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Ping Pong Tables

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Buyer's Guide to Ping Pong Tables

Ping pong, also known as table tennis, is a fun and easy game with a competitive spirit. Today, ping pong is growing in popularity, both as a recreational sport and as a competitive one. The rules of ping pong are simple and easy to understand, and while it requires quick reflexes, it is less physically strenuous than many competitive games.

To play ping pong, you really only need three things - a table, a paddle, and a ball.

We are going to help you pick out the right ping pong table. There are many different types of tables, many brands, and many other things to consider when buying a table. We're going to try and make the buying process a little easier.

Contents at a Glance

What to consider when buying a ping pong...
Official Ping Pong Table Dimensions
What size of room do I need?
Playback Feature
Folding Feature
Budget

What to consider when buying a ping pong table

Choosing the right table tennis table is not difficult, and your choice will depend upon the space available, your budget and your needs. At approximately 9 ft by 5 ft. you may need a fairly substantial space for you're a table unless you choose a folding model. Tables can be found in a variety of price ranges, surfaces, and even styles. We've compiled several key tips that can help you choose a table tennis table that will serve you well for years to come.

Quality is key. While a one inch tabletop is competition standard, thinner tops are common on less expensive tables. A three-quarter inch tabletop may be a comfortable thickness for recreational play, but splurging on a competition standard table may be a smart move if you do play competitively. If you are playing just for fun, or buying for the kids, the inexpensive plywood type table top may be adequate for your needs.

Look for stable and sturdy legs. Keep in mind, especially if buying a table that will be used by the whole family that it may need to hold up to rough and tumble kids. Spending less may be a good choice for a beginner, or for a family rec room. You can always upgrade to a nicer, higher quality table in the future if anyone falls in love with the game.

Folding table tennis tables are a popular choice. Look for one that folds easily and can be set up and maneuvered by one person. Smoothly rolling wheels and brakes are critical for one that folds. A folding table may allow you to have a table tennis table even if you do not have the space to have one up full time. Do keep in mind that you will need space to store the table; however, this fun family activity is well worth the space involved.

A table tennis table offers a great chance for exercise, fun and a great game. Whether you need an inexpensive table for the kids to play on or if you play competitively and need a practice table in your basement or garage, you can find the right table tennis table for your needs. Look for stability, quality, and a nice, smooth, unblemished table surface.

Official Ping Pong Table Dimensions

A ping pong table is 2.74 m (9 ft) long, 1.525 m (5 ft) wide, and 76 cm (30 inch) high with a Masonite or similarly manufactured timber, layered with a smooth, low-friction coating. The table or playing surface is divided into two halves by a 15.25 cm (6 inch) high net.

What size of room do I need?

You will need a room that is roughly 12 feet by 18 feet. This will allow both players to have room to move freely and comfortably. The bigger the room - the better.

Playback Feature

Do you want to play ping pong when no one else is around?

Some ping pong tables have a playback feature. This allows you to play and practice by yourself. If this is a feature you want, make sure to check the table for this feature before you buy.

Folding Feature

If you don't have a room in your house dedicated to ping pong, then you'll probably want a table that can fold up.

This feature will save yourself a lot of space and allow you to use the room for more than just ping pong.

There are a few things you may want to look for when choosing a table with a folding position:

Safety levers - you don't want half of a ping pong table to come crashing down on you.

High quality wheels - if you are moving your table around a lot, you'll want wheels that can stand up to wear and tear.

Budget

How much do you plan to spend?

If you are looking to find the cheapest ping pong table possible, you should expect to spend between $200-$400. On the high end, tables can top $1500.

Most tables will fall between $500-$1000. You can find several tables that offer a playback feature and folding feature for about $600.

If you want a tournament grade table, then you should expect to spend between $650-$1000.

Tables above $1000 are usually approved by the International Table Tennis Federation for use in sanctioned tournaments and events.

What does a $2000 table look like?

Most people are shocked that you can spend upwards of $2000 for a ping pong table. The table below is a Killerspin Revolution. The table retails for $1999.

What do the professionals use?

Many people want to know what type of table is used in international competitions and the Olympics. The table below is the DHS Rainbow. It was the official table of the 2003, 2004 & 2005 World Championships. It is also the official table of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The table retails for $1599.