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Wang Liqin knows a good table when he sees one! |
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Photo by: Aadel Mahaba, courtesy of www.ittf.com |
Don't Believe the Hype
Firstly, forget the grand claims of the manufacturers. Unless you are already playing at state or national level, it's unlikely that you need the most expensive table tennis table in the range - and even then I would think twice at paying that much.
First-Timers?
If it's your first table for the family, go for the lower end of the market and let your family beat the hell out of the ping-pong table while they are learning how to play. If someone in the family then decides to get serious about their table tennis, you should be ready to replace the worn out table with a nice middle-of-the-range model that will be appreciated and looked after properly.
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Decide whether you are going to leave the table set up permanently or whether you will be frequently packing it up and putting it back. If you are going to be taking it up and down constantly, you will want something that is easy to setup, preferably a fold-up model that can be handled by one person, with rollers to allow you to move it without fuss. The good roller tables all have brakes on the wheels that can be applied to stop the table moving around when in use.
In fact, I would probably go so far as to say that even if you plan to leave your ping-pong table set up all the time, buying a table with rollers is still a good idea - you never know when your plans will change, and the quality of the roller tables made by Stiga, Joola, Butterfly, Donic, DHS, Kettler etc. are top notch.
How Thick Are You?
Some players will argue that only table tennis tables with full 25mm (1 inch) thick tops are worth buying. While it is true that these tables do give a nice, even bounce, I have also played a fair bit of table tennis on 19mm (0.75 inches) thick tops and found little difference - certainly not hundreds of dollars worth! In fact, I spent many years at the beginning of my table tennis days playing on a cheap $150 AUS chipboard table in my garage, and that did the job well for someone learning to play. So I would recommend a 19mm thick top, unless you can find a thicker top for not much extra.
Serious tournament players will probably want to go to a 25mm thick top just so that they have a similar table to what they will play on at tournaments. After all, what's a few hundred extra dollars to a serious table tennis player who probably spends that in a couple of months on rubbers and speed glue?
Nice Legs!
Make sure that the ping-pong table you buy has good strong legs and supports - it's probably going to take quite a beating over the next few years, and you will need something well-made to stand up to the rough treatment. This is especially important if you have kids that are likely to treat the table a bit rougher than an adult will.
Another nice feature to look for is leg levelers on the bottom of the legs. These can be very handy when the floor you are playing on isn't level - the levelers can be screwed in and out to keep the height of the table at its standard 76cm (approx 30 inches) above the floor.
Who Are You?
Does it really matter which brand of ping-pong table you buy? Not really, as far as I am concerned. I personally have a Stiga Elite Roller, which I am very happy with. The main reason I bought this model is because it is the model that was used at my state table tennis center (they are now using the Stiga Expert Roller table), so it made sense for me to have the same type of table. But unless you are in a similar situation, it won't really matter much whether the table is a Stiga, Joola, Tibhar or Butterfly table. Look for the best deal on price, not forgetting the features I have mentioned above.
Are You on the Level?
Watch out for table tops that are warped. Put your eye at table height from all sides of the table and look for any bending or warping which can affect the bounce of the ball. A 1 meter or 1 yard long spirit level can be very handy for assessing whether the table surface is not flat.
Dragnet
No, not the old TV show - or the newer one either. Look for a net with attachments that have a soft covering where they grip the table - so that you don't scratch the finish unnecessarily. You could probably put some sticky felt on the net clamps if you had to. Also make sure that the clamps that are used by the net don't dig into the surface or the underside of the table. And of course, don't drag the net clamps when taking the net off or putting it on!
Start at the Finish
Make sure that the finish on the table is smooth and even, with no patches or rough spots. Look for any rough edges on the top and sides that could cut you if you accidentally grazed a part of your body along it. And bring a ruler with you to test the height of the bounce - remember that according to the Laws of Table Tennis, the ball should bounce about 23cm when a standard ball is dropped on it from a height of 30cm. And no, bouncing 24cm high in some places and 22cm high in others doesn't average out!
Take it Outside
What about outdoor ping-pong tables?
Outdoor table tennis tables come in a variety of formats - usually the legs and supports are waterproofed/rustproofed to stand up to the elements. The actual table surface can be metallic, wood with a waterproof coating, and even some forms of synthetic laminate. As usual, for better quality you have to pay more.
The most important element for the recreational player is whether you can leave the table outside in the wind and rain. You'll probably need to buy a fairly good quality table in order to get the level of weatherproofing you need. For serious players, it is probably more important whether the bounce on the outdoor table tennis table is similar to that of indoor tables. Either way, it would be a good idea to get a quality opaque plastic cover to help prevent the table fading and warping in the sun.
I've got to admit, apart from these basics, I didn't have much of a clue about this particular area of table tennis tables. So I went along to the About.com Table Tennis Forum, and lo and behold, the following information was found!
According to stevebtx, metallic tables have been found to be shinier and a bit slower than normal tables, and the effect of spin is less. mzwang added that the Butterfly outdoor table tennis table had a different and lower bounce.
