Buying Guide for the Best Table Tennis Tables
Ping pong, or table tennis, has been bringing fun to families for years. And whether you want to take your hobby to the next level or are looking to give your family hours of endless fun, the right ping pong table is out there for you. To help you find it, we have put together this comprehensive ping pong table buying guide, including all the information you need to make a smart buying decision!
Types
Ping pong tables come in three main types: indoor, portable, and outdoor tables. Choosing between them should be decided based on where you plan to put the table and how much space you have to put it in. Listed below are the three main types of ping pong tables for you to compare:
Indoor Ping Pong Tables: Indoor ping pong tables are designed specifically for home use and make a great addition to your game room. Built with wooden frames, these table tennis tables are an ideal solution for playing inside during the colder months or for homes without yard space.
Portable Indoor Ping Pong Tables: Offering the most space convenience, portable indoor ping pong tables are foldable for easy storage and often include wheels for better mobility. They are ideal for homes without a designated ping pong table space or for owners who want to be able to easily move their table around.
Outdoor Ping Pong Tables: Outdoor ping pong tables are built to withstand the elements. With an aluminum coating that keeps moisture out and protects the table from damage, they are perfect for garden and patio play.
Combination Ping Pong Tables: These game tables are designed for multi game play including table tennis as well as other indoor games, such as chess or checkers. These are perfect space savers for people looking for a multitude of games to entertain the whole family.
What Reviewers Have to Say
Based on all the consumers' reviews we've scanned, these are the top things they mentioned about their new stuff:
- Setup: Ping pong tables that are quick and easy to set up are rated better by buyers. Another setup reviewing point that is often discussed is included parts and instructions. Clear, easy to understand instructions are key, and units that have screws or other essentials are rated better for convenience. Choosing a top quality brand with good setup reviews will ensure more product satisfaction.
- Net: Most quality ping pong tables include a net, and units that not only provide a net but include a quality, spring-tensioned net are clear winners among consumers. Reviewers feel that quality nets mean the table is ready to play as soon as it is received and saves them the hassle (and the cost) of buying an upgrade.
- Build: Sturdy, well built tables are key to durability and owners whose ping pong tables provide this feel they have made a good table tennis table investment. Another important discussion point is combination game table build, and tables that offer variety without forgoing on quality are kings, while combination table that aren’t sutrdy do not receive good review feedback.
Important Features
- The thicker the legs of a ping pong table are, the more sturdy it will be. It is also important to note how the legs are connected to the table and how many connection points are used, since the more points there are, the more stable your ping pong play will be.
- Ping pong table net posts can either be stationary or removable, and deciding between them will be based on preference, with stationary options offering easier setup and removable posts providing more adjustment options.
- For added ping pong table protection from excess moisture, heat, or cold, invest in a table tennis table cover.
- When choosing a wheeled ping pong table, opt for a model with larger wheels for stability. They should swivel for easier movement and lock for stable play.
- Some additional features worth investing in include leg levelers that enable users to adjust the height of the table for comfortable for tall and short players or when the table is on an uneven surface, and playback setup that allows you to set the table with one side folded 90 degrees, for one-player play. Also consider a ball and paddle built-in caddy that supplies on-table storage for maximum convenience.
- Indoor ping pong tables vary in the surface thickness and the thicker the table, the less likely it is to warp or bend. The best quality tables offer surfaces 0.75 inches thick and higher and are the most durable options.
- Must-have accessories for your ping pong table include balls, paddles, and additional nets.
Top-Rated Brands
Joola: Started in the 1950s, Joola are now a world-renowned table tennis manufacturer and a popular ping pong table choice.
Stiga: Stiga Sports AB, have been supplying quality table tennis tables for recreational and professional use for over 100 years.
Butterfly: Supplying quality ping pong tables for over sixty years, Butterfly is a well known brand of Tamasu and is distributed worldwide.
World Outdoor Products: Specialising in outdoor recreational consumer products, World Outdoor Products is known for their quality ping pong tables.