• Last updatedLast updated: Oct 21, 2022

10 Amazing Ping Pong Paddles – Play Like a Pro in 2022

View Article Statistics
Cozzzy is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here

If you are a table tennis fanatic, you may be in search of the best ping pong paddle for you. Choosing the right tool is partly about your personal preferences and partly about the amount of wear that the paddles will get.

Different paddles will optimize speed, defense, spin, and topspin. Here is a look at our top ten favorites and what stands out about each one. Along with ping pong, paintball is a popular ball game, so we have prepared for you a selection of the best paintball guns.

See for yourself all the wonderful things to love about these ping pong paddles!

Features
  • 5-ply Limba and Ayous
  • 2 layers of soft Carbon for speed and stabilization
  • Huge sweet spot, thanks to the carbon
  • Rubbers are professionally glued so you can replace or upgrade as needed
  • Speed: 90 Control: 90 Spin: 91
  • Comes with a paddle cover
  • Comes ready to assemble with two rubbers and an end tape
  • 170 grams in weight, considered medium-weight

If you’re ready to really take your game up a level, you need to go with a custom-assembled (and not factory assembled) paddle.

This Gambler bat offers custom assembly, double carbon fiber, ITTF/USATT-approved rubber, and the ability to replace the rubber padding as needed on this long-lasting and durable pro tool. It comes at a lower price than many of the other pro-level paddles, but Gambler has made this to compete with the big brands.

Conclusion

How does it stack up overall?

When it comes to high-quality materials and design, this racket holds its own with the higher-end brands like STIGA and Killerspin. However, it comes in at around half the price of either. If you like a sticky rubber and a light blade, the Gambler is really hard to beat.

Ten excellent paddles to choose from! What else should I know when deciding?

What do we love it for?

  • Pro-level quality for a beginner paddle price
  • Excellent customer service
  • Replacement rubbers mean a long-lasting paddle that is cheap to maintain with readily-available replacement rubbers
  • Super tacky rubbers for great spin and trick shots
  • Pro-level quality at a beginner-level price

What were we disappointed with?

  • Rubbers do need to be replaced after every few months of regular wear.
  • The rubbers are sticky and not really designed for power hitters.
Features
  • Speed 96, Control 90, Spin 94
  • Shock Dispersion Tubes
  • Nano Composite technology
  • ACS air capsules in the rubber
  • Weight balancing
  • ITTF approved rubber

Do you have the style of play that a STIGA is made for? Read on and find out.

If you’re ready to move from the recreational level to a more professional stage, this is the paddle to do it. It offers full weight for speed, good defense, and the rubber for a great topspin.

Conclusion

powerful paddle that complements the style of power players!

If you’re a heavy hitter, this is a great bet with a strong performance on all counts. The rubber is designed for the bounceback, not sticky spin tricks, so if this sounds like you, this is a good fit.

What other choices are out there?

Why did it make our list?

  • Good defense
  • Shock absorptive rubber
  • Strategic recess in paddle handle that adds sensitivity
  • Weight blade balance shifted to improve rate of recovery

What is not ideal about it?

  • This heavy paddle doesn’t work with those who like a fast, light paddle
  • While a quality product, it can’t take heavy use by many people. Not a good fit for high-traffic tables with many users.
Features
  • 5-ply blades with 5.6 mm thickness
  • Inverted 1.5 mm rubber surface
  • Comes with four paddles and six balls
  • flared handle design for adjustable grip
  • Designed for all skill levels from beginner to pro
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee

A multipack that’s designed for all play styles? What does it have to offer?

The Abco Tech 4-pack is a great way to get started in ping pong. It offers handles that are flared to fit different grips and a rubber surface that’s good for practicing tricky spin shots while offering enough bounceback to be a power player as well. If you’re new to ping pong and are learning your skills, this is a great starter set that should work for just about everyone’s play style.

Conclusion

How does this 4-pack stack up against the competition?

