I confess that I am very confused. I wanted to buy ping pong paddles with certain characteristics and prices. Before doing so, I wanted to ask for advice on a specialized forum, but I was literally crushed by the judgment.
There, I realized that the world of table tennis is divided by a difficult wall to overcome, that of amateurs like me who buy already assembled rackets and that of professionals who assemble them themselves.
In short, we find around the best ping pong paddles with very high star scores, which cost good money. But apparently, nobody uses them among those who practice the game at a competitive level and much less among amateurs who compete at the bar, at the oratory, or the after-work. So who buys them?
What are the Best Ping Pong Paddles?
There are so many proposals on the market that it is difficult to make a choice, especially because you can find very expensive models and you can risk making a mistake by buying the wrong one.
We can say that the NIBIRU SPORT is the best ping pong paddle in the market that is the one we choose. Technically, the rackets can be of any shape, size, or weight, but the blade must be flat and rigid, and the wood must be at least 85% natural. In addition, a racket is distinguished by having a wooden blade up to 25 cm long that incorporates the handle and two rubber glue on each side.
We remind you that the tires authorized at a competitive level are those marked with the logo of the ITTF federation: one side must be black and the other red so that the players perceive the type of blow they receive. The glue must also meet certain criteria established by the federation.
You can find the cheapest products in the prepackaged range; however, be wary of low-priced items because they won’t give you any guarantee. And don’t forget the balls!
Best Ping Pong Paddles for the Money
| Name | Brand | Skill Level | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIBIRU SPORT Ping Pong Paddles | NIBIRU SPORT | Professional | 10 | |
| PRO-SPIN Ping Pong Paddles | PRO SPIN | Professional | 9 | |
| JP WinLook Ping Pong Paddles | JP WinLook | Beginner | 8 | |
| Idoraz Ping Pong Paddle Professional Racket | Idoraz | Professional | 10 | |
| STIGA Pro Carbon Performance-Level Table Tennis Racket | STIGA | Intermediate | 9 | |
| Upstreet's Ping Pong Paddles | Upstreet | Professional | 7 | |
| Franklin Sports Ping Pong Paddle | Franklin Sports | Intermediate | 8 | |
| Senston Ping Pong Paddles | Senston | Beginner, Advanced | 6 | |
| Butterfly 401 Table Tennis Racket | Butterfly | Professional | 9 |
List of Ping Pong Paddles
1) NIBIRU SPORT Ping Pong Paddles – Editor’s Choice
NIBIRU SPORT ping pong paddles are a convenient set that offers users a stable playing platform without investing in a permanent table tennis table. It is the same shape as normal tables, which can easily fit into your home or office.
The table is retractable and lightweight, making it ideal for indoor use too. You can play with these affordable paddles easily because it is comfortable and has a strong rubber grip that feels good in the hands. It has eight table tennis balls and a storage bag.
It also comes with a rubber mat, which makes it easy to play on a smooth floor. The mat is safe for indoor and outdoor use and won’t damage carpets and floors. Also, it has a non-slip base and is easy to assemble.
This set is ideal for the player who doesn’t have a permanent table tennis table and is looking for a portable one. Also, we noticed, this set is also great for traveling because of its compact size. Therefore, you can also take it in your traveling bags to play outside.
This complete set works perfectly for indoor and outdoor use, and its rubber material is long-lasting and comfortable to use. So it’s one of the best value paddle sets on the market.
Pros:
• Comes with a rubber mat
• Non-slip base
• Retractable and lightweight
• Comfortable paddles
Cons:
• Not very sturdy
2) PRO-SPIN Ping Pong Paddles – Best Rated
Our second chosen product is a pro set for adults and kids. This is a great way to introduce them to ping pong!
They’ve got high-end professional quality rackets at a much lower price than similar products available online. These table tennis bats and balls are specially designed for ping pong tables and come in a pack of 2 ping pong rackets and 16 ping pong balls.
