Nothing quite bonds friends and family together like some light hearted competition. Whether it’s using a
table tennis table (just another name for ping pong, by the way) or a
beer pong table, competition is a sure fire way to get the party started! Today, however, we are going to be taking a closer look at the champion of all table-based sports… the ping pong table!
For over a century, Americans have been enjoying the sport of ping pong due to its fun, easy methods and the fact it even counts as exercise too! Ping pong is also popular due to the fact that it can be pretty much played by everyone, regardless of your athletic ability. Now, many of you may have practiced this sport in the comfort of your own home using a make-shift net and a dining room table. Yes, that could be fun too, but wait until you get your very own, official ping pong table – you will never want to go back!
Just like choosing a
pool table, getting the best ping pong table is not a walk in the park; there are a few things you will need to have a little think about before making a final decision. Firstly, you will need to figure out whether you will be using the table for professional purposes or simply for recreational use. If you are a serious ping pong competitor or are training for a future match, it may be a good idea to select a table that meets the standards and dimensions of the ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation). This means that the table MUST be 9 feet long x 5 feet wide and around 30 inches tall. The table’s net should also be at least 6 inches high with either a green or blue surface. Most ping pong tables that are ITTF approved, however, will state this in their description, so don’t worry about busting out the tape measure just yet…
Price
When it comes to the cost of your new ping pong table, it will largely depend upon on whether or not the table is ITTF approved, the material the product is made from, and what you personally are going to be using the table for. If you are looking to improve your ping pong skills or play in competitions then it may be a wise idea to select a professional style table that is ITTF approved. These types of tables are usually made from durable steel and are PVC coated too for protection. You can expect to pay between $600 and $2000 for these types of tables, with foldable, portable designs coming in at the higher end of this scale.
If, however, you are looking to invest in a ping pong table for some friendly competition with your friends every now and then, then there is no need to invest in a professional style table. Standard ping pong tables will usually cost you around $250 to $450, with foldable products, once again, being at the top of this scale. If a product is pre-assembled, then this can also bump up the cost. Cheaper ping pong tables are available ($300 or lower) but be aware that these products may not last as long and are much more prone to warping and cracking after repeated use.
Features
The features you will want included in your new ping pong table will depend entirely on your own personal preferences, as well as your level of skill and budget. There are a few features we recommend keeping an eye out for, however, in order to ensure that you select the ping pong table that is of the very best quality.
Here are some important features to look out for…
- Thick, Sturdy Table Legs
- Storage System
- Rust Resistant
- Playback Option
Construction and Design
When looking for a high quality ping pong table we recommend looking for a product that has thick, sturdy table legs as they will need to be able to support the entire weight of the table whilst you are playing. A table with thicker legs will last much longer than other tables and is less likely to come loose. If you are looking for a particularly sturdy table then we recommend keeping an eye out for tables that have leg-levelers too, as this will enable you to adjust the height of the table legs individually, which is particularly useful if you are playing on an uneven surface.
Another useful feature to look for in your new ping pong table is a product with its own storage system. This means that the table has a separate compartment to store ping pong balls and paddles. This is a great idea if you are prone to losing your ping pong accessories and will save you a fortune in ping pong balls too!
We also suggest looking out for products that are rust resistant too, especially if you will be using the table outdoors. Ping pong tables are prone to rusting due to their steel construction. Selecting a table that is rust resistant will add to the longevity of the product and ensure you can use your table for years to come.
Finally, we recommend keeping an eye out for tables that feature what is known as a “playback” option. This is a great feature for those looking to improve their ping pong skills as it will allow the user to play ping pong by themselves without the need for an extra partner. If a table has this function then it will be able to fold to form a 90 degree angle where you can play against a wall instead of another player.
Performance and Ease of Use
If you have opted for a ping pong table that requires set-up then don’t panic, it’s not too difficult a task and shouldn’t take you any longer than 30 minutes. Most ping pong tables that aren’t already installed will come with a handy instruction manual that will guide you through step by step. If, however, you are still having trouble, simply log on to the manufacturer’s website for more information or look for online video tutorials instead.
When it comes to caring for your new ping pong table, you will want to check your table legs and net every so often to ensure all pieces are secured properly. This will prevent the table’s individual parts from coming loose and collapsing during play which can damage both the table and you! If you are using the table outside then we highly recommend purchasing a table cover too to prevent cracks and warping.
Another factor you will have to decide on is whether or not the table will be used for indoor or outdoor purposes. Ping pong tables that are to be used inside are often slightly smaller in size to accommodate a variety of room sizes. It is still a wise idea, however, to measure your chosen room beforehand to ensure the table will fit properly. Most indoor ping pong tables are also made from wood such as Masonite due to its low-friction coating. You will want to make sure that the surface of the ping pong table is around 1” thick as this will prevent the wood from bending or warping after repeated use. If you are looking for a ping pong table that is particularly convenient and easy to use then we highly recommend purchasing a portable indoor ping pong table. These tables are specifically designed to fold in the middle so they can be easily stored away after use. They are also designed with wheels and brakes, which will allow you to move the table into different rooms and stabilize it once in use.
If, however, an outdoor table is more your thing, you will want to ensure the product is durable enough to withstand a variety of weather conditions without cracking or warping. Outdoor ping pong tables usually have an aluminum coating on the surface to keep out moisture and prevent damage. Although outdoor ping pong tables tend to be more durable than indoor products it is still a good idea to invest in a table cover to ensure the longevity of the product.
We’re hoping that after reading through our buying guide, you have now figured out what type of ping pong table is most suitable to your own needs as well as all the features you would like included in your new product too! This will make it a lot easier when it comes to narrowing down your options and selecting the ideal ping pong table for you and your next family tournament! So, let’s get looking at our top 5 picks! Shall we?
By now, you should have a better understanding about what different brands have to offer, as well as what types of products are available to you. If you aren’t a particular fan of the ping pong tables we have chosen then don’t panic; we have got you covered! The brands we have selected have a wide range of different products to choose from. Simply browse through their options to find the right one for you!