Overall, this is a great choice if you’re learning to play or you have enough people with varied skills that you need all-around paddles that work for different play styles. It’s the perfect set to break in a brand new ping pong table.

A strong competitor in the overall category!

What are our favorite features?

  • Great all-around paddles for all skill levels and styles of play
  • Comes with enough to play a game of doubles out of the box
  • Good value for the cost

What could be better?

  • Wood on sides can splinter if care is not taken
  • Some shipping issues with middlemen
Features
  • Performance-level racket with ITTF tournament-approved rubber
  • Speed: 99 Spin: 100 Control: 80 performance ratings
  • 2 mm sponge, S5 rubber, 7-ply
  • Nanocomposite carbon features for enhanced performance
  • STIGA crystal blade hardening process

Does the STIGA Pro really play at a pro level? Read on to find out!

The STIGA Pro is a great paddle for high-performance players who are at the top level. It features a 7-ply paddle, specially designed tight-cell rubber for enhanced performance, and killer spin response. It has great grip, balance, and shot response.

Conclusion

How does the STIGA Pro do against the competition?

If your style is aggressive and you want a strong response, this is a great racket choice. There is still some heft to it, though not as much as most paddles that offer a return this solid, so you may need to work up to it if you’re just getting into the game.

An excellent paddle for those high-end casual and pre-custom pro level players.

Why did it make our list?

  • Pro-level performance with carbon technology
  • Tight rubber bonds add speed to return shots and spin
  • Blade balance shifted to point of contact
  • Perfect for shakehand style play

What is not ideal about it?

  • A great pre-made racket for those at a high level
  • Pros may still need a custom paddle
  • A heavier racket not good for those who need a light paddle
Features
  • 30-day limited warranty
  • 5-ply wood meant for durability during basic play
  • Includes memory book to write down notable matches and help your players get better
  • Jet rubber for precise control
  • PVC side tape to help prevent splitting of side wood
  • Flared handle
  • Ratings: control 8.5; spin7; speed 6

Killerspin has taken the same approach to table tennis that Nike has taken with other pro sports. They work with the pro athletes and get regular feedback on how to make their paddles way better. The result is a killer paddle like the JET200, which is perfect for precision and finesse shots.

A good paddle for up-and-comers to practice skill shots with.

Conclusion

Ready to take your game to the next level? This paddle can help.

If you have a knack for ping pong and are ready to take it to the next level, this may be just the paddle for you. The rubber for the ping pong paddle is just right to practice spins and the flared handle can work for an aspiring tween or a burly lumberjack.

A great all-around to improve skill shots with!

What makes it stand out?

  • Perfect for spin and control players
  • Great grip flare that works for very small and very large hands
  • Excellent for beginner to intermediate players
  • High durability

Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?

  • Better for skill shots than power or defense players
  • Durable for normal play but not for aggressive players
Features
  • Performance-level craftsmanship
  • Comes in your choice of red, lime green, yellow, and blue
  • Three-star rubber, 5-ply blade, 1.5 mm sponge
  • Concave handle
  • Speed: 75 Spin: 65 Control: 65
  • Includes crystal technology for blade hardening

What a bright idea to have paddles in these bright primary colors!

Looking for something special? Try this colorful STIGA Racket. It features 3 Star rubber and  ACS Technology to brovide the best play no matter what your level is: beginner or pro.

An impressive list of features in a vivid package.

Conclusion

A great choice for lovers of bright colors and those who want to develop their defense game!

STIGA has found a way to combine fun and performance with this line of bright-colored paddles. If you’re looking to up your defense game or you like STIGA paddles and want to differentiate your paddle from those of your STIGA-loving family members, then this may be just the paddle for you.

 A strong defensive paddle combined with a bit of flair! How fun!

Why is it special?

  • Slow design for excellent defense
  • Great beginner/intermediate paddle
  • Great grip, perfect for catching returns
  • Firm sponge with good bounce

What are the flaws?

