Table tennis is the world’s most popular racket sport that can be played indoors or outdoors, as a competitive sport or simply for recreation. When playing for competitions, choosing ping pong paddles is important because these affect ball spin, speed, placement and strategy.

Kinds of paddles

• Pre-made rackets: These bats are sold with rubbers already attached to the blade and are generally used for recreational purposes. These inexpensive and ready-to-use rackets are great for beginners and non competitive players.

• Custom paddles: These rackets must be assembled before they can be used. To build your own bat, you will need to purchase two rubbers and a blade of your choice and fuse them together using a special glue. Table tennis rules allow you to install different types of rubber on either side of the racket. Custom ping pong paddles are suitable for competitive players because they can put together the best blade and rubbers for their games. A custom racket also makes it easy for you to replace worn out or damaged rubbers.

Parts of the racket

• Blade: this is the wooden part of the racket which may be combined with other materials such as cork, glass fiber, carbon fiber, aluminum fiber and aralyte. An all natural wood blade provides the best feel and great control while the composite blade is good if you want greater speed during play.

• Rubbers: cover both sides of the bat and may be pimpled or smooth. A pimpled surface, also known as short pips, is for a defensive player whose strategy is to change the rhythm of a game, block and chop well, and produce deceptive returns to an opponent.

On the other hand, the smooth or reverse pimpled rubber is for the aggressive player whose strategy consists of high speed plays, powerful strokes and forceful spins.

A table tennis racket determines the kind of game you play because it can be used to control the ball’s speed and spin. But this does not mean that you should run out and buy the most expensive paddle you can find.

Your choice among the many kinds of ping pong paddles will depend on your skills and purpose of playing. If playing for recreation or just starting out, a pre made racket is convenient and sufficient. But if you want to develop your game or are practicing for competition, then you’ll have to invest in high quality rubbers and a blade for your custom bat.

Choosing the Right Ping Pong Paddles for Competitive Play is a post from: Table Tennis Experts

Whether your playing for recreation or competitive sports, knowing what ping pong paddles to buy can make or break your game.

Table tennis continues to be the top racket sport around the world because it provides hours of fun and a complete physical workout and challenges your skills.

Because much of your skills and strategy depends on your racket, deciding whether to buy a pre made or custom paddle or its individual parts requires some careful thought.

Here are some expert tips for choosing the correct ping pong paddles:

• Selecting rubber

Rubbers cover both sides of the paddle surface or blades and can be of various types:

Smooth inverted and sticky: These are the most preferred rubbers because they produce high speeds, powerful strokes and forceful spins for offensive plays.

Pips or pimpled rubber surfaces: These give faster and more direct shots, reverses the opponents spin for great defensive playing.

Anti-spin rubber: This is ideally used for defensive playing to reverse the opponent’s spins although most competitive players use a combination of anti-spin and long pips for better control of the game.

• Choosing the blade

Blades must be at least 85% natural wood. The rest of the blade can be made of composite materials like glass or carbon fiber. Carbon blades strengthen the blade and provide a larger sweet spot.

But beginners and recreational players may no longer feel confused when choosing the right kind of blades or materials as manufacturers now provide speed ratings to guide buyers in their selection. As a rule of thumb, a slower blade gives better control while a faster blade is good for offensive shots but has little control.

Over 70: this is a fast blade which is suitable for offensive players but offer less control.

50 – 70: is an all-around range that beginners and recreational players may also use.

Slower blades are for defensive plays because these provide better control.

• Choosing the sponge

In between the blade and rubber is a sponge layer between 1.2 mm to 2.5 mm thick. A thin sponge gives you better control while a thick one produces more speed but little control.

Recreational players can still buy pre made ping pong paddles for their convenience as these are increasingly manufactured using high quality materials. But if you are thinking of improving your game, investing in a custom racket is more cost effective in the long run because it is easier to replace rubbers as your skills develop.

Expert Guide for Choosing Ping Pong Paddles is a post from: Table Tennis Experts

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.

Beginner’s Guide to Ping Pong Paddles is a post from: Table Tennis Experts

Table tennis is one of the world’s most popular racket sport with hundreds of millions playing the game for recreation, exercise or competition. As table tennis tables are set up in schools, health clubs, sports centers and most homes, ping pong paddles and balls are all you need to get a game going.

Your table tennis bat or racket is your personal partner that can make or break your game which is why most players carefully choose their rackets.

Each racket is composed of two parts: the blade and the rubbers.

• Blade: This is generally made of wood and can be combined with other materials to create different kinds of play for as long as 85% is natural wood. Manufacturers may add carbon fiber to strengthen and stiffen the blade for increased speeds or aralyte which has a softer feel than carbon for reduced vibration and also increased sweet spot.

• Rubbers: These cover both sides of the blade and can be pimpled, reverse or anti spin rubbers.

* Pimpled or short pips are often used by defensive players who want a paddle that can alter the rhythm and speed of the game, block and chop well, and hand deceptive returns to the opponent.

* Reverse or smooth rubber is chosen by aggressive players who want to produce powerful strokes and forceful spins as this material promotes high speed plays.

