The best table tennis rackets for 2022

Simplicity of rules, accessibility, the ability to play at any age - table tennis has long gained great popularity. Game equipment - table with mesh and a racket, which will be discussed in this article.

Components of a racket

• Base.
• A pen.
• Rubber pads. They are glued to the base on both sides with a special glue. They can be smooth and pimply. They affect the power of the ball and the speed of rotation.

The inventory is made of wood glued in several layers and supplemented with carbon and titanium.

Types of rackets

For beginners and amateurs (1-3 stars)

They are manufactured in factories and go to wholesale or retail. Rackets marked with one star are suitable for beginners. Amateur sports equipment - marked 2-3 stars. An important parameter for this type is the level of control indicated by the manufacturer in a ten- or hundred-point system. You need to choose equipment with the highest rate, both for adults and for children.

• You can quickly master the technique of the game;
• Affordability.

• Not the best quality
• There are not very many layers of wood in the base;
• Not suitable for complex game techniques;
• Overlays cannot be changed;
• They break down quickly.

For players with experience and professionals (4-5 stars)

People with some experience in the game can purchase equipment marked 4-5 stars. Professional rackets are produced in a factory way, but are not assembled: the player purchases separately the base, pads and glue, assembling the racket the way he needs, changing the rubber.

• High quality;
• Long service life;
• The base consists of a minimum of five layers of wood;
• You can perform all game techniques.

• Require game experience;
• High cost in comparison with ready-made models.

racket care

Proper care of sports equipment can significantly extend its life.

Basic Rules

• It is not recommended to store rackets near heat sources: high temperatures, direct exposure to sunlight can damage the rubber. Under the influence of too low temperatures, the linings can crack and become brittle.
• The playing surface must be kept clean.You can wash it with a little water and wipe dry with a soft towel, but it is better to purchase a special tool for cleaning equipment. It is not recommended to use household chemicals for washing rackets.
• To protect the edges of the racket, which constantly hit the table, a special end tape is sold.
• Rubber pads need to be replaced. Professional players do this all the time, once a week or even after every match. Beginning players do not need to change rubbers so often, once every six months or a year is enough.
• It is advisable to buy a case for storing and carrying the racket. It will protect your inventory from damage and scratches.

How to choose a racket

The main selection criteria for functionality

Foundation type.

This is the most important part of the racket, the quality of which determines the ability to quickly learn the game and improve your skills.

• DEF - Defensive style of play;
• ALL - Universal game;
• All+ - attack technique;
• OFF - high speed and hit force, rotation;
• OFF+ - high attack speed.

Base material

• Plywood. The best option, since the wooden bases gradually adapt to the palm of the player.
• Plastic. It is not suitable for serious table tennis lessons, it does not adapt to the shape of the player's palm.

It is necessary to give preference to models made of wood; the more layers in the base, the higher the quality of the racket.

Overlays are classified

By play style

• Identical, smooth, similar visually, but with different characteristics. One rotates better, the other is faster. In many cases, the racket is not turned over during the game.
• Various. Designed for active tactics in the game, for attacking and counterattacking.A smooth overlay is glued to the base on one side, and with long spikes on the other. The game is actively flipped. Working with such a racket requires certain skills and experience in order to instantly figure out which side to turn the inventory in order to achieve the maximum effect.

Thickness

• 1.5-1.8 mm. A good option for a versatile game.
• 1-1.4 mm. Such parameters allow you to perform counters, stands and undercuts.
• 2 mm. This is the maximum thickness. With the help of such a racket, you can attack using different rotation options and changing speed.

A pen.

This part of the racket is responsible for the convenience and its comfortable presence in the palm of your hand. Selected optimally, it should not slip out of the hand and rub the skin.

Handle types:

• Straight. It resembles a rectangle in shape.
• Flared, expanding to the bottom;
• Flared straight;
• Tapered, short and wide.
• Anatomical. Tapers in the middle, widening at the ends. Very comfortable to grip.

racket class. It consists of indicators such as speed, control and rotation. They are evaluated in points, and each of the manufacturers can set their own rating scale.

Racket weight. It is important that the inventory is not too heavy, otherwise the hand will get tired. At the same time, a racket that is too light, picking up all the vibrations, also cannot contribute to a good game. The optimal weight, including rubber pads, is 150-200 gr.

Important Points

If you are just starting to get to know the game, opt for a ready-made racket with an ALL blade (1-3 stars); experienced tennis players and professionals need models with a selection of linings (4-5 stars). To assemble the racket, you also need to purchase special glue, the one sold in hardware stores will not work.

Determine the style of play that suits you. For the attacker (OFF, OFF +) rackets with high-speed characteristics are intended. For a defensive style of play (DEF), equipment with pads that provide spin and control, perform spins and undercuts, helping the ball move along a given trajectory, is suitable.