  • Not a legal tournament color (only black/red is allowed)
  • Good for control, not for speed
  • Firm rubber for good return shots, not for spin and trick shots.
Features
  • A paddle for intermediate to competition-level players
  • 2.0mm high-tension Nitrx-4Z rubber is ITTF-approved
  • 6.0 mm thick foam, 5-ply wood blade
  • 30-day warranty
  • Speed 8.0, Spin 9.0, Control 8.5
  • 12 x 7 x 1 inches ; 8.8 ounces

First of all, the speed is incredible. The ball bounces off as if a magnetic field is repelling it: Jet600 is quick.  The price is a bit high but it’s definitely worth it. You’ll feel it while playing.

We highly recommend this paddle if you’re a beginner looking to improve your game, and you’ll be pleased with the customer service from Killerspin.

Conclusion

Not a bad combination for the up-and-coming power players.

This is a great paddle for the beginner power player looking to take it to the next level.

If you’re looking to be a better player and transition from a soft, all-around paddle to something more designed for an aggressive power shot and top spin aficionado, this might be just the paddle for you. It comes with all the power that you’d expect from Killerspin, with the company’s years of working with pros to get just the right touch for their style.

Why is it special?

  • Perfect for learning how to gain control
  • Great for speed and spin
  • A power racket for aggressive power players

What are the flaws?

  • Can take some getting used to the power if you’re transitioning from a softer racket
  • While great for competitive players, not great for a heavy-use family or rec room paddle as it cannot take excessive wear
Features
  • Concave handle for increased grip
  • Set includes zippered holding case, four paddles, and 8 one-star balls.
  • Designed for both casual and competitive play
  • 1.5 mm sponge
  • 5-ply design

Four paddles, eight balls, and a zippered case make this portable starter set a great option for anyone who is looking to bring a little game joy wherever they go!

This Kettler set is a great way to bring quality paddles and all-around performance features wherever you wish to go. Bring a higher quality of paddle with you to the local rec center or youth group lock-in. These rubber blades are pips-in for increased speed and control.

Conclusion

Perfect for beginners and for supplying rec rooms and other high-use functions.

These paddles are great, depending on your needs. If you need something that will be useful (but not great) for just about any age and any skill level, this is a great choice.

This will not make you a great pro player, but if the goal is to get use out of the new table you got for the basement, garage, or rec room, and to bring back family night with some device-distracted teens, this may be just the ticket.

What’s better than the tool you need to develop the passion for a new sport.

Why is it special?

  • A good beginner set that has everything you need for a budget-friendly price
  • Designed for both casual and competitive play
  • Zippered carrying case is convenient and portable
  • Good for high-use purposes and built to withstand wear from many users

What are the flaws?

  • Soft carrying case doesn’t protect balls from being crushed during transport
Features
  • 7-ply blade, 2 mm foam, and heavy weight to increase power shots
  • Flared handles for comfort
  • 60-day satisfaction guarantee with 100% refund
  • Very sticky for those who want to spin the ball

With a red/black two-sided design and included a zippered carrying case, the MAPOL offers more in accessories than most of the other pro-level paddles. But does it stand up to them on a performance level?

Conclusion

These can up your skills for sure, but can you go pro with them?

Overall a good pair of paddles for expanding your repertoire.

Like knights used to train with heavier swords than they brought into battle to up their strength, the same can be said for using a heavier paddle to train. This pair of paddles won’t break the bank, can offer a lot of stick for learning to throw your opponent off their game with some trick spins, and are perfect for defense.

Great trainers for those looking to step up their game!

What makes it special?

  • Heavy weight and good stick is great for defense and learning spin shots
  • Comes in a 2-pack
  • Extra weight can add inertia to power shots

What cons did we find?