* Anti spin rubber has a “no surface” grip often preferred by defensive players whose strategy is to disrupt the rhythm of a powerful opponent’s game.

Buying your first table tennis racket can be easy if you know your skills level and type of play.

There are two kinds of bats: pre made and custom.

• Pre made bats are ready made paddles that are easily found in sports stores and specialty shops. These are less expensive than custom made bats and are ideal for beginners and recreational players.

• Custom bats require separate purchases of the blade and rubbers which are then joined together using special glue. Seasoned and competitive players often choose the parts of their rackets according to their skills, playing style and strategy. Custom rackets offer the practical advantage of being able to replace the rubbers when they are worn out, damaged or no longer suitable for your playing style.

Price should be the least of your considerations when choosing ping pong paddles. However, this does not mean that you should buy the most expensive racket nor does an inexpensive racket imply poor quality. Instead, you should buy one that enhances your skills and promotes your game plan.

Ping Pong Paddles Buyers Guide is a post from: Table Tennis Experts

A ping pong paddle or bat is an important asset in a game of table tennis. With the right ping pong paddle, you can develop and improve your skills or win a game. The choice of a paddle depends on important factors such as your skills level, playing requirements, budget, and convenience.

Parts of a paddle

A ping pong paddle or racket consists of:

• A blade, which is the wooden part of the paddle, and
• The rubbers, which cover both sides of the blade.

Pre-made and custom paddles are the main types of ping pong paddles that you can find in most sports shops and specialty stores.

Pre-made vs. custom

Pre-made paddles, also known as recreational paddles, are sold with rubbers already attached to the blade. Its advantages include:

• inexpensive cost
• ready to use
• simple selection (no need to choose individual paddle and rubbers)
• ideal for beginners and recreational uses

In contrast, custom paddles require assembly of two rubbers and a blade, each sold separately and joined together with special glue. This allows you to:

• put together a paddle that suits your style
• choose a blade of better quality
• use high quality rubbers that can be replaced when worn out or damaged

Rubber

Players move up a notch by choosing to play with custom paddles. If you wish to have a custom paddle, you will have to choose from among the following types of rubber:

• Inverted rubber, also known as reverse or smooth rubber. This type is preferred by aggressive players because it generates high speed levels and produces powerful strokes and forceful spins.
• Pimple rubber, better known as short pips, are suitable for defensive players because this design can alter the rhythm of a game, block and chop well, and produce deceptive returns to an opponent.
• Anti spin rubber has a “no surface” grip which is useful for disrupting the rhythm of a powerful opponent’s game as well.

Blades

Blades are primarily made of natural wood and may be filled with layers of composite material such as carbon fibre, aralyte and glass fibre. All wood paddles generally provide the best feel and better control while composite paddles give better speed and a greater sweet spot.

Beginners and recreational table tennis players usually spend less time choosing their ping pong paddles and opt for pre-made bats. Avid and seasoned players consider more factors before putting together their rubbers and paddles. If you choose a custom paddle, it is best to get an objective analysis of your game style, strengths and weaknesses before purchasing one.

If in doubt, consult a table tennis expert to help you find the best ping pong paddle.

Find Ping Pong Paddles here

How to Choose a Ping Pong Paddle is a post from: Table Tennis Experts

In any boring day, ping pong is a great way to entertain the family or guests inside or outside the house. For the serious player, a game of table tennis is the best way to prepare or condition oneself for a competition. Owning your own equipment like table tennis paddles, tables, and the like allows you more practice. Having these facilities at home is great idea.

Of all these equipment, the racquet is one of the first items you should own. Professional players know that this have an impact on your play, so purchase of this should be done wisely.

Different types of racquets

Paddles come in different kinds. You must remember though that your skill is at stake on what type you are going to purchase. The wrong racquet may not present you with the outcome that you want to achieve.

Recreational or Pre-made paddles – The rubbers on this type of paddles is already assembled once you purchase this. It is beginners and recreational players that suit this type.

Compared to the custom made paddle, this one does not cost that much. Another thing is it is easy to find. Any sporting stores have this. If you are someone who really minds having to set-up something, the pre-made paddle it perfect for you!

Custom made paddles – High performance paddles are the best to use if you are serious about playing the sport. You will be able to achieve the type of spin and speed you want to apply in your game. This is possible through the high-grade rubber and blade used to create this racquet.

The type of material you will use depends on your playing style. In any game, customized paddles have an edge over recreational racquets.

Which to choose?

It is true that custom made racquets have an advantage over regular ones, but it is only a good idea to purchase one if you are a regular table tennis player or you want to enter in a competition. If you are just playing for fun, it is suggested that you stick with pre-made paddles.

So you are decided to purchase a custom racquet? Asses you playing style. After you have done this, choose the paddle appropriate for it. As you improve your play, you can change the rubbers, blades or the whole paddle itself depending on your style.

There are many benefits to owning your own table tennis paddles. Through the right one, you will be able to develop to the player that you want to be. To learn more about the different racquets available, click here.

Selecting the Best Table Tennis Paddles for You is a post from: Table Tennis Experts