Level up with the best ping-pong paddles

Which ping-pong paddle is best?

The sport of ping-pong, or table tennis, can get extremely competitive, especially in tournaments. In order to serve, strike and hit various styles, a quality paddle is crucial. Even if you’re just a beginner, having a reliable paddle that you can grow and improve with can be helpful along the journey.

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If you’re looking for a paddle that suits both beginner and experienced players, the Stiga Pro Carbon Table Tennis Racket is the top choice.

In this article: Stiga Pro Carbon Table Tennis Racket, Butterfly 401 Table Tennis Racket and Killerspin JET 600 Table Tennis Paddle

What to know before you buy a ping-pong paddle

Blade

The blade, which is in the top region of the paddle you hit the ball with, should be comprised of at least 85% natural wood. There are multiple layers of the blade, typically three, five, or seven layers. It should be 5-10 millimeters thick and weigh around 2.5-3 ounces.

If you want a paddle that’s lighter and will give you more spin, go with a lighter blade. However, if you want a paddle that can absorb and generate more power, it may be best to look for a heavier blade.

Handle

The handle of a ping-pong paddle should match the type of grip you use. Western handles have a long and rounded frame, which is more suitable for those who have a Shakehand grip, a grip that resembles you shaking someone’s hand. Eastern handles are shorter and thicker, catering more to those who use a Penhold grip, where the head of the paddle is facing down and the paddle is held like a pen.

Rubber

There should always be a rubber surface covering the head of the paddle, as this surface will make contact with the ball when playing. There are two common types of rubber for ping-pong paddles: pips-in and pips-out. Pips are the little stubs that cover the paddle. Pips-in rubber, or inverted rubber, is smooth on the outer surface, and the pips instead touch the inside of the foam. Pips-in rubber is the most popular, as you have various speeds and spins at your disposal. Pips-out is more of a defensive rubber that provides more speed and power but has less spin on hits.

Sponge

The sponge typically consists of a soft layer of foam that sits between the blade and the rubber. Sponges range from 1-2.5 millimeters thick. The thinner the sponge, the more suitable it is for defensive play, while the thicker it is, the better it is for adding power and control to hits. A 1-millimeter thickness is more suitable for defensive play and 1.5 millimeters is good for a balanced style of play.

What to look for in a quality ping-pong paddle

Carbon fiber

Ping-pong paddles with carbon fiber can reduce the amount of vibration the paddle has when making contact with the ball, which can help with having more control and power when playing. Carbon fiber tends not to be too heavy, so it won’t be a determining factor when looking for a paddle with a specific weight or size.

How much you can expect to spend on a ping-pong paddle

If you’re a beginner, starting off with a cheaper paddle in the $15-$20 range is a good start. For those who are experienced and know their playing style, mid-range paddles cost $20-$40, or you can go with professional paddles that cost $40-$80.

Ping-pong paddle FAQ

Can the two sides of rubber on a ping-pong paddle be made of different materials?

A. Paddles with two different sides of rubber material are allowed in various league tournaments; however, it can be difficult playing with a paddle that has two different materials. If you’re playing in a tournament, a common rule is that one side of the paddle is red and the other is black, allowing your opponent to know when you switch sides.

How much do speed, spin and control ratings matter?

A. The ratings aren’t as important as testing it out yourself and reading customer reviews. Make sure that the materials used are of good quality, as that can be a significant factor as well.

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Can the rubber of a ping-pong paddle be replaced?

A. There are special glues specifically made for adhering foam and rubber to a ping-pong paddle’s blade. The rubber surface can be sized to fit your paddle accordingly. You can tell when the rubber needs to be replaced after you see signs of cracking and dryness.

What are the best ping-pong paddles to buy?

Top ping-pong paddle

Stiga Pro Carbon Table Tennis Racket

What you need to know: Featuring carbon technology, this paddle is great for those who want power and spin on their hits.

What you’ll love: This is a performance-level paddle that can be played within tournaments, or for those who are just beginning. The paddle has special absorption technology to absorb vibrations.

What you should consider: This paddle is less suitable for defensive players.

Top ping-pong paddle for the money

Butterfly 401 Table Tennis Racket

What you need to know: Using an ergonomic grip, this paddle has a nice grip and comfort to it while helping provide the spin, speed, and control you may want.

What you’ll love: It comes with a paddle cover and a paddle case, providing extra protection. One side is red and the other is black, perfect for ping-pong tournaments.

What you should consider: The rubber can get sticky, so you’ll have to clean it from time to time.

Worth checking out

Killerspin JET 600 Table Tennis Paddle

What you need to know: Designed for intermediate to advanced players, this paddle uses a performance-quality blade that’s helpful for tournaments.

What you’ll love: The blade consists of three types of premium wood that provide better speed and control. The premium ITTF-approved rubber surface is great for a heavy spin.

What you should consider: The handle may be a bit too short to get a firm grip on it.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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