Best Ping Pong Paddle Reviews 2019 – Easy Buyer’s Guide (Updated)

Fact:

If you’re going to start playing ping-pong, you’re definitely going to need a good quality ping-pong paddle to help you out.

Here’s the deal:

Just Check out what we’ve found for the best ping-pong paddles Reviews

And the best way to find which one is best for you.

So Let’s dig a little deeper

With any of these ping-pong paddles you’re going to be off to a great start, and more than ready for a great game. Take a look at what each of them has to offer, and in no time at all, you’ll be the pro that you want to be.

The best way to play a sport best is to ensure that whatever equipment you are using is the best quality and it makes the game more accessible. Abco tech produces table tennis sets that will make your table tennis game better than ever.​

The Abco tech table tennis set is one of the kinds. You will find the rackets and balls to be very pleasing. It is packed with features, and the following are a few of them:

• The paddles are professional quality which means they can be sued by players of all levels
• The rackethas a custom designed grip to help players in the game.
• These rackets have five ply blades for better control over the wall and are 5.6 mm thickness
• The handles are made of wood for better grip over the rackets
• The balls are high-quality plastic to ensure a better bounce and controlled speed by the player during the game
• There are four rackets and six balls in the set, so you do not have to buy extra balls
• The paddles give excellent spin, control, and speed

One of the tricks to play table tennis smartly is to play with the right equipment. The properstuff will help you put more effort on concentrating on the ball. Stiga table tennis set is designed for the purpose.​

Stiga is a well-known company for table tennis equipment since it always comes up with products that are exceptional. The Stiga Table tennis set has many features, a few of which are mentioned:

• The collection has four high-quality rackets with five-ply blades.
• The rubber of the racket is inverted to help in thebetter performance of the racket.
• ITTF approved balls.
• There are six 3 star balls in the set for professional and amateur playing.
• The company provides a 90-day warranty on the products.
• These paddles meet USATT regulations.
• The set is primarily designed for players of professional and amateur skill; for leisure or practice

The Caleson Professional Table Tennis Racket is inexpensive, and comes in one of four different styles including long (shakehand), and short (penhold) handed. This performance style racket offers speed of 67, spin at 54, and control at 78, which makes it a great option for those who are focused on a control style of play. The heavy tip and light handle of the racket makes it ideal for going on the offensive, and the carbon fiber reinforcement makes sure that it has plenty of speed, and durability as well as increasing spin.

At 6.7 ounces this racket is on the heavier side of average, but still light enough to feel comfortable in your hand. It is ITTF approved and is very tacky, which cuts down a little on the overall power but definitely helps you to keep the control while you’re playing.

Killerspin JET200 Table Tennis Paddle offers a lot of features. Available in three different colors, including navy, red, and green (each paired with black) you’ll be able to get your favorite style for a fun game with friends. The racket is made with a five-ply design, so you have a moderate level of wood thickness to pair with the thickness of the overall sponge. With this blade, you get a flared handle and moderate to strong ratings in everything. It offers an 8.5 in control, 7 in spin, and 6 in speed.

The basic rubber exterior provides you with that control, making it an excellent paddle for that style of players but not as ideal for those looking for a fast-paced game. Perfect for beginners, the paddle features PVC tape on the sides that help with durability, and give it a sleek look.

The Palio Expert 2 Table Tennis Racket is stepping up in price a little bit more, though not too much. Designed by Palio, and Expert Table tennis, this racket is ITTF approved, and provides you with a high level of spin, and control while also providing great speed. With ratings of 10 on control, and 9 for spin as well as 6 for speed, you’re getting great balance, and a racket that’s ideal for beginners, and even some intermediate players.

Weighing in at about 4 ounces, this paddle is one of the lighter options out there and allows you the capability to remove the rubbers and replace them if yours start to get a little bit old. With plenty of tackiness, it’s designed to help improve play, and that it definitely does.

STIGA Supreme Table Tennis Racket is ITTF approved so it can be used for tournaments. It’s also rated very high in everything with a 90 in speed, 92 in spin, and 89 in control. That means if you’re an all-around player you shouldn’t have a problem getting this racket working well for you. It has a six-ply blade that provides you with enough durability, and strength to quickly put some power in your game. It also has inverted rubber, and a 2mm sponge to give you just the right amount of thickness all the way around.

