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- Killerspin Jet 800 Table Tennis Paddle
- STIGA Pro Carbon Performance-Level
- JOOLA Infinity Overdrive Pro Performance
- Idoraz Ping Pong Paddle Professional Racket
- Butterfly 401 Table Tennis Racket Set
- STIGA Evolution Performance Level Racket
- Palio Expert 3.0 Table Tennis Racket
- Killerspin Recreational Ping Pong Paddle
- MAPOL 4 Star Professional Ping Pong Paddle
- Killerspin Jet 800 Table Tennis Paddle
- STIGA Pro Carbon Performance-Level
- JOOLA Infinity Overdrive Pro Performance
- Idoraz Ping Pong Paddle Professional Racket
- Butterfly 401 Table Tennis Racket Set
- STIGA Evolution Performance Level Racket
- Palio Expert 3.0 Table Tennis Racket
- Killerspin Recreational Ping Pong Paddle
- MAPOL 4 Star Pro Ping Pong Paddle
If you want to excel in sports then you need to be willing to put a lot of work in. You need practice, perseverance, coaching, and of course, you need the right tools to get the job done. And, when it comes to table tennis, we’re talking about getting your hands on only the best table tennis paddle to support your dream.
Whether you’re still learning the sport or already a seasoned table tennis player, it’d be wise to ascertain the value of one good quality ping pong paddle. Your coaches will tell you that, your co-athletes will tell you that, and that it is important to have a ping pong paddle that you’d prefer to be by your hands once the game gets intense.
Everything you need to know ping pong or otherwise known as table tennis
Table tennis, ping pong, or sometimes called whiff-whaff is a sport where 2 to 4 players use a racket to hit on a lightweight ping pong ball right across a table. The table has got a hard surface and is separated right at the middle with a net much like its lawn tennis variety.
The ITTF of the International Table Tennis Federation governs the sport and it is played worldwide. It’s got men’s and women’s categories for singles and since 2008 team events.
The different parts of a paddle
It pays off to know your ping pong paddle like the back of your hand. It will truly elevate your game. Having said that, here’s the anatomy of a ping pong paddle before we dive into our best ping pong paddles review. Also, brace yourself as we’re going to get a bit technical here.
Basically, your ping pong paddle has got 3 main parts, these are the blade, the rubber, and the sponge. Now each part will affect your gameplay significantly.
The blade is the most basic part of your paddle. It’s not just the foundation of it but also its handle. It’s commonly made out of carbon fiber or wood which will determine the weight and feel of your table tennis racket.
The sponge, on the other hand, will add to the thickness of your ping pong paddle. Thickness meaning the sponge is meant to add heft to your racket thus determining whether it’s a more offensive or defensive racket.
Now aside from sponge thickness, it’s also important to take note of the rubber design on your ping pong paddle. When it comes to your paddle’s rubber design, it can have a smooth or inverted one, short pips, or long pips.
What does this mean? We will discuss these aspects later on in our buying guide but for now, what you need to know is that paddles with inverted or smooth rubber are most utilized for this sport especially in tournaments because of their maximum spin potential.
But, you may also use the ones with either short or long pips (pimples) strategically. Naturally, paddles with short pips generate lesser spin than the other two. Study them well and you’ll soon devise a plan to counter your opponent effectively.
- Olympic trusted brand
- ITTF regulation size
- Carbon Kevlar layers
Benefits of choosing only the best table tennis paddle
Of course, there are a ton of benefits should you find the right ping pong paddle for you. Not only that, if you play using multiple paddles then you might just find the right set to counter every opponent that you’ll face elevating your game to the next level.
Obviously, a good quality ping pong paddle is to improve your game. Getting a hold of a table tennis racket that fits your game to a tee is a blessing and you should take advantage of it.
A good quality racket gives a nice feel to the game as you grip it. If you feel comfortable with your racket then most likely you will have more time to think and execute strategy rather than struggling with handling it.
Consequently, a good quality table tennis paddle will give you a wider range for your strategy to play the game the right way. We’re not necessarily saying that you need to be a serious player to consider one but even casual players will benefit from choosing a good quality table tennis paddle.