The 3.7mm thick sponge padding gives you better control during games, especially if you struggle to get those difficult shots off. This foam padding is thicker than typical table tennis paddles, so you can comfortably play for hours without fatigue.
While these paddles are thicker than others on the market, they still make premium ping pong paddles because of their unique construction. Each paddle comprises a rubber core wrapped with a custom-designed composite fiberglass layer that gives the paddling strength while keeping the thickness as low as possible.
This composite type is more durable than solid wood, so there’s no chance of splitting, cracking, or warping, which happens to regular paddles. Plus, it has high tensile strength, meaning the paddles won’t lose shape or break in case you drop them on the ground.
Pros:
• 3.7mm sponge padding for better control
• Thickness provides comfortable play for hours
• Pack of 2 rackets and 16 balls
• Specially designed for ping pong tables
Cons:
• Not as widely available as other table tennis products
3) JP WinLook Ping Pong Paddles – Best Paddle Set
JP WinLook’s wood paddles are designed to stay with you while you play at home and travel, and the set includes 4 table tennis paddles and a convenient portable case to keep all your gear organized.
In our experience, we think that it’s better to use wood paddles instead of plastic ones. Plastic paddles are usually made of PVC and tend to crack. That’s why most defensive tennis paddles we found online come with a case that keeps them safe.
The paddle itself feels sturdy and well-constructed and is made of a lightweight material that’s easy to grip. They’re designed to help beginners start a game and improve gradually, but if you’re a veteran player, they’ll be just fine.
With these wooden table tennis paddles, you won’t have to worry about having the right type of ball. All eight ping pong balls that you get are standard 40mm diameter, and they feature the top quality material that makes them highly reliable.
There’s also a nylon mesh net attached to the ping pong ball box for easy storage, and the table tennis paddles have handles that you can grab to move and place, and the wooden frame makes them easily portable.
The case is really well-made and convenient for storing all four table tennis paddles, but you may wish that the case had a zipper to keep your things secure.
So we recommend the JP WinLook wood table tennis paddles, especially if you’re a beginner who needs a cheap yet sturdy set of table tennis paddles for ping pong.
Pros:
• Sturdy and well-constructed
• Made of lightweight material
• Easy to grip
• Designed to help beginners improve gradually
• Comes with 8 ping pong balls
Cons:
• Not suitable for experienced players
4) Idoraz Ping Pong Paddle Professional Racket – Best Paddle under 50$
I think this is the best tennis paddle you can get at a reasonable price. You can make the ball come to your hands easily. I use this, and my serve was really good.
This racket is a good choice for players who want to control their game. You can easily do some backhand groundstrokes with it. This paddle will be great in your practice sessions. Therefore, you can loop the ball easily.
The best part is that you can get a good price, which is a durable paddle. It is not plastic, so there is no chance that it will break easily. It has an excellent weight-to-handle ratio.
This paddle will last a while if you play a lot of tennis. It is a good choice for beginners and experts alike. You don’t have to worry about the weight because it will be perfectly balanced. You can also get this paddle for your kid.
The color is very vibrant, so you will enjoy the experience of playing tennis with this racket. You should buy this and see how good your game gets. This will help you a lot, so you should definitely try this.
This paddle is available at reasonable prices. You can get the best ping pong paddles for under $50 in most places, so you can order and use this racket without spending too much.
This is the best paddle you can get!
Pros:
• You can control your game
• Backhand groundstrokes are easy to do
• Looping the ball is easy
• Good price
• Durable paddle
Cons:
• Not plastic – could break easily
5) STIGA Pro Carbon Performance-Level Table Tennis Racket – Best Performer Paddle
If you’re wondering whether you should buy a new racket or you should stick to your old one, then this is the best choice for you.
This table tennis racket has been designed with expert input from international table tennis pros.
