BEST PING PONG PADDLE REVIEWS 2019

Ping pong paddle or table tennis racket, call it what you want but they all refer to the same thing. Whether you like to play a casual game in your basement or compete with your office mates at work or want to advance to a more professional level, there is always a paddle that will be the perfect one to make you win your game.

There are many different manufacturers, some more popular than the others, but what works for one may not work for another as playing styles can be different. Here we have handpicked some of the best ping pong paddles paddles for all levels and budgets so that you can find the right one for you.

what is the best ping pong paddle 2019?

KILLERSPIN JET800

The Killerspin JET 800 is a top-rated and high-end paddle that has players such as Olympic Champion Chen Qi and US National champion Ilija Lupulesku to its credit.  It’s a super rigid, all powerful paddle that gives a superior spin. It uses 2 layers of carbon to make it lightweight and rigid at the same time.

Features

• It is build for superior performance with a 7-ply wood blade, 5 wood layers and 2 carbon layers
• The 2.0 mm high tension Nitrix-4Z rubber provides a lot of spin while serving and control during the defense.
• It is a JET-Series racket with a wooden side tape that makes it durable yet stylish
• Ratings out of 10 : Speed – 9.5, Spin – 9.0 and Control – 8.0
• Comes with a 30-day warranty

Pros

• The racket is balanced well without feeling heavy at any one end.
• The ergonomic handle sits comfortably in your palm.
• Good quality rubber that is durable offers good spin.
• Rigid blade offers brilliant speed and power

Cons

• As the paddle is designed to be extra rigid, you will take time to get used to the decreased control.
• It is expensive though what you pay is for its quality and construction

STIGA PRO CARBON

If you are an intermediate to advanced level table tennis player, then the Stiga Pro carbon table tennis racket will be a good choice for you. The blade is quite rigid with its 7 ply construction, two of which are carbon layers that add strength without adding bulk.  It is not heavy but is large making it ideal for players with average to large-sized hands. It offers excellent power and spin for some great offensive playing.

Features

• The blade has a 7-Ply blade construction and is backed by S5 Rubber and a 2mm Sponge
• ITTF Approved Rubber for Tournament Play
• Uses carbon technology for power and speed
• Performance Ratings : Speed – 99 Spin -100 and Control – 80

Pros

• Excellent speed offered by the rigid blade is ideal for aggressive playing
• Great for practicing spinning loops
• The paddle offers good spin if it is cleaned regularly
• Flared handles for a comfortable grip

Cons

• The rubber tends to wear out easily and will need to be replaced
• Not great for defensive playing
• The racket is difficult to control and hence is not suitable for those who have trouble with control

STIGA SUPREME

The Stiga Supreme is a nice tournament-level racket that is ideal for beginners and those who want to take their playing to a more serious level. It can also be a great paddle even if you are an entry-level professional. The paddle uses a combinations of technologies to produce a light-weight and yet a super-powerful racket with control.

The blade benefits from the Stiga’s tube process, making the central ply extra rigid and a Crystal technology makes the blade surface hard. It is also weight balanced to make it heavier where the ball touches the paddle. The ACS technology uses microcapsules in the rubber to increase speed and control.

Features

• A 6-ply light-weight blade for good control
• Future inverted rubber backed by a 2mm sponge
• ITTF approved rubber for tournament play
• Stiga ACS technology improves speed and control
• Performance Ratings- Speed: 90 Spin: 92 Control: 89

Pros

• The Stiga tube treatment to the middle ply makes it lightweight for faster play
• Good control and maneuverability
• Sits comfortably in your palm
• Good value for money with a 6-ply blade for its price point

Cons

• Not good for top-spins and loops away from the table
• It may be too lightweight for some, especially so for offensive players that like some weight on their paddles

KILLERSPIN JET 600

If you are looking for a great mid-level racket then it has got to be the Jet 600 from the Chicago-based company, Killerspin. It is light-weight padde with a 5 ply construction to give you more power. The rubber on the paddle allows you to defend spin shots and serve them equally well.

It is designed for both recreational and some serious aggressive playing as it has the right mix of power, spin and control.

Features

• The blade is made of 5 layers of different premium grade woods
• A light and 6.0mm thick blade allows for an aggressive play with good control
• Flared handles for a better grip
• Made of ITTF approved, 2.0mm high-tension Nitrx-4Z rubber
• Ratings out of 10: Speed 8.0, Spin 9.0, Control 8.5
• Comes with a 30-day warranty

Pros

• Offers exceptionally good spin due to its tacky rubber
• Great value for money as it is a tournament level paddle that intermediate players can use
• The lightweight construction is high on control

Cons

• New users might take time to get used to its power and speed
• Some users find the flared handle a bit uncomfortable to grip

DHS HURRICANE II

If you are looking for a professional level paddle suitable for a shakehand style grip, then the DHS Hurrican II is something you should consider investing in. The paddle has a good mix of power, spin and control to let you win match after match.