Best Table Tennis Paddle Product Reviews
Here are the best ping pong paddles that we’ve researched and reviewed for your convenience.
1.
Killerspin Jet 800 Table Tennis Paddle
Key Features:
- 7-ply composite carbon fiber and wood
- Nitrx 4Z rubber material
- Performance ratings: Control – 75 Spin – 90 Power – 90
- ITTF approved for competition use
- Flared handle
- Dimensions: 6 x 6 1/8 inches
- Meant for aggressive attack play style
- Dual carbon technology
- Comes with a personalized memory book and a nice storage case
- Weighs 266 grams
The first entry on our best table tennis paddle review is none other than the popular Killerspin Jet 800 Table Tennis Paddle. This youth-oriented ping pong paddle is a perfect all-around racket that’s meant to be utilized by players from all skill-levels whether it may be for a competition or casual play.
Speed and power are what this racket brings to the table. These aspects will definitely give you a certain advantage over your opponent plus it will bring out the competitor in you. It’s got 7 layers overall with 2 layers made of carbon fiber and wood sandwiching 5 layers of premium wood.
It can be ideal for well-rounded players but it’s best-suited for those who attack aggressively due to its thickness and careful construction. The dual carbon technology just adds that extra pop to your strikes.
We must warn you though to practice on it first for if you don’t and if you’re a beginner then you might have some issues controlling your shots with this racket. Nevertheless, this is one premium quality paddle and one of the best from this line of series from a killer brand.
Pros
- For pros and amateurs alike
- Great value for money
- Packs a lot of punch and speed
- High-endurance paddle
- Great grip and feel to it
Cons
- There’s a bit of a learning curve on getting used to this paddle so you can control it better
Overall Ratings
2.
STIGA Pro Carbon Performance-Level Table Tennis Racket
Key Features:
- ITTF approved for tournament play
- Carbon technology
- Performance ratings: Speed – 90 Spin – 100 Control – 80
- 7-ply super lightweight blade
- S5 rubber
- 2mm sponge
The next entry on our list is none other than the bestseller STIGA Pro Carbon Performance-Level Table Tennis Racket. This one is meant for the pros but that doesn’t mean that amateur or casual players can’t take advantage of this highly innovative racket.
Like our previous entry, this paddle packs a lot of power too but slightly takes the edge speed-wise and a little bit easier to control. There’s definitely a lot of things or features to like about this racket.
It’s got not just one but two layers of carbon for a better response as well as added rigidity. It’s got a shock-absorbent tube that’s meant to eliminate vibrations and effectively transfer energy and get rid out of the handle lessening any impact on your hands as the play gets more intense.
Aside from speed and power, this paddle is super-lightweight with a balsa wood center that gives you better control whenever necessary. With premium rubber, 2mm sponge, and a concave pro handle, these paddles may as well be the best on our list.
Pros
- Dollar for dollar great value for your money
- Very innovative design and construction
- Lightweight but powerful
- For players with both offense and defense strategies
- Relatively easy to control
Cons
- Not as durable a advertised
Overall Ratings
3.
JOOLA Infinity Overdrive Professional Performance Ping Pong Paddle
Key Features:
- Olympic trusted brand
- ITTF regulation size
- Carbon Kevlar layers
- PVC side tape
- 5-ply real wood layers
- Performance ratings: Speed – 100 Spin – 92 Control – 92
- Joola Micron 48 rubber on the sides
- Ideal for fast spin and hitting
Next on our review is a paddle from a proud brand the JOOLA Infinity Overdrive Professional Performance Ping Pong Paddle. This brand is tried and tested with over 60 years of experience in the industry and their rackets are long been utilized on the biggest stage of it all, the Olympics.
And, this particular paddle is no exception. Comes with an almost perfect rating meaning this paddle is well-rounded and is meant to be utilized by versatile players who both employ an offense or defense strategy.
This table tennis racket is meant for generating a good amount of spin to your strikes as well as superb speed. But the best aspect about it is its well-thought-out construction. Not only does it have PVC tape and Micron 48 rubber on the sides but it’s got 2 layers of carbon Kevlar.