This paddle uses crystal technology that helps to increase speed by hardening the blade beyond normal. It also uses air capsules through the rubber to help even more with speed, and elasticity, which increases the level of control. Weighing in at less than 5 ounces it’s also a lightweight option for those who want added power.

The STIGA Pro Carbon Table Tennis Racket is another ITTF approved quality. With great ratings across the board, it’s another all-around racket you will definitely want to take a look at. It has an 80 in control, 99 in speed, and 100 in spin, so if you’re a fast-paced player, you’ll like playing with this one. It also has a seven-ply blade and 2mm sponge for just the right level of thickness for continued play. The wood is a balsa that’s designed to be lightweight but treated with crystal technology to increase hardness and speed.

Two layers of carbon are also inside the blade, increases speed, and power even further, while ACS and nanocomposite technology are used to do the same for the rubber. This shakehand style paddle also allows you to swap out the rubbers whenever you need something new.

The STIGA Evolution Table Tennis Racket offers ITTF approved rubber as well. It’s designed with all ratings in the 90’s, so you get 90 in control, 94 in spin, and 96 for speed. That means you’re getting a racket that helps you balance out your skills but will give you the fast-paced game that you’re looking for. With a six-ply, wood blade, and plenty of technology built-in to increase your speed, spin, and control, it’s a great paddle for beginners and intermediate players alike. Not only that but the shock dispersion tube through the handle helps get rid of energy and absorb vibrations during gameplay.

This racket uses crystal technology to increase hardness in the blade and has a 2mm sponge for added thickness. Weighing in at about 6 ounces it’s a little heavier than some more professional paddles, but it’s good for those with a shakehand grip.

The Killerspin JET600 Table Tennis Paddle has plenty of features to go along with it. ITTF approved so you can use it for tournament play, this paddle is designed for intermediate to advanced players, so we’re moving up the list of quality and skill level. With a 9 rating on spin and an 8.5 in control, it also has an 8 in speed, so it’s designed to give you more spin, and control without the super-fast-paced game. It has five layers of wood for durability, and thickness, and also comes with a box that lets you keep it in great shape.

With this paddle, you’ll have the quality that you’re looking for but a slightly heavier paddle than some of the other professional ones. It’s also designed for easy hold with the ergonomic style handle and has high-tech features throughout the rubber to give it a little more spin, and power.

Now we’re starting to move up the list in terms of price as well as quality. The Killerspin JET800 Speed N1 Table Tennis Paddle is designed for more advanced players and even competition level players. It features seven layers of wood as well as two layers of carbon that help to increase durability, strength, speed, and power. With an 8 rating for control, 9 in spin, and 9.5 in speed, this is the type of racket you want for a fast-paced game. It comes with a 2mm rubber, and wooden side tape to help absorb even more energy while you play.

The box it comes in is designed to store your racket as well as keep track of some of your best games. The burnt wood style of the handle compliments the racket, and the Nitrx-4Z rubber is designed to give you a significant level of spin, power, and grip. ITTF approved, this racket definitely gets you ready for the pros.

DHS Hurricane II Tournament Ping-pong Paddle is a little more pricey for some that are getting started with the game. Of course, it’s designed more for tournaments, and championship games as well as more advanced players so if that’s you, you may want to take a second look. The paddle features an inverted style of rubber on both sides, and the rubber can be removed whenever you want to get something new, better suited or just replace the older rubber. Designed to be tacky on the outside for increased spin, it’s definitely a great option for those with more power, and control.

The smooth handle makes it super easy to hold for a longer game, and the rubbers increase your capability for spin, and attack at the same time. It’s a little heavy for those who are used to more professional paddles but provides you a good amount of quality, and durability at the same time.

The last, and most expensive, of our options, is the Butterfly Balsa Carbo Proline Racket. This racket is designed for those who are playing professional, and don’t want to sacrifice anything. It’s made with carbon fiber reinforced layers to give you a whole lot of speed, and spin. In fact, it’s rated 100 on speed, and 95 on spin with an 80 in control. That means you’re playing a super-fast-paced game, and you’re going to have the spin to accent that game. The larger sweet spot provided by the carbon makes it even easier to get in your groove as well.

