Table tennis paddles are available for players’ styles, performances, and levels. A good, high-quality model is essential if you want the best Ping Pong paddle that matches your skill level and style. Numerous manufacturers specialize in the production of bats for table tennis.
So what ping pong paddles do pros use & what are the best table tennis paddles?
The best ping pong paddle is suitable for your skill level and play style:
For beginners and amateurs, it should be highly stable and cost-effective – [JOOLA Infinity Balance].
For intermediate ping pong players, it should provide high performance to aid the offense – [STIGA Pro Carbon].
For professional players, it should be able to promote the level of play and win the game – [Butterfly Timo Boll ALC].
I did some research, and below are the 16 best ping pong paddles on the market:
- Palio Master 3.0
- Palio Legend 2.0
- Palio Expert 3.0
- JOOLA Infinity Edge
- JOOLA Infinity Overdrive
- JOOLA Infinity Balance
- STIGA Evolution Performance
- STIGA Pro Carbon
- STIGA Performance 4 Player Ping Pong Paddle Set
- Nibiru Sport Ping Pong Paddle Set
- Killerspin Jet800
- Killerspin Jet200
- Butterfly 401
- Butterfly Viscaria
- Butterfly Timo Boll ALC
- Butterfly Zhang Jike Super ZLC
But that’s just a quick glimpse.
These include blades for professionals but also rackets for beginners.
You can customize your paddle by buying the blades and rubbers separately and then pasting them yourself.
There are differences in the rubber and wood responsible for whether a table tennis bat suits an aggressive or defensive player.
Of course, there are also other differences, depending on the pricing.
In this in-depth article, we will help you keep track of things.
After all, every model is individual and unsuitable for every player.
Let’s get into it!
Best Professional Ping Pong Paddles For Beginners – Top 13 Reviews
The racket is essential equipment for the table tennis player, as part of their equipment. Choosing the right racket is getting a racket that offers a combination of ball control, speed, and grip.
Below are the 13 best ping pong paddles for beginners on the market:
- Killerspin Jet200
- Killerspin Jet800
- Palio Master 3.0
- Palio Legend 2.0
- Palio Expert 3.0
- JOOLA Infinity Edge
- JOOLA Infinity Overdrive
- JOOLA Infinity Balance
- STIGA Evolution Performance
- STIGA Pro Carbon
- STIGA Performance 4 Player Ping Pong Paddle Set
- Nibiru Sport Ping Pong Paddle Set
- Butterfly 401
#1. Best Selling Table Tennis Racket in 2024: Killerspin Jet200
- Construction: 5-Layer Wood Blade
- Rubber: Jet Basic Rubbers
- Weight: 175 g
- Control: 8.5
- Spin: 7
- Speed: 6
- Ideal For: Beginners Or Intermediate Players
The Killerspin JET200 is one of the best-selling racquets on the market for good reasons.
With layers of high-quality wood and high-performance rubber, the racquet represents an evolution in terms of power, control, and spin.
The balanced weight distribution and high-quality construction are designed to satisfy the player, focusing on precision power shots and style.
In addition to honing your skills, the Killerspin JET200’s navy blue and black rubber combination will add style and elegance to your table tennis game. It is also available in mocha and lime designs.
The high-quality table tennis paddle is designed for maximum control and precision.
It’s an ultralight 5-ply wooden table tennis blade with a flared handle shape for optimal grip.
It has a Blue and Black performance combination of 1.8mm inverted rubber, and the rotation, control, and speed are rated 6.0, 7.0, and 8.5.
Pros
- Ideal bat for recreation
- Suitable for intermediate players and beginners
- The Killerspin comes assembled
- Sturdy and lightweight
- Comes with a 30-day warranty
Cons
- Not a professional-level bat
Summary:
In summary, the Killerspin Jet 200 is a well-made paddle with good value that offers a good spin on the ping pong ball. It’s recommended for beginners to intermediate players.
It’s also an entry-level paddle that can be used for recreational purposes.
#2. Best Ping Pong Paddle for Beginners under $100: Killerspin Jet800
- Construction: 7-Ply Wood And Carbon Fiber
- Rubber: Professional grade Nitrx-4Z rubbers
- Weight: 266 g
- Control: 7.5
- Spin: 9
- Speed: 9
- Play Style: Aggressive attack
- Ideal For: Serious Player In Mind
- Ittf-Approved: Yes
As its high price suggests, the JET800 table tennis racket offers offensive performance for high-level tournaments. This racket is the choice of many High-level ping pong players, including almost all of America’s top players and Chinese gold medalist Chen Qi.
The Jet 800 has a 7-ply wood blade with added layers of carbon fiber for extra durability and return more power, giving it a 9.5 rating in this category.