This gives you precise control and a large sweet spot so you’re sure to hit your shots at a higher rate. With top-of-the-line assembly, this is one professional-grade paddle.
Pros
- Meant for the pros
- Well-balanced and high-performance rating
- Versatile paddle
- Affordable price point
- Powerful but keeps you in control at all times
Cons
- The construction falters rather prematurely
Overall Ratings
4.
Idoraz Ping Pong Paddle Professional Racket
Key Features:
- ITTF approved rubber
- Performance rating: Spin – 93 Speed – 99 Control – 90
- 00mm rubber coating
- 30 days money back guarantee
- Comes in a nice racket bag
If you’re looking for one good quality and affordable recreational table tennis racket then you’ve found one with the Idoraz Ping Pong Paddle Professional Racket.
We have just contradicted ourselves for the name says professional but trust us, the brand itself admits that this is one recreational racket at best. It does not have any innovative nor patented construction of layers and just comes with the standard wood layers with just the right thickness.
It’s got good ratings though but when we tried it out it’s mediocre at best plus it’s not really that long-lasting and may show some signs of wear earlier than expected even for its price point.
Bottom line is that this racket is for beginners and if you are one, you should rightfully so use a product like this so you won’t have to invest much at this point, besides you’re just starting out and starting to find your groove.
Pros
- Generates decent spin on the shots
- Decent power and speed to your strikes
- Great control
- Not that expensive
Cons
- Does not have a great feel nor grip to it
Overall Ratings
5.
Butterfly 401 Table Tennis Racket Set
Key Features:
- 1mm rubber
- Multi-colored handle and blade
- Comes with a padded case
- ITTF approved for tournaments
- Flared, shakehand handle
If the previous entry on our list is still too expensive for your liking then try the Butterfly 401 Table Tennis Racket Set. To be honest, you don’t lose much in terms of performance with this racket but cut down your investment to almost half.
This racket is unrated but still is pretty desirable especially if you put its price tag into consideration. If you’re starting out and want to test the waters first if you’ll like this sport, then this is the paddle for you.
It actually allows for a good mix of spin, speed, and control to your strikes but doesn’t expect for it to overwhelm you. But we do like to point out the fact that this paddle has a nice feel and grip to it maybe because of its weight.
It also comes with a 30-day manufacturer warranty if you’re curious to know.
Pros
- Relatively decent quality for the price
- Good construction
- Looks good and comes with a nice case
- Feels good with just the right weight
Cons
- Does not allow for powerful shots
Overall Ratings
6.
STIGA Evolution Performance Level Table Tennis Racket
Key Features:
- Performance-level paddle
- ITTF approved rubber meant for tournament play
- Features SDT or Shock Dispersion Technology
- Performance Rating: Speed – 96 Spin – 94 Control – 90
- Premium Rubber material
- 2mm Sponge
- 6-Ply Light Blade
This is another popular paddle from Stiga. The STIGA Evolution Performance Level Table Tennis Racket is a racket that you may consider as the more affordable alternative you have to the previous Stiga paddle on our list.
This one too is well-built and you won’t at all regret it if you purchase this paddle. This one is purposely built with a harder surface for the blade that’s meant for increasing speed on your strikes.
Not only that, but it also offers a relatively good amount of spin on your shots plus the bonds on the rubber are extra-tighter thus stronger. And, for a cheaper price tag, you still enjoy the brand’s shock absorbent technology that will then lessen any strain for your hands.
Still armed with a concave handle, this paddle has a nice feel to its grip.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Well-balance ratings
- Meant for versatile players or gameplay
- Very nice feel to it you can almost play with it the whole day
Cons
- The same as its predecessor on our list, this paddle lacks endurance
Overall Ratings
7.
Palio Expert 3.0 Table Tennis Racket
Key Features:
- Wide edge tape
- Comes with a good quality case
- Performance rating: Speed – 80 Spin – 90 Control – 80
- ITTF approved rubber
The Palio Expert 3.0 Table Tennis Racket is the paddle of choice for beginner and intermediate table tennis players. It’s a decent price tag and overall is got mid-tier quality at best. Now, there are a lot more rackets out there that’s better at it in terms of quality at this price point but you won’t regret trying this one out either.
