page title icon 10 Best Table Tennis Paddles for Beginners

The game of ping pong is a great leveler. It has options both for beginners and experts. Whether you are looking for a means to get started with the game or improve your skills in it, you will find paddles for both.

If you have just started playing the game, or are weighing your options, you may want to go for a quality ping pong paddle that suits your style of game. Ideally, it should be good for both the offensive and defensive game.

The best ping pong paddles for beginners, that are available in the market, are tailor-made to simplify matters for newbies.

In this post, we will examine the features of the top 10 best ping pong paddles for beginners. Also, we will expound some key aspects linked to using ping pong paddles in the FAQ section.

Comparison of Top 10 Best Ping Pong Paddles for Beginners

Paddles Paddles Name Features Price
Butterfly 401
  • Speed Rating: 8
  • Spin Rating: 8
  • Control Rating: 8.5
  • Rubber: Yuki 2.1 red and black
  • Weight: 5.81 Ounces
  • Dimensions: 7 x 12 x 1.8 inches
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STIGA Titan
  • Speed Rating: 8
  • Spin Rating: 7.7
  • Control Rating: 8.2
  • Rubber: Inverted tournament ITTF approved
  • Weight: 5.6 Ounces
  • Dimensions: 12 x 7 x 3 inches
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Killerspin JET200
  • Speed Rating: 6
  • Spin Rating: 7
  • Control Rating: 8.5
  • Rubber: Jet Basic
  • Weight: 6.2 Ounces
  • Dimensions: 6.1 x 10 inches
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Eastfield
  • Speed Rating: 6
  • Spin Rating: 8
  • Control Rating: 10
  • Rubber: Eastfield A-Soft 2.1mm rubber
  • Weight: 2.88 Ounces
  • Dimensions: 5.9 x 1 x 10.2 inches
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Palio Expert 2
  • Speed Rating: 6
  • Spin Rating: 9
  • Control Rating: 10
  • Rubber: Palio CJ8000 rubber
  • Weight: 7 Ounces
  • Dimensions: 11 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
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AirBlades
  • Speed Rating: 6
  • Spin Rating: 3
  • Control Rating: 7
  • Rubber: 1.6mm high-end inverted
  • Weight: 6.9 Ounces
  • Dimensions: 10.5 x 6 x 0.8 inches
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DHS 6-Star
  • Speed Rating: 8
  • Spin Rating: 6
  • Control Rating: 8
  • Rubber: Spongy inverted rubber
  • Weight: 14.4 Ounces
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STIGA Evolution
  • Speed Rating: 9.6
  • Spin Rating: 9.4
  • Control Rating: 9
  • Rubber: ITTF approved rubber
  • Weight: 6.4 Ounces
  • Dimensions: 12 x 7.3 x 2.8 inches
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Duplex 4 Star
  • Speed Rating: 8
  • Spin Rating: 7.5
  • Control Rating: 9
  • Rubber: Premium ITTF approved
  • Weight: 6.3 Ounces
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Palio Expert 3.0
  • Speed Rating: 6
  • Spin Rating: 9
  • Control Rating: 10
  • Rubber: ITTF approved Palio CJ8000
  • Weight: 9.1 Ounces
  • Dimensions: 11 x 7.3 x 1.1 inches
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Table of Content:

  1. Butterfly 401 Table Tennis Racket Set
  2. STIGA Titan Table Tennis Racket
  3. Killerspin JET200 Table Tennis Paddle
  4. Eastfield Allround Professional Table Tennis Racket
  5. Palio Expert 2 Table Tennis Racket & Case
  6. AirBlades Professional Ping Pong Paddle
  7. DHS 6-Star Premium Table Tennis Racket
  8. STIGA Evolution Performance-Level Table Tennis Racket
  9. Duplex 4 Star Ping Pong Paddle
  10. Palio Expert 3.0 Table Tennis Racket

1. Butterfly 401 Table Tennis Racket Set


Do you wish to compete with your opponent with speed, spin, and better control? If yes, then Butterfly 401 Table Tennis racket set is what you should think of. It consists of red and black rubber.

Initially, you may take some time to get used to it. But once you do it, you will romp through all kinds of challenges without any hassle. Regardless of your opponent’s challenge, this racket set has everything that will help you to win a ping pong game in flying colors. Unless you are either a total beginner or a pro of the highest level, this product is the perfect choice for you.