  • About twice as heavy as the average paddle, which not everyone likes
  • No documentation about whether this is ITTF-approved rubber. This means you need permission before playing in sponsored tournaments.
Features
  • 60-day warranty on defects only
  • Set comes with four 5-ply paddles, eight 40 mm balls, and a square zippered travel case
  • Ergonomic flared handle for grip
  • Flare accommodates young players as well as large hands
  • Speed 85, Spin 86 and control 87
  • Made in China by Table Tennis Aficionados

This JP kit comes with 4 high-quality paddles and 8 balls! Very high-quality paddles and we believe that they will satisfy any avid player. They all have nice control, incredibly comfortable grip and just the right amount of spin. This is a really nice product that comes nicely packaged and it’s easy to store them as the bag is included.

Conclusion

An overall great beginner set from a company who wants to bring China’s love of table tennis abroad!

If you look at the questions about these paddles on Amazon, you’ll probably notice right away the quick responses from the company. This is a set that goes above your basic beginner set. It’s not pro level, but it gives you a chance to learn on durable, high-quality paddles for an affordable price. The convenient carrying case and tournament-level balls make this an even better choice.

Overall, an excellent choice for anyone who wants to learn to love ping pong!

What makes it special?

  • An excellent starter set with all-around functionality
  • Responsive customer service from a company who wants to bring a love of the game to the U.S.
  • Carrying case is very convenient

What cons did we find?

  • The company is based in China so warranty fulfillment can take a little while
  • Not a pro-level set. This is really designed to be a starter kit

Things to Consider

How To Choose the Best Ping Pong Paddle

Is there a best paddle for everyone?

Start with your preferred style of play, and choose a paddle that will enhance the features you need the most. Are you an aggressive player who likes power shots? A defensive wall that no one can get past? Or do you like throwing your opponent off their game with spinny trick shots that offer surprise and little control option?

Whichever option you prefer, there are a few features that you want:

Aggressive: You need a responsive rubber that transfers all the shock of the ball right back into it for quick returns. You want a heavier paddle that can transfer some of the inertia, and no stick to your rubber to avoid slowing.

Defensive: You want a large enough blade surface with a good rubber balance between stick and bounce.

Tricky: You want rubber to have some stick to allow you to add spin at a moment’s notice.

10 Amazing Ping Pong Paddles - Play Like a Pro in 2022If you’re not sure what you prefer, consider either starting with an all-around paddle that balances these things or one that is designed to train you in the skill you prefer.

The right paddle is all about the kind of player you want to be!

Types of Paddles & Paddle Parts

What should I know when looking?

In addition to knowing your style of play, there are a few more things to know about choosing from the styles of paddles out there. A paddle has three parts to it that you have to consider: The blade, the sponge, and the rubber. A bit more about each:

All good things to know!

10 Amazing Ping Pong Paddles - Play Like a Pro in 2022
  • Blade

The ply rating (most of the blades in the list are 5 to 7-ply) are the layers that are smooshed together to make the paddle. The heavier hitter you are, the more blades you want to try and push back against those power shots.

Go too heavy, however, and your returns get slow. It’s a balanced game between your strength, speed, and power. Many of these layers are wood, but carbon fiber and titanium carbon have also been making their way onto the table tennis scene to offer some serious motion control without a lot of weight.

10 Amazing Ping Pong Paddles - Play Like a Pro in 2022
  • Sponge

The width of your sponge is related to the amount of control, speed, and spin you want. Thicker sponges offer more speed and spin, but less control. Thinner sponges offer more control but sacrifice both other factors.

 

  • Rubber

10 Amazing Ping Pong Paddles - Play Like a Pro in 2022The rubber can do one of two things for you.

The stickier it is, the more you can use it to change the direction of the ball and add spin. Sticky rubber is great for trick shots.

Firm rubber with a lot of bounceback is great for returning all of the momentum of the ball back to it and adding to the power of your return shot.

