubber and is packaged in the original Butterfly blade box
Highlights:
- Hand-assembled 5 layers of Balsa Carbo core offers great & lightweight touch, while the carbon outer layer brings in more power
- It’s equipped with Tenergy 80 FX 2.1mm which provides a combination of soft sponge, heavy spin and high-speed for attacking play
- ITTF approved for table tennis tournaments
Review:
Butterfly Pro-Line could have easily been our top pick for the best ping pong paddle, save for the downside that it’s very pricey. This table tennis racket truly has everything going for it – massive spin, incredible speed, all while delivering extreme consistency and precise. As we said, it doesn’t come cheap, with straight and anatomic versions coming at $235.97, while the flared design will set you back a whopping $249.99!
This expensive beast is designed especially for close-to-the-table attacking, but it also packs a punch of power for mid-range shots and backhand spins. Given the steep price, this is not your typical mass-produced bat. It’s hand-assembled right here in the USA with patented Tenergy 80 FX rubbers and Butterfly’s own Carbo X5 blade, so you won’t have to glue or re-touch it yourself.
The X5 Balsa Carbo provides a soft feel & touch that makes serving, blocking, spinning, and playing such an effortless and joyful affair. Thanks to the carbon blade, this paddle is super lightweight and yet strong for all-round attackers. Obviously, this high-end paddled is not geared towards beginners or even intermediate ping pong players.
6: Killerspin TC RTG Diamond
Killerspin Diamond TC RTG Premium Ping Pong Paddle| Table Tennis Racket| Flared...
- PROFESSIONAL GRADE EQUIPMENT – Our ITTF-approved competition rubbers and a 7-Ply composite wood and titanium carbon fiber blade will make for some seriously powerful shots. Diamond TC RTG makes an impression on the competition with an elegant, n
- PROFESSIONAL GRADE EQUIPMENT – Our ITTF-approved competition rubbers and a 7-Ply composite wood and titanium carbon fiber blade will make for some seriously powerful shots. Diamond TC RTG makes an impression on the competition with an elegant, n
- SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION – Our Diamond TC RTG Premium is constructed of the highest quality materials. The blade consists of 5 premium wood layers and 2 titanium carbon fiber layers. Killerspin’s professional grade Fortissimo rubbers provide powerful spin
- ENHANCED ACCURACY – The professional grade rubbers ensure the greatest accuracy with every shot. Ratings are: Control 8.2; Spin 9.4; Speed 10.0.
- 2-ply of Titanium Carbon and 5-ply of wood blade
- PERSONALIZED MEMORY BOOK – – The Killerspin Diamond TC RTG Premium Ping Pong Paddle comes with a personalized Memory Book. It provides excellent protection for your paddle when not in use and also makes the perfect gift box for any occasion.
Highlights:
- Comes packaged in a personalized memory book storage casing, making it an awesome gift idea
- Professional-grade product with 7-Ply composite wood and titanium carbon fiber blade and performance ratings: Control 8.2; Spin 9.4; Speed 10.0.
- Equipped with ITTF-approved competition rubbers for excellent accuracy with every shot
Review:
The spanking new Diamond TC RTG Premium returns to the market with a massive overhaul. While the price is on the high-end, this exquisitely designed and crafted paddle is the crème de la crème for the most serious professionals. Even the most upscale bats in the price range will pale in the presence of this speed-driven paddle.
Killerspin outdid itself with the Diamond TC RTG, as it tops all for its combo of control, spin, and most importantly, speed. The paddle blade is made of 7 layers of composite wood and state of the art titanium carbon fiber, making your every serve, smash, forehand, and backhand spin devilishly accurate and snappy.
“This paddle is awesome! Great speed and spin for days!,” gushes one Amazon customer with praise. “The people I play with use lesser paddles and I smash them consistently… [The] best paddle I’ve ever used! With a personalized memory book casing, this will make for an unforgettable gift for a ping pong enthusiast this season.
7: JP WinLook Ping Pong Paddle (4 Pack)
JP WinLook Ping Pong Paddle - 4 Pack; Pro Premium Patent Table...
- Four-piece superior quality custom plywood ping-pong paddles technologically designed for balanced spin, control, and speed; eight top-notch tournament 40-mm, 3-star white balls meeting ITTF approved equipment regulation (size and weight) for official competition.
- Four-piece superior quality custom plywood ping-pong paddles technologically designed for balanced spin, control, and speed; eight top-notch tournament 40-mm, 3-star white balls meeting ITTF approved equipment regulation (size and weight) for official competition.
- 5-ply wood blade with ergonomic flared handle (holder) creates comfortable grip for long sessions; best performance elastic pads; eco-friendly natural rubber sheet; high-bounce orange (yellow) medium-soft sponge; and advanced edge tape to avoid side wear. Amazing craftsmanship and first-class materials!