The general consensus seems to be that unless you need a table that is going to stay outside at all times, you are better off buying an indoor table instead and taking it outside to play during good weather only. It also seems that most people who do play outside have quite a good time, especially when the weather is windy and the ball can do quite strange things!
Interested in purchasing an Outdoor Table? Buy Direct
Honey, I Shrunk the Table
For those of you who have limited space at home, you may be considering the purchase of a compact ping-pong table. These tables are usually the same height as a normal table, but have smaller playing surfaces.
My take on these tables is this: If you think you will only play table tennis for fun at home, and not play competitions, leagues or pennants, then these mini ping-pong tables can be a great way to spend a few hours with family and friends.
But if you are considering getting serious about the sport, or you are just beginning and aren't quite sure yet, I'd recommend against buying one of these tables - you can pick up too many bad habits if you play on them often. Because the dimensions are different, what is good placement on a compact table may be not so good on a normal table. You also may end up hitting a bit too spinny or soft in order to land the ball on the smaller table, and also get used to hitting too straight due to the lesser width.
So keep smaller tables for fun and family, and if you are serious about competing, don't spend too much time on them.
Interested in Mini Ping-Pong Tables? Buy Direct
Get a Convertible
If you already have a snooker, billiard or pool table at home, it can be tempting to buy a table tennis conversion top. A ping-pong conversion top is basically an attempt by manufacturers to cater for smaller family games rooms by allowing you to place a table tennis playing surface on top of a snooker, billiard or pool table. Sounds good in theory, right?
Well, it depends on the size of your table. The official standard size of a snooker table is 11 feet by 5 feet 10 inches, while a table tennis table is 9 feet by 5 feet. Spot a problem? Yes, you are going to find it pretty tough to get near those short balls with an extra foot of snooker table protruding out under each side of the conversion top. Add the fact that the recommended height of snooker tables is between 33 ½ inches (85.1cm) to 34 ½ inches (87.6cm), while a table tennis table is supposed to be 30 inches (76cm) high, and you've got another problem. Unless you plan to play in platform shoes, you'll be playing on a surface that is much too high.
If you have a table that is smaller and lower (common billiard table sizes are 10 feet by 5 feet, 9 feet by 4 and a half feet, or 8 feet by 4 feet, with heights of around 29 ¼ inches to 31 inches), you might get away with a conversion top. Try to check the bounce of the ball with the conversion top actually on a billiard table, so you can see whether it actually bounces to the correct height of 23cm when dropped from a height of 30cm.
Interested in Table Tennis Conversion Tops? Buy Direct
Danger, Will Robinson!
As Rick Anderson pointed out in the About.com forum, table tennis tables can be dangerous where kids are concerned. First of all, there is the danger of the table tipping over when it is folded up and someone gives it a push in the wrong place. There is also the danger of the table collapsing if too much weight is placed upon it, or in the wrong spot (such as the area near the net for many fold up tables.
Finally, there is the risks involved in opening the tables up for use on those models where both halves of the table are connected centrally. If one side of the table is let down first, and then the other side is let down, the area between the two inside edges has a guillotine-like motion which can be very dangerous if a child is around that area at the time. Even the models with the halves separate from each other can still be dangerous if a small child is able to let the table down unexpectedly.
It would be a good idea to make sure that a table in the upright position is secured so that any kids can't accidentally let the sides of the table down. Educating any kids (and adults too!) about the dangers involved in setting up and putting away the table would be a good thing to do as well.
Conclusion
So there you have it, Greg's Guide to Choosing a Table Tennis Table. Choose wisely and you will be sure to get years of good service, and hopefully years of good services, from your trusty table tennis table.
Interested in Stiga Table Tennis Tables? Buy Direct
Interested in Butterfly Table Tennis Tables? Buy Direct
Interested in Double Happiness (DHS) Table Tennis Tables? Buy Direct
Interested in Killerspin Table Tennis Tables? Buy Direct
Interested in Joola Table Tennis Tables? Buy Direct
COMMENTS
14th May 2005
Deepak Mukhi wrote:
A really useful article and the only one I could find after an hour of trawling. A word on outdoor tables would be really handy. If it's to be left outdoors with or without a cover is a weatherproof version essential? Does weatherproofing (possibly aluminium tops) affect bounce? What are the best options available at present? Any help here would be so helpful.
Thanks!
Geoff Deutsch wrote:
Thanks for the great site. A question. I bought a used indoor table but want to keep it outside. Is there anything I can coat it with to get the top to last longer.? I realize it may afect the bounce a bit but that's OK. Thanks!
Greg replies:
I'd probably recommend a waterproof sealer - it probably won't help the bounce but should help keep the table from getting waterlogged. Make sure you do the sides and underneath as well. I've read elsewhere that several coats of clear satin sheen polyurethane spray make a good table surface sealer - I'd imagine that they would be pretty water and weatherproof.
