Table Tennis Buying Guide

Table Tennis Tables

You can buy table tennis tables in several sizes but a regulation table tennis table is 2.74 m (9 ft) long, 1.525 m (5 ft) wide, and 76 cm (30 inch) high with a hardboard or similarly manufactured timber, layered with a smooth, low-friction coating. The table, or playing surface, is divided into two halves by a 15.25 cm (6 inch) high net. An ITTF approved table surface must be in a green or blue colour.

You can also buy tables with a playback feature where part of the table folds up to provide a return surface for solo practise or play. You can also buy outdoor tables depending on where you like to play and the weather of course!

Table Tennis Bat (or blade or paddle)

The wooden portion of the racket, often referred to as the 'blade', features between one and seven plies of wood, cork, glass fibre, carbon fibre, aluminium fibre or even Kevlar. There are no restrictions as to what kinds of materials may be used, just so long as the racket consists of at least 85% natural wood. Common wood types include Balsa, Limba, Walnut and Cypress. The average size of the blade is about 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) long and 6 inches (15 cm) wide. Although there are no official restrictions on the shape or size of the blade itself, these dimensions are optimal for most play styles.

Table Tennis (or ping pong) Balls

The ball is made of a high-bouncing air-filled celluloid, or similar, plastic material, coloured white or orange with a matte finish. The choice of ball colour should contrast with the table colour and its surroundings. For example, a white ball is easier to see on a green or blue table than it is on a grey table. Stars on the ball indicate the quality of the ball. Three stars indicate that it is of the highest quality and used in official competition.

Choosing a Table Tennis Table

Unless you are already playing at national level, it is unlikely that you need the most expensive table tennis table in the range. If it is your first table for the family, it makes sense to go for the cost effective option and let your family practise while they are learning how to play.You need to decide whether you have the space to leave the table set up permanently or whether you will be frequently packing it up and putting it back. If you are going to be taking it up and down constantly, you will want something that is easy to setup, preferably a fold-up model that can be handled by one person, with rollers to allow you to move it without fuss. The good roller tables all have brakes on the wheels that can be applied to stop the table moving around when in use.

Make sure that the table you buy has good strong legs and supports - it's probably going to take quite a beating over the next few years, and you will need something well-made to stand up to the rough treatment. This is especially important if you have kids that are likely to treat the table a bit rougher than an adult will.

Make sure that the finish on the table is smooth and even, with no patches or rough spots. Look for any rough edges on the top and sides that could cut you if you accidentally grazed a part of your body along it. If possible, bring a ruler with you to test the height of the bounce - remember that according to the Laws of Table Tennis, the ball should bounce about 23cm when a standard ball is dropped on it from a height of 30cm.

Choosing a Blade/Bat/Paddle

There are an overwhelming variety of blades out there on the market. You should give serious thought to comparing the pros and cons of the grip type you want to use. It is fairly difficult to change grip styles so whatever grip you choose now is likely to be one you use throughout your playing career.

Smooth rubbers are a good idea as pimpled surfaces are more specialised, and are limited in the types of strokes and spins they offer.

Finally, make sure you get a good cover to store your bat in, and keep it safe from damage such as liquid spills, dirt, and sunlight. Some of the more expensive covers can hold a second bat and even some balls as well.

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This Buying Guide gives general advice on Table Tennis equipment. It is intended as a guide only and we always recommend visiting one of our stores and talking to the experts in our sales team if in any doubt about what to buy.