It is the new state-of-the-art table tennis racket that is designed to help you win tournaments. Besides, it is a high-end table tennis racket that is designed with professional guidance and advice from ITTF-certified experts. They’ve ensured that the new STIGA ProCarbon meets the international testing standards set by the International Table Tennis Federation.
This table tennis racket has been constructed to provide a great balance of power and control, and it’s suitable for both practice and gameplay.
You can play with this racket with ease as it has 7 layers of carbon fiber (2+5+2+1+2) and rubber (2mm+S5), giving you a powerful frame. It’s extremely light and super durable too.
The carbon technology adds to the overall strength of the table tennis racket, while the ACS technology provides more spin and power. The new STIGA ProCarbon table tennis racket will surely give you a winning advantage over your opponents.
Whether you’re new to table tennis or you’re looking to improve your skills, this table tennis racket is the best choice for you.
Pros:
• World-class design
• Pro-level performance
• ITTF-certified
• State-of-the-art technology
• Professional guidance and advice
Cons:
• Some may find it too expensive
6) Upstreet’s Ping Pong Paddles – Best for Professional Paddle
When I think of a good quality ping pong paddle, the first brand I think of is Upstreet. They offer great quality products and are always improving.
Also, this affordable paddle made by Upstreet comes with 3 different thicknesses of sponge that make your paddle sticky. However, these 3 thicknesses provide the ping pong player with a wide variety of playing characteristics.
When comparing the different brands available on the market, Upstreet’s ping pong paddle is the best because they have the largest thickness of the sponge. The thickest sponge is called the “Heavy Sponge.” This sponge provides players with the most solid hits.
Upstreet Ping Pong Paddles have an added benefit. They are available in multiple colors. So, if you’re a player looking for the perfect color to represent your team, look no further than Upstreet’s Ping Pong Paddle.
There’s not much else you could ask for in a ping pong paddle in the market.
Pros:
• Available in multiple colors.
• Decent price.
• Good reviews.
• Sturdy construction.
• Largest thickness of sponge for the most solid hits.
Cons:
• Some people may prefer a thinner paddle for more control.
7) Franklin Sports Ping Pong Paddle – Best Paddle with Balls
With the right equipment, the Ping-Pong game is a great way to relieve stress and get some exercise. It can also be enjoyed by adults as well as kids, which makes it a fun activity for everyone.
This all-in-one 2-player set is a great example of that. With a natural grain laminated wood design, this is the best Ping-Pong paddle on the market. It’s lightweight, comfortable to use, and easy to clean.
The soft, flexible paddle will help you get the hang of this game as you work on improving your technique. It’ll come with three table tennis balls that are ideal for beginners and kids of all ages.
When your partner isn’t into the Ping-Pong game, they’ll appreciate the comfort of a soft, durable surface on their hand. Plus, you’ll get plenty of laughs out of your Ping-Pong matches with this awesome table tennis set.
Pros:
• Natural grain laminated wood design
• Lightweight
• Comfortable to use
• Easy to clean
• Flexible paddle
Cons:
• Only comes with three table tennis balls
8) Senston Ping Pong Paddles Table Tennis Paddle – Best Speedy
These ping pong paddles are great. It feels comfortable in your hands and has great speed and control. It’s also very compact and easy to transport.
I’m a huge fan of Senston products. They make the best ping pong paddles and equipment that I’ve ever used.
I was looking for some cheap but functional ping pong paddles that could be used to help improve my game, and these Senston paddles fit the bill perfectly.
The paddle is solid, thick, and has a good weight to it, which is ideal for speed and control. They have a nice handle that makes them easy to grip.
Also, the surface of the rubber on the paddle is soft enough to provide comfort yet strong enough to maintain stability. You’re not going to get sore fingers from gripping these paddles.
They also have a decent weight, which is ideal for long sessions. If you have bigger hands, you might want to consider buying a slightly thicker paddle.
If you’re looking for something cheap and functional, these are a good choice.
Senston ping pong paddles should be a part of everyone’s home, not just for recreational purposes. You can use them for competitive matches and practice too. They’re a great investment that will last for many years.
Pros:
• Inexpensive
• Good quality
• Sturdy
• Comfortable grip
• Good weight
Cons:
• May not be suitable for professional players
9) Butterfly 401 Table Tennis Racket – Best Paddle Under 100$
For me, it was worth the wait. Not just because it was my birthday, but because this tennis racket truly lives up to its name.
The Butterfly paddle offers a lot of tech in a very sleek package – an SDT Technology that works really well. It’s also a great racket for intermediate players and beginners.
Also, we noticed, the construction is sturdy, and the head weighs in at a very light 3.4 ounces. This makes it extremely light on your arm, and it feels great when hitting the ball.
You also get the added benefit of rubber grips on the handle and grip, which means it’s comfortable enough for daily play.
Even though there aren’t any specs available on the rackets yet, the Butterfly is rated to spin 96, have control of 90, and hit speeds of 96. That’s pretty good for an entry-level model.
There isn’t any information on the shock dispersion tubes and how they work, but if they’re doing their job, you should be able to get a lot more spin and accuracy than with regular rackets.
So what I do know is that I’m going to enjoy playing with this racket. I didn’t think this would be my first-ever review, but I couldn’t resist – it feels great, plays great, and it’s my new go-to racket for practice and plays.
For the price, I don’t think you can beat this racket – I’m happy I got mine, and I hope you guys find it worthy too.
Pros:
• Sturdy construction
• Lightweight head
• Rubber grips for comfort
• Suitable for daily play
• Excellent value for money
Cons:
• May be too light for some players
Buying Guide of the Best Ping Pong Paddles – Which Table Tennis Racket to buy?
Ping pong or table tennis is a popular sport all over the world. For great fun, you only need a table, two paddles, and a ball. Besides, ping pong is a great way to train our motor coordination. It also turns out to be quite interesting entertainment when meeting friends or family. Therefore, in this guide, we will tell you which ping pong paddles to choose.
If you are thinking of playing ping pong not only in terms of entertainment but also as a way to get involved in regular physical activity, you need to choose the right equipment.
Why? It is the racket that affects our results and comfort during the game. You can buy the simplest model in a kiosk, but this is equipment for people who do not think about the natural environment. If you don’t want to throw your racket away after a few uses and clutter the Earth, better choose a solid product.
Parameters of the Table Tennis Rackets
The manufacturers of good rackets provide certain parameters on the packaging. However, the numbers alone tell us little. That is why we want to introduce them to you. Usually, speed – sped / speed, rotation – spin, and control – control is given.
Most companies use a rating system from 1 to 10, but you will also find manufacturers on the market that have a larger scale – from 1 to 100. In this case, usually, just divide the number by 10, and we get a result that allows us to compare the equipment with the one in which the classic scale was used.
How important are the parameters to us?
You already know that each device is rated for speed, rotation, and control, but what does this have to do with the player?
Speed (sped / speed) is the force with which the racket gives speed to the ball on impact. The bigger it is, the faster we bounce the ball. However, if you are playing doubles and you are in a defender position, it is better to choose a model with a lower speed. The speed depends on the type of rubber used in the paddles, as well as the board and the thickness of the pad.
Rotation is the racket’s ability to curl the ball. It also depends on the type of rubber used in the racket.
Control is the ability of the racket to steer the ball correctly.
What Parameters are the Best?
In many cases, a rating of 10/10 is the best rating you can get. That is why many people assume that a good racket should have the highest level of speed, rotation, and control. However, this is a misconception.
If you want to attack successfully, you need to choose equipment with high speed. At the same time, the control rating should be lower. Also, remember that a lot depends on your skills. If you have little experience, choose equipment with more control and less speed. It will allow you to give the ball a very precise direction. It is a good choice if you are new to table tennis.
Material
When choosing a racket, it is worth paying attention to what it is made of. It is better to choose a product made of high-quality materials, i.e., good plastic cladding and a solid wooden handle than a pallet made entirely of poor plastic.
Choosing a good-quality product affects the quality of the game, our precision, and how long we will use the racket. The outer part should be flexible to ensure proper rotation and speed of bounce. Each manufacturer uses different proportions of materials, and it is difficult to judge which composition is the best.
In this case, it is worth consulting experienced people as well as users of given models.
Cladding – Which Ping Pong Paddles are the Best?
The cladding can cover one or both sides of the board. If we choose a version with two-sided cladding, one should be black and the other – bright red. Versions with one-sided cladding are also available.
Such palettes are also preserved in this color scheme, so you need to check whether we are dealing with a cladding or a board painted in a given color. In the case of double-sided models, we have better performance and extended service life of the pallet.
In order for the cladding to appear complete, it must cover the entire surface of the board, but not go beyond its limits. There are models on the market with lining installed with self-adhesive sheets, underlays, or special adhesives. Remember that with high-intensity exercise, even the best product will eventually deteriorate. If you already see cracks and scratches on the cladding when you buy it,
The thickness of the cladding is not irrelevant. In the case of offensive players, it must be at least 1.5 mm, while for defensive players, it must be at least 1 mm to 1.5 mm. For beginners, we recommend cladding with a thickness of 1.3 mm to 2 mm.
Ergonomic Handle
The paddle must have a comfortable, ergonomic handle, preferably a wooden one. Before buying, it is worth checking if the model fits well in our hands. This affects the comfort of the game and our accuracy.
Cheaper in Set
If you are a beginner, have little experience, or want to buy a palette as a gift, it is worth choosing a set. The set includes a net, a cover, as well as two balls, and, of course, paddles – usually two.
Ping Pong Paddles at Good Prices
The prices of rackets start from a few zlotys per piece and reach even several hundred. You can find a good product in the store for about $50, $100 to $150. In the beginning, it is not worth investing in too expensive equipment because the paddles, even the best ones, are destroyed at the high intensity of the game.
Who should complete a tennis racket on their own?
At the very beginning, we would like to point out that the self-assembly of a tennis racket is recommended mainly for professionals. Unfortunately, the components are quite expensive. In addition, when choosing individual elements, we must be sure of our habits during the game and have experience with several models.
That is why completing the racket by amateurs is very difficult. If you are just starting your adventure with ping-pong, we recommend you buy a ready-made device. If you want to know which tennis racket is recommended by Internet users, read the earlier part of the article.
Assembling a tennis racket yourself
The first thing you need to buy is aboard. When choosing this item, check the flexibility and speed. Many people buy a ready-made pallet from which they remove the veneer and complete the rest of the elements themselves. It should be emphasized, however, that in the case of professional table tennis players, the racket should be adapted to the style of play (offensive or defensive) and also properly balanced.
The next step is to purchase the cladding. Naturally, it must be properly measured to match the previously purchased wood. Consider that each material has different properties and is recommended for a different type of play. We recommend materials with short pivots, as they will make picking up the serve easier. In addition, such a lining is recommended for aggressive licks and quick ball replacements.
Then you need to choose a good glue with which to glue the material. You will find cheap products on the market, but we recommend avoiding them. Nothing destroys the enjoyment of the game like a sudden detachment of the lining. Not only does it look ugly, but it also slows down the servos and affects the rotation of the ball. Many experienced players recommend a rubber glue that sticks well to both wood and materials.
More Related FAQs
How to Maintain Ping Pong Paddles?
As you use the racket, you will quickly find that it stops twisting or “pulling” the ball. Does that mean it’s time to replace the accessory? No, you just need to clean them well. The first step should be to soak the tray in water. Each side should be left in a bowl of water for about an hour. Then, the entire surface should be covered with soap, which is recommended to be rubbed in for a few minutes.