This is a bestseller from the brand and that’s a testament that it’s got some credibility to it. It’s pretty well-rounded when it comes to spin, speed, and control but doesn’t expect that it will really overwhelm you.
It weighs nicely, feels good, and the grip quality is not bad. We just won’t recommend it for you to use it on serious gameplay. It’s just not for professionals.
Pros
- Can generate decent power and spin to your strikes
- Good price
- Durable enough
- Nice feel to it
Cons
- Hard to control your shots with it
Overall Ratings
8.
Killerspin Recreational Ping Pong Paddle
Key Features:
- Performance rating: Control – 85 Spin – 70 Power – 6
- Weighs 175 grams
- 5-ply wood layers
- Jet basic rubber
- PVC tape covered
- Comes with a memory book
- Flared handle
- Dimensions: 6 x 6 1/8 inches
The penultimate entry on our best tennis rackets review is the recreational alternative paddle from the Killerspin brand. We’re talking about the affordable, bestseller, and youth-oriented Killerspin Recreational Ping Pong Paddle.
This racket actually offers optimum control so you can practice your basic table tennis strokes with it. It’s like a clutch early on as you learn and that’ very beneficial for anyone just learning this game. Plus, it’s really affordable and well-constructed for it is from a trusted brand.
It’s got the right size and the right weight to it for any beginner to handle plus with its 5-ply construction, it can endure a good amount of games for a while.
Not in any way a professional-grade paddle.
Pros
- Decent control to your strikes
- Enough power, speed, or spin as you learn
- Decent quality build
- Nice feel to it
Cons
- Don’t expect it to last more than a couple of months under constant use
Overall Ratings
9.
MAPOL 4 Star Professional Ping Pong Paddle
Key Features:
- 7-ply construction
- 2mm sponge
- 60 days money-back guarantee
All right, the last entry on our best table tennis rackets review is the MAPOL 4 Star Professional Ping Pong Paddle. This racket set that comes with ping pong balls is also meant for players that are just starting out.
It’s got 7 layers of construction though so even though it’s not as durable it actually offers a lot of spin and power to your shots. Generates quite the speed too.
Perfect for those who are just learning the game like our previous entry at an affordable price tag.
Pros
- Pretty decent construction
- Relatively durable
- Packs some power
- Generates good spin
Cons
- Basically for kids to practice with
Overall Ratings
Buying Guide For The Best Ping Pong Paddle
Here are some of the aspects that you should consider as you purchase your next ping pong paddle. It’s important to take note that your choice of ping pong paddle would greatly depend on your playing style. If you’re still looking for it then it may be wise to mix and match in the meantime. Meanwhile, this guide should be a great place to start.
The grip and the handle
Your choice for the blade handle depends largely on how you intend to grip your paddle. There are generally two known grips in table tennis, the penholder grip and the shake hand grip.
The less popular penhold grip, as the name implies, holds the handle like you would a pen. So if you’re used to that then go for a shorter handle otherwise, go for a slightly longer one if you employ the commonly used shake hand grip.
Strategy, thickness, and rubber design
We’ve touched on this aspect earlier but this time let’s discuss it a bit more. Are you a defensive player? Or an offensive type? Choose your racket wisely.
For beginners, we generally advise that you get a mid-weight racket and work on finding out which weight direction you should go depending on your gameplay.
If we’re going to get a bit technical then go for rackets with a thickness of 1.3 mm if you’re the defensive type who wants better control on your strikes and when handling spin. Well-rounded players can go for rackets with 1.5 to 1.7 thicknesses. Lastly, offensive players can go for rackets with a thickness of 1.99mm or the maximum allowed.
Emphasize spin, speed, and control
Look at the features of your racket further and study which one gives you these three aspects. There are the ones that will give you all but will be hard-pressed to give you an advantage in-game.
Look for your style and find out if you value speed, spin, or control over the other. This will pay off for sure.