Widely accepted for ping pong events by the International Table Tennis Federation, this racket set involves a tacky rubber. The 2.1 mm thick rubber coverage enhances the product’s quality further. Its sponge layer is a valuable addition to this arrangement.

Last but not least, the grip of this product can give any standard alternative to it a run for the money. Due to its comfortable grip, you can play ping pong with your opponent for hours without being worried about any kind of inconvenience.

If you add up all the aforementioned features, you will get the reason why it is s hit among ping pong players.

Specifications

Speed Rating 8
Spin Rating 8
Control Rating 8.5
Rubber Yuki 2.1 red and black
Weight 5.81 ounces
Dimensions 7 x 12 x 1.8 inches

Pros

  • Good ratings
  • Reasonable power
  • Tacky rubber for generating spin
  • 2.1 mm sponge for great power and feel

Cons

  • Maintenance is complicated
  • Short handle

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2. STIGA Titan Table Tennis Racket


Packed with a 2 mm inverted sponge, this tennis racket is lightweight. It offers good features in terms of spin. But if the only thing you are looking for is power, it may not be your kind of item. Still, given that beginners are more likely to go with a racket that is easy to hold, it is one of the best table tennis paddles for beginners.

The handle of the product involves ply, and offers a decent experience while holding. This way, it lets a newbie improve their skills and placement.

The blade of the product is based on crystal technology. As a result, it becomes hard to provide its users with greater speed. Whether you intend to play an attacking or defending game, you can do both without any hassle.

Also, it comes at a cost-effective price. With better control of this product, you will be able to better control your moves.

Overall, you can say it makes for an affordable and good-quality paddle which is durable. For those who wish to buy something for a few years without straining finances, this is the ideal choice.

Specifications

Speed Rating 8
Spin Rating 7.7
Control Rating 8.2
Rubber Inverted tournament rubber approved by ITTF
Weight 5.6 ounces
Dimensions 12 x 7 x 3 inches

Pros

  • Provides good spin
  • Easy to hold

Cons

  • Low-quality sponge
  • Less powerful

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3. Killerspin JET200 Table Tennis Paddle


The multi-layered wood of the product consists of a maximum of five layers. Despite the wood being of top-notch, the rubber of the paddle is not approved by ITTF. So, it is not ideal for use in the major tournaments.

The JET200 is ideal to help you in honing your skills. Coupled with black, the green rubber is speaking of the other important features, it facilitates precision and focus. Thus, you get a premium feeling as soon as you start playing the ping pong ball with the bat. If hitting the ball hard suits your game, then you will be able to do so without any difficulty. This product has been made keeping in mind the need for hitting hard-hitting shots.

To match the style requirements, the manufacturer of the product has paired the rubber combo in green and black. This arrangement adds a visually pleasant effect on the product’s appearance.

Specifications

Speed Rating 6
Spin Rating 7
Control Rating 8.5
Rubber Jet basic rubber
Weight 6.2 Ounces
Dimensions 6.1 x 10 inches

Pros

  • High control rating
  • Cost-effective
  • Protective case
  • A month’s warranty

Cons

  • Difficult-to-use handle
  • The rubber is not approved by the ITTF
  • Low-speed rating

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4. Eastfield Allround Professional Table Tennis Racket


If you wish to master the game of table tennis, an extraordinary ping pong game can help you meet this objective. Have you been looking for a cost-effective option without spending a lot of money? Fortunately, such an option is available. Eastfield Allround professional table tennis racket is the one we’re talking about.

It has won critical acclaim from a wide range of fan bases for a variety of reasons. First, it is ideal for everyone. Wondering how it would fare for your game? No worries! It augurs well for almost all kinds of games. Regardless of whether you are a beginner or a pro, chances are you’d love it as there is no substitute to it in the market.

As an amateur, you would want to control speed as well as power by striking the right balance between both. With this product, you can boost your ability to connect the ball well with the bat. The glue of the racket holds tight. So, you can apply as much power as you want while hitting the ball with the racket. It offers a desirable level of sturdiness the way you like it.

Now here’s the best part of the product: it is durable. If you are someone who believes that buying a ping pong paddle is a valuable investment, this one will likely remain with you for a long time. It is durable, meaning you can use it for a long time.

