This is an article about Table Tennis Table Buying Guide, we will be reveling some secrets about Table Tennis so you make better decisions when buying a table tennis table.
We have been selling Table Tennis Tables in Nigeria for some years now and like to think we know a thing or two about Ping Pong as some people like to call it. We are always more than happy to give you free friendly advice over the phone, but our Table Tennis Table Buying Guide might give all the answers you need to be able to make the right choice when it comes to buying an Indoor or Outdoor Table.
Who is this Table Tennis Table Buying guide for?
Nearly everyone has played Table Tennis at least once in their life, be it at school as a child, at a friend’s house, at home or even at a club. Table Tennis is one of those games that is always fun to play and one of the best things about game is anyone can play regardless of age and/or skill level. We won’t bore you with too many facts and figures, but there are plenty of studies about the benefits of playing Table Tennis, whether it will help kids with their eye-hand coordination or help our senior citizens improve their balance and lower their chances of falls and injuries.
If you have never owned a table before, you probably want to do your own research or rely on friends and family for advice. We would be more than happy to help you make the right choice as we like to think we know a thing about the subject as we have been selling the product for many years.
This guide is basically for anyone looking to buy an Indoor Table Tennis Table or an Outdoor Table Tennis Table, but more so for someone who is buying their first table and not sure which is the best one to buy. We are here to help you make the right decision.
Who are we and what we have to offer
PSS (PARAMOUNT Sports Shop) is a sports equipment and gym equipment shop based in Abuja Nigeria, we cover and sell to every part of Nigeria through our online store, we sell wide range of sports and gym equipment including table tennis tables, best of all, you can purchase our products online, over the phone or visit our shop in Abuja, Nigeria.
We sell the best international brands such as Butterfly, SOLACE, HAKKEN, PARAMOUNT and are always prepared to offer you friendly expert advice.
The Basics
Measure out the below dimensions of the table on your floor space. Stand behind where the edge of the table would be and swing your arm and see if you have enough room to play. Allow for sideways movement and your arm being outstretched for wide shots.
Generally, the more room you have the more fun you will have. If it turns out you don’t have enough room inside you might want to consider an outdoor table instead. You could also consider a Mini or Midi table for smaller indoor spaces.
Looking after your table is very easy. If you have an outdoor model, occasionally wipe it over with a damp sponge.
Remember NEVER put any food or drinks on your table.
Table covers are not a must but recommended, especially for outdoor tables which are stored outside and exposed to the weather. For indoor tables a cover is not essential unless your storage area is prone to lots of dust.
All Table Tennis Tables are not created equal!
Anyone researching table tennis tables would be surprised by the wide range of models available. The last few years have seen an explosion of new brands, of which all of them from Asia. Unfortunately, many importers in Nigeria like to name these imported tables some names that will make it seems like it was made in Europe or USA.
For example, you see names like American Fitness Table Tennis Table, German Giant Table Tennis Table etc but all these are from China.
It can be very confusing as to which table to buy. 2 tables with the same RRP can appear to be very similar, but once you have a closer look at the specifications, you will find that they can be very different. The size of the frame, legs and wheels are normally where the tables will differ and as a general rule, the thicker/bigger these are, the better/stronger the table will be.
Customers often ask us the question “Does these Chinese tables last?”. Before we answer that, we want to make it clear that China is home to nearly everything the world is using today simply because the cost of production in this country is very low.
China makes quality table tennis tables and I don’t need to tell you how good they’re in playing it. The problem of quality becomes major concern when some Nigerian importers would travel and give the factories a specification of table that won’t last.
We (Paramount Sports Shop have visited the factories and seen for ourselves the materials and processes that produce the tables. We are also proud to say that all tables we offer including HAKKEN table tennis board have passed strong quality control test.
The Chinese factory we use also manufacture for most of the other top international brands and that is because it is the best Table Tennis Table factory in Asia and we won’t mention their name because is our business secret weapon against our competitors. The price of quality China tables is good, which is an important factor when it comes to buying a Table Tennis Table.