- Blue, zipped carrying bag / protector with compact combo gift design for perfect storage and organizer, easy travel carrying on-the-go to let 2-4 players enjoy indoor or outdoor professional or recreational games; standard black and red paddle face color; extra durable glue.
- Designed to be used for all ages (young, old), female or male, and all skill levels: from starters and intermediate to all-round master players; kids, adults, and family; beautiful wooden raquets appeal to boys, girls, teens, and juniors for practice and training. Designed in USA.
- Men, women, parents and grandparents – go get this special, prime sports gear as a present for your children, grandchildren, friends and family. Perfect for birthday parties, housewarming, graduation, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, 4th of July, and any other holiday. Make this table tennis deal for you now (sale)!
Highlights:
- 4-piece pack of superior quality custom plywood ping pong paddles technologically designed for a balanced spin, control, and speed
- Pack includes 8 ITTF-approved 3-star 40mm white balls recommended for tournaments
- Top-tier features at an affordable price – ergonomic flared handles for great feel & comfortable grip; elastic pads for best performance; and all-natural, eco-friendly rubber padding plus medium-soft sponge.
Review:
The tricky part of shopping for a table tennis paddle set is ensuring that it checks off the necessary boxes. Some packs have topnotch bats, but perhaps they only come with 2 paddles when you require 4 paddles for friends and family to have fun playing. Other sets include a boatload of items – several balls, 4 paddles, and zip casing – but the quality may be on the poor side. Warping or chipping paddles and balls that bounce like rocks are a big no-no.
Well, if you’re on the hunt for the best ping pong paddle set, your search ends right here! JP WinLook Ping Pong Paddle 4-pack is a holistic table tennis racket set. It includes 4 durable bats, each crafted from eco-friendly rubber and 5 layers of exquisite wood; 8 ITTF-certified, excellent-bounce ping pong balls; and well-made zip carrying bag with protector for easy storage and portability.
A 1-year replacement warranty is another big bonus, giving you an opportunity to purchase with extra confidence. What’s more, players have nothing but praise for Killerspin’s quality of customer service, so you can expect replacements to be made without any hassle and questions to be answered promptly.
8: Idoraz Table Tennis Paddle
Idoraz Table Tennis Paddle Professional Racket - Ping Pong Racket with Carrying...
- STEP UP YOUR GAME! – If you’re looking for a TABLE TENNIS PADDLE that will help you step up your game, Idoraz Soft PING PONG PADDLE is hard to beat. Thanks to its robust construction and thick, ITTF Approved Rubber, this TABLE TENNIS RACKET takes your performance to the next level.
- STEP UP YOUR GAME! – If you’re looking for a TABLE TENNIS PADDLE that will help you step up your game, Idoraz Soft PING PONG PADDLE is hard to beat. Thanks to its robust construction and thick, ITTF Approved Rubber, this TABLE TENNIS RACKET takes your performance to the next level.
- MASTER THE SPIN – With a spin rating of 93, Idoraz PING PONG RACKET provides excellent spin and balance while playing. The rubber has plenty of grip to put spin on the ball, while the smooth handle of the TABLE TENNIS BAT offers easy control over the spin.
- AMAZINGLY FAST – If speed and balance are what you’re looking for, Idoraz PING PONG BAT is probably your best choice. Combining a speed rating of 99 with a perfectly balanced frame, it is probably the best TT RACKET for recreational players on the market.
- PERFECT CONTROL - As far as power goes on this PRO PING PONG PADDLE, Idoraz has plenty of control for those fast shots. With a 90 control rating and 2.00 mm rubber coating, this premium TABLE TENNIS PADDLE is an awesome PING PONG RACKET to have and a great gift to receive.
- 30 DAYS GUARANTEE – Idoraz PING PONG PADDLES are built using the latest technology. We are so confident in their quality that we offer you a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Either you love your TT PADDLE or you send it back within 30 days for a full refund. No hassle from us!
Highlights:
- High-tack face-in rubber pips for a subtle balance between spin and speed
- Sponge backing allows for superior control and harder striking
- Quality paddle at an unbeatable price, making it great for learning the game or improving your ping pong skills
Review:
Buying a budget ping pong paddle under $50 can be very tricky. As you might expect, paying too little for a paddle has its drawbacks. The last thing you want is a racket that will be prone to warping, chipping, peeling, and bubbling of the rubber.
With Idoraz Table Tennis Paddle, that’s a thing of the past. This reliable paddle comes at a price that is incredibly pocket-friendly. It sports a high-tack pips-in facing rubber design and sponge cushioning underneath, which means it offers a fine balance between speed and spin.