Overall, it makes for a value for money kind of investment. It doesn’t cost a fortune. As such, it also comes across as a cost-effective option. It is ideal for those who want to get a useful product without splurging a lot.

Specifications

Speed Rating 6
Spin Rating 8
Control Rating 10
Rubber Eastfield A-Soft 2.1mm rubber
Weight 2.88 Ounces
Dimensions 5.9 x 1 x 10.2 inches

Pros

  • Removable and replaceable rubber
  • Easy to use
  • Stable performance
  • Tailor-made vase for additional protection
  • Comfortable to hold
  • ITTF approved rubber

Cons

  • Not fast enough
  • Does not include a wood sealant

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5. Palio Expert 2 Table Tennis Racket & Case


This is one of the select ping pong paddle variants that with a high rating for spin and control. Going by the rating, it can make almost anyone fall in love with the product.

With greater control, you will be able to keep the ball literally at your fingertips and control it on the table while playing a game against your opponent. The slower rate of progression will allow you enough time to pace your game. You can easily discover your shortcomings and work on them gradually with time.

Palio Expert 2 has a quality rubber to balance spin with speed. Being a tacky rubber, it does not stick to the ball when you hit it. As a result, you can manage your sidespin, backspin, and topspin as and when the ping pong ball meets your bat. To further slow down the pace of the ball, this product consists of a soft sponge. The standard size of the soft sponge is 2.0 mm.

Wondering how often you can use the rubber that adheres to the racket? The manufacturer of this product has taken enough care to pack it with ITTF rubber. To an average user, it translates into the ability to use the item for playing all kinds of official tournaments of the game. The makers of the item have added a case to the contents that come in the package. With this case, you can keep the paddle filtered from dust or dirt.

The handle of the Palio Expert 2 allows users to grab the bat firmly. Thus you can put your apprehensions of a slippery grip or losing control of it at bay. Unfortunately, the admirers of penhold grip need to adjust if they intend to use this product.

Its low-speed rating makes it ideal for beginners. If you are intermediate or aim to become an expert, you will likely find the speed of this product to be a bit too slow to your liking.

Specifications

Speed Rating 6
Spin Rating 9
Control Rating 10
Rubber Palio CJ8000
Weight 7 Ounces
Dimensions 11 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches

Pros

  • Perfect control rating for newbies
  • ITTF approved
  • Case to protect the rubber from dust
  • Cost-effective

Cons

  • A little bulky
  • Rubber is vulnerable to peeling off
  • Lesser speed rating than intended

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6. AirBlades Professional Ping Pong Paddle


You will find a long list of options of ping pong paddles to play table tennis indoors. But what if you can get something to play it outdoors as well? Airbaldes professional ping pong paddle is the product that enables you to do it. Moreover, you can also use this product to enjoy your favorite game even on portable tables with finesse.

It is available in three variants: AB-3000 3 Star Paddle. AB-5000 5 Star Paddle, and AB-6000 6 Star Paddle.

The paddle is made with a material that makes it used to wear and tear. Ayous plywood with its five layers offers a high degree of resistance to temperature. The two other versions of the product also consist of Koto Wood and Limba Wood.

As far as the aspect of control goes, the manufacturers have done enough to make things simple and easy for users. The dimension of the inverted rubber offers a great deal of control.

If you have been looking to take your game to the next level, you can do this by mastering your spin and holding on to the grip. Do you rely on topspin and backspin to deliver a top-notch performance? The high-end inverted rubber will enable you to use spin to your advantage and make the most of it.

Smooth slope handles of this Airblades item helps enhance your game effortlessly. Its ergonomic design not only adds to the visual appeal but also makes one feel comfortable in practical situations.

Lastly, the custom-made case offers a readymade solution to store the item. You can keep it safe from dust by keeping it in the case.

Specifications

Speed Rating 6
Spin Rating 3
Control Rating 7
Rubber 1.6mm high-end inverted rubber
Weight 6.9 Ounces
Dimensions 10.5 x 6 x 0.8 inches

Pros

  • Sound ergonomics
  • Great quality

Cons

  • Prone to breakage

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7. DHS 6-Star Premium Table Tennis Racket


DHS 6-Star Premium table tennis racket has a simple design. But in terms of usefulness, it can give any standard or advanced racket a run for the money. One of the highlights of this product is that it is equally helpful to beginners as well as those who have spent some time playing table tennis.

