Buying guide for Best ping-pong paddles
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Any ping-pong player knows that the game’s most important tool is the paddle. The paddle’s blade determines the power. The rubber determines the amount of spin the paddle can apply. And the softness of the sponge depends on your playing style, whether aggressive or defensive.
USA Table Tennis has very loose requirements for paddles, which are also called rackets. As long as the paddle is of even thickness, the blade and handle can be any shape or size. Despite this lack of specificity, most blades and handles are of similar shape and size, balancing surface area with weight so players can move and react quickly.
Indeed, there’s a lot to consider to find the right ping-pong paddle to up your game, and we did the research to help you find it. Our top choice is the Stiga Pro Carbon Table Tennis Racket, which features a large sweet spot for clean hits.
Key considerations
Do you use penhold or shakehand grip? Are you a defensive or offensive player? How important are power and spin to your playing style? Here's a look at some of the most important considerations to keep in mind when looking for a ping-pong paddle.
Blade
The blade, which must be at least 85% natural wood, is made of several layers, usually three, five, or seven. The overall thickness of the blade typically ranges from 5 to 10 millimeters, and the weight generally ranges from 2.5 to 3 ounces.
Some defensive players prefer lighter blades, which move quickly to generate massive spin, while others prefer heavier blades that move slowly but absorb power. Many defensive players typically prefer softer woods like balsa.
Offensive players sometimes prefer heavier blades that offer more power, but others like lighter blades that can move quickly. Harder wood lends a better sweet spot for aggressive shots, with a layer of carbon fiber being a popular choice for very aggressive players.
Handle grip
A ping-pong paddle’s handle should accommodate your preferred grip. Shakehand grip or Western handles are longer and rounded, allowing for the popular shakehand grip or the Seemiller grip. Penhold grip handles are shorter and thicker, allowing you to comfortably hold the paddle in the Eastern style.
Handles may also be straight, flared or ergonomic. What you choose has more to do with comfort than playing style, but straight handles do allow you to change your grip more freely while flared handles provide a more secure hold.
Rubber
The rubber is the part of the paddle that makes contact with the ping-pong ball. While some paddles have no rubber, this is fairly uncommon in competitive play. The rubber should complement your playing style. Rubbers are measured by their tackiness and firmness. Some rubbers are pips out, with rubber stippling covering the surface, while most are pips in (also called inverted or reverse), resulting in a smooth and even surface.
Tackiness determines how easily spin can be applied to the ball. Defensive players prefer highly tacky rubbers, while offensive players may want a less tacky surface. Grip determines how much control you have, allowing for the pinpointing of aggressive shots. Many players prefer a balance of tackiness and grip, which lends to both their defensive and offensive games strength.
Sponge
The sponge is the soft layer of foam between the blade and the rubber. Sponges vary in thickness, softness and springiness.
Thin sponges are usually around 1 millimeter thick and are best suited to defensive play. Sponges around 1.5 millimeters thick tend to be a good choice for players with an all-around style of play. Thick sponges of 2- to 2.5-millimeter thickness are springy, adding power and control.
Ping-pong paddles with pips-out rubber, particularly those with longer pips, may have no sponge.
Caring for your ping-pong paddle
Storing your paddle
Unfortunately, rubber does degrade over time and can lose its springiness and grip. A paddle left out can collect dust and dirt, shortening its lifespan.
Leaving your paddle on your ping-pong table is a great way to collect dust, which will lead to an uneven surface lacking grip. Ping-pong paddle bags and cases keep your paddle protected from dust and dirt and can prevent bumps and scratches. These bags can also hold ping-pong balls and your cleaning tools.
Rubber can also oxidize, but this can be prevented by covering the rubber with a plastic sheet designed for protecting paddles. You can also use kitchen plastic wrap.
Cleaning your paddle
The safest and most reliable way to clean your ping-pong paddle is with water and a sponge. There are special sponges made specifically for the job, but most sponges will work fine. Some players find that regular sponges can leave behind some small particles, however.
Rubber cleaners are available, but when using a cleaning product, you should always check that it does not contain any chemicals that may damage the rubber. Different table tennis organizations may also have restrictions on what cleaners, if any, can be used on paddles.
You should also wipe down your handle after playing to reduce grease and dirt buildup.
Price
Entry-level ping-pong paddles from $20 to $50 are often made from less expensive woods like balsa and have basic rubbers for an all-around style of play. Paddles in this range may work well for beginners, but more experienced players may feel limited by their capabilities. Paddles in this range often have three to five layers of wood.
Paddles from $50 to $100 are likely to be specialized for certain playing styles and have five to seven layers of wood. Rubber surfaces may be extra tacky or grippy. Competitive players can often find paddles in this range.
For $100 and up, you can get a professional paddle designed for competitive play. These paddles usually have seven layers of wood and may have layers of carbon fiber. They may also come with a carrying bag or other accessories.
Did you know?
Rubber does age, so purchasing a used ping-pong paddle is usually not a good idea.
STAFF
BestReviews
Ping-pong tips
- Find your angle: Properly angling your ping-pong paddle can help to counter spin.
- Switch it up: Backspin backhand serves can throw off your opponent, especially if you typically do forehand serves.
- Watch your opponent's paddle: When receiving a serve, keep your eye on the opponent’s paddle to anticipate spin.
- Disguise your spin: Your follow-through swing can be used to disguise the type of spin you have applied to the ball.
- Make the other player run: If you can anticipate your opponent’s position and force him to run to reach the ball, you can reduce his chances of an offensive stroke.
- Backspin bonus: A backhand short-push return, which puts backspin on the ball, causes the ball to bounce twice on your opponent’s side of the table, making an offensive stroke difficult to pull off.
- It's in the wrist: Applying spin is as much about where on the ball you make contact as it is your wrist movement.
"After your paddle, the next most important piece of ping-pong equipment is your footwear. Your shoes should be grippy and allow for side-to-side movement."
STAFF
BestReviews
How we analyzed
We considered various ping-pong paddles based on their strongest attribute: spin, speed or control. From there, we aimed to pick paddles made with a high-quality rubber and a premium blade composition for elite performance during both casual and competitive play.
FAQ
Q. Can the two sides of rubber on a ping-pong paddle be made of different materials?
A. While most table tennis organizations allow this, they also stipulate that one side must be black and the other a contrasting color, such as red, so your opponent can easily tell when you have switched sides. Beginners may find paddles with two different rubbers difficult to learn with.
Q. How much do speed, spin, and control ratings matter?
A. Because testing methods vary from one brand to the next, it’s difficult to compare ping-pong paddle ratings with much accuracy. You can use ratings to compare paddles by the same brand, but otherwise, your best bet is to look at the materials used and read customer reviews.
Q. Can the rubber of a ping-pong paddle be replaced?
A. Yes. After several years, the rubber may show signs of cracking and drying out. There are special glues designed for adhering foam and rubber to a ping-pong paddle’s blade, and rubber can be sized to fit any paddle.
