Which table tennis table should you choose?

Most of us play leisurely for fun at home, in the park, at the office, or even in the living room.

The available space you have to accommodate the table will guide the choice of the size of the table you can pick.

Table tennis tables are available in small (or mini), medium and standard size.

On top of size, you will also have to pay particular attention to the following characteristics:

1. Ease of opening
2. Ease of movement
3. Stability

Good bounce quality is all about an even bounce, trajectories that aren't random (meaning they depend purely on how you hit the ball), and a bounce that's high enough for you to enjoy a good rally.

There are two things that dictate this: the thickness of the tabletops, and the stiffness of the metal frame that supports them.

You can measure the bounce quality by dropping a ball onto the tabletop from a height of 30 cm. Use its bounce height to assess the bounce quality. 

Perform this test on 12 different points around the table to test the evenness of the bounce.

If you want to be able to quickly start a match, another factor that comes into play is how easily the tabletops open. This depends on the type of system used to lock and unlock the two halves.

Fixed tables have no opening system and need both halves of the tabletop to be manually assembled and dismantled.

On non-fixed tables, the opening/closing system can be either be centralised or not.

- In the case of a centralised system, there will be one handle to operate under each tabletop

- If the system isn't centralised, there will be two locking handles on the sides of each tabletop

You can measure how easy a table is to open by timing how long it takes to move the table from a closed to open position for play.

Check out the types of opening systems as mentioned below.

If you're not going to store your table anywhere near where you intend to play, think about the route you'll be transporting it along. 

Choose a table with large wheels if the ground is uneven (gravel, grass, etc.).

If the ground is smooth (asphalt, paving stones, tiles), small wheels will do. 

If you are planning to leave your table in exactly the same place, go for a fixed table, but consider buying a cover that will fit an open table if you're planning to put it outdoors.

You can test how easy a table is able to move by measuring the force needed to move it in different directions on a smooth surface.

Once you've installed your table, it's time to think about other factors that will improve your playing experience. 

Stability is important as it allows the table to stay put no matter what type of surface it's set up on and no matter what strains players put it under.

Stability is dependent on: the table having adjustable feet, having brakes on the wheels, overall weight, and the thickness of the metal tubes that form the frame.

If your table is going to be outdoors, it needs to be able to withstand rain, UV rays and humidity, especially in Singapore's unpredictable weather!

The metal parts of Decathlon's table tennis tables are treated to prevent rust, while the melamine tabletops can cope with harsh weather for a long time without warping or losing their playing quality.

All PONGORI outdoor standard table tennis tables come with a 10-year warranty, but if you want to make your table last even longer, consider protecting it with a cover.

Playback mode allows for solo practices so that you don't have to depend on a partner to play with. You will still be able to do your training drills on your own.

This feature is usually sought after by beginners who are working on their footwork and paddle stroke.

This feature is available with tables that can be folded in half or often found on two-piece tables.