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Table Tennis Table Selection Guide

Top Thickness:  A table top should be 3/4" thick or more to be resistant to warpage. 1/2" and 5/8" thick tops are too thin to provide much resistance to warping. Tops less than 3/4" thick do not bounce consistently over the entire surface of the table. A too thin top will cause the ball to bounce too low in places and makes it difficult to play especially for children.
Table tennis table tops range from 1/2" to 1" thick. Generally the thicker the top the better if the material used is of the same quality.  A thicker top generally enhances the quality of a table tennis table. The quality of the material (particle board is used for almost all table tennis tables) used is also very important Some table tennis table tops are made of a high resin material that can have a higher resistance to warpage than regular particle board. The evenness of support under the top is also important in determining the bounce quality of a ping pong table.

Frame (chassis) Durability & Thickness:  Larger size legs are generally thought to improve durability; however a table with many connecting points within the chassis may have greater durability even though the legs and bracing may be thinner. A table tennis table like a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, so a table tennis table with thick legs that are strong in appearance, without enough connections in the right places may not be as strong as a table tennis table with thinner higher quality connections that are placed in the optimum places.

Table Tennis Table Stability
The table tennis tables commonly available through mass market retailers lack the proper design and support to allow the table to hold together very long before loosening and collapsing. Call us to go over your intended usage and we will help evaluate what table model would best work for you.

Table Tennis Table Warpage
Warping of table tennis table tops is a common problem. There needs to be enough built-in resistance to warpage for your environment and usage. Call us to go over your intended usage and we will help you select the model that most suits your needs with the highest resistance to warping.

About Warped Ping Pong/Table Tennis Table Tops

Country of manufacturing for Table Tennis Tables

Table tennis tables are made in many countries around the world. The relationship  between country of manufacturing and quality of table tennis tables is about the same as it is for other goods. Germany produces quality goods, and is also the home of the worlds largest professional table tennis league. Germany has a table tennis league that has over 800,000 participants. Germany as a result has manufacturing capability that allows it to produce many of the worlds finest table tennis tables.

Why buy from us?

We have the best price on the best table tennis tables. We have a wide variety of the best tables and we really know and will recommend a table for your usage that will last years for your usage at a great price.

We are located in the U.S. and we are not at all new at the table tennis table business. Many companies on the internet are new and not even located in the US. We have been in the table tennis business since 1977. We have operated a table tennis mail order catalog business since then. Before the internet we use to sell to national sporting goods chains such as Hermans, Oshmans, Garts, MC, Sportmart and many others (over 2,000 stores total).
Robbins Table Tennis processes the warranties. If you have a problem with a product you have bought from us, you would contact us. We process warranties by contacting the manufacturers. It is still the manufacturers warranty, but we do the processing for you.

Many companies that sell table tennis tables are new at it. Sometimes they do not have any real presence in the U.S. Often shipment is made only through independent  warehouses.

Robbins Table Tennis was founded by Dan Robbins winner of several U.S. table tennis titles and a former consultant to international table tennis companies.  

Wood vs. Aluminum Encapsulated Table Tennis Tables

Wood: Most table tennis table tops are made entirely of wood. These should not be exposed to excessive humidity, moisture, or temperature extremes.

Aluminum:  The table tennis tables with aluminum encapsulation have a great resistance to moisture and warpage. These tables are suitable for outdoor patio usage.   The encapsulation process makes these tables warp proof.
Table tennis tables that are encapsulated in aluminum are wood table that are enclosed in aluminum, top, bottom, and sides. Aluminum encapsulated tops can delaminate if not properly designed and manufactured. A well designed and made table of this type can last for many years.  

 Features

Roll-Away & Storage Positions: Roll –Away table tennis tables usually have the halves of the table attached to a center frame with wheels allowing quick set-up and fold up for storage. It is important for long term chassis durability that the wheels on each side of the table have adequate connections between them to maintain stability. It is the wheels and whatever connects that will need to support the weight of the entire table tennis table when it is folded up for storage. Without adequate connections between the wheels, the legs and the whole chassis will loosen causing the legs to wobble and overall chassis to loosen. It is very important that the chassis have enough connections to provide an overall strength; some Roll-A-ways have 4 wheels on each side allowing each half to be rolled away separately.

Playback feature: Some tables can be used by one player alone for practice by raising one half of the table to the storage position to be used as a practice backboard.  Some tables have a gap between the folded up side and the net when folded up for the playback. Such a gap will cause you to have to hit the ball hard enough to clear the gap which will cause the ball to go off the end a lot. With a gap the trajectory of your shots is limited also, and in many ways not like playing regular table tennis. Some tables will allow the folded up table half to fold flat against the net which will allow normal play. Children like the playback feature. A gap-less playback with a lighter weight (for easier fold up) can be a more useful table for a home with children.  

Stationary Net & Post: Many roll-away tables have net brackets permanently attached to the table frame for both playing and storage. This type makes setup a little faster, but is sometimes less adjustable and sturdy than separate net and post sets. However some permanent table tennis table net & posts are stronger and more adjustable than others.

