A Ping Pong Table Buying Guide For Players At All Levels
Ping pong tables are a great addition to a games room in a home, youth centre, school or other establishment. The best are easy to set up for an afternoon of competitive play.
Some people will just want something simple for a little entertainment and family fun. Others will want something more professional to help them train for competitions. Either way it is important to find the right table for your needs.
In this ping pong table buying guide we will look at the following:
- competition and training modes
- the construction of the table
- the quality of the surface
- portability and transportation
- the inclusion of accessories
- other interesting features that might help
Is this table tennis table for family-friendly games, or is there a training mode too?
There are two different needs from these ping pong tables. First of all, there are those that see this as a recreational table for the odd game. A simple, family friendly model with the right features is enough for buyers to get by on the weekends. It doesn’t have to do anything flashy.
But, it helps if it has the portable elements and the tough construction mentioned below. Then there are those that want to train at home for events and competitions. This is where a more professional service and finish helps. There are also a number of top models that convert into a solo “playback” mode. Here players can practise their serve and return as much as they want in their own time.
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The construction of the table is important for a level, sturdy playing surfaces.
Whatever the reason for buying the table tennis table, you need to be sure that it is going to last. Even the more basic, family-friendly options need to be tough enough to hold up to the rough play of a frantic doubles game. This means a strong frame that allows for a secure, level playing surface.
There are some tables that come in two separate halves, so it helps if they line up properly and attach securely. Some use clamps and the strength of these can vary between brands. It might also be worth looking out for tables with foot levellers for uneven surfaces.
That surface also needs the right bounce and finish for a more professional edge.
The surface of the table is important when providing the best possible option for table tennis players in training. The MDF surface has to be the right thickness and strength for durability and a good bounce. A table that doesn’t respond well will just frustrate players.
It also helps if this durable surface is able to resist scuffs and glare. The former means a better looking table; the latter aids with concentration. Finally, on the subject of the finish and coatings, it helps to find out whether a table is for indoor use only, or can be used outside. It can be fun to take these tables outside on a sunny day. However, they need to be safe in a rain shower too.
Can you bring it in and out the games room with ease?
The next factor to consider in this ping pong table buying guide is the portability. Some people will have the space to keep this table up and ready to go at all times. Perhaps there is just enough room in the garage or you have a designated games area. Other buyers will want to wheel this out of storage for certain occasions.
It can come out for an hour or two on the weekends, or take pride of place in a community hall one evening, but then needs to fold up neatly out the way. Those tables that fold up for training modes should fold down nice for storage. Others come in two separate half to make things even easier. Just make sure that those models have strong clamps for when they come back together again. Finally, don’t assume that the product has transport wheels – double check.
Find out if the balls and bats are included or sold separately.
This is an important point to check before gathering everyone together to unpack the new table and try it out. There will be plenty of sales photos of games in action, with enough bats and a set of balls. But, this doesn’t mean that these extras are included in the box.
Check the small print. If they aren’t mentioned, you will have to add these extra on at the checkout for an extra cost. Also be aware that the accessories included might not be to the taste of more professional players. Be prepared to upgrade.
What other features are included that increase the appeal of the table further?
Finally, it pays to look at some of the other quirks and features on offer. Some brands try and stand out from the crowd with additional extras.
- How much though have they put into the way that users adjust the tension of the net?
- What do players do with their ball? Is there a pocket on the table to store them in? This saves a lot of time spent chasing rogue serves.
- Are there pockets for the bats and other storage areas?
- Is there a form of scoring system?
Take your time when choosing the best ping pong table for your games room.
fAs you can see from this ping pong buying guide, there are lots of aspects to consider and compare. Compare surface thickness and finishes, read about the construction and check to see if the bats and balls are included. Then read the user reviews for a better idea of the product’s worth. Do users have issues when connecting the halves, levelling the surface or connecting the net?
Do they have complaints about the bounce, scuffs on the surface or the assembly? When you decide to buy a new table for your home, games room or youth centre, you need to take your time. There are lots of tables, from lots of brands, that initially look quite similar in terms of their frame and surface. This is where it pays to take the time to check the specification.