In addition, its lightweight allows players not to give up their kickback ability, while its high quality and specially treated inverted rubber give this racquet a good spin index.
Whether you expect to dominate your basement or be the king of your ping pong club, this racket will be perfect for climbing the steps to success!
Pros
- Suitable for pros
- The blade is composed of 7-ply composite wood
- Unisex paddle
- It has a large sweet spot
- Best ping pong paddle for the money
Cons
- Not for beginners due to the price
- It could be more durable for its price
Summary:
If the JET800 is the more expensive racquet in our review, it’s good to know that you’ll get what you pay for. It’s a racquet that is both durable and nearly unmatched in performance.
#3. Best Ping Pong Paddle for Spin: Palio Master 3.0
- Rubber: ITTF-approved rubbers are replaceable
- Weight: 258 g
- Control: 8
- Spin: 9
- Speed: 8
- Ideal For: intermediate players that have mastered the basic strokes
The Palio Master 3.0 table tennis bat consists of high-quality materials that ensure the ball’s impact is well absorbed and the player can better control the ball’s rotation.
The model is suitable for beginners and amateur athletes. The handle of the table tennis bat is made of wood, is ergonomically shaped, and lies very comfortably in hand.
The Palio Master 3.0 table tennis bat is a model for recreational players with good speed, control, and spin values. It excels most in the spin section, where it’s rated 9/10.
These properties make this racket particularly suitable for intermediate players in basic training as well as for ambitious amateurs – simply a good table tennis racket for the transition from hobby to club.
The racket is equipped with thick rubbers. In addition, it is suitable for generating rotation yourself.
Pros
- very affordable price
- Generates topspin
- Competition legal paddle
- Rubbers are ITTF-approved
- The rubbers are replaceable
Cons
- Not enough speed and control for advanced users
Summary:
The Palio Master 3.0 table tennis bat offers a balanced ratio of spin, speed, and control and is particularly suitable for players who prefer excellent control of the forward movement.
#4. High-quality Ready-made Bats for Spin and Power from China: Palio Legend 2.0
- Construction: 7-Ply Wood And Carbon Fiber
- Rubber: Palio Hadou rubbers
- Weight: 258 g
- Control: 10
- Spin: 9
- Speed: 6
- Play Style: Aggressive attack
- Ideal For: players looking to generate maximum power and spin
- Ittf-Approved: Yes
With this bat, the famous manufacturer from China continues the series of high-quality ready-made bats that can keep up with individually manufactured products.
The Legend 2 is made of an acrylic-carbon combination with a 5+2 structure (5 veneers plus 2 acrylic-carbon layers).
This makes it elastic and flexible despite the intended low vibration. This also enables fast and aggressive hits, reinforced by the medium-hard Hadou rubber.
The latter allows numerous rotation variations, from fast topspins to short balls. Everything is possible.
The red side is for forwarding motion, while the black side is for blocking. For beginners who need even more excellent control ability over their stroke, the Palio Expert 2 is available from the same company.
Pros
- Mostly suitable for intermediate players
- Approved by the ITTF
- For players looking for spin and power
- Easy to hold the paddle
Cons
- Fairly heavy paddle
Summary:
The Palio Legend 2 is suitable for experienced players who expect to bring a lot of speed into their maneuvers and do not need too much control. It is a good option for the ambitious club player or competition. It primarily supports aggressive attacking play.
#5. Best Ping Pong Paddle for Spin and Control: Palio Expert 3.0
Even if the name Expert 3 may indicate that it’s for high-level players, this Palio table tennis bat is particularly suitable for beginners who first must feel their way into the right technique.
Due to the exchangeable rubber covering, it can also be used later for developing faster play.
The slightly flared handle gives the player a good grip without restricting mobility.
The flexible blade is provided with a very soft rubber coating (CJ 8000), which is also popular with advanced users as it allows a lot of spins.
The newcomer gets a feeling for the correct ball technique. With the maximum of 10/10 for good control of the shot, it offers the best conditions for a safe table tennis game. The high-quality case is included, which is another plus.
Pros
- It comes with a good-quality case
- Perfect premade paddle for beginners
- Good control ability and feel
- Ideal for defensive-style players
Cons
- Slow speed doesn’t make it great for advanced players
Summary:
The Palio Expert 3.0 racket is not necessarily “low budget”, especially for beginners, but you get a solid product. This is particularly important in the learning phase if you don’t want to save in the wrong place.
If that’s still too much for you, you could fall back on the Killerspin Jet 200, which is also an option for purely casual players.
