When it comes to playing table tennis, having the right paddle can make a big difference in your performance. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, choosing the right paddle can help you play your best game.
But with so many options available, it can be tough to know where to start. In this article, we’ll break down the key things to consider when choosing a good table tennis paddle, including the different types of rubber, blade, and handle, as well as your playing style and goals.
By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of what to look for in a paddle and how to choose one that’s right for you.
What is a paddle made from
Your paddle is an important part of your table tennis equipment, and before we get into the “how to”, let’s take a look into what a paddle is made from. A paddle is made from three components: a blade, a handle and rubber.
The blade
The blade is the wooden base of the paddle that provides the structure and stability. It is typically made of wood, but can also be made of composite materials such as carbon fiber. The type of wood used and the number of layers can affect the weight, balance, and flexibility of the blade.
The most common woods used for table tennis blades are balsa, limba, and koto. The blade also determines the racket’s head size and thickness.
The handle
The handle of a table tennis paddle is an important aspect to consider when choosing a paddle. It can affect your grip, control, and feel of the paddle. There are three main types of handles: flared, straight, and anatomic.
When choosing a handle, it’s important to consider your playing style and the size of your hand. Flared handles are best for players who have a more aggressive playing style and larger hands, while straight handles are suitable for players of all hand sizes. Anatomic handles are best for players with smaller hands who want to have more control and power over their shots. It’s also important to try out different types of handles and choose the one that feels most comfortable to you.
Flared handle
A flared handle is wider at the base and tapers to a narrower top. This shape provides a larger surface area for the fingers to grip, which can provide more control and power for the player. Flared handles are popular among players who have a more aggressive playing style. However, flared handles can also be more difficult to hold for players with smaller hands.
Straight handle
A straight handle is the most common handle shape, it is cylindrical in shape and has a consistent width throughout its length. This shape allows for a comfortable grip for players of all hand sizes. However, straight handles may provide less control and power than flared handles.
Anatomic handle
An anatomic handle is shaped to fit the hand of the player. It is designed to provide a comfortable and natural grip. The handle is usually wider at the base and tapers to a narrower top. This allows the player to grip the handle comfortably and it can also provide more control and power. However, anatomic handles are less common than flared and straight handles.
Other types of handles
Chinese Penhold (CPen), Canoncial handle (Elcon) and Japanese Penhold (JPen) are different types of handles for table tennis paddles.
- Chinese Penhold (CPen) is a popular handle style among Chinese players. The handle is short and thin, and the player holds the paddle like a pen, with their fingers wrapped around the handle. This style is known for its quick and precise shots. However, it can be difficult for players to generate power with this handle style.
- Canonical handle (Elcon) is a less common handle style, it is similar to the Chinese Penhold but it is slightly wider and it has a flange that allows the player to hold the paddle with more stability. This handle style is known for its good combination of control and power.
- Japanese Penhold (JPen) is another type of handle style, it is similar to the Chinese Penhold but it has a longer handle. This handle style is known for its combination of control and power, it is also comfortable to hold. Players who use the JPen grip usually have more precision and control over their shots, but less power.
All three types of handle styles have its own advantages and disadvantages. Chinese Penhold is great for precision and control, Canoncial handle is a great all around handle for control and power, Japanese penhold is great for control and precision with a little less power. Ultimately, which handle style you choose will depend on your playing style and personal preferences.
The rubber
The rubber is the part of the paddle that comes into contact with the ball. It is typically made of synthetic rubber and is available in different thicknesses and with different levels of grip, speed and spin.
It is applied to the blade with glue and it is important to choose the right rubber for the player’s playing style. The two main types of rubber used in table tennis are pimpled rubber and sponge rubber. Pimpled rubber is a hard rubber that is great for generating spin, while sponge rubber is a soft rubber that provides more control and is better for blocking shots.
The thickness of the rubber is measured in millimeters (mm) and it can range from 1.5mm to 2.5mm and can affect the speed, spin and control of your shots.
A thicker rubber (2.5mm) will provide more power and speed, but less control and spin. This type of rubber is good for players who like to play aggressively and hit the ball hard. A thinner rubber (1.5mm) will provide more control and spin, but less power and speed. This type of rubber is good for players who like to play a more defensive and controlled game.
It’s also important to note that the thicker the rubber, the more durable it will be. However, if you’re looking to improve your game, you’ll have to choose the right rubber based on your playing style. Some players may find that a thicker rubber will suit their playing style better, while others may find that a thinner rubber is a better fit.
What style of player are you?
When it comes to choosing the right table tennis paddle, it’s important to first consider your playing style. Your playing style will determine the type of rubber and blade that will suit you best.
If you are an aggressive player who likes to hit the ball hard and play at a fast pace, you may want to consider a paddle with pimpled out rubber. Pimpled out rubber is a hard rubber that is great for generating spin and power, making it a good choice for aggressive players who like to play a fast-paced game. This type of rubber is also good for players who like to play with a lot of spin and generate a lot of power on their shots.
On the other hand, if you are a defensive player who prefers a slower pace and more control, you may want to consider a paddle with tacky rubber. Tacky rubber is a soft rubber that provides more control and is better for blocking shots. This type of rubber is also good for players who like to play with more touch and finesse.
It’s also worth noting that the choice of rubber and blade is not limited to these two options, there are a variety of rubbers and blade that have different characteristics, and it’s important to experiment with different types to find the one that feels the most comfortable for you and that allows you to play at your best.
We recommend to consider your playing style and what you are looking to achieve with your game and experiment with different options to find the one that best suits your needs and style of play.
How thick should a tennis table paddle be?
The thickness of the tennis table paddle depends on how you plan to use it and which type of player you are. If you want to have more control over the ball, you have to choose a lower sponge thickness between 1.5 – 1.9 mm (soft rubber). However, if you like to play aggressive and want to have an offensive way of play, you should pick a thicker sponge larger than 2 mm (hard rubber).
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing a table tennis paddle, it is important to consider your playing style, the materials the blade is made from, and the thickness of the rubber. Paddles made from thicker rubber provide more power, while paddles made from thinner rubber provide more control. If you are a beginner or an intermediate player, a paddle with a thickness of 2-3 mm is ideal. If you are an advanced player, you may prefer a paddle with a thickness of 1-2 mm.