Before buying, you should test the model you like manually: will it be too heavy, does the handle fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. The thickness of the handle will depend on the size of the player's hand and its structure. Try to make trial shots on the ball, so you will understand how the handle suits you. To check how well the model will rotate, lightly pass the ball over its surface: resistance should be felt, the same over the entire area of ​​​​the lining. The rebound of the ball is checked as follows: it is dropped onto a racket located on a hard surface from a height of approximately 30 cm. For high-speed equipment, the rebound will be more than 10 cm.

If you plan to play not only indoors but also outdoors, pay attention to models that can be used in all weather conditions. Their pads are protected by special spikes. Such rackets are not afraid of high humidity and temperature changes, they retain their playing properties when sand or dirt gets on the surface. If exposed to direct sunlight or rain, they will not stick or deteriorate.

An important question is how much does a racket cost. The first inventory can cost 150-300 rubles. Such rackets are not of high quality and will not help to improve the level of the game. Their task is to acquire the first skills and master the basic techniques in table tennis. The cost of inventory for more experienced players is from 800 to 1000 rubles, it can be purchased from the manufacturer "with a name".Products from the professional segment, including prefabricated models, cost from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles, depending on the materials used and the brand.

Top Producers

Which model is better to buy

• Atemi is a domestic company that produces goods for sports and outdoor activities.
• Butterfly. Manufacturer from Japan, since 1950 engaged in the manufacture of table tennis products for both professionals and amateurs.
• Joola. German company, one of the leading manufacturers of table tennis paraphernalia and equipment.
• Donic. For more than 25 years, the German company has been producing sports equipment and clothing, primarily for table tennis.
• Stiga. Swedish manufacturer of high quality table tennis equipment.
• Cornillaeu. French company, leading European leader in the production of table tennis products.

Rating of quality table tennis rackets

Popular budget models

Dobest 2 Star

Light weight model suitable for beginners and amateurs. Main parameters: control level - 70, rotation - 60, speed - 80. Their combination makes it possible to practice active tactics. The fingerboard thickness of 1.8 mm makes the model suitable for versatile play.

• Will be convenient for children;
• Inexpensive.

• Not a very strong base.

Average price: 300 rubles.

Giant Dragon ST12402

The model combines good spin and control performance, high speed and optimal power. The 1.8 mm thick rubber allows you to deliver attacking blows. The rotation level is 72, this option is optimal for spinning the ball at high speed.

• Smooth overlays adhere well to the ball;
• Tapered handle for comfortable grip;
• original design;
• Inexpensive model.

• Low level of control.

Average price: 420 rubles.

Teloon TN404

The racket is made of soft wood, which has a positive effect on its elasticity, which means it increases the speed value and allows you to better control the rotation of the ball.

• Does not slip in the palm;
• Rubber surface with spikes.

• Not very good build quality
• Carpenter's glue is used.

Average price: 600 rubles.

Torneo Tour

The construction of the model for universal play is the base of 7 layers of wood (6.5 mm thick) plus rubber sponge pads (thickness 1.8 mm). Due to its light weight, good speed, spin and control, this racket is suitable for beginners and amateurs.

• The ability to work out the rotation at high speed;
• Convenient handle;
• Classic design.

• The sponge peels off quickly.

Average price: 800 rubles.

Popular models from famous brands

Cornilleau "Tacteo 50"

A distinctive feature of the model is the base made of polymer material, which gives it special strength, providing a good ball rebound. The overlay has a porous structure, in the holes of which compressed air accumulates, increasing the force of impact.

• Durability;
• Can be played in any weather;
• Anatomically shaped handle.

• High price.

Average price: 1700 rubles.

Stiga Chop

The model is suitable for an adult player who is starting his first steps in the world of table tennis.Despite the fact that it belongs to the amateur segment, a well-known brand guarantees good quality. The 2mm thick rubber allows this racquet to be used for an attacking style of play. At the same time, the lightweight model is suitable for both defensive and universal play. The level of control is 82, which allows you to feel the ball well. The speed and rotation parameters are at an average level, this is a good option for training.

• End tape and wristband included;
• Water resistance;
• Suitable for outdoor play
• Anatomical shape of the handle;

• You need to get used to the handle made of polymer material;
• Inexpensive model.

Average price: 2300 rubles.

Donic Carbotech 100

The branded model is made of carbon and equipped with a smooth overlay. It has the highest rates of ball rotation control and elasticity.

• High strength;
• Good quality.

• Not for beginners;
• High price.

Average price: 4500 rubles.

Choosing a racket is an individual matter, in which it is important to focus not only on the advice of more experienced players, but also on the individual level of skill, the conditions in which the matches will be played. It makes no sense for a novice tennis player to spend money on an expensive branded model: you can get the necessary experience using budget equipment. As the skill grows, it is already possible to invest in the purchase of a higher quality racket.