Ping Pong Paddle with Case

10 Amazing Ping Pong Paddles - Play Like a Pro in 2022If you are serious about your tennis game, you probably are going to want a case for your paddle. It can keep your paddle freer from dust and oil and make it last much longer at a high-performance level.

However, you shouldn’t choose a paddle based on whether or not it comes with a case. Instead, any of the high-end professional level paddles will offer this as an additional option. Instead, focus on the quality of the paddle and how well it meets your needs first, and choose based on this. If you will work well with a pro-level paddle like the Gambler, then it already comes with a case.

However, if a Killershot is your best bet to ping pong championships, know that they offer a variety of cases for your paddle for an additional small fee.

If buying your own case, you can typically choose between leather and plastic. There is no competitive advantage to either, simply a style and cost preference.

The win is definitely worth more than the free case.

Ping Pong Paddle Cleaner

10 Amazing Ping Pong Paddles - Play Like a Pro in 2022Keeping your paddle clean can be done in a number of ways. However, specialized products like the Butterfly 8181 Racket Care Kit can go a long way in helping you to do that.

 It is designed to:

  • Remove oil and dirt from the rubber surfaces
  • Return a tacky feel to stickier rubbers
  • blot or squeegee the racket depending on the side of the sponge you use

Simple dish soap and water will work as well. It’s a good idea to keep your rubber clean and conditioned to avoid delamination and cracking.

Balls

10 Amazing Ping Pong Paddles - Play Like a Pro in 2022

Ping pong balls, like paddles, have different requirements. Old ones from the competitive circuit were 40 mm and made from a material called celluloid.

Today’s balls are all 40 mm and made from polystyrene because it’s more environmentally friendly. They range in quality from one star to three stars, with three being the best. While many colors of balls are available for purchase, only white and orange balls are legal for tournament play.

Good to know. What else should I consider?

Rubber for Ping Pong Paddle

You can use any rubber you wish if you want to play casually. However, a pro must have one red rubber and one black rubber on the paddle. The rubbers must also be certified by the tournament authority where you’re playing. This is typically USTTA or ITTF. (ITTF certification works for USTTA, but it’s not necessarily true in reverse).

There are three basic things that you need to know about rubber when considering paddles:

  • Factory glued vs Replaceable

10 Amazing Ping Pong Paddles - Play Like a Pro in 2022

Rubber is attached in one of two ways. Pros will have replaceable rubber sides that they can switch out so that they can continue to use their favorite paddle.

Factory glued rubbers offer a tighter seal, but when they detach, they often tear the rubber. Typically, worn out rubbers on factory paddles mean a new paddle.

On replaceable paddles, they’re designed to let you replace the rubber or change the style of rubber.

  • Bouncy vs Firm10 Amazing Ping Pong Paddles - Play Like a Pro in 2022

The amount of bounce in a paddle’s rubber is an important thing to consider.

Bouncier rubber will absorb some of the shock of the ball motion, slow the ball, and allow you to add spin to trick shots. They also tend to be stickier.

Hard rubber will transfer almost all the energy back to the ball for power shots. While top spin shots are possible with these hard return rubbers, other spin types aren’t as easy to obtain.

  • Pips-in vs. Pips-out

10 Amazing Ping Pong Paddles - Play Like a Pro in 2022

Pips are the little nubs on the surface of the paddle rubber. They work like stickiness to grab the ball and add spin or redirect for precision. This is the norm in paddles for beginners.

The length of the pips can also vary. Pips-in means that the paddle is glued with the pips on the inside of the paddle and the flat surface out. This is better for being able to vary your shots more.

Be smart when choosing your rubber and up your game!

Care and Maintenance

The biggest thing to consider with your paddle is to keep it clean. If you are a casual player, spritz it with a little water and wipe it down after a day of playing. Once a month or so, clean it with a rubber cleaner to get rid of oils.

If you are a more serious player, you’ll find that they clean their rubber between games. Some pros will even blow on the paddle between shots and wipe it on the back of their hand or their leg to keep the rubber as dust and oil-free as possible.