The paddle can withstand hard shots, while also offering more control over the ball. Online reviews of the product are also awesomely positive.
9: Sport Game Pro Ping Pong Paddle with KillerSpin
Ping Pong Paddle with Killer Spin + Case for Free - Professional...
- NEW INCREDIBLY COOL DESIGN - perfect for youth tennis racket. The appearance of this table tennis bat will not go unnoticed.
- PING PONG RUBBER RACKET WITH HIGH QUALITY RUBBER - on fighting off the surface. High quality sponges – 2мм for really fast ball speed.
- NEW INCREDIBLY COOL DESIGN - perfect for youth tennis racket. The appearance of this table tennis bat will not go unnoticed.
- PING PONG RUBBER RACKET WITH HIGH QUALITY RUBBER - on fighting off the surface. High quality sponges – 2мм for really fast ball speed.
- THE HIGH DEGREE OF TWISTING OF THE BALL - in this type of table tennis product will allow you to go from being a Beginner to a confident Intermediate player so that you can reach your potential in ping pong games.
- EXCELLENT TECHNICAL RESULTS - found in this table tennis racket for amateurs: fast speed - 82, unpredictable spin - 91, stable control - 79.
- 5-PLY PURE WOOD STRUCTURE - is a classic for wooden tennis racket. A handle of table tennis racket is FL.
Highlights:
- Practice your spins, backshots, and ball twisting with confidences
- Amazing attributes for an amateur paddle: fast speed – 82, unpredictable spin – 91, stable control – 79.
- 5-ply wooden ping pong paddle with topnotch rubber and 2mm cushioning sponge for really fast ball speeds
Review:
Aggressive beginner players looking for a paddle that’ll help them take their game to intermediate-level or mid-level should look no further than Sport Game Pro Ping Pong Paddle with Killerspin. It’s a versatile paddle that offers an amazing combination of speed, control, and spin. With a 5-ply wooden blade design and 2mm cushioning sponge, it’ll provide you with lots of backspin and topspin whenever needed.
The authentic wooden handle is lightweight (weighs just 195g), durable, and feels ultra-comfortable in your hands. This is a delightfully stylish paddle that comes in 5 cool colors, including yellow, red, dark red, green, and pink, as well as a fashionable carrying case. A great ping pong paddle under $50, it’s not approved by the ITTF, though.
10: JOOLA Infinity Balance
JOOLA Infinity Balance - Advanced Performance Ping Pong Paddle - Competition Ready...
- JOOLA - AN OLYMPIC TABLE TENNIS BRAND TRUSTED FOR 60+ YEARS: Launched in the 1950s, JOOLA has been the proud sponsor of the biggest tournaments in the world, Including the Olympics, World Championships, and US Open. Equipment designed for all levels.
- JOOLA - AN OLYMPIC TABLE TENNIS BRAND TRUSTED FOR 60+ YEARS: Launched in the 1950s, JOOLA has been the proud sponsor of the biggest tournaments in the world, Including the Olympics, World Championships, and US Open. Equipment designed for all levels.
- ITTF REGULATION SIZE: The JOOLA Balance ping pong racket comes with a smooth inverted surface and comfortable ergonomic flared grip handle for enhanced performance and spin. Table tennis equipment for kids and adults.
- PLAY LIKE A CHAMPION: The perfect balance of design with all the elements of a professional ping pong racquet to take your game to the next level. Flexible PVC edge tape protects the side of the racket.
- SUPERIOR QUALITY AND DURABILITY 7 PLY REAL WOOD: Only the best materials are combined together, Limba, Koto, Ayous, and Kiri wood, to create the perfect combo for increased control and spin. Great for the family game room.
- PERFORMANCE RATINGS (SCALE 0-100) - Speed: 92, Spin: 92, Control: 92. Includes JOOLA Method 38 Table Tennis Rubber on both sides. Does not come with ping pong balls. Great gift for someone who already owns an indoor or outdoor JOOLA ping pong table.
Highlights:
- From an Olympic table tennis brand trusted for 60+ years
- ITTF- approved paddle with an ergonomic flared handle and a smooth-inverted surface for the best spin and performance combo
- PERFORMANCE RATINGS: Speed: 92, Spin: 92, and Control: 92.
Review:
Another funky product from JOOLA, the Infinity Balance is an offensive-style paddle built with a 7-layer wood composite (1-ply Ayous, 2-ply carbon, 2-ply Koto, and 2-ply Hinoki). This nifty bat generates an extra-large ‘sweet spot’ in a variety of positions. From the manufacturer’s ratings, it’s a high-control and fast-speed paddle.