Features

• The blade is made of 5 ply wood and is light weight for superior control
• The Chinese brand racket comes with a shakehand style handle
• ITTF approved rubber with pimples in for a superior spin
• Ideal for tournaments and championship

Pros

• The 5 ply wood and light weight construction is great for some hard hitting
• Rubber is very tacky making it ideal for the spin players
• Sweet spot on the front of the paddle allows for a great spin

Cons

• Poor quality rubber that loses its tackiness over time
• Expensive as it is a professional level paddle

DHS HURRICANE III

The Hurricane III is a popular ping pong paddle rubber that comes from the house of DHS. If you have some good experience playing table tennis and want to up your game, then you should switch to this one. It offers great control and is ideal for players who have a weak attack power.

Features

• The rubber is 2.15 – 2.20 mm thick with a hard sponge for a great spin
• The pimples of the rubber face the blade
• Long-lasting performance

Pros

• Professional grade rubber
• Ideal paddle rubber for topspin, counter attacking, serving and smashing
• The rubber offers a good amount of control

Cons

• The tackiness of the rubber tends to fade with use

KILLERSPIN JET200

When you know you are getting better at your game of table tennis and want to get into some serious playing, the Killerspin Jet 200 can be a great entry-level model for you. Beginners need a lot of control and the Jet 200 offers you the best in control and precision in a quality paddle. The low rating of speed also gives the necessary control to focus more on your technique.

Features

• The blade is made of 5-ply premium wood for an extra-light paddle
• Comes with an ergonomic flared handle for a superior grip
• Good performance rubber with a thickness of 1.8mm
• Ratings out of 10: Speed 6.0, Spin 7.0, Control 8.5
• Comes with a 30-day warranty

Pros

• The weight is higher than others in its price range
• These make for some great practice paddles
• It is an inexpensive model suitable for beginners

Cons

• It is low on overall speed and power
• The rubber is not ITTF approved and hence cannot be used for tournaments

BUTTERFLY 401

Buying an entry-level paddle doesn’t mean you settle for a shoddily made racket. The Butterfly 401 is a great entry-level paddle that will give you a taste of a good quality racket and its performance at an unbelievable price.

Features

• Extremely tacky Butterfly Yuki rubber on both sides offers high spin
• The rubber is backed by soft 2.1 millimeter sponge layer that provides springy feel and has inverted surface
• Comes with shakehand style handles
• Rating out of 10 : Speed 8.0, spin 8.0, control 8.50

Pros

• The rubber is extremely tacky offering the best spin in an entry-level paddle
• The rubber retains its tackiness even after repeated use
• The paddle is rugged enough to withstand rough handling

Cons

• It has a comparatively lower control than other paddles in the segment
• The handle can prove to be smaller for some users, especially those with large hands

STIGA TITAN

Beginners will love the Stiga Titan paddle for its spin and control without too much power. This is the cheapest entry-level tournament grade paddle you will find in the market.

Features

• The blade has a 5-ply extra light-weight construction for speed and control
• Comes with a 2mm Sponge and a concave Italian composite handle
• ITTF approved inverted tournament rubber
• The surface of the blade is hardened for speed with Crystal Technology
• Ratings – Speed: 80, Spin: 77, Control: 82

Pros

• The lightweight paddle (0.35 lbs) is great for speed playing and is ideal for beginners and children
• The inverted rubber sponge is great for a good spin
• Very affordable due to a low price point

Cons

• As it is lightweight, it is not ideal for power playing
• Poor quality sponge

SEE MORE: BEST PING PONG TABLE REVIEWS

When it comes to choosing the best one, some features are mandatory. Simply said, you must pay attention to several factors. This can make a difference between a table that will serve you for many years, and it will stay completely functional, and a cheap table that will last just a few months. Below, we will mention the main factors that should be included when choosing a new table tennis table.

Table legs

Maybe sounds like a less important factor, but table legs are extremely important, simply because they will support the entire weight of a table. Make sure they are thick enough! Thin legs won’t be able to support your ping pong table for a long time and they may crack under pressure. Moving your ping pong table all the time would be risky if its legs are not strong enough. They also should have more than just one connection point. The best you can get are legs with 4 connection points. We will add that the latest models have leg levelers. This feature allows you to adjust each, separate leg. Useful, if you use it on an uneven surface.

Folding capability

The feature in question isn’t as ordinary as you may believe. Yes, some tables can be folded, but folding capability here is related to playback set up. This means that one-half of a table can be placed at 90 degrees angle. One player can practice speed and get more experience due to the fact he/she will be able to play alone. Usually more advanced tables have this feature and it is mandatory if you are looking for a table of this type and you want to practice alone. Note: Most products with this feature are also completely foldable, and they require less space to be stored.