To the delight of any tennis player or enthusiast, this racket has the best grip among all the tennis bats available in the market. The flared handle design makes it as simple as a breeze to not only hold the bat but also play as per a player’s liking. Apart from ergonomic handling, you will gain significant control with this item as you keep improving your game.

Absolute control is one of the features that should entice you in buying the item. When using the paddle, you can bank on its high-quality rubber to improve your skills to play both attacking and defending shots while playing with your opponent. Even as you start as a beginner, the arrangement of the rubber will enable you to improve your game as you become tenured.

While there is no hard-and-fast-rule that only amateurs or professionals should use this paddle, it is more likely to be helpful to the former than the latter. Given the fact that beginners go through a learning phase while transitioning into a professional level, this ping pong racket is a must-have item for them.

Specifications

Speed Rating 9.9
Spin Rating 9.3
Control Rating 9
Rubber ITTF Approved Rubber
Weight 11.2 ounces

Pros

  • Useful for beginners and pros alike
  • Good handling experience
  • Exceptional control
  • Has the requisite professional standards

Cons

  • Expensive

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8. STIGA Evolution Performance-Level Table Tennis Racket


If you like to play table tennis close to the table, then you will find no better tennis paddle choice than in the market than this one. Among other things, it offers great control.

The manufacturer of the item – STIGA – has gained in popularity among buyers due to its impressive array of ping pong paddles for a wide range of players. No matter whether one has just started playing the game or has been at it for some time, this manufacturer has a custom-made solution for all.

This model emphasizes more on the speed and spin than control. It is tailor-made for those who wish to hit the ball with greater power and authority. This is not to say that the product does not provide good control. It has decent control to help a beginner learn the ins and outs evolving their skills gradually.

For a change, the manufacturer has bundled this model with Shock Dispersion Tube. The specialty of this technology lies in the use of a rod which is made of a variety of materials. It holds the handle and the blade of the product together. Due to this arrangement, a player can channel their energy in a better way to achieve control, feel and speed.

Keeping in mind the growing demand for rubber with ping pong paddles that are eligible for use in the major tournaments, the manufacturer has bundled ITTF approved rubber with this item. Overall, it makes for a great choice without burning a hole in a buyer’s pocket. If you are ready to compromise on weight, then there is no reason why you wouldn’t want to make this product yours.

Specifications

Speed Rating 9.6
Spin Rating 9.4
Control Rating 9
Rubber ITTF approved rubber
Weight 6.4 ounces
Dimensions 12 x 7.3 x 2.8 inches

Pros

  • Great control
  • Decent spin

Cons

  • Too light and therefore not suitable for those who play an attacking game

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9. Duplex 4 Star Ping Pong Paddle


Among the long list of options of cost-effective ping pong paddles that are great for both offensive and defensive gameplay, the Duplex 4 Star ping pong paddle stands on top of the list. It is for those who wish to achieve a power-packed performance with all bases covered.

Because it ticks almost all the boxes of the needs for users, it is one of the most loved ping pong paddles among tennis players and enthusiasts alike. Characterized by agility, its construction is based on careful engineering.

The rubber of this tennis racket reflects the special care that the manufacturer is taken to make it user-friendly. To help its users continue with years of agility while playing the game with the racket, it involves the use of ductile rubber that lasts for a long time.

A 7-ply wood blend plays a key role in improving its appearance. Because its design is based on a balanced weight, it enables users to play shots with pin-point accuracy.

Specifications

Speed Rating 8
Spin Rating 7.5
Control Rating 9
Rubber Premium ITTF approved rubber
Weight 11.2 ounces

Pros

  • Cost-effective
  • 7 plywood blade

Cons

  • Little bulky

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10. Palio Expert 3.0 Table Tennis Racket


Launched in 2014, the Palio Expert 3.0 represents the third generation of ping pong paddle from the manufacturer of the product. It gives a power-packed performance, albeit more than its predecessors.

What makes it the best beginner ping pong bat is its ability to provide a great amount of spin to players. Owing to this feature, players do not experience any difficulty in executing their game playing techniques.

