best ping pong paddles for beginners

Best Ping Pong Paddles For Beginners and Intermediates

No matter what you call, racquet, table tennis blade, or a racket, a right pedal will decide your win or loss.

Over the years, the pre-made paddle market has expanded, which provides an extensive number of options.

There are some models designed for pros, while some are for beginners and intermediate players.

In this article, we have shared the top ten ping pong paddles along with the buying guide.

In other words, we are helping you choose the right choice!

Best Ping Pong Paddles For Beginners and Intermediate Players

1. Palio Expert 3.0 Table Tennis Racket & Case

This paddle is the perfect choice for beginners and was first launched in 2014.

The paddle is designed with a grip that will help you ace the game.

It has a wide edge that keeps the rubber protected, and the blade is apt to help you make a controlled hit.

The handle will accurately optimize control.

Be it the handle or wide blade; the paddle is made with a durable approach.

The overall broad infrastructure makes the rubber safe, and if it tears out, it can be replaced as well.

The rubbers are ITTF approved, which provide higher spin levels.

The beginners will be able to improve their spinning skills.

These paddles improve the stroke rate as well as ball serving and ball blocking.

Moreover, the paddle provides high-speed hitting, but as a beginner, the low-speed option is available as well for learning purposes.

Pros
  • Long life
  • Apt for beginners and intermediate player
  • Durable and replaceable rubber
  • Enhanced spinning
  • Wide border
Cons
  • Speed is low (but is good for beginners to learn)
  • Not suitable for professional players

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2. Killerspin JET Set 2 Table Tennis Paddles

If you want a paddle that comes with a ball, this is a suitable choice as they are durable, comfortable, and affordable.

These paddles have a thick rubber padding that helps in improving the spin and control.

The weight is around 700g to 184g.

The surface is pretty sticky and tends to stay for a longer time.

The blade is 5.6mm thick that helps in smoothening the play, and the ergonomic 5-plywood will keep the paddle safe.

The exterior is red and black rubber that poses a fine image.

The power is rated 6/10, and the spin rate is 7/10.

Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Sturdy
  • Tournament-oriented paddles for beginners
  • Comfortable
  • Ball shaking is possible
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Unreliable grip

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3. STIGA Pro Carbon Performance-Level Table Tennis Racket

The STIGA Pro Carbon paddle is an ergonomically designed paddle that allows the players to hone the game.

This STIGA Pro Carbon Table Tennis Racket has the ITTF approved materials to ensure competitive play.

The spin rate is 10/10, the control rate is 8/10, and the speed control is 9/10.

These factors determine the apt gaming without losing control.

The paddles are made from lightweight wood, and the rubber keeps the game at the point.

However, the rubber is replaceable in case of wearing down.

Beneath the rubber, there is a thin layer of sponge.

This sponge helps in hard-hitting, attaining higher speed, and spinning.

All the materials are ITTF approved, and the lightweight blade allows the players to keep playing for a long time.

Moreover, the handle is heavy that provides ample grip and ability to create spins and loops.

Pros
  • Heavy handle
  • Lightweight blade made from carbon
  • Increased control over the shots
Cons
  • Requires time for adjusting the play
  • Soft shots aren’t possible

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4. Eastfield Allround Professional Table Tennis Racket

The Eastfield Allround racket is a perfect choice for beginners and intermediate players who want to hone the game.

In other words, this paddle empowers you to gain control of the shots.

Through this paddle, players can learn ball striking, and the larger sweet spot helps in optimizing control.

This paddle provides room for spin and stability that allows the users to stick to the ball and make the shots at desired places.

The surface is made of rubber, which helps in improving control and spin.

However, the best thing about this paddle remains its higher comfort level and increased control.

Many players have been playing with this paddle in tournaments, and none of them felt the inconvenience or discomfort while in the game.

In other words, the quality of play isn’t affected as well.

Pros
  • Apt for beginners and intermediate players
  • Rubber surface
  • Increased stability and spin
  • Control and comfort through the blade
Cons
  • Low speed which makes it an unreliable choice for professional players

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5. Ping Pong Paddle with Killer Spin

This is a better choice for intermediate players who are working hard to level to the professional level.

It’s easy to say that this paddle has been designed for tournaments and will help the players improve their game.

The paddles come with 5-layer construction while the weight remains on a lower level.

The lightweight development helps in providing control over the game.

However, the unique factor remains rubber, which is highly sticky. This stickiness helps in counter spinning and increased spinning rate.

The handle is designed to improve grip while the power and speed are enhanced as well.

So, if you are an intermediate player looking for a premium choice, this is a good one, as all the materials are ITTF approved.