Removable net posts

There are two types of ping pong tables. Some come with removable net posts and others with fixed ones. Those that have removable net posts are the ones you should get. They allow you more customization and the net posts can be replaced if you want to make some adjustments. They are also preferable because in a case a net post is damaged, a removable one can be replaced in a few seconds.

Ping pong thickness

Most tables are 0.75 inches or less thick. This is perfectly fine if you are looking for a table tennis table for occasional fun, but if you want perfect product you may pay attention to those with 1 inch thickness. They are also professional tables and they are a much better alternative. However, there is a small difference in the ball bouncing between these two thicknesses, so both of them should be taken into consideration.

Indoor vs Outdoor

Beside all factors we have just mentioned, there is one more. Tables can be categorized for indoor and outdoor applications. There are a lot of differences between them, which also suggests that this factor should be taken into consideration.

Indoor

Indoor tables are made from pressed wood, also known as Masonite. This is a durable material and it can last for a long period of time, but only if it isn’t exposed to the elements. Exposing your indoor table tennis table to water, moisture, heat and low temperatures will cause severe damages. The bottom liner is simple. An indoor ping pong table must be used in sealed areas and it is far less resistant than outdoor one.

Outdoor

Individuals who are looking for a great product that will be used outside have a bit harder task. These tables are more expensive and they are heavier than indoor ping pong tables. They are also made from the same material, but they have acover made from aluminum. This is also the biggest difference in these two types. Important: Even outdoor ping pong tables should be covered or protected in a case of extremely and weather. You can get special covers that will protect them.

Things To Consider Before Buying Best Table Tennis Table

Some things are mandatory if you are looking for the best table tennis table. They can definitely make your choice better and help you get a better model. The simplest thing you will have to know is that these factors are similar for indoor and outdoor ping pong tables. However, the outdoor table must be coated and well-protected, due to the fact it must withstand the elements.

Glare Reduction

This feature is one of the latest additions ping pong tables have to offer. It is useful due to a simple reason. With it, the top won’t have the glare older models usually have. For outdoor tables this is mandatory, and for indoor table tennis tables, this is a preferable feature. If you will place a table under the light, which is recommended, you will need this feature.

Place for paddles

Most ping pong tables don’t have this feature, due to some reason. But it is preferable and more important than you may imagine. Just think of it. Your paddles will always be at your table, making them safer and within your reach. The best ping pong table will have space for 4 paddles. Meaning that 4 players can play the game at the same time. Some of the models we mentioned have modern and interesting places to place your paddles, making them interesting and high-tech.

Wheelchair friendly

This factor isn’t mandatory, meaning that it doesn’t have to be supported by your new table. Indoor ping pong tables usually have this feature and in those cases, it is something you may take into account. On the other hand, indoor tables may have or may have not it. It fully depends on you. Do you need the feature or no.

Mobility

All ping pong tables have larger sizes and they occupy a lot of space, obviously. Luckily the manufacturers were able to install the mobility feature. Basically, these are the wheels on the lower part of the table, allowing you to simply move it when you are done with the play. Pairing this feature with the aforementioned foldability, and you will definitely get the best table tennis table. This is usually well-supported feature and most models have it, therefore, isn’t hard to choose a suitable model. Addition: If you are looking for a table that will be moved across tougher surfaces, make sure it has large wheels.

Assemble process

All ping pong tables will have to be assembled when you get them. Some of them may be 20% pre-assembled and others may be 95% pre-assembled. It is up to you which model to choose. Those that are better pre-assembled, require less time to be installed for the first time. They are usually treated as more professional models and they come with higher prices. Those that aren’t pre-assembled are more affordable and they cost less. Individuals who prefer assembling should get those that are up to 30% pre-assembled. This process will generate a lot of fun.

Simplicity of setting it up

When you get your ping pong table, it will have to be set-up. The first time is usually the most difficult. Simply said, this means that you will  have to install the net and net posts, additional components and to make it be perfectly leveled. Now, some models are very simple to set. Some are very complicated. They usually have more advanced net posts and net components that will require a lot of time. Keep this in mind if you are looking for your first ping pong table.

Net and net posts

There are a lot of different nets and net posts on the market. Most of them come with the table, but in some cases, you will have to get them separately. There is no need to look for a ‘’special’’ or different net. They are all made in the same way and they have just one purpose, therefore even the simplest one can be sufficient. The mentioned fact is suitable for amateurs and occasional players. If you are a professional ping pong player, you are going to need a professional net. The main difference is in the strength and in the level. A professional net will be perfectly parallel to the table top.

Smooth finish

The top of the ping pong table must be perfectly finished! Even the smallest patch or irregularity can cause an uneven ball bounce. This will have a huge effect on the game. All the ping pong tables we mentioned have this smooth finish. A play will be far better and more suitable for professionals or for players who want to improve their skills. Be careful: Some of the ping pong tables, usually the low-quality ones may have an uneven surface which also affects the game.