Has anybody else out there got any experience with this that they would care to share? If so, please email me so I can add it to the article and make it more useful to anyone trying to choose a table tennis table.
Thanks,
Greg
21st June 2005
Todd Holland wrote:
Greg
Thanks for making such a great, user friendly website. I've been looking around for awhile and have found yours to be the most helpful. However, it is still not yet enough. There is way, way more to ping pong/table tennis than I ever expected. I could use some detailed advice on some purchases.
First, a little background. In addition to the usual childhood ping pong games, things got semi-serious last spring on a job in which the boss brought in his table and the games began. Games were fast paced and fun; an office tournament ensued. All fun.
One day, as a thank you to the boss for letting us play, I upgraded his heavily worn crappy paddles with a set for about US $20 each. BIG difference. It took us a few weeks to get the hang of the new paddles, but we loved them! The old ones felt like lead. Of course, things got out of hand and pretty soon people were buying $40 and $50 paddles! They were beyond our ability after some initial amazement, dropped them for the $20 pair. Anyway, the job ended and now I am jonesing to play some more! I need to buy my own equipment and there are just too many choices out there and I can barely keep track of things in the forums.
I have a house with plenty of space, indoor and outdoor for a table. I would like to use the table outdoors in full sun (Southern California), but never leave it in the rain-- though morning dew might be a problem. I suppose it could live indoors mostly, brought out for parties. I want to buy a table-- one table-- for myself and adults to play on. I don't plan on being a pro or even close, just a good player who can have fun with guests. The table will move in and out of the house and perhaps, sometimes I'll bring it to work. Therefore, I suppose durability is an issue. Can you recommend one or two tables that fit this lifestyle?
As for paddles (blades?), I bought a Stiga Prestige WRB. As I recall, I wasn't in love with it. Too lively, i think. I liked those $20 paddles better. More rallys and more fun. Where does one even go to play and or try out paddles?
Okay, I've already taken too much of your time. The table is most important right now, since it's the start of everything.
Thanks!
todd
Greg replied:
Hi Todd,
I've been having a bit of a look around the About.com table tennis forum (one of my favourite places to go for researching table tennis stuff!), and have found a few things that may help you out with the table.
The page below has an extensive list of outdoor tables - the about.com crew seem to like the Kettler variety for value for money.
http://www.robbinstabletennis.com/prodtab4.htm
This thread on about.com has some more worthwhile info as well.
http://forums.about.com/ab-tabletennis/messages/?msg=18596.1
Personally, I think that if you can store the table inside when not in use, I'd be inclined to recommend a good indoor table that folds up and has rollers - the Stiga and Butterfly models spring to mind - really any sturdy roller table with at least a 19mm thick surface should be fine. It's just that the outdoor tables seem to bounce a bit differently, and if you're starting to think about playing seriously I think you would be better off with a table that plays like a competition table. You don't need a full priced competition model - the lower end rollers should be just fine. Have a look at http://www.ping-pong.com/table.php for examples of the models on offer. Personally, I have a Stiga at home and we use them locally, and I think they are pretty good - although really you can probably look for the best priced of any of the lower end roller models.
Now table tennis blades - that's another story! If you keep playing and go to your local club, you will be looking at the more expensive blades and rubbers pretty soon - don't worry it doesn't take long to get used to them - but I'd recommend getting some coaching though - it will be well worth it in the long run.
Feel free to email if you have any other questions.
Greg
James Poole wrote:
Hi Greg,
Thanks for your excellent site, keep up the good work.
I have found it to be probably the best resource I have found so far on
the subject. I find your writing style to be informative yet sometimes
humerous and thus it is always a good read.
I live in England and me and my fiance have recently taken up table tennis
at a local club and are really enjoying ourselves. I have a question if I
may. We have limited space in our home but would like to get ourselves a
table tennis table. We have seen a smaller table which is made by Jaques
of London and measures 6ft by 3ft and standard height. Here is the link
(its the 67760 Foldamatic Mini 6 x 3 Compact ) :
http://www.jaques.co.uk/online_brochure/table_tennis_collection/index.htm
What are your opinions on playing/practising on a smaller table like this.
Do you think it would hinder our playing progression or not really matter?
Many thanks for your help,
James Poole.
Greg replied:
Hi James,
Glad to hear you and your fiance are enjoying your table tennis - I hope I can continue to keep my website interesting and entertaining for you both.
Now, onto the subject of this compact table. I would say that if both of you are thinking that you will be still playing in a year or two, I wouldn't bother getting a compact table. By that stage it wouldn't really be useful for practicing so you would probably find it a waste of money.
If you were thinking of playing just for fun (ie socially once a week, no tournaments or competitions) then it might be something fun for you both to have a hit on at home.
Essentially, if you get serious about the sport, you won't find a table that small useful - it could actually introduce some bad habits into your game (ie serving too short, hitting too short, etc). If you aren't going to get serious, then it could be a fun way to spend the night with some friends or by yourselves.
Regards,
Greg Letts