Net Included: Most tables come with a net and post included.

Compact Storage: When not in use, these tables store in a smaller space, particularly important for some clubs, schools or recreational facilities storing multiple tables in limited storage space.

Leg Thickness: The thicker the legs, the more stable the table will be in terms of its tendency to remain on place.

Casters: The larger the casters, the easier the table will be to move around. Dual wheel casters can make a table easier to roll.  

About Ping Pong/Table Tennis Table Assembly

Table Tennis Paddle Types

We sell both Recreational and High Performance style table tennis paddles. A recreational ping pong paddle is made of a wood and rubber combination that is significantly lower in speed and spin-producing capability than the powerful High Performance custom table tennis paddle category of products.  

High Performance Custom Table Tennis Paddles

This category of table tennis paddles is made of specialized, high performance table tennis rubber and table tennis blades (wood). This style of table tennis paddle will produce much more speed and spin than recreational ping pong paddles. High performance custom table tennis paddles can be bought by selecting particular specialized wood (or wood/graphite) along with high performance table tennis rubber. You may also select a high performance paddle based on your playing style by visiting our appropriate playing style selection. Users of this type of table tennis paddle hold a decided advantage against opponents playing with recreational ping pong paddles.

Recreational Table Tennis Paddles

A recreational level table tennis paddle is bought with the rubber sheets and wood (blade) already preassembled. This type of table tennis paddle is of a good to moderate performance level, but will not be close in performance to a high performance custom competition table tennis paddle. This group of table tennis paddles is of a quality that you will find in sporting goods stores, only less expensive. The performance level is significantly below that of our high performance table tennis paddles.

Guide Table Tennis Rubber Sheets

Table Tennis Rubber Selection Factors

Go To Table Tennis Rubber Product Section 

SPEED-The ability to easily create faster ball speed based on a rubber's power created by the sponge rebound force and top sheet hardness. Higher speed rubbers also called faster since they produce faster shots. Speed differences between rubbers are greater with 2.5 or 2.0mm sponges. Attacking Players usually prefer the fastest rubbers while defensive players may prefer slower rubbers.

SPIN- The ability to create stronger spin is determined mainly by the composition and quality of the table tennis rubber top sheet.

POWER FACTOR-The sum of spin and speed ratings. Powerful rubbers combine high speed with strong topspin to create maximum attacking power.

TABLE TENNIS RUBBER THICKNESS:
2.5mm- The maximum thickness allowed under the rules. The term 2.5 is often used in a general way to express the maximum thickness of sponge allowed for a rubber sheet to maintain a total rubber/sponge thickness that is within the total allowed under the rules. Depending on the particular rubber sheet the actual maximum thickness of sponge will probably be something more like 2.15mm or 2.3mm.
2.0mm-This is the most popular thickness. 2.0mm combines offensive power with more control than 2.5mm. 2.0mm is also preferred by some spinning or attacking players who use light, medium fast "quick attack" blades, particularly for close-to-the table attacking.
1.0, 1.5mm- Thinner sponge rubbers provide maximum control and "touch" for players emphasizing steady all-around play or a defensive style. 1.5mm is sometimes used by quick hitting or blocking players. 

FAST/FREE ASSEMBLY -If you request it when ordering rubber sheets and a blade, we'll provide fast/free custom racket assembly service. We'll even glue your new rubber  to your favorite used blade if you'll remove the old rubber and send it to us along with your order and payment information

CUSTOM ASSEMBLED TABLE TENNIS PADDLES-We will assemble any combination of rubber and blade you would like. Custom assembled paddles consist of your choice of blade (wood) combined with rubber. 2.0mm rubber is most popular on custom paddles and will be used unless another thickness is specified.
RECREATIONAL TABLE TENNIS PADDLES-These paddles have the same rubber on both sides and perform at a much lower level than the custom assembled variety. This type of table tennis paddle can be a good choice for casual players.

Guide to Shakehand  Grip Table Tennis Blades

SPEED-Blades vary in their ability to transfer arm and racket movement into ball speed based on such factors as wood types used and how they are combined. Our speed ratings are designed to make choosing as simple as possible. The speed ratings are provided by manufacturers for comparisons of blades within the same brand.

Fast Table Tennis Blades-(speed 7 to 10) are popular with attacking players.

All-around speed blades (speed 6-7) are popular with many players who mix consistent play with selective attack. Players who emphasize controlled topspin also often use these blades as do some defensive players who want to mix occasional offensive shots.

Control Speed Table Tennis Blades-(speed 5 and below) are preferred by many defensive players and players still developing their games. When combined with thin (1.5mm and 1.0mm) rubber these blades allow highest consistency, but at the expense of some point winning power.

WEIGHT-Most blades weigh between 70 and 100 grams before rubber is added. As with a tennis racket, golf clubs or baseball bat, the ideal blade weight for you is based on style and strength.

Light Blades-(under 77 grams) allow quickest racket acceleration. They provide a higher ratio of spin to speed. Medium to very fast light blades are favored for quick attack styles (topspin close to the table play).

