Determining The Ping-Pong Table For You


There are lots of ping pong table on the market. Many to choose from, depending on your skill level, budget, and dedication to the sport.


For starters, the reasons for buying a ping-pong table for a family of young kids will be different than buying for if you're a serious player.


There is more to take into consideration, as well. Things such as tabletop thickness, the support the legs give, and the levelness of the tabletop are important. Also, are you going to pack it up after each use or leave it as is?


It is not necessary to spend a lot of money on a ping pong table. This is especially true when the majority of its use will be by a family with young children. Buying a less expensive table is ideal. While learning how to play, there will be less concern when the table is beat up or misused.


On the other hand, if you or someone else begins to have a more serious approach to the game, then your approach might change. A more expensive table that requires more care or maintenance might be more prudent.


If your house or apartment doesn't have much room, then you might want to buy a fold-up table. One with rollers that can be folded easily by one person and rolled into the closet or corner for storage.


If space isn't a concern, then a great alternative is a table that can be left as is all day. It is still a good idea, however, to consider a table that has rollers - if only for convenience's sake.


The thickness of the tabletop is another thing to take into account. The more serious ping-pong player insist that 1-inch thickness is necessary. The average player, however, will do just fine with a three-quarter-inch thickness.


Yes, the 1-inch thick table will give the ball a more consistent bounce. But the price difference - usually hundreds of dollars' worth - is too much to make this consistency unimportant to the player just out for fun.


You should always buy a sturdy table, though, regardless of how much you spend or how thick the tabletop is. This is especially true if buying with kids in mind. The more durable the table, the less you'll be concerned when kids treat it roughly.


Overall, though, what matters most is your happiness with the purchase. To ensure this, make sure you buy a table that has a smooth finish, with no rough spots or edges. Be sure that the ball bounces consistently, too, when dropped from about 12 inches up. It should be 10 inches or so regardless of where on the table it bounces.