If you need to replace the rubbers at any point, you can easily do so whenever you want, making it even better for more advanced and competitive players. Designed for shakehand play style, this racket is lightweight and provides just what you’re looking for in that professional game.

When you decide to purchase a ping-pong paddle, you want to make sure you’re getting something high-quality, and that’s worth the amount of money you’re going to spend on it. That means taking each of the features we’ve talked about below into consideration and applying them to the paddles we’ve found above. When you do, you’ll find what you need for your next game.

Price

Of course, you don’t want to spend a fortune on a ping-pong paddle that’s no different from the ones that are priced low or moderate. But you don’t want to cheap out entirely, and buy something that won’t really get you any of the advanced features you’re looking for. If you’re looking to be a pro, you’ll probably spend around $100, but if you’re just looking to have some fun keeping it closer to the $20-$50 range is probably going to be just fine. You’ll be able to find something good that doesn’t break the bank at the same time.

Your Play Level

If you’re a beginner, you may be comfortable just walking into a sports store, and getting a generic paddle. If you’re looking to be a little more professional, you might want to look for something higher quality, and closer to that $50 price range. On the other hand, a true professional is going to spend more, and they’re looking for something that’s made with quality materials like carbon (which is where some of the added cost is going to come in). The higher quality paddles are going to be easier to take apart, and reassemble when you want to while a beginner paddle may just be a ready to go option that doesn’t come apart at all.

Your Play Style

Are you a power player? If you are, then you may want a thick blade that has at least five layers. These help you get more power and keep you moving faster. What you really want is at least those five layers of solid wood. If you can get them mixed with carbon fiber or titanium carbon you’re going to be even better off.

If you’re a spinner (meaning you’ve got a pretty good spin) you will want a paddle that’s got a tacky rubber. That rubber is going to give you a better spin, and it’s definitely going to throw off anyone you’re playing against. Of course, if you’re able to spin, and you’ve got speed on your side a high-tension rubber is going to be the better way to go.

Just about any paddle that you select is going to have a rating on it for three different factors, speed, spin, and control. You want to look at the numbers, and use those to help you figure out the qualities of the paddle. An eight is the lowest you want to go for something that you’re good at. So if you’re big on speed, then you want a paddle rated 8 or higher in speed. If you are great with spin, look for an 8 or higher in spin, and so on.

Rubber

High-quality ping-pong paddles (also called table tennis bats) are made with separate layers of material, the rubber, and the blade. The rubber is the part that goes on each side of the racket, and the one that you see the most. When you’re playing professionally one side of paddle needs to have red rubber, and one needs to have black, but if you’re playing at home or with friends that don't matter. You can have whatever colors of rubber you want.

The reason for the different colors is that usually, you’ll have different types of rubber on each side, and this lets your opponent know what kind of rubber you’re using, and whether it’s going to have a high level of spin or a low-level of spin. Of course, that’s also going to depend on the particular type of rubber that you have, which will vary depending on the person, and your skillset.

With rubbers, you can have different thickness to them to provide more or less spin, and different types of spin. If it’s thick, you’ll also be able to get more power into your attacks, and your hits. On the other hand, if you have inverted pimples, providing a smooth surface, you’ll have a whole lot more control. Traditional pimples provide you with good blocking (short pimples) or good defense (long pimples).

Blade

The table tennis blade is made of wood traditionally, and it has several different layers. The specific number of layers that you want is going to depend on what you’re actually looking to get out of the paddle. More layers are going to give you more power whereas fewer layers are going to help you a little more on the defensive. You don’t want to have too few layers, however, as this can cut down on your power too much, even if you’re not a real power player.

If you add in materials like carbon fiber, and titanium carbon you’re going to have even more power in the blade, and that helps you increase the strength, and durability of the paddle itself. You won’t add a whole lot of weight with these, however, as they’re designed to be lightweight, and still offer you a lot of benefits.

The blade could be arranged in a penhold style or a western/shakehand style. If you hold your paddle between the thumb, and index finger you’ll want a penhold style. If you hold it in the palm of your hand, you’ll want a western/shakehand style. It’s entirely up to you which way you hold the paddle, but it’s definitely important to get one that fits you.

The handles are also going to be a little different with a round/straight handle, and around/flared handle being available. Pick out one that fits best in your hand with the grip that you choose to use.

