Which Table Tennis Table
Is Best For You?

If you're looking for advice on how to choose the best table tennis table for you, then you're in the right place.

I've been playing table tennis since 1971, and during that time I've built up a wealth of knowledge which I'd like to share with you.

So whether you're looking for a top quality table or a cheap discount table, let me guide you through the multitude of things you'll need to consider. After all, it's easy to think that all table tennis tables are the same ... they aren't .... and you don't want to make an expensive mistake!

By the way, before we start ... if you call them ping pong tables, you might be interested in my article about the difference between table tennis and ping pong.

Let me tell you a funny little story ...

I was at a quiz evening a while ago with two friends of mine who both used to play table tennis for England.

We were struggling to answer most of the questions that night when suddenly the quizmaster asked "What's the size of a table tennis table?"

For once I thought ... great, here's one we all know the answer to.

Well my friend ... an ex-England International suddenly hesitated.

Why aren't you writing down the answer? I asked.

"Because I don't know the answer" he replied. "Is it 10 feet by 5 feet?"

Well, when we'd eventually finished laughing, we reminded him that it's ...

9 feet (2.74m) long,
5 feet (1.525m) wide and
2 feet 6 inches (76cm) high

... and the net is

6 feet (1.83m) long and
6 inches (15.25 cm) high.

So now that you know the size dimensions, let's take a look at the questions you'll need to ask before you buy any table.

We'll look at ... the different types of table that are available, the different types of undercarriage and top surfaces that are available - and finally - the table tennis manufacturers themselves.

The type of table that's right for you will depend on how you intend to use it.

Therefore you'll need to consider ...

How ... often will your table be used?

• Daily
• Weekly
• Monthly
• Occasionally

Who ... will be using your table?

• Professional players
• League players
• Club players
• Recreational players
• Family and friends

What ... space is available for your table?

• Will it always be erected, ready for use?
• Will it need to be stored away?

Where ... will your table be used?

• Table tennis events
• Table tennis club
• Sports centre
• School
• YMCA
• at home
• or elsewhere?

And ... will your table be used indoors or outdoors?

Does it matter?

The answer's in part two ...

For more information, tips and recommendations about table tennis equipment, take a look at my other articles ...