Tipping the scale at just 85g, this is the lightest of the bunch, making it a great choice for kids, seniors, amateurs and pros alike. While it’s uniformly balanced, the rubber sheet increases the speed and absorbs vibrations at the same time.
6 Tips on How to Pick the Best Ping Pong Paddles This Year
When you are pondering over what ping pong paddle to get, it’s important to keep some key considerations in mind. Sure, you can spend a small fortune on a paddle, but will it be suitable for your playing style and skill level?
Experts recommend that you consider the following top factors when selecting the best ping pong paddle for your level and style of play.
1- It all starts with the blade
The blade is the most important part of a ping pong racket because it’ll ultimately affect its weight, grip, performance, playability, and bounce of the ball. It’s typically composed of five or more layers of wood, but ITTF-approved regulation paddles may comprise some fibrous materials such as pressed paper or carbon fiber.
If you’re planning to use the paddle for tournaments and competitions, it must be made up of 85% wood at minimum, while it can contain 0.35mm or 7.5% of other materials, whichever is lower, according to International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) regulations.
Paddles crafted from 100% wood are usually lightweight, offer more control, and create better spin. But in light of wood being a natural material, these paddles don’t provide much in the way of optimal predictability.
Carbon fiber paddles offer even, consistent bounce, better speed, increased precision, and more speed/power. It’s for these reasons that professionals go for rackets with carbon fiber blades. However, they tend to be on the heavy side and a little difficult to control, both of which may not be a deal-breaker for most pros.
2- Which type of rubber padding is right for you?
The side of the paddle’s blade used to hit the ball is traditionally made from a rubber material. There are three primary types of rubber padding to choose from:
- a) Ordinary pimpled rubber (also known as pip rubber) – This is one layer of synthetic or natural rubber lined on the surface with pips (uniform protrusions or “pimples”) that can face in or out. The pimple density can range from 10 to 30 per centimeter square.
- b) Sandwich rubber – This is a dual-layer of one inner cellular rubber layer (also called sponge) plus an outer layer of pimpled rubber (usually thinner than 2mm). The thickness of the sponge layer will influence both the speed and control of the paddle.
Thicker sponge layer means the ball will bounce off the bat faster, giving you more speed but less time to react (reduced control). As such, thin sponge is ideal for newbies who need more room for error and time to react, while the thick sponge is best for agile pros who want to hit with incredible speeds.
- c) 2-Faced rubber – This paddle blade has a sandwich rubber on one side (usually in red), and a pip rubber (typically appearing in black) on the other side.
3- Get the best handle for the way you hold the paddle
The handle is attached to the blade of a ping pong paddle. It can be long or short; uncovered or covered; penhold, flared, anatomic or straight – there are no strict standards, so it’s all up to you.
The type of blade handle to choose will depend massively on how you hold your bat. Here are the general rules of thumb:
- Flared-handled paddles are ideal for beginners and players who primarily use front-hand play. They are a little longer and offer better grip than penhold bats.
- Straight-handled paddles are likely to slip from you but are extremely flexible when it comes to changing grips, which is why they are the go-to type for professionals.
- Anatomical-handled paddles are rare and expensive, however, they’re designed for the ultimate in comfort. They look and feel nice in your hands, too.
- Always choose rounded paddles over squared ones. They are readily available, feel natural in your hands, and allow for quick flips or changes of grip.
- Opt for a penhold paddle if you prefer the pen hold grip. This allows you to hold the bat close to the table and keep your wrist flexible for increased spin control.
At the end of the day, most pros and amateurs prefer some form of shake-hand grip
4- A quality all-rounder paddle is ideal for a beginner
Looking to get your feet (or hands) wet in the world of ping pong? For newbies, the best ping pong paddle should be easy on the wallet, and yet still quality and reliable, allowing you to learn new skills and easily take your gameplay to the next level.
All things considered, an amateur-friendly paddle should combine the following 3 qualities:
- A flared handle for hassle-free forehand play and easy grip
- Thin rubber for low spin and max control
- Five-ply wood blade, which makes it low aggression-friendly and lightweight
As a play-it-safe rule, stick to ITTF-approved models, and don’t spend more than $50 on a beginner’s paddle.
5- Consider physical stamina and age of the end-user
The weight of the paddle is no issue for most players older than 12. However, kids under 10 and seniors older than 65 should lean towards lighter paddles weighing between 150g and 180g. Carbon fiber paddles are friendlier to older adults who don’t want to put too much energy into every stroke.
6- Attacking players should check out high-spin paddles
The amount of spin generated by a paddle boils down to the quality (and to some extent the weight) of the rubber padding. Attacking players need more spin drive to maneuver faster backspins and forehand loops, so they should stick to paddles with softer and tackier rubber padding.
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