#6. High Performance with Pro Carbon Technology Racket: JOOLA Infinity Edge
- Construction: 7 Ply with Carbon
- Rubber: Micron
- Weight: 258 g
- Control: 9.4
- Spin: 9.5
- Speed: 9.4
- Play Style: More Speed
- Ideal For: Fast Hitting and Larger Sweet Spot
The JOOLA Infinity Edge is a premade paddle designed for speed. It’s a tournament performance ping pong paddle with Pro Carbon technology. The racket is composed of 7 plywood layers and carbon ideal for advanced training. The ply layers include hinoki wood for fast-hitting, koto for a quick counter-attack, and ayous for accurate control.
The carbon also gives the racket more stability. The incorporated carbon has a vibration-damping effect. If the player hits the ball, the JOOLA tennis racket does not vibrate as strongly. The JOOLA model is suitable for offensive players who like attacking at high speed thanks to its properties. You can make trick shots your opponent can’t defend against with the right paddle.
The two carbon veneers ensure even better control ability of the table tennis bat. The bat, therefore, accepts less speed and less hardness in the strokes with the softwood.
Pros
- 95% spin rating
- Ideal for speedy play style
- It consists of real woods
- Easy to hold
Cons
- Only for training; Not ITTF-approved
Summary:
The JOOLA Infinity Edge is a 7-ply layer paddle with various wood plies and carbon materials. It is the fastest-hitting paddle and has the sweetest spot in the Infinity range from Joola. It excels most in the speed and spin area.
#7. Best Table Tennis Racket for Advanced Adult Players: JOOLA Infinity Overdrive
The Infinity Overdrive is made for advanced adult players. Two layers of carbon-kevlar fibers are incorporated into the blade. Carbon is a material that is known for its particularly high stability at a low weight. In addition to motorsport or medical implants, carbon is also used in sports equipment to save weight and give the equipment more stability.
With the JOOLA table tennis racket, the manufacturer was concerned about the weight, as the racket with its weight of 0.28 kilograms is one of the most lightweight tennis rackets in the JOOLA catalog. It has the fastest hitting and massive spin in the Infinity range.
Table tennis bats with a lot of spins like this are, however, not suitable for beginners. The term “spin” means the rotation of the ball. With a non-slip surface, it is easier for a beginner to bring a rotation into the ball.
Pros
- 100% speed and 99% spin rating
- ITTF regulation size
- Large sweet spot
- Flared handle shape for ease of holding
Cons
- Rubber could be of better quality
Summary:
The JOOLA Infinity Overdrive is a paddle that is targeted at adults, advanced players, and offensive players. It’s a fast-spinning and hitting paddle with a lot of speed.
#8. Best All-around Ping Pong Paddle Case: JOOLA Infinity Balance
Designed according to the rules of the art, its structure is made of 7 plies of bayous wood slats from West Africa and coated with a layer of professional quality carbon and tacky rubber.
As for the handle, it has two folds. This is all to ensure that the racquet lasts over time, no matter what style of play you play or how long you spend on it. Comfortable, the cut of the handle is flared. The presence of the carbon layer will prevent any friction and will promote the absorption of perspiration. Practical, purchasing this racket includes a storage pouch with a level of finish that is up to the quality of its content.
Pros
- Best entry-level ping pong paddle
- Lightweight paddle
- Perfect for quick counterattacks
- High-performance ratings
- Ideal for High-level players
- Also good for beginners
Cons
- Not so durable
Summary:
The JOOLA Infinity racket is perfect for high-level players who need to make quick counterattacks. While some models require some adaptation time, this racquet is immediately easy to learn. From an aesthetic point of view, this racquet has it all. All the details and the patterns it incorporates make it an excellent piece of equipment.
#9. Best Ping Pong Paddle for Defense Player: STIGA Evolution Performance
With the Stiga Evolution, you can generate enough spin and speed to keep great control of the game and keep your opponent on their toes.
It is a great paddle for defense rather than offense.
The construction of this STIGA racket is as reliable as its performance. It has a 6-ply, light wood coverings with a 2 mm sponge thickness.
The surface of the wood is constructed with nano-composite technology, which enables the racket to play the ball back with more speed and spin thanks to the tight connections in the tacky rubbers.
The concave racket grip is unique as it is equipped with a Shock Dispersion Tube (SDT), which absorbs the vibrations upon ball contact and dissipates it through the tube to the end of the grip. This leads to a smoother feel for the player.
Pros
- Perfect for a defensive style
- Decent spin
- Formidable control
- Made of premium rubber
Cons
- Too lightweight for attackers
Summary:
The Stiga Evolution is an inexpensive, well-made table tennis bat. It is a good choice for anyone who is aiming for a defensive game and still wants to enjoy moderate ball control.
#10. Best Intermediate Ping Pong Paddle for Speed: STIGA Pro Carbon
Stiga Pro Carbon uses a 7-ply blade, two of these plies of carbon fiber. This makes the racket drive stiffer on kickbacks and reduces its weight. Despite this, the Stiga Pro Carbon delivers a high-level spin, scoring a rating of 10, which is impressive for a racquet as light as this. In addition, This paddle is faster with uses a Balsa core, so the dwell time is shorter, It gives a speed of 9.9, which makes it a great choice for those who want a more offensive game.
What is impressive about the Stiga Pro Carbon racquet is that it offers a professional quality of play at almost a quarter the price of a professional caliber paddle.
Unfortunately, much of this quality tends to be lost as the rubber degrades. But most users have reported that the speed has remained.
Pros
- Exceptional speed
- Replaceable rubber
- Decent spin
- High-tech rubber
Cons
- Some packaging issues
- The heavy handle takes a while to get used to
- The rubber could be more durable
Summary:
We are looking at a model made for the intermediate-level player from Stiga. The design of the Stiga Pro Carbon is known for more sophisticated models of high-end racquets, but their products are priced more closely to that of the upper mid-range. This remains a fairly reasonable investment for a player who prefers to take his game seriously.
#11. Best Ping Pong Paddle Set under $50 for Beginners in 2021: Nibiru Sport Ping Pong Paddle Set
For the price of most single paddles on the market, the Nibiru ART-20 is a set of four table tennis rackets and eight balls that come with a storage case. This Ping Pong Set is the best table tennis racket set for under $50. It comes at a very reasonable price.
It’s a competition paddle with a flared handle that will fit most palm sizes. The paddle has a durable rubber that will not peel off. It’s a spongy layer of inverted rubber that offers tremendous spin. Each paddle is composed of 5 layers of high-quality wood that is resistant to cracking. The handles are well-built, safe, and will not splinter. All the layers of the flexible blade are glued with reliable blue. There are no fishy odors from the rubber.
The handles are sweatproof and will keep your palms clean. The balls included in the set are true flight balls, guaranteed to not go dented. They are of regulation size and weight. These paddles are, however, for recreational sports.
Pros
- Features a storage case
- Four paddles included
- It also comes with 8 dent-free balls
- Good value ping pong paddle for money
Cons
- Only for recreational sport
- Low control, speed, and spin
Summary:
The Nibiru product is a complete set of table tennis accessories. It may not be a competition or professional grade type of paddle set, however, it’s perfect for recreational use among friends and colleagues.
#12. Best Competition Ping Pong Paddle for Intermediate Players: Butterfly 401
The Butterfly 401 ping-pong racket is a tournament-level paddle that is made for players who always want to win. It is first of all a ping-pong racket with a shakehand flared handle.
This kind of table tennis handle is highly regarded for its standardization. It’s ideal for professionals. This racket is for you even if you are a beginner in the sport or just want to have fun.
It also has a high-quality blade to give you better ball hitting. It has a shakehand style that will allow you to have a better grip and a better feeling of touching the ball during your training or your match.
Pros
- It comes with a full case.
- Mostly suitable for beginners and intermediate players
- Small, maneuverable size
- Good control and spin
- Inexpensive paddle
Cons
- Too rounded out
Summary:
Butterfly 401 paddle adapts to all types of players, whether you are a tournament-level player, an amateur, or a regular at the game. The handle will allow you to feel at ease, whatever your body type. The grip of this model guarantees you a good feeling of control every time you return the ball.
#13. STIGA Performance 4 Player Ping Pong Paddle Set
The STIGA Performance 4 Player Ping Pong Paddle Set is a high-quality option for those looking to upgrade their ping pong game. This set includes four paddles, each with an optimized rubber surface for improved control and spin. The lightweight design allows for quick and agile movement on the table, while the sturdy construction ensures durability.
Users rave about the improved performance they experience with the STIGA paddles. The rubber surface provides excellent grip and spin, allowing for more precise shots. The paddles are also well-balanced, making them comfortable to hold and maneuver.
In addition to their performance, the paddles in this set have a sleek and stylish design. They come in a sleek black color with contrasting red and white accents, giving them a modern and professional look.
Overall, the STIGA Performance 4 Player Ping Pong Paddle Set is a fantastic option for those looking to take their ping pong game to the next level. With their high-quality construction, improved performance, and stylish design, these paddles are a great investment for any serious ping-pong player.
