How to Choose the Best Ping Pong Table
When seeking new ping pong equipment, especially a table, because your old one is in bad condition and needs replacement, or you are a new buyer, there’s no need to worry. You’re exactly where you should be. You need to read this article carefully, as it will explain how to choose the best table tennis table.
Let’s walk through various ping pong tables and then explain which table would be the right choice for you. You may ask how this is possible, given the many different tables on the market with varying price ranges and features. The answer is simple: We understand this sport of table tennis. Therefore, we present everything as simply as possible, so you can find the right ping pong table.
When considering a table purchase, ask yourself a few key questions.
- Where are you looking to use the table, indoors or outdoors?
- Where do you plan on setting up the game area and storing the table?
- How much space do you have available?
Even more importantly, consider your budget, as this will also be a deciding factor. Next, consider what is practical for you to use in terms of color, weight, and quality, and who will be using the table. You also need to know the maximum width and length the playing surface can be.
Table Tennis Sizes:
Table tennis tables are categorized into two sizes: full-size and compact. When playing a professional table tennis game a full-size table should be used, even if you’re only training. This is because, in an official competition, you want to ensure you’re comfortable with the table you’re playing on and familiar with the stability and performance of the ball bounce. If you’re looking to buy a table to play for fun at home or in your office game room, then you may want to opt for the smaller and more affordable size options.
What should be the dimensions of the table?
Professional able tennis games generally use a table tennis table that is 9 feet by 5 feet in size and 2.5 inches from the ground, as recommended by the ITTF. According to the USATT, a ping pong net and its posts should be 6 inches high, with an overhang of 6 inches on each side of the table.
Small table tennis tables
If, for any reason, a full-size table doesn’t work for you, there is a wide variety of compact and standard tables that work well for beginners and competitive table tennis players.
The main sizes are Medium-sized, ¾ Size, and Junior size.
Medium-sized table tennis tables
Medium-sized tables are smaller than the regular professional tables but are nevertheless large enough to accommodate four players at a time. The smaller the table, the easier it is to set up in smaller spaces and clear away when play is done. Additionally, they’re usually more affordable, which works great on a smaller budget.
3/4 size tables
3/4-sized table tennis tables are smaller than professional tables but larger than medium-sized ones. The 3/4-sized tables are usually just referred to as junior tables. The dimensions of each board may differ between manufacturers, since each manufacturer can use different terms to describe their boards, unless it is a full-size professional board.
Junior sizes
Junior ping pong tables are professional tables in a smaller form, as they are usually the same height. Don’t let the term “junior table” deter you – it is likely the same height as a standard table tennis table.
How much space does a table tennis table need?
You need to create a space for the ping pong court and for the players to play ping pong comfortably. The area where the players stand will take up more space at the ends of the table than on the sides, but you will still need a lot of space around the table. If you have a full-size or professional table, you will need a space of at least 15 x 23 feet. Before you buy, please be sure to measure the space where you will store your table and allow for a few extra feet on each end for room to play and for it to be spacious. If the room is too tight for those dimensions, you can opt for a medium-size table.
The choice of an indoor or outdoor table is a significant factor.
Ultimately, you can place your table tennis table in your chosen location. Nevertheless, an outdoor table is more dependable because it is weatherproof and can remain outside, ready for you to practice and host competitions at any time.
If you choose an outdoor table, ensure it has weatherproof coatings, rust-resistant undercarriage, and UV protection to withstand sun, rain, and humidity. Invest in a waterproof table cover to preserve your table’s condition when not in use.
What should be the thickness of the ping pong table?
You will find that cheaper tables are usually made with thinner surface materials than premium tables. An essential factor in deciding on the durability of a thicker table surface is that it affects how ping pong balls bounce and ricochet from the table. According to the ITTF’s regulation, ping pong tables should be between .5 and 1.2 inches thick for any professional tournament. The rule of thumb is that cheaper tables vary in thickness and are generally made from the thinnest wood and probably don’t have the best quality aluminum legs.
In addition to thickness, the material of the playing surface also affects bounce and durability. Most indoor tables use MDF (medium-density fiberboard), which provides a consistent and high-quality bounce. Outdoor tables, on the other hand, often use aluminum composite or resin laminate surfaces, which are more weather-resistant but may sacrifice a bit of bounce consistency compared to MDF.
The ease with which a table tennis table can be folded should be a determining factor, unless you plan on setting up a table that will always remain in a specific location. Otherwise, being familiar with the setup and the storage of your table is also a factor to consider. Most tables are easy to store and can be stored folded in a flat position. Other tables may require one or two additional steps before folding. The cheap recreational tables are simple and easy to fold, just like any simple folding table that splits in half.
Also Read: How to Choose the Correct Ping Pong Paddle
