Best Table Tennis Rackets for 2024

The simplicity of the rules, accessibility, the ability to play at any age - table tennis has long gained great popularity. Game equipment - table with grid and the racket, which will be discussed in this article.

Components of the racket

• Base.
• A pen.
• Rubber pads. They are glued to the base on both sides using special glue. May be smooth and pimpled. The power of the ball and the speed of rotation depend on them.

The equipment is made of wood, glued in several layers and supplemented with carbon and titanium.

Types of rackets

For beginners and hobbyists (1-3 stars)

Manufactured in factories and available for wholesale or retail sale. Rackets marked with one star are suitable for beginners. Amateur sports equipment - marked with 2-3 stars. An important parameter for this type is the level of control indicated by the manufacturer in ten or in a hundred-point system. You need to choose the equipment with the highest rate, both for adults and children.

• You can quickly master the technique of the game;
• Affordability.

• Not the best quality;
• There are not many layers of wood at the base;
• Not suitable for complex game techniques;
• The overlays cannot be changed;
• Failure quickly.

For experienced players and professionals (4-5 stars)

People with some experience in the game can purchase inventory marked with 4-5 stars. Professional rackets are manufactured in a factory way, but they are not assembled: the player purchases separately the base, pads and glue, assembling the racket as he needs, changing the rubber.

• High quality;
• Long service life;
• The base consists of at least five layers of wood;
• All play techniques can be performed.

• Requires playing experience;
• High cost compared to off-the-shelf models.

Racket care

Proper care of sports equipment can significantly extend its service life.

Fundamental rules

• It is not recommended to store rackets near heat sources: high temperatures, direct exposure to sunlight can damage the rubber. If the temperature is too low, the linings can crack and become brittle.
• The playing surface must be cleaned. You can wash it with a little water and wipe it dry with a soft towel, but it is better to purchase a special tool for cleaning equipment. It is not recommended to use household chemicals for washing the racket.
• To protect the edges of the racket, which constantly hit the table, a special end tape is sold.
• Rubber pads need to be replaced. Professional players do this all the time, once a week or even after every match. Novice players do not need to change rubbers so often, once every six months or a year is enough.
• It is advisable to buy a case for storing and carrying your racket. It will protect your inventory from damage and scratches.

How to choose a racket

The main selection criteria for functionality

Base type.

This is the most important part of the racket, the quality of which determines the ability to quickly learn the game and improve your skills.

• DEF - Defensive play style;
• ALL - Universal game;
• All + - attack technique;
• OFF - high speed and force of impact, rotation;
• OFF + - high attack speed.

Base material

• Plywood. The best option, since the wooden bases gradually adapt to the player's palm.
• Plastic. It is not suitable for serious table tennis practice, it does not adapt to the shape of the player's palm.

It is necessary to give preference to models made of wood; the more layers in the base, the higher the quality of the racket.

Overlays are classified

By play style

• The same, smooth, visually similar, but with different characteristics. One spins better, the other is faster. In many cases, the racket is not turned over during play.
• Various. Designed for active tactics in the game, for attacking and counterattacking. A smooth overlay is glued to the base on one side, and with long spikes on the other. The game is actively flipping. Working with such a racket requires certain skills and experience in order to instantly find out which side to turn the inventory to in order to achieve the maximum effect.

By thickness

• 1.5-1.8 mm. A good option for versatile play.
• 1-1.4 mm. These parameters allow you to perform counter-attacks, stands and cuts.
• 2 mm. This is the maximum thickness indicator. With the help of such a racket, you can attack using different types of rotation and changing speed.

A pen.

This part of the racket is responsible for comfort and comfort in the palm of your hand. Optimally selected, it should not slip out of the hand and rub the skin.

Handle types:

• Straight. Resembles a rectangle in shape.
• Flared, widening towards the bottom;
• Flared straight;
• Conical, short and wide.
• Anatomical. Tapers in the middle, widening at the ends. Very comfortable to grip.

Racket class... It consists of indicators such as speed, control and rotation. They are evaluated in points, and each of the manufacturers can set its own rating scale.

Racket weight... It is important that the inventory is not too heavy, otherwise the hand will get tired. At the same time, a racket that is too light, absorbing all vibrations, also cannot contribute to good play. Optimum weight, including rubber pads, is 150-200 gr.

Important points

If you are just getting started with the game, choose a finished racket with an ALL base (1-3 stars); experienced tennis players and pros alike need overlays (4-5 stars). To assemble the racket, you also need to purchase a special glue, the one sold in hardware stores will not work.

Determine the style of play that suits you. For the attacker (OFF, OFF +) rackets with speed characteristics are designed. For a defensive playstyle (DEF), an inventory with pads that provide spin and control, spinning and trimming to help the ball move along a given trajectory is suitable.