Sponge Thickness

The thickness of your rubber is not based on the rubber at all, but on the sponge that’s behind it. The more sponge you have, the more speed you’ll get out of it. On the other hand, less sponge gives you more control. Usually, the sponge will be between 1.2mm and 2.5mm, and it’s entirely up to you and your preferred style of play which way you want to go.

Keep in mind that you get two different sponges on each racket. You’ll have the layers of wood in the middle followed by a sponge on each side, and rubber over the top, also on each side. This means that you’ll have the ability to choose a thicker side, and a thinner side if you want to have both available or you can choose two levels of thin or thick sponge depending on the way you play.

Make sure you pay attention to how each one can be used, and what it’s going to do for your game when you decide which type of rubber you want, and which type of sponge you want to pair it with.

There are many different types of ping-pong paddles out there, and deciding which one is going to work out the best for you is important. Take a look at each of these, and see which one really works for you, and how you want to play.

Professional ping-pong paddles are going to offer you a bit more in the way of quality, but you’re going to play for those added features. You’ll also have to decide where you want to focus on either control, speed or spin because these paddles usually have a stronger factor for one or two of these rather than for all three. These paddles can be priced moderately to high depending on just how high-quality you’re looking, and how close to professional, but they’ll be made with more top quality materials as well.

Gold ping-pong paddles are a little more of a fashion piece than an actual useful tool. While you can play with this type of paddle, you’re going to have a different type of game to go along with it. More professional players won’t use this kind of paddle but if you’re looking for something to have a bit of fun with at home or work or just with friends it can be an interesting talking point, and make for the unique accent for your ping-pong table.

The more traditional and the older style of ping-pong paddles were the sandpaper ping-pong paddles. They've not used as much anymore, and they’re not allowed in most ITTF competitions (at least in the US). Some countries have sandpaper competitions and some where it’s not expressly prohibited so you may be able to play with these. Overall, these rackets are definitely around, and they’re extremely inexpensive, which makes them a popular choice for beginners. They’re not ideal for spin overall but can give you a decent amount of control, and some average speed.

If you hold your ping-pong paddle between your thumb, and index finger you’re using a penhold style (you hold the racket like you hold a pen). These types of paddles have a shorter handle in order to give you more control and keep the blade of the paddle a little closer to the hand. If the handle is too long then the blade is further away from your hand, and therefore has a bit less control when you’re trying to strike the ball.

A carbon fiber ping-pong paddle is more associated with the layers that go through the blade. A paddle will have several layers (usually between 3, and 7) of wood which can be interspersed with other materials. Carbon fiber is one of the modern materials to put through the middle of a paddle because it helps increase the speed, and spin as well as increasing the size of the sweet spot that you use to hit the ball. Not only that but you’ll have a lighter weight at the same time.

If you’re spending a lot of money on a paddle, like high-end ping-pong paddles, you expect to get high-quality, and that’s what you’re going to get. These paddles will be made with higher quality wood, and are more likely to have carbon fiber or other lightweight but strong materials throughout them so you can get a better level of control, and improve your speed or spin, whatever is most important to you as a player. You’ll spend somewhere upwards of $100 on a genuinely high-end paddle, however, which means that usually, only professionals are going to go for these options.

Who’s to say what cool ping-pong paddles are real? If you’re playing professionally in ITTF competitions, and tournaments you don’t get a lot of options for the design of your paddle but you can get different handles. If you’re playing for fun you can choose different materials, different colors of rubbers, and even patterns on the edge tape, rubber or anywhere else. Choosing a cool paddle means just taking a bit of a look around to find something that you really enjoy.

Sports Authority is only one of the places that you can find ping-pong paddles inexpensive, and ready to go. These paddles are not the ones you want if you’re looking to get into the sport really, and they won’t necessarily help you get a whole lot better, but if you go with a slightly higher quality option you’re definitely going to get a better game in. Just make sure that you pay attention to the ratings of the paddle you choose, and how much you’re paying for it.

A plastic ping-pong paddle is a cheaper one, and it’s going to reflect on the quality. Wood is going to give you more strength and durability where plastic generally won’t give you either. It also won’t help you with things like speed, control, and spin because it’s not designed for that. These are the cheap paddles that you use when you’re really getting started or for children who just want to play around for a bit of fun without an interest in anything further.