Questions you need to answer
There are 4 standard questions we normally ask anyone making an enquiry about buying a table tennis table. Once you have answered the questions, we recommend you give us a call on 07032977996, so together we can make sure you get the best possible table for your needs.
Will you be using the table Indoors or Outdoors? What to consider: Just a little bit of rain can permanently damage and indoor table.
A 1-piece or 2-pieces table? What to consider: 2-pieces tables are easier to move around as you can move only half the table at a time.
Recreational or Competition table? What to consider: A competition table is much stronger and durable with a thicker surface for the best bounce. Recreational tables are much cheaper and should do the job for most families.
What is your budget? What to consider: Allow for freight, bats and balls etc. if you need them
1. Will you be using the table indoors or outdoors?
The Golden Rule is: If there is any chance of the table being exposed to rain or humidity and/ or excessive sun light, then buy an Outdoor Table Tennis Table!
It’s okay to buy an indoor table if you place it outside for an hour or two as long as it is not raining or it is not a very hot day. It’s also okay to buy an indoor table if it’s kept undercover in an outdoor area as long as it won’t be exposed to too much moisture as it will damage the playing surface. In this situation, you should definitely put a cover over it whenever not in use.
Outdoor tables are more expensive compared to equivalent indoor tables due to their specialised weatherproof surfaces. The extra money you spend on an outdoor table is money well spent compared to the risk of leaving an indoor table out in the weather.
2. A 1-Piece or 2-Piece Table?
A 1-Piece table is where all parts (legs, frame and the playing tops etc.) are connected on a trolley system in one single unit. Many of the one-piece models have the advantage of the net being part of the table structure, so you don’t have to put it on and take it off. They are also handy and convenient for someone who wants to play by themselves (playback practice mode).
A 2-Piece Table comes in 2 separate autonomous halves. You then connect the 2 parts using the net and posts at the middle which keeps it all together. Most 2-piece tables have brakes for added stability although these are not essential. The 2-piece table design has a couple of advantages over a 1-piece. It is lighter and easier to move around if you only move 1 half of the table at a time and it takes up much less space when stored. If you move your table up and down stairs and/or don’t have a lot of room in your playing area.
We recommend a 2-piece table instead of a 1-piece table. 2-piece tables also have playback practice mode. Conclusion: There is no difference between the 2 versions once the table is set up. They have the standard measurements of 274 (L) x 152.5 (W) x76 (H) cm. A 1-Piece table is about 75 cm wide when stored and a 2-Pieces table just over 60 cm wide, but if you don’t have any storage problems and someone is always there to help you move/lift the table, then it doesn’t really matter whether you buy a 1- Piece or 2-Piece table.
3. Recreational or Top End?
If the table is to be used for official competition or you simply want the best bounce and an ultra-strong table then an ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) approved table is the way to go.
ITTF approved tables are always used for National, International and Olympic Championships. They have been fully tested by the ITTF for bounce quality before being approved with Approved status.
An ITTF approved table is normally 22mm or thicker, so for recreational use you don’t really need this kind of table but remember the thicker the table, the better the bounce.
ITTF approved tables are more expensive because they have a thicker playing surface and much stronger frame and wheel structure to carry the heavier surface. Being ultra-strong, an ITTF table will last a lot longer if properly looked after. Please note that no Outdoor tables are approved for official sanctioned competition.
4. What is your Table Tennis Budget?
This question together with the question “Will you be using the table indoors or outdoors?” are the most important. As a general rule the thicker the table top, the better the bounce.
Conclusion
Hopefully we have been able to help you in your decision as to which table tennis table to buy, but it doesn’t stop here. We highly recommend that you call us once you have written down your answers as we can do the final check to make sure you get exactly the table for your needs and budget.
View full range of Indoor Tables
View full range of Outdoor Tables