The last step is to rinse the palette thoroughly. Experts believe that the activity should be repeated once every 3 months. Washing the surface too often can make it slippery, which can affect the quality of the game.
It is a good idea to use a cotton swab with a nail polish remover to remove dirt from the racket. The substance is so effective that it removes unsightly dirt very quickly.
Improving rotation and speed
When you notice that your racket bounces balls slower and the quality of the game decreases, despite training, do not throw it away. Instead, use the trick below to improve game performance. Depending on the model you have, buy a special ribbon from the same manufacturer. It is also worth investing in good-quality glue to stick the lining on both parts of the racket.
The key to a dynamic game is the right slide on the paddle. For this reason, many people, after cleaning, put a small amount of washing-up liquid on the swab and rub the substance into the lining. You will then be better off curling the ball.
How do I hold the Ping Pong Paddles?
When playing table tennis, we can use a variety of grips to hold a paddle. It is important to choose the best one for you at the beginning of your adventure with the game because then you will immediately get into the right habits, and practicing new skills will not be difficult. The American flat grip means that the index finger is straightened and pointed flush with the head of the rackets.
However, the thumb should be placed at the end of the handle. Such a grip resembles a handshake; hence its English name, shake hand grip. We can also choose the American deep grip, which is similar to the previous one, but in this case, the hand is higher, close to the head of the racket. With the little-known V-grip, the index and middle fingers are slightly bent and hug the handle on both sides.
How to clean the table tennis racket?
The table tennis racket will retain its nice appearance and properties for as long as possible if it is taken care of properly. How to clean it? It is best to use a soft microfiber cloth, which you moisten slightly with water to clean your paddle.
Strong detergents are not recommended as they may damage the rubber. It is from wiping it that we should start and then move on to the handle. In the case of larger dirt, we can choose to use a delicate liquid. There are also special racket cleaners available in stores.
How much do Ping Pong Paddles Cost?
You can buy ping pong paddles for around 30$. Most people who deal with this discipline for longer admit that slightly more expensive models, which are usually more durable, will be a better choice.
A solid product can be purchased for around 30$. There are also models for 60$ or more. A lot of terms of the price depend not only on the quality of the ping pong paddles but also on the popularity of the manufacturer and whether the set includes additional accessories, e.g., a cover.
How do I care for my Ping Pong Paddles?
There are several ways to keep your table tennis racket in top condition. First of all, you need to remember to clean it regularly, because only then will it look nice. When choosing cleaning agents, you can choose special preparations that not only remove dirt but also extend the life of the rubber and create a kind of protective coating on it.
Ping-pong fans should also remember to keep the racket in a safe place. It is best to decide to buy a special cover. You can also think about sticking a protective film to better protect the veneer.
What table ping pong paddles for a beginner?
People with no experience in playing table tennis may have trouble finding the right rackets. In the beginning, virtually every model should be good, but if you want to develop your passion, it is good to invest in a better paddle right away.
First of all, we should take into account the general evaluation of the product, expressed most often on a scale of 1 to 10. The best models are those that have the 10/10 mark, which means that they are characterized by appropriate speed and guarantee the player good control.
Can you assemble ping pong paddles yourself?
Choosing the right table tennis equipment is very important because the quality of the game depends on it. But what to do when the products available in stores do not satisfy us? A good solution is to fold the racket yourself. Below you will find some tips on how to choose individual elements and how to care for the palette.
Conclusion
I love the quality of these paddles; however, I don’t believe they’re ideal for playing ping pong on their own as the paddles are too small and don’t provide enough grip.
And I believe that a paddle that is slightly smaller would work best, but the size of these paddles really works well for playing on your own. If you play ping pong in your house, then I recommend picking the NIBIRU SPORT Ping Pong Paddles Set. If you play ping pong at the park or indoor courts, I recommend you pick a STIGA Evolution Performance-Level Table Tennis Racket.
Which is your favorite? Did we leave anything out? Let us know in the comments below!