Medium weight blades-(77 to 89 grams) balance some of the extra power and solid feeling of the heavier "power" blades preferred by many combination attacker/blockers, with some of the advantages of lighter blades.

Heavier weight blades-(over 90 grams) are often more stable when hit off center and once accelerated, produce a higher speed to spin ratio for topspin attacking shots.
Fast, heavy blades-have the greatest power producing potential if accelerated to maximum speed at ball contact.

BLADE POWER FACTOR-Our table tennis blade power rating is an index that combines each blade's speed rating and weight, in order to rate the maximum potential of a blade to transfer it's velocity into maximum ball speed.

CONTROL-Blades with high control ratings are easier to use for steady, consistent play. Blades high in control are usually lower in speed and visa-versa. A well designed blade combining soft and hard wood plies (or carbon plies) can however produce high speed on fast shots with good control for soft play. Note that like speed ratings, control ratings were provided by the manufacturer of each brand for comparisons within that brand and not with blades from other manufacturers.

HANDLE TYPE-Handle size and shape are primarily personal choices based on what feels good in your hand.

High Performance Table Tennis Blades

The blade, wood part of a table tennis racket is made of thin slices of wood Veneers some blades have a lamination of other material (type called carbon fiber) that provides a larger sweet spot.

The type of wood veneers used in the blade construction determines the overall contribution of speed and spin that the blade will help to produce, along with the rubber and sapping. The veneer configuration will determine much of the "feel" of the complete racket.

High Performance Composite Table Tennis Blades

Composite Blades

Carbon Fiber (Graphite) Blades incorporate a layer of layers of carbon fiber or other synthetic matter. The rules require that 85% of the total blade wide be wood.

The type of wood veneers used in the blade construction determines the overall contribution of speed and spin that the blade will help to produce, along with the rubber and sponge. The veneer configuration will determine much of the "feel" of the complete racket.

Consumer Guide to Penhold Grip Table Tennis Blades

PENHOLD BLADES FOR OFFENSIVE PLAY-Penhold style blades are designed for the Asian style of play. They are often used with a rubber sheet only on the primary hitting side which is used for both backhand and forehand play Some use rubber on the second side for selective use. Because this style is suited towards a powerful, quick forehand and not well suited to defensive or all-around style play, most penhold blades are very fast.

THE PENHOLD GRIP-Penhold gripping players hold the handle between the thumb and index finger (like holding a pen) with the remaining fingers and hand behind the racket.

JAPANESE PENHOLD GRIP-With the Japanese style the other fingers are fanned out behind the blade for maximum forehand power.                                      

CHINESE PENHOLD GRIP-With the Chinese grip the non-index fingers are curled around the handle for  greater ease in adjusting the racket angle and therefore better control and backhand play.

JAPANESE PENHOLD BLADES-Japanese style penhold blades are best for quick hitting and topspin attack. They have a more rectangular shaped head which is longer and narrower than shakehand style or Chinese penhold blades. They may also have thicker non-symmetrical handles. The shape and very fast woods these are made of produce maximum power and lightness, but minimum control and backhand flexibility.

CHINESE PENHOLD BLADES-Chinese style penhold blades are also made for attacking styles, but are somewhat less powerful and easier to control for steady play and placement than Japanese style blades. Chinese penhold blades have a more conventional round shaped head and a thinner, symmetrical, rounded handle The smaller handle makes it easier to adjust your grip and racket angle for different shots or to rotate the blade in your hand for use of the second side, if the second side is covered with a legal rubber sheet.

Net And Posts Types And Features

Types of C-Clamp Net and Posts

Wide Body Table Bracket

Medium Body Table Bracket

Thin Body Table bracket

A wider table bracket will offer more stability of the net and post system itself and also can add stability to the table by holding the two halves together more securely. A narrower bracket has less stability and may not help table stability.

"Universal" Net and post Sets- Most nets are designed to clamp directly onto a table top of any brand. Some sets, which have extra wide clamp openings will also fit tables with thick framing in the center area. "Universal net/posts may not fit some tables designed for use with a dedicated net/post set.
"Universal" net sets must usually be removed before moving or storing the table. They are often sold separately from the table, allowing you to customize your choice of table & net qualities and features.

Top quality ball brands are provided in different quality levels determined by seam quality, roundness and consistency from one to the next.

The three star ball is the highest quality level ball. 

The two star ball is next in quality. 

The one star is the lowest in quality in star graded balls

Larger Size Balls

Larger size balls were developed as an experiment in order to allow longer rallies and to make play somewhat easier for senior and novice players.

Superior Construction
Low quality balls have irregular seams.
Competition balls are evenly constructed to allow a true flight and bounce.

True Flight
Inferior balls have an erratic flight that
makes it difficult to predict where they will land. Competition balls have true flight that makes it easier to play well.

True Bounce
Inferior balls don't bounce the same way
each time which prevents you from playing
your best. Competition balls give you a good consistent bounce allowing you to
develop your consistency.