Some tips and tricks on how to effectively use your ping pong paddle and how to play table tennis the right way
Of course, what’s the point of a quality ping pong paddle if you don’t know how to utilize it properly, right? Learn how to play the game of table tennis the right way with these valuable tips from experts.
The basic rules
- As discussed, table tennis can be played in singles or team event categories. Back then it was just the doubles event like in its lawn tennis variety. What does the team event mean? This means that the games will be played by a combination of singles and doubles games and the “team” is made up of 3 players whether of mixed gender or not depending on the tournament.
- The goal is to score 11 points in a set. Should both sides be tied with 10 points then the goal is to win by a 2 point lead.
- You score when your opponent does a service error, fails to return the ball, or it touches any part of their body. Also, if your opponent hits the ball twice consecutively and if they touch the surface of the table or the net at any given time.
- To serve properly, the ball must rest on your open palm so you won’t have the ability to spin it and make it harder for the receiver, that’s just illegal. Also, make sure to serve and hit the ball behind the end of the table. You also can’t throw the ball up from below the table, your opponent has to see it. You may serve from the side of the table though as long as the ball is visible at all times and you throw it straight vertically and it should rise for at least 16 centimeters.
- Once you’ve hit the ball, you need to make sure of your ball placement. The ball should hit your side of the table first and as it goes over the net it should also hit the side of the table of your opponent before you then exchange blows until someone scores.
- For doubles, when serving, the ball should hit the right side of the table of the server and the receiver. The players should then alternate on hitting the ball.
- You switch the serving side after every 2 points scored.
Tips and tricks
- First of all, you need to make sure that when playing a tournament, your equipment such as your racket and ping pong ball (if they don’t provide one) fits the criteria of the said tournament.
- Make sure to recognize the spin on the ping pong ball.
- Use your racket angle to compensate for any spin.
- Know how to utilize your entire body as you strike with your forehand.
- Always keep a steady ready position.
- Muscle memory is key as with any sport and ping pong is no exception. Practice makes perfect!
- Be sure to always bring your very own and preferred table tennis racket (see how important buying one is now?)
- Practice what you call sidespin serves.
- Practice keeping your returns low on the net.
- Practice practice practice!
- Work out with a partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What other equipment will I need to play table tennis?
Answer: There’s really not much to it. All you need is your ping pong racket and nice comfortable clothing. Some organizations or tournaments would require you to use soft sole shoes, a t-shirt, and shorts.
Question: Is ping pong an Olympic sport?
Answer: You bet! Table tennis debut way back in 1988 in the Summer Olympics for both the men’s and women’s singles as well as doubles event. This was in Seoul, South Korea and the categories for table tennis have since been modified slightly.
Question: Who reigns supreme in the realm of table tennis?
Answer: Table tennis has long been dominated by none other than China followed by South Korea, and Japan. But for now, China reigns supreme on this sport, and believe us when we say that they’ve dominated it.
Question: Is there any age bracket for table tennis competitions? What’s the best age to learn this sport?
Answer: Interestingly enough table tennis is a sport meant for the youth or should we say, if you want to get to the top of this discipline then you have to start at an early age. Some players have mastered this sport and join major tournaments even the Olympics for as early as 10 years old.
So no, there’s no clear or definitive age limit to table tennis for tournaments and as mentioned, you may have to start your kids young if you want to them reach desirable ratings by the time they get to their teens or early twenty’s.
Question: When was table tennis conceptualized?
Answer: As you’d expect, table tennis happened when the lawn variety of this sport was adapted into something for the indoors. This was way back in the 1880s. And so, what’s the difference between table tennis and ping pong, and why are they used interchangeably?
Well, table tennis is the general term for the sport itself while the term ping pong most often refers not just to the sport but also as a trademark to any associated equipment for it.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, these are the best table tennis paddles in the market today. Recommended by not just us but also athletes and coaches alike. These ping pong paddles have some of the highest ratings online and players are just loving them.
Finding the right paddle that fits your game will go a long way for your journey as a table tennis player. Invest in what counts, go for a premium quality product should you need to, or go for something else if you’re just one casual player.
Nevertheless, nothing can beat the experience of having to play this game the right way with the right equipment. So have at it, play safe, enjoy, and stay active!