These players will use rubber cleaner between every game. Keeping the paddle in a racket case is crucial to having it stay clean between uses.

All great tips!

10 Amazing Ping Pong Paddles - Play Like a Pro in 2022Design

10 Amazing Ping Pong Paddles - Play Like a Pro in 2022

While we have discussed high-performance design in detail, there is also aesthetic design to consider. This is something that is a bigger focus for casual players than for pros because tournament-level paddles must be red on one side and black on the other.

For the rest of us, you can find paddles in every color under the sun. You can also find them embellished with pictures of the sun, with funny sayings, the logo of the local venue where you’re playing, and more. These are typically beginner-level all-around paddles that are made for casual fun.

Designs are great, even if the paddles can’t be used in tournaments!

Wood

Here is a bit about each of the main woods you’ll find in ping pong paddles and their advantages:

  • Cypress: The most common and cheapest wood you’ll typically find. This is somewhat durable as cypress is designed to resist water.
  • Ayous: This is a softwood used in plywoods.
  • Balsa: A wood that is well-known to anyone making model planes. it is light, easy to cut, but also easy to damage. It is the single most common paddle material as it doubles as a sponge.
  • Walnut: This hard, expensive wood is used in higher-end paddles.
  • Movinge: This African walnut is also expensive, hard, and found in premium paddles.
  • Ash: This is found in the mid-range paddles, it has similar properties to ayous and cypress.

While you shouldn’t choose a paddle based on wood alone, knowing the kind of wood can give you an idea of the level of quality production that’s been put into your paddle starting with a professional chainsaw to the sanding job.

10 Amazing Ping Pong Paddles - Play Like a Pro in 2022Storage

Keeping the rubber in your paddle clean and protected is the best way to be sure that you have a functional tool for a long time to come. Covering it with a case is the biggest thing you can do. In addition, edge tape is another way to protect the paddle. Finally, keep it in a temperature-controlled area to prevent the wood and rubber from shrinking and expanding too much.

10 Amazing Ping Pong Paddles - Play Like a Pro in 2022Spin

Spin is a great way to create trick shots. The level of spin can create a different direction for the ball when it bounces. This can surprise your opponent and give you an advantage. It can also slow your return shot, which can make it easier for those with fast reflexes to hit. Tacky rubber is the best way to give side spin to a ball, while power hitters can use a firmer, less sticky rubber to give top spin.

Both good ideas!

Professional Opinion

Serbian pro Biljana “Biba” Golić, in a blog for Killerspin, says that the most important part of finding a racket is finding one that fits your play style. This is true for a beginner or a ping pong paddle for professionals. The main styles include blocking, attacking, and defending.

10 Amazing Ping Pong Paddles - Play Like a Pro in 2022

 

Conclusion

So what’s the best ping pong paddle?
10 Amazing Ping Pong Paddles - Play Like a Pro in 2022

Ultimately, the best paddle will have more to do with your skill set and your strengths than it will with anything else. A defensive player may have better success with a low-end paddle made for defense than they would with a top-quality paddle that is designed for power hitters. So, if the best recommendations don’t work for your play style, go with another choice.

When looking at paddles, you next have to look at your level of play. While you may have the making of a pro someday, if you’re just starting out, you probably want to go with a paddle that is designed more for beginners to intermediate players.

These tend to be a better investment than a higher-end paddle that may not be designed for your style of play. As you learn more about your best skills, you can begin to search for your best paddle.

If you know your skills and you’re ready to take your performance to the next level, the best bet of the top ten is easy: the Gambler Professional Table Tennis Paddle is the best of all worlds. It offers the craftsmanship of a pro-level paddle with the price of a beginner instrument. Throw in the free case to keep it protected, carbon-fiber crafting, and great customer service, and there’s really no comparison for anyone who likes speedy spin-shots.

Thanks for reading, and happy ping pong games!!!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *