Table tennis is a highly competitive sport that requires plenty of practice and the right racket to excel in it which is why table tennis experts recommend that beginners spend some time choosing their ping pong paddles.
Parts of a table tennis racket
A racket has two general parts, the blade which is the wooden portion and the rubbers which cover both sides of the blade.
- Blade
Table tennis rules require rackets to be at least 85% natural wood. The remaining percentage is often made of composite materials like carbon fiber which strengthens the paddle and provides a large sweet spot or aralyte, which helps dampen vibration and has a softer feel than carbon. Beginners don’t need to buy one with carbon layers just yet as they still need to develop their skills and playing style.
- Rubber
Rubbers can be smooth or reverse type or pimpled or pips. Start with a quality smooth rubber on both sides because these allow you to try and develop various play styles before focusing on a specific one for professional play. Pimples or short pips are good only for limited strokes and spins and are ideal for more specialized playing styles.
- Sponge
In between the rubbers and the blade is a layer of sponge measuring anywhere from 1.2 mm to 2.5 mm thick. A thin sponge layer gives you better control and is best suited for beginners who are developing their game while a thicker sponge gives less control but faster speeds suitable for more seasoned players.
Price
While investing in the best quality you can afford may be more cost effective, you don’t have to purchase the most expensive ping pong paddles to play well. But if you’re serious about developing your skills and playing style, even as a beginner, choosing a custom bat over a pre made one is a must.
A custom bat may cost more than a pre made paddle but it has the added advantage of allowing you to replace rubbers when worn out or damaged or upgrade its parts as your skills develop.
After buying your blade, rubbers and sponge, you’ll have to put these together using a special glue. Manufacturers sometimes offer assembly as a service to their clients; otherwise, getting it done by someone with experience will save you from costly mistakes.
Buying good covers for ping pong paddles also protects them from sunlight, liquid spills and other harsh conditions so they last longer.
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