Traditional Chinese ping-pong paddles can be an excellent way to improve your game and force you to really play the way you should be playing. They’re made of high-quality materials in general and tend to focus on the penhold style. They can definitely be unique, cool looking, and come in a variety of different styles. No matter what, however, you’re going to get something you can have some fun with, and improve your skills with.

Best Ping-pong Paddle Brands

If you’re not entirely satisfied with the paddle you want or your play style, you may at least want to know what the hottest brands are so you can take a look at them. These brands will give you a good jumping off place so you can start looking for high-quality rackets that are going to improve your game. That way, whether you like any of the options we’ve already provided or not, you’re off to a good start.

STIGA

Made in Sweden, STIGA has been in the business of table tennis since 1944, which means they have a lot of expertise, and a lot of knowledge. You can count on them to know what they’re doing and provide you with high-quality products including your paddle. They’re well known in the table tennis market, and have partners all over the world, in over 100 different countries. Advanced players are definitely going to find plenty to love about the paddles that they have to offer.

Several of their best are rated at 7 or above for all three rated factors with their best of the best, the STIGA Evolution, rated at 9, and higher for speed, spin, and control. If you’re looking for a beginning paddle they have options for that as well with the STIGA Apex rated with an 8 in control, and a 5.2 in spin, and 6.5 in speed. You won’t have a problem getting exactly what you need.

Killerspin

Based in Chicago in the United States, Killerspin is known for table tennis equipment as well as for hosting many related events. They like to sponsor a number of competitions and programs, and that helps them draw in, even more, attention for their products, which are great for those who are at any level in their ping-pong expertise. If you are an aggressive, and an advanced player the JET800 Speed N1 is rated at 8 in control, 9 in spin, and 9.5 in speed. If you’re a beginning player the JET400 Speed N1 is rated at 7 in speed, 8 in control, and 9 in spin.

You’ll be able to get high-quality no matter what you’re looking at, and that means you’ll have some great options. The Killerspin line of JET paddles are all designed for high spin results but there are also other options, and lines that will help you improve in other areas, or even get a great balance of all three (though the JET800 definitely does a pretty good job of that). It’s up to you which of these gets you the best.

DHS

DHS is the official sponsor and the supplier for the Olympic Games as well as the World Table Tennis Championships. They offer a lot of great quality materials, and products throughout the sport, and that means you’re going to get high-quality when it comes to playing with any of these rackets. You have the option of purchasing blades, and rubbers separately or buying ready-made rackets that will help you improve your game in no time. You can also get the pieces you need, and the tables you need to get started at home.

Rackets like the 4002 will help you get a high amount of quality, and performance without spending a whole lot of money, so you’re going to like these rackets if you’re just getting started. You won’t have a problem with the introductory price. You’ll also get a thick paddle with plenty of layers to provide the durability, and strength that you’re looking for overall.

Butterfly

Based in North America, Butterfly is another popular one that’s been around for a long time. Though not quite as old as STIGA, this one has been around for over 60 years, and you’ll be able to find a lot of high-quality products that work for those of all different skill levels. This is great because you can find things in all different price ranges as well. If you’re looking to spend a lot or a little, you’ll be able to find a butterfly racket that fits in, and still, gives you a whole lot of quality.

For example, their Butterfly 401 Shakehand Racket is rated at 8 in speed, and spin, and 8.5 in control, and it is cheap. They also have some great options in the way of improved spin (one of their specialties), so you’ll definitely be able to throw off your opponents every time you head out onto the court. These rackets are ideal for those on a budget, and those who like to buy American Made but who still want to get quality.

Gambler

Gambler makes some moderately priced ping-pong paddles that you’re going to have no problem using for yourself. They use a combination of wood, and graphite or carbon to increase the durability, and strength, while also keeping the weight down. Approved by the ITTF, and great for things like control, and power, these paddles are less tacky than traditional Chinese paddles. They’re also designed to be high-ranking all-around when it comes to control, speed, and spin, which makes them perfect for all-around players that are looking to the high level.

What’s really great is you get high ratings and rankings on these paddles without having to spend a whole lot of money. The paddles around $40, and $50 still offer high 90’s in all areas. They offer custom paddles that come with a range of different features, and provide you with the quality that you’re looking for at a price that works even for the less experienced player.

