Here we go. How DO you choose a table tennis table? Here are some things to consider. Where are you going to use it? How thick is it? Is it sturdy enough? How well do you play? We cover all of these and more below.
Indoor or Outdoor?
Do you have enough space inside your house for a full-sized table? Can you have it set up in your game room, your home office or the attic? Otherwise, you can take advantage of the outside space by getting an outdoor table tennis setup. If you’re planning to have it in your shed or garage, then it’s still better to get an outdoor table as an indoor one can warp quickly over time. Humidity is bad for indoor tables.
Unless you plan on playing outside most of the time, it’s advisable to get an indoor table and experience comfort of your living room while playing ping pong. You can still take the table outside when the weather is good.
Level of experience
Are you buying the table for casual play with your amateur buddies or some fun family time with the kids? Chances are, you won’t see much difference between a solid table and a high-end one beyond durability and quality of construction. In this instance, you’ll be better served with a mid-range table as the extra ball bounce and precision won’t affect your
Playspace
Can your space accommodate a full-size table? Consider measuring the room beforehand and see if you’ve got an optimal playroom for the table. You’ll need to set a space allowance of at least a 3 feet on all sides (a pingpong table measures 9 by 5 feet) whether you’re playing for fun or for competition. Optimal space allowance is around 5 feet for all sides.
Storage Space
You may have enough play space to play table tennis quite comfortably with a group of friends, but will you want to leave the table open once you’re done? You may need the space for something else once the game is over, and not all people have the luxury to allot one full room just for recreational purposes.
If this is the case then you can opt for a table tennis table that can be folded or collapsed. This can be quite helpful when you need the room for something else. Fixed tables are set- once you put them in a room, they stay open. Folding ping pong tables, on the other hand, can be packed and are easier to store. Look for ones that also have wheels so you can slide them into your closet or in a corner more easily.
Budget
Table tennis tables can range from a few hundred dollars (the cheapest) to premium models that could burn a few thousand dollars in your pocket. Brand is pretty much a matter of choice, but for functionality alone, there are a lot of great tables out there. It shouldn’t cost more than $700 or so to have an awesome decent experience. This range is perfect for casual players or those who want a ping-pong table for occasional family sports activities.
Keep in mind that nets are an important part of a match as well. It’s better to choose quality as compared to cost in this aspect. Clip-on nets don’t offer much in terms of accuracy or adjustment. Retractable nets adjust to suit different-sized tables, but they’re usually not stable enough for serious play.
The Most Important Features in a Ping Pong Table
Ok, so what makes a ping pong table great? What should you look for when comparing one table with another? The most important thing is surface thickness, but there are other things to consider.
Surface Thickness
When it comes to indoor tables, a thickness of a 1/2 inch or less will not be your best option. The ball won’t bounce as accurately, the table itself is too flimsy and will easily get damaged. When measuring thickness for indoor tables, try to stay within the optimal range of 3/4 inch to almost an inch which is the standard used by clubs. Serious players will want a 1 inch thick top so they can simulate playing at a tournament. This type is understandably the most expensive one but you’re guaranteed the best playing experience.
As for outdoor tables, because they are usually coated with a hard bonded resin or melamine, the top thickness can be a lot less. For example, a 5mm (about 1/4 inch) laminate top will give you a very decent bounce. For these types of tables you don’t want to go below 5mm and for the best experience, you want to go up to 7mm or higher.
Usability / Ease of Use
Usability translates to having adjustable legs, wheels for easy transportation and easy folding. What’s more, some ping pong tables can be adjusted to be taller or shorter, which is a boon if you’re tall and playing with younger kids.
Safety
Safety becomes a priority especially if you’re playing with your family or with smaller children. Fingers may be trapped when folding the table for storage, or it could roll over and hurt your feet if they don’t have proper locking mechanisms. Look for safety features such as levers for easy folding that can minimize the risks of an accident. Better yet, locks can prevent untimely collapses while playing. You can also get tables with padded corners to prevent unnecessary injuries to players and onlookers.
Read the whole article here:
https://www.pongboss.com/best-ping-pong-tables/