Moreover, the control rate is 8.5/10, and the speed rate is 8/10.

Pros
  • ITTF approved materials
  • Ergonomic design
  • 30-day warranty
  • 5-layer and lightweight construction
Cons
  • Expensive

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6. Killerspin JET200

The Killerspin JET200 is a suitable choice for beginners or intermediate players who want to advance their playing skills.

It has always been compared to STIGMA Titan.

The lack of power is present, but this paddle has enhanced control over the game.

This is a high-quality paddle available at a reasonable rate.

The quality can be depicted by a 5-ply wooden blade that helps in acing the shots.

The rubber quality is outstanding and tends to stay intact for longer periods.

However, the speed rate is 6/10, which is considered less for professional players.

On the other hand, if someone wants to improve spinning and control over the game, Killerspin JET200 is an appropriate choice.

Pros
  • High-quality design and construction
  • Helps in learning strokes
  • Improves ball control
  • Suitable for beginners
  • Comes with memory book storage case
Cons
  • Not appropriate for professional players

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7. Butterfly 603 Ping Pong Paddle Set

When we think about shape, every paddle will have an oval shape and will be covered with rubber on both sides.

However, the quality and additional features make each paddle different.

This paddle has an ergonomic design that promises a comfortable and sturdy grip.

The handle has a rounded flare design resulting in powerful strikes and highly spinning shots.

The best part of the handle is its long design that promises a shake-hand grip.

Beneath the Wakaba rubber layer, a 2mm sponge layer is added.

This is done to provide ample control over the shots.

It’s needless to say that the weight of the paddle impacts spin, control, and shots.

The paddle is very lightweight (1.6 pounds) that helps in optimizing control and speed. In other words, the paddle provides excellent value for money.

Pros
  • Optimal control and spin
  • Provides value for money
  • Durable rubber with a sponge layer
  • Comes with a case
Cons
  • Hollow design
  • Not suitable for professional players

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8. STIGA Evolution Performance-Level Table Tennis Racket

Many beginners have a misconception of using a fast paddle to improve the game. But the right approach is to use a controllable paddle.

This paddle makes a perfect choice for intermediate players.

The paddle provides control and support during the game, and it’s needless to say, it provides enhanced spin and speed.

The paddle uses 6-ply wood and 2mm thick rubber, which makes a responsive choice. In other words, this paddle offers top-notch performance.

The diversity of this paddle makes it apt for slow as well as aggressive games.

This paddle provides medium to fast speed, which enhances control over the shots.

You can play touch and soft with this paddle, and the controllable drive is something every beginner will love.

Besides, the looping capabilities are optimal promising excellent counter-attacks.

Pros
  • Rubbers can be replaced
  • Control over the shots
  • Medium to fast speed
  • High-quality construction
Cons
  • There is no paddle case in the set
  • Unsuitable for professional players

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9. Thunderline 6 Star Premium Ping Pong Paddle

If you want to learn new skills as a beginner or an intermediate player, this paddle allows the players to do so at a most reasonable price.

The paddle uses a seven-layered blade, which not only promises durability but stability as well.

The blade enhanced spin, speed, and control over the game.

The speed rate is 8/10; the control rate is 9/10, topped with 7-ply wood.

On both sides, rubbers are sticked along with a 2mm sponge layer that helps in optimal ball strikes.

ITTF approves the rubber used in the construction. Moreover, the handle is long to optimize the shake-hand shots.

The spinning is apt for beginners as well as intermediate players.

However, the comfort level is devised by keeping professional players in mind. Moreover, control and spin are excellent.

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Improved control on shots
  • Optimal spin and speed
  • Suitable for beginners and intermediate players
Cons
  • A bit heavy

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10. Duplex | 4 Star Ping Pong Paddle - Table Tennis Blade with Rubber

This paddle might be a bit expensive, but the advanced features are worth each penny.

This paddle is equally suitable for beginners as well as professional players.

The paddle is constructed with a wooden blade topped with the long handle to ensure weight balancing.

The weight balance helps in efficient shot hitting with precision.

Moreover, the rubber has a high quality that also promises optimal performance while ensuring bounces.

This paddle provides a sturdy yet comfortable grip leading to enhanced control and speed.

Pros
  • Wooden blade
  • Long handle
  • Weight balancing for precise shot hitting
  • High-quality rubber
  • Sturdy and comfortable grip
  • Improved speed and control
Cons
  • Expensive

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Things You Need to Know As A Table Tennis Beginner

When it comes to choosing the right paddle, multiple factors count, and money isn’t the only important point.