Best Table Tennis Blades for Professionals: Top 3
Should you want to build your paddle yourself (Choose your blade type, Customize the rubber, Glue it yourself), some of the best table tennis blades for professionals on the market to use are the following:
#14. Best Table Tennis Paddle for Professional Players: Viscaria
The Butterfly Viscaria is the king of popular classics! This is the hottest ball board structure today. Many professional players who play regularly are familiar with it. It is composed of arylate fibers for lightness and carbon fiber for elasticity. It is one of the best ping-pong paddles in the world.
This classic racket structure was born more than 20 years ago. With the endorsement of many professional international players in table tennis sports, it has reached an amazing coverage rate in both professional and amateur circles. It has a speed rating of 90 and a control of 88. All are quite satisfactory and well-balanced. Therefore, it is ideal for you if you are an intermediate or advanced player. It’s not a beginner-friendly blade, however.
#15. Best Table Tennis Paddle for Professional Players on Speed: Timo Boll ALC
TIMO BOLL ALC is a five-layer wood board suitable for offensive players. It’s composed of wood + carbon + fiber and has a thickness of 5.8mm, a ball control of 87, and a speed of 89. It has the perfect combination of elasticity and control, huge elasticity, and extremely fast speed when drawing a circle or attacking the ball.
Timo Boll ALC is an improvement of Timo Boll Spirit. The carbon content is higher, and the blade is stiffer, but it is quicker and more difficult to control. The touch is medium-hard.
The speed of this blade is a little bit slower than the more violent general carbon in the Butterfly soleplate. But the suddenness of the attack and the “low arc” forward momentum is outstanding! It is all so good whether it’s an in-stage challenge or a fast break near the middle stage!
#16. Best Table Tennis Paddle for Speed and Spin: Zhang Jike Super ZLC
Butterfly Zhang Jike Super ZLC is also commonly known as “Super Zhang.” It came into production after Zhang Jike won the Grand Slam a few years ago, and he was unparalleled in the limelight! Butterfly uses this opportunity to launch the Zhang Jike series, Zhang Jike super ZLC, ZLC, ALC, and other high-end blades.
As one of the most offensive boards from Zhang Jike Super ZLC, you can see the ultimate in product development and enthusiasm for the board!
Overall, Zhang Jike’s super ZLC is an almost perfect offensive board with high performance!
Super Zhang has a large sweet spot area. The decent ping pong paddle is better for beginners and intermediate players. The percussion sound and the pitch are pretty higher than the sound of the BOLL ALC.
It is the most expensive ping pong paddle in the standard version of the Butterfly brand.
Related Post：
- Why Butterfly Viscaria is So Popular?
- Butterfly Timo Boll ALC Review
- Butterfly Zhang jike Super ZLC Reviews
How to Choose the Above Best Paddles?
We’ve seen the best ping pong paddles from the leading manufacturers on the market. However, in the list of products are similar models from the same brands. Here, we compare similar products from the same line so you can know better how to choose.
Best Killerspin Ping Pong Racket: JET200 vs. Jet800
The Killerspin JET200 racket comes with a 5-layer wood blade that offers an outstanding balance of power and spin. It uses a type of wood that is light, smooth, and rigid.
However, the Killerspin JET800 has a 7-layer blade that is ideal for High-level players. Meanwhile, the additional carbon fiber layers in the JET800 provide more consistent and powerful attacks.
You just need a good ping-pong table, and that’s it. The JET800 is an all-around paddle, while the JET200 is for recreational players and beginners.
Best Palio Ping Pong Paddle: Master 3.0 vs Legend 2.0 vs Expert 3.0
There isn’t a definite winner in this battle of the Master, Legend, and Expert. They’re just designed for different levels of players and play styles. Expert 2 has a higher control rating and is ideal for beginners.
Meanwhile, if you are an advanced table tennis player, the Legend 2.0 would suit you because its speed rating has improved.
So, it’s for aggressive offensive players. The Palio Master 3.0, however, is for intermediate players that want to try counterattack playstyles. It’s not difficult to use, and you can use this for making more powerful strikes.
Best JOOLA Ping Pong Racket: Infinity Edge vs. Infinity Overdrive vs Infinity Balance
In the battle of the Infinities, the Overdrive, as its name suggests, would be for the most advanced offensive players looking for a fast paddle. It has a 100% speed rating, a spin rating of 99%, and a control rating of 92. It has the fastest hitting and spin in the range and is perhaps the most advanced paddle.
Meanwhile, the Infinity Edge comes next in terms of playing level. It’s not as fast as Overdrive but it’s rated 95 in this aspect. It has a Driver 42 rubber that not only offers fast-hitting but a very large sweet spot.
Finally, the Infinity Balance, as its name suggests, is for the balanced type of player (or call it an all-rounder). The speed, spin, and control are rated 92 each. It’s for beginner to intermediate users who can already make quick counterattacks.
STIGA Evolution vs. STIGA Pro Carbon vs. Butterfly 401
The similarity between these three models is that they are tournament-grade paddles. First, the Butterfly 401 is a racket for competition players. It’s ITTF-approved but suitable for all styles and levels of players.
The Stiga Pro Carbon, also approved by the ITTF, has a better spin rating of 100 and a speed of 90. But it lacks control.
The Stiga Evolution has better control than the Stiga Pro Carbon. It’s rated 90, and the speed is on the high side too, while it’s also approved for tournament use by the ITTF.
How to Choose The Best Table Tennis Paddle?
Your Playing Style and Level
The type of player determines which paddle suits you. What’s your playing style, and what is your experience level?
Playing style
A fundamental distinction is made between a defensive player and an attacking player. Those who play aggressively need a fast table tennis bat, whereas a defensive player needs a bat with a lot of spin and control.
- Versatile offensive player: The versatile, offensive player is characterized by a very varied style. His playstyle is based on different top spins and counter spins. In doing so, he forces his opponents to make mistakes. The versatile offensive player is known for having mastered the game to the core with the rotation. He prefers fast and medium-fast hits.
- Offensive and aggressive player: An offensive and aggressive player usually plays at high speed from a short distance from the table with hard top spins. He is characterized by a great deal of initiative and would like to dictate the game, whether push, drive or loop stroke. He also acts with quick and short strokes. This player is known for taking every chance to play spins and counter-spins as close as possible to the table tennis table.
- All-round player: The all-around player uses all offensive striking techniques but prefers low-risk both serve and return. However, if the chance presents itself, he will also bring well-placed and high-rotation top spins. Meanwhile, he is just as good at countering or, if you like to block. Easily controllable woods are perfect for him. The coverings have a sponge thickness between 1.5 and 2.1 mm.
- Defensive player: A defensive player avoids making mistakes and plays undercut defensive strokes from half to long distances from the table tennis table. He tries to provoke the attacker and thereby benefits from the mistakes. This disrupts the flow of the game for the opposing player. For this type of player, the rubber with long knobs on the outside and thin spin rubbers on the inside is recommended.
Experience level
Are you a beginner or a professional? You need pretty different types of paddles.
- Ready-made commercial rackets are for starters: Commercial rackets can be bought cheaply and are sometimes sold in pairs or in packages that include ping pong balls. But they are usually more tailored to the needs of recreational players and beginners who don’t know how to play table tennis yet.
- Professionals often select and paste their custom materials: More experienced players often choose the materials used to build their racquets to refine their performance. You can build your ideal racket by selecting and assembling each part individually. Other materials used in ping pong rackets include carbon fibers, which increase the strength of the racket and give it an extra punch. Compressed papers are also used to reduce the weight of the racket.
Type of Grips
There are quite a few grip styles, so many players choose the most suitable blade for their dominant technique. When thinking about grip techniques, shakehand, and penhold grip styles usually come to mind. But other ergonomic grips are being used a lot lately.
- Shakehand: The most common ergonomic grip style is the shakehand grip, which is held similarly to a handshake. It can vary depending on where your thumb rests (on the rubber or the blade).
- Penhold: It is an advanced grip that comprises three main variations (Japanese, reverse, and Chinese straight). This straight grip simulates the posture but presents some difficulties while making a backhand push or loop.
- V-Grip: With this, you use your index finger together with your thumb to go around the V-shaped blade. This is a difficult grip to get with a normal paddle. Players looking to be dominant in the spin technique often lean towards this style of play.
- Seemiller: Dan Seemiller, a former world champion, popularized this technique. Closely related to the handshake, the seemiller uses the index finger to secure the racket by the outer edge. Those who use this grip excel at their forehand game, but the seemiller sometimes fails at the backhand game.
Material and Performance
Blade Composition, Material & Layers
Ping pong rackets are usually made of wood, but official ITTF regulations allow them also to contain a small percentage of another material, such as carbon fiber. To be a standard competition racket, the blade must be composed of at least 85% wood, and the additional materials must be less than 7.5% of the total thickness.
The paddles usually have five or more thin layers of wood or other material. The 5- and 7-ply paddles are the most common on the market, and the mix of soft and hardwoods and other composite materials helps create the performance of the right paddle.
The main difference between carbon and wood is predictability. Wood is a natural material; therefore, it is not uniform in nature. Although all blades must be made of at least 85% wood, the small percentage of carbon fiber will add a little more predictability to the blade.
Speed, Spin, and Control
Ping pong is a game that stimulates coordination and increases concentration. It requires speed, so your mind will be exercised as you devise strategies and tactics.
Also, ping pong is one of the fastest racket sports, requiring even faster response than tennis or badminton. The heart will be exercised by executing various upper body movements, so the reflexes improve.
On the other hand, the design of a racket will give more or less control over the ball. Typically, there is a trade-off between control, spin, and speed – the more control you have, the less speed and spin you can create. A novice player should seek a high degree of control, then improve speed and spin.
Blade, Rubber, and Sponge
Matching principle: soft rubber with hard blades, hard rubber with soft blades
Paddle weight
Another factor to consider when purchasing a ping pong racket is the weight of the blade. More or less agility and lightness during use will depend on it.
The lightest table tennis rackets are intended for beginner players who do not yet have a lot of experience using table tennis rackets.
Meanwhile, the heavier blades are aimed at professional players. They are for those who are already more accustomed to using ping-pong rackets and know what effect they need to give with each movement to achieve the desired power.
Rubber density
The side of the blade that is used to make contact with the ball must be evenly covered with rubber. A single layer of non-cellular rubber can be natural or synthetic, with evenly distributed peaks, with a density between 10 and 30 per square centimeter.
The sheets may have a single layer of cellular rubber covered with a single outer layer of rubber with a thickness of less than 2 mm. The thickness and density of this layer of rubber affect the speed of the ball.
Rackets can have two different rubber liners on each side of the blade or the same front and back.
Sponge thickness
In addition to the rubber’s type, softness, and texture, you can choose how thick you want the sponge to be. Consider how thick you want the rubber sponge to be. Decide if you will play ping pong better with a thicker or thinner sponge. The sponge sits under the outer surface of the rubber to absorb shock and offer grip and control. The speed with which the ball can be returned also changes. Thicker sponges make the racket heavier and denser, allowing you to hit the racket with more speed. The thin layers of sponge, on the other hand, provide sensitivity and allow you to slow down a bit.
Paddle Ratings
Ping Pong paddles have a rating system. However, there is no official standard for rating these products. So, comparing the paddle performance accurately is impossible by just looking at the ratings. For example, the criteria such as speed, control, and spin are scored out of 100. But these ratings are exaggerated and not objective. So, it’s often better to look at other features such as the blade composition, rubber thickness, and more.
Brand
What is the best ping pong paddle brand？
Good brands of table tennis paddles include Stiga, Butterfly, DHS, Nittaku, Joola, Tibhar, and more.
- Stiga: Stiga has been making items for table tennis since 1917. The Swedish company is one of the most important supporters of table tennis in the Scandinavian country and has also found many fans outside of Scandinavia. Stiga’s high-quality paddle blades and rubbers ensure an ambitious and precise game. The models are divided into different series that suit every playing style.
- Butterfly: Under the Butterfly brand, the Japanese manufacturer Tamasu offers a wide range of rubbers and beaters enhanced with synthetic fibers and carbon. International stars like Timo Boll and Ai Fukuhara play with table tennis bats from traditional companies. The company is one of the innovation leaders in table tennis. The wide range of Butterfly products can be confusing for beginners. Still, the manufacturer also offers telephone material advice in the service area and has table tennis bats for beginners in its range.
- DHS: DHS Corporation is a sports goods manufacturer located in Shanghai, China. DHS produces table tennis balls, table tennis rackets, blades, rubber sets, tables, and other products, and occupies more than half of the global table tennis market. Among them, DHS Long5 and W968 are deeply loved by fans. DHS has often become the designated equipment supplier for the World Table Tennis Championships and the Olympic Games.
- Joola: The German company Joola was founded in 1952, and in the early years switched to manufacturing table tennis tables. Today, table tennis bats, balls, tables, and clothing items for table tennis are also in the provider’s portfolio. Joola developed new processes for its rubbers which, through an innovative arrangement of the pimples and a high-friction surface, ensure that the ball adheres well and is more fun to play. The provider also has table tennis bats for children on offer. Joola Profi also offers models such as the Joola Carbon Pro with ITTF approval.
- Nittaku: The Japanese manufacturer Nittaku produces table tennis bats for offensive and defensive players. The company also has sticks and rubbers for players of all skill levels, including professionals. Nittaku also offers a wide range of accessories for table tennis.
How Do You Glue Rubber to a Table Tennis Paddle?
If you have chosen a table tennis paddle without pre-made rubber, you must glue the rubber yourself. Professional table tennis players glue their own rubber.
- Apply a thin table tennis glue evenly to the racket and the rubber.
- Dry naturally or with a hairdryer
- Place the rubbers on the racket.
- Roll with a roller or other round object, such as a bottle
- Cut slowly with scissors
- Repeat on the other side
By the way, Butterfly Viscaria, Timo Boll ALC, Zhangjike Super ZLC mentioned in the last chapter, these three paddles require players to purchase rubber paste by themselves.I think this is very important for novice players
Best Ping Pong Paddles FAQs
A paddle consists of three parts. The part used to strike is called the “racquet head”. In table tennis, it is made of varnished wood, covered with a rubber coating.
Between the coating and the wood, it is common to have a thickness of the synthetic foam. There is also the heart of the racquet that connects the handle and the head. The handle is the part with which you hold the racquet; it can be covered with a “grip” adhesive tape, improving grip and absorbing shocks.
A ping-pong racket is usually decked out in red and black on both sides. The choice of these two colors relates mainly to offensive and defensive techniques. The ITTF added the color rule so that opponents can tell which side you are using and anticipate speed and spin.
Even the most expensive table tennis racket from Joola or other well-known brands is useless if the racket does not suit your playing behavior and experience.
Therefore, the first step is for you to analyze what style of play ping pong you are pursuing. It is also essential to choose whether you are looking for a table tennis bat for professionals or rather for novice players.
Prices usually vary a lot. It all depends on your expectations and the use you want to give it. It is possible to find cheaper rackets that are around $10 to 20 if you want them for your children to play with or if you are going to use them infrequently. But if not, investing in a better quality model is better. Premium-quality models can cost anywhere between $50 to $80. Some even cost more than $100.
Good ping pong paddles are generally more expensive and it is the decent ping pong paddle; They have good stability and can effectively help you improve your table tennis skills.
In addition to that, it offers durability and flexibility compared to cheap table tennis rackets. Premium table tennis rackets use premium materials and the latest technology.
Butterfly makes the highest quality blades these days and are generally more expensive than Stiga’s paddles. There is no problem with the Stiga blade and a better price/performance ratio than the Butterfly. It often depends on your budget.
A high-quality ping pong racket will have a more prominent sweet spot, which will make it easier to get the ball over the net and onto the opponent’s table. They will also help you control the ball and give you more energy and impact as you learn the basics of table tennis.
It can last at least five years if you play 1-2 times a week and are careful enough to avoid bumps. It can last 1-2 years if you play every day.
Care and Maintenance of Table Tennis Bats
Ping Pong paddles need a little care in cleaning and storage because the surface is made of rubber. Ping Pong rubber degrades over time and has a surface texture that can be easily damaged. Taking care and maintaining a racket involves storing it after use, and keeping the paddle protected and cleaned.
How to Clean A Table Tennis Racket?
When cleaning your ping pong rackets, keep the following tips in mind. Do not use abrasive detergents to clean the rubber. You should also avoid bleach and vinegar.
I usually use this Butterfly Table Tennis Racket Care Kit, which contains 1 Ping Pong Paddle Cleaner + 1 Table Tennis Rubber Cleaner Sponge and is very good value for money.
Always use a soft cloth or a soft bristle brush without scrubbing hard. You can use cold or warm water to clean a ping pong paddle.
Ping Pong Paddle Case Protector
The racket protector is the best option if you need to protect the paddle and keep the blade for a long. They are used after cleaning the racket and when you’re ready to keep it.
We recommend the STIGA Table Tennis Racket Cover, it has more space to protect 1-2 Ping Pong Paddles and is very durable.
How to Make Ping Pong Paddle Rubber Sticky Again？
Replacing with new rubber will give you the best results.
Alternatively, you can use sunflower oil to apply to old rubber, but before doing so, use a detergent to remove dust and stains from the rubber surface. Then wait for it to dry and repeat a few times to make your rubber sticky.
Conclusion: What’s the best ping pong paddle？
There is no overall best ping pong paddle on the market. Each type of player has a different style of play and level of experience. These only can determine your paddle choice, which you’ll find out is yours in our review and guide.
In general, if you are a beginner for entertainment purposes, it is recommended to buy JOOLA Infinity Balance; if you have certain basic skills and want to acquire more attacking abilities, STIGA Pro Carbon may be suitable for you; if you are a high-level player Players, then recommend the Butterfly Timo Boll ALC blade.
Other Articles on Table Tennis Equipment You May Need:
My name is Cosmos Boll and I’m 26 years old. I’m Chinese and live in Shanghai.
I am a table tennis enthusiast and a professional table tennis coach.
My idol is Timo Boll who is the greatest player in the world.
This article is very useful for me.
I ended up choosing the JOOLA Infinity Balance table tennis racket.
Thank you
very good post!
It is useful for novice ping pong players like me.
thanks
The protector looks good. I want one.