Joola

Joola is a versatile company making ping-pong paddles, with plenty of options when it comes to everything from the tables to the paddles themselves. They also have provided products for some different top events from Olympic Games, and Paralympics to several World Cups, Championships around the world, and a whole lot more. They have a lot of excellent quality and started out by creating a brand new version of what was already out there rather than copying the current ones for a new brand. They did this in conjunction with professional players, which make their quality great.

With products manufactured in Germany, Joola has some great options that provide you with all the features you’re looking for in your next ping-pong paddle. Whether you’re a recreational player, a beginner, a learner or a competitive player, you’re going to find something that you can use, and you’ll find it in a price range that you can afford as well.

Yasaka

These are more low-end ping-pong paddles, but Yasaka still provides you with what you’re looking for as a beginning player who’s looking to move up a bit in the rankings. If you want just to get started, you won’t have a problem here with rackets from $20 up to around $100 available for purchase. That means you’ll get some more traditional styles, and you’ll get something that you feel comfortable working your way up with. You won’t have to spend a lot to get going.

With these rackets, you’re getting the blades, and rubbers separately so you can put them together yourself, which definitely gives you more freedom to mix, and match things. You also won’t have any problem designing something you can really enjoy playing with, and growing with while you’re at it.

Ping-pong Paddle Q & A

How is a ping-pong paddle made?

A ping-pong paddle is made with several thin layers of wood glued together. Some paddles may also have layers of carbon fiber or other lightweight but durable materials. There is then a layer of sponge which could vary in thickness depending on the needs of the player and a layer of rubber on each side. The rubber varies also depending on the skills, and techniques that are needed by the player.

Can I make a ping-pong paddle out of wood?

Traditionally, ping-pong paddles are made out of wood, though there’s a process that goes into making them. Wood is the best option for the primary layers, and it’s required if you’re going to be playing the game in professional tournaments by the ITTF.

Can I customize my ping-pong paddle?

You absolutely can customize a ping-pong paddle, and if you’re going to be a more professional player, it’s recommended. If you’re just getting started ready-made paddles are a great way to get into the sport but if you want to really get into it you can choose your own sponge thickness as well as the blade (the inside portion made of wood, and sometimes carbon or other materials), and the specific rubbers that work for you, and your play style.

Where to buy ping-pong paddles?

You can buy ping-pong paddles just about anywhere, but the better quality ones are going to come directly from the manufacturer or their licensed dealers. You want something that has the right quality, and buying from traditional sporting goods stores typically isn’t going to do it. You’ll be able to get an okay paddle, and sometimes a good one but definitely not anything that would be ‘great’ or that you would want to play with professionally.

Should I buy ping-pong paddles online?

Buying paddles online can be an excellent way to get a higher quality paddle that you can’t find in your area. You can buy something directly from the manufacturer, or you can get something that you want to try out but don’t have the opportunity to in your area. This can help you get more options, and get exactly what you need to have a more successful game.

Which are the most expensive ping-pong paddles?

Butterfly makes some of the most expensive ping-pong paddles with some upwards of $500. If you’re looking to get into super professional play, and competitions these might be the paddles you want but for intermediate, and even advanced players who aren’t looking to get into the big leagues, these are more than you need to spend.

What are the dimensions of ping-pong paddles?

The traditional ping-pong paddle is about 16 centimeters long, and about 15 centimeters wide at the blade head. As the paddle tapers slightly to the handle it will be narrower, and from the top of the head to the base of the handle will be longer but this is going to depend on the style of grip, and your preference. The head itself is the part that you should pay attention to size for.

Conclusion

Overall, you’re going to be well off no matter which of these ping-pong paddles you decide to go with. Whether you want something with a lot of control, a lot of spins or a lot of speed, you’ll be able to find something either with this list of the top ten or with our buying guide to help you narrow things down. You can’t go wrong choosing one of the top rated brands and one of the best paddles, and you’ll still be able to keep your hard-earned money where you want it, in your pocket.

References:

https://www.ittf.com/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_tennis

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_tennis_racket

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877705812017316

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26842869

https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-the-various-types-of-paddle-grips-in-Table-Tennis