How to Choose a Table Tennis Table
So you're looking into buying a table tennis table.
Congratulations, I'm sure it is a decision you won't regret and something that will continue to bring you and your family and friends hours of fun for many years to come.
However there are a number of things that you should consider before you make your purchase.
This article will cover the main factors you should consider when looking at which table tennis table you should buy: Indoor or Outdoor? Table tennis tables are typically divided into indoor and outdoor varieties and besides the obvious there are some subtle differences between the two types.
Outdoor tables are generally built from materials which will not warp or fade due to being exposed to the elements.
This is important if the table will be left outside and not put away in a shed or garage when not in use.
However there is a trade-off and this is that the playing surface of an outdoor tennis table is not generally not as good as that of an indoor tennis table at a similar price point.
You can still use your indoor table tennis table outdoors on fine days, just remember to bring it back inside and don't leave it out when it's raining on in direct sunlight for too long.
Types of Indoor Table Tennis Table The first option you could consider is a table top conversion kit.
This will transform any large table or a pool table into a surface suitable for playing table tennis.
Add a net, which generally come included, and you're good to go.
These conversion kits will normally fold in half when you want to store them away and are good for the occasional player or space conscious.
However the quality of the conversion kit can vary dramatically, form very poor in the case of the cheapest units, to bottom middle range, when compared against the full range of tennis tables available.
This is due to the table surface thickness and the fact that all you're really doing is putting a fancy board on top of a regular table.
Mini table tennis tables are also available in a variety of sizes.
These can be great for kids learning the sport as the angle of the table can be adjusted so that the middle (where the net is placed) is lower that then two ends.
This will result in a slower game and allow rallies to be longer.
This setting also compensates for the table's small size.
Mini table tennis tables are also available in novelty table top sizes and are even available as hard-topped inflatable or sponge floating tables suitable for swimming pools.
However, as with the conversion tops, these types of table will only allow you to progress so far with the sport, and if you're serious about raising your skill level then a full sized table tennis table is the way to go.
So, if you're interested in a full sized table tennis table there are still a number of things you may wish to consider.
The most significant of these is whether you want a fixed table or one that will store away.
Taking the latter category, folding tennis tables generally come in two varieties: those which fold up in the middle or those that separate into two half.
The ones which fold up generally have wheels which allow them to be pushed to the side of a room and can be easily stored away and set up by one person.
The wheels also have brakes which can be applied once the table is in place.
One significant advantage of folding tables is that they will generally have a setting where one half can be folded upwards for solo practice.
The tables which separate into two halves will generally fold away to a smaller size, however they will need two people to dismantle and erect them and they may not facilitate solo play unless you put one half next to a wall.
Fixed models, of course, are designed to be left in place and come in many different designs.
Table Tennis Table Thickness The thickness of the surface of a table tennis table will have an effect on the quality of play.
The best tables have wooden tops with a thickness of around 25-28mm and serious players should aim for a table of this thickness.
However for most people the extra cost of a table with a playing surface this thick is not worth the difference that they may notice in its playing characteristics.
Indoor tables start off with a thickness of around 10-12mm, but for the majority of players anything above 15mm will suffice.
As with all sporting goods, the temptation is always to go for the best you can afford however for the casual or even semi-pro player the difference between a 25mm and a 19mm table thickness will be negligible and for my money I'd rather buy one with a stronger undercarriage and a better folding mechanism.
Congratulations, I'm sure it is a decision you won't regret and something that will continue to bring you and your family and friends hours of fun for many years to come.
However there are a number of things that you should consider before you make your purchase.
This article will cover the main factors you should consider when looking at which table tennis table you should buy: Indoor or Outdoor? Table tennis tables are typically divided into indoor and outdoor varieties and besides the obvious there are some subtle differences between the two types.
Outdoor tables are generally built from materials which will not warp or fade due to being exposed to the elements.
This is important if the table will be left outside and not put away in a shed or garage when not in use.
However there is a trade-off and this is that the playing surface of an outdoor tennis table is not generally not as good as that of an indoor tennis table at a similar price point.
You can still use your indoor table tennis table outdoors on fine days, just remember to bring it back inside and don't leave it out when it's raining on in direct sunlight for too long.
Types of Indoor Table Tennis Table The first option you could consider is a table top conversion kit.
This will transform any large table or a pool table into a surface suitable for playing table tennis.
Add a net, which generally come included, and you're good to go.
These conversion kits will normally fold in half when you want to store them away and are good for the occasional player or space conscious.
However the quality of the conversion kit can vary dramatically, form very poor in the case of the cheapest units, to bottom middle range, when compared against the full range of tennis tables available.
This is due to the table surface thickness and the fact that all you're really doing is putting a fancy board on top of a regular table.
Mini table tennis tables are also available in a variety of sizes.
These can be great for kids learning the sport as the angle of the table can be adjusted so that the middle (where the net is placed) is lower that then two ends.
This will result in a slower game and allow rallies to be longer.
This setting also compensates for the table's small size.
Mini table tennis tables are also available in novelty table top sizes and are even available as hard-topped inflatable or sponge floating tables suitable for swimming pools.
However, as with the conversion tops, these types of table will only allow you to progress so far with the sport, and if you're serious about raising your skill level then a full sized table tennis table is the way to go.
So, if you're interested in a full sized table tennis table there are still a number of things you may wish to consider.
The most significant of these is whether you want a fixed table or one that will store away.
Taking the latter category, folding tennis tables generally come in two varieties: those which fold up in the middle or those that separate into two half.
The ones which fold up generally have wheels which allow them to be pushed to the side of a room and can be easily stored away and set up by one person.
The wheels also have brakes which can be applied once the table is in place.
One significant advantage of folding tables is that they will generally have a setting where one half can be folded upwards for solo practice.
The tables which separate into two halves will generally fold away to a smaller size, however they will need two people to dismantle and erect them and they may not facilitate solo play unless you put one half next to a wall.
Fixed models, of course, are designed to be left in place and come in many different designs.
Table Tennis Table Thickness The thickness of the surface of a table tennis table will have an effect on the quality of play.
The best tables have wooden tops with a thickness of around 25-28mm and serious players should aim for a table of this thickness.
However for most people the extra cost of a table with a playing surface this thick is not worth the difference that they may notice in its playing characteristics.
Indoor tables start off with a thickness of around 10-12mm, but for the majority of players anything above 15mm will suffice.
As with all sporting goods, the temptation is always to go for the best you can afford however for the casual or even semi-pro player the difference between a 25mm and a 19mm table thickness will be negligible and for my money I'd rather buy one with a stronger undercarriage and a better folding mechanism.
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