For instance, you can buy the most expensive one from the market; it’s of no use if it doesn’t meet your needs.

The points of focus include skill level, paddle construction. Moreover, one needs to consider speed, control, spin, and material as well.

Type of Player

Your experience level as a player plays an essential role in choosing the right type of paddle.

The right paddle helps in gaining speed, which is directly proportional to your level-up on the skill level.

If you are a beginner, you need to keep the ball on the table, which requires honing the stroke mechanics.

As a beginner, you need to forget about the spin and speed.

However, as an intermediate or professional player, you will get to win games by advancing the techniques and moves.

At this stage, you need to learn speed and spin control.

As an intermediate player, choose the high-star rating paddles.

Moreover, if you are on the hitting and attacking side, the heavy paddle needs to be your choice.

On the other hand, you need to opt for a lightweight paddle if you play defensively or chop and block the shots.

Blade & Handle

Every paddle has two essential factors; blade and handle.

The blades usually range from 5-ply to 9-ply wood. In addition to wood, titanium carbon and carbon is used as well.

The number of plies affects the stiffness, and the material depicts the weight. For instance, carbon paddles are lightweight.

Moreover, the material also decides the rigidness and flexibility of the blade.

The rigid blade helps in transferring the stroke energy to the ball.

This activity enhances the speed of the paddle. However, the flexible blade will help in the slow ball traveling.

In terms of the handle, there are three types of them, such as flared, straight, and anatomic.

The flared handle has a thick bottom, which ensures zero hands slipping.

The straight handle uses the same width from tip to tow. The anatomic handle fits the hand through the wide middle area.

Rubber & Sponge

The sponge thickness and rubber thickness determines the ball spin. For instance, the soft rubber ensures a higher spin rate while the sticky rubber puts down more spin on the ball.

Ever paddle is made of natural wood, but the rubber layer is always added, which is responsible for making strikes.

There are different types of rubbers used in the paddles, but some use multiple layers to make it according to player and skill level.

However, the lightweight is always ensured for the beginner level paddles.

How to Choose a Beginner Ping Pong Paddle

In the following section, we have added the paddle attributes that are essential to consider while choosing the right paddle. Have a look!

Speed

This attribute depicts the speed imprint of the ball. If the paddle is fast, lesser energy is required to make a hit.

If you opt for the cheap paddle, there will be a massive difference in speed.

Spin

The spin rate is determined by the rubber quality as well as the weight. If you play on an offensive basis, you need a higher spin rate as compared to the speed.

This is because higher spin creates forehand loops. On the other hand, the defensive players opt for backspins because they want to chop down the ball.

Control

Control is determined by the spin or speed. If the spin is focused and speed is high, there is lesser room for errors, but it can result in control loss as well.

But if you hone these, the accuracy and consistency of the shots will be improved. As a beginner, you should opt for slow yet controllable paddles.

But if you are the intermediate or professional player, powerful and sturdy paddles should be your choice.

However, the control level is improved with time and skill improvement.

This is because paddle might be hard to play within the beginning.

FAQs About Best Ping Pong Paddles For Beginners

Is There A Difference Between The Red And Black Side Of A Ping Pong Paddle?

You must have seen the red and black side difference on the paddle.

It is believed that the red side ensures higher speed while the black side helps in optimizing the spin.

The players can choose the color side as they need to consider their comfort level.

While you are going out for a game, wear the shirt that matches the playing paddle side because it startles the opponent.

How Do I Make My Ping Pong Paddle Sticky Again?

The sticky paddle makes the ball spin effectively. If you want to make the paddle sticky again, wet the line-free towel and cover the surface.

Make sure the water doesn’t drip on the paddle. Moreover, don’t move the towel in multiple directions and keep one direction.

You need to do this activity on a frequent basis, such as between the matches. It won’t take more than 15 seconds but will keep the paddle perfectly sticky.

How Do I Clean My Ping Pong Paddle?

To clean the paddle, use a sponge and warm water and wipe the rubber surface gently.

You might have to wipe twice or thrice to let the dirt loose.

However, make sure you aren’t vigorous with wiping because it can affect the texture.

How Often Should You Clean Your Ping Pong Paddle?

Always clean your paddle once you are done playing.

You can use the sponge to clear out the dirt. However, never put the paddle in direct sunlight.

Conclusion

Through this article, we have tried to answer all the beginner and intermediate level ping pong paddle questions.

It is better to analyze your budget and skillset before making a final call as it helps in choosing the right option.

If you are a beginner, don’t go overboard to choose the professional level paddle because it will be nothing but a waste of money.