Before buying, you should test your favorite model by hand: will it be too heavy, will the grip fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. The thickness of the handle will depend on the size of the player's hand and its structure. Try to hit the ball so you can see how good the handle is for you. To check how well the model will rotate, lightly sweep the ball over its surface: you should feel the same resistance throughout the pad. The bounce of the ball is checked as follows: it is dropped onto a racket, located on a hard surface, from a height of about 30 cm.In high-speed equipment, the bounce will be more than 10 cm.

If you plan to play not only indoors, but also outdoors, pay attention to models that can be used in all weather conditions. Their lining is protected by special spikes. Such rackets are not afraid of high humidity and temperature changes, they retain their playing properties when they hit the surface of sand or dirt.When exposed to direct sunlight or rain, they will not come loose or deteriorate.

An important question is how much the racket costs. The first inventory can cost 150-300 rubles. These rackets are not of high quality and will not help improve the level of play. Their task is to acquire the first skills and master the basic techniques in table tennis. The cost of equipment for more experienced players is from 800 to 1000 rubles, it can be purchased from the manufacturer "with a name". Products from the professional segment, including prefabricated models, cost from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles, depending on the materials used and the brand.

Top manufacturers

Which company model is better to buy

• Atemi is a domestic company that produces goods for sports and outdoor activities.
• Buterfly. Manufacturer from Japan, engaged in the manufacture of table tennis products since 1950, for both professionals and amateurs.
• Joola. A German company, one of the leading manufacturers of table tennis accessories and equipment.
• Donic. For more than 25 years, the German company has been manufacturing sports equipment and clothing, primarily for playing table tennis.
• Stiga. Swedish manufacturer of high quality table tennis equipment.
• Cornillaeu. French company, the leading European leader in the production of table tennis products.

Rating of quality table tennis rackets

Popular budget models

Dobest 2 star

The lightweight model is suitable for beginners and hobbyists. Basic parameters: control level - 70, rotation - 60, speed - 80. Their combination makes it possible to practice active tactics. The thickness of the pad is 1.8 mm, making the model suitable for versatile play.

• Will be comfortable for children;
• Inexpensive.

• Not a very solid foundation.

Average price: 300 rubles.

Giant Dragon ST12402

The model combines good rotation and control performance, high speed and optimal power. The 1.8 mm thick pad allows for attacking blows. The spin level is 72, this option is optimal for spinning the ball at high speed.

• Smooth pads adhere well to the ball;
• Conical handle for comfortable grip;
• Original design;
• Inexpensive model.

• Low level of control.

Average price: 420 rubles.

Teloon TN404

The racket is made of soft wood, which has a positive effect on its elasticity, which means it increases the speed value and allows better control of the ball rotation.

• Does not slip in the palm of your hand;
• Spiked rubber surface.

• Not very good build quality
• Used wood glue.

Average price: 600 rubles.

Torneo tour

Versatile play design - 7-ply wood base (6.5mm thick) plus rubber sponge pads (1.8mm thick). Due to its light weight, good speed, rotation and control, this racket is suitable for beginners and amateurs.

• Ability to practice rotation at high speed;
• Comfortable handle;
• Classic design.

• The sponge peels off quickly.

Average price: 800 rubles.

Popular models from famous brands

Cornilleau "Tacteo 50"

A distinctive feature of the model is the base made of polymer material, which gives it special strength, ensuring good ball bounce. The pad has a porous structure, in the holes of which compressed air accumulates, increasing the impact force.

• Durability;
• Can be played in any weather;
• Anatomically shaped handle.

• High price.

Average price: 1700 rubles.

Stiga Chop

The model is suitable for an adult player starting his first steps in the world of table tennis. Despite the fact that it belongs to the amateur segment, the famous brand guarantees good quality. The 2mm thickness of the pad allows you to use this racket for an attacking style of play. At the same time, the lightweight model is suitable for both protective and universal play. The control level is 82, which allows you to feel the ball well.The speed and rotation parameters are at an average level, this is a good option for training.

• End tape and wristband included;
• Water resistance;
• Suitable for playing outdoors;
• Anatomical shape of the handle;

• You need to get used to the polymer handle;
• Not cheap model.

Average price: 2300 rubles.

Donic Carbotech 100

The brand model is made of carbon fiber and equipped with a smooth overlay. Has the highest possible ball rotation control and elasticity.

• High strength;
• Good quality.

• Not for beginners;
• High price.

Average price: 4500 rubles.

The choice of a racket is an individual matter, in which it is important to focus not only on the advice of more experienced players, but also on the individual level of skill, the conditions in which the matches will be played. It makes no sense for a beginner tennis player to spend money on an expensive branded model: you can get the necessary experience using budget equipment. As your skill grows, you can already invest in a higher quality racket.