What’s more, it has an improved blade, and a cover with a fresh look to keep the product well protected from dirt and dust. Apart from the great feeling and control that the blade provides, the ITTF approved rubber allows players to use the bat in the major table tennis competitions.

Specifications

Speed Rating 6
Spin Rating 9
Control Rating 10
Rubber ITTF approved Palio CJ8000
Weight 9.1 Ounces
Dimensions 11 x 7.3 x 1.1 inches

Pros

  • Wide edge
  • Perfect spin
  • ITTF approved high-quality Palio Cj8000 rubber

Cons

  • Slow speed

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FAQs for Beginners Before Buying Table Tennis Racket

What are the Ping pong paddle features you need to look for?

1. Build

Want to know if the paddle you are buying is the right choice for you? Just take a look at how it is built. Check out its features like sponge layers, rubber, paddle, and blade. Make certain that all these characteristics are in agreement with your style of playing.

2. Control ratings for speed, spin, and control

Spin, speed, and control are the three ingredients that can help improve your performance graph. Therefore, it is important to consider these three elements while browsing through the best table tennis racket for beginners. Each item of this category gets a rating for the three aspects. This is a standard rule across the board for all providers.

3. Skill level

Dimensions and weight.

The dimension, weight, and grip of your tennis bat will affect your game. Keeping this in mind, it becomes all the more important to make the right decision.

Have you just started to play the game off late and are looking to build up your skill level? Opt for a piece that makes you feel comfortable whenever you hold it. A lightweight item with a good grip will make for an ideal choice in this connection. Know more about Standard Dimensions and Size of Ping Pong Paddle.

4. Grip

Because indoor table tennis is a game that involves hand-eye coordination, the role of grip in it assumes a great deal of importance. Unlike the rackets that carry weight, the lighter ones are more comfortable to hold. If you have plans to play the game for a longer duration, you can hold it for a longer duration without the feeling of discomfort.

What type of table tennis bat is good for beginners?

This is a pertinent question. There is no straightforward answer to it, though. Given the wide range of playing styles and methods of playing the game, a player needs to choose a product that corresponds to their needs.

You may either adopt a balanced or an attacking approach while playing the game. Thus, your best bet to come up with the right choice is to consider your game plan. A table tennis bat with balanced ratings would serve you well if your objective is to play with an even-handed approach. On the other hand, you will need more power and speed if you plan to play assertively.

For beginners, the right choice is to go with a moderately aggressive game plan. Choose your table tennis racket accordingly.

Do ping pong paddles make a difference?

The answer is yes. Ping pong paddles are designed to meet the playing needs of players. Manufacturers do it to provide players with the opportunity to not only play the game according to their strategy. Also, they take special care to ensure users can improve their game over time.

Final Verdict

The search for the best beginner table tennis racket leads to several possibilities. It may not be easy to choose the clear winner straight away. Though you may want to go with a piece which is high on power, you may not want to prefer it if your strategy is hinged on a combination of attacking and defending game.

You need to take the positives and downsides of a wide range of items across providers into account. Also, need to consider how well they fit into your budget. Executing both these steps will enable you to choose the right product.

Paddles Paddles Name Features Price
Butterfly 401
  • Speed Rating: 8
  • Spin Rating: 8
  • Control Rating: 8.5
  • Rubber: Yuki 2.1 red and black
  • Weight: 5.81 Ounces
  • Dimensions: 7 x 12 x 1.8 inches
Check Price on Amazon
STIGA Titan
  • Speed Rating: 8
  • Spin Rating: 7.7
  • Control Rating: 8.2
  • Rubber: Inverted tournament ITTF approved
  • Weight: 5.6 Ounces
  • Dimensions: 12 x 7 x 3 inches
Check Price on Amazon
Killerspin JET200
  • Speed Rating: 6
  • Spin Rating: 7
  • Control Rating: 8.5
  • Rubber: Jet Basic
  • Weight: 6.2 Ounces
  • Dimensions: 6.1 x 10 inches
Check Price on Amazon
Eastfield
  • Speed Rating: 6
  • Spin Rating: 8
  • Control Rating: 10
  • Rubber: Eastfield A-Soft 2.1mm rubber
  • Weight: 2.88 Ounces
  • Dimensions: 5.9 x 1 x 10.2 inches
Check Price on Amazon
Palio Expert 2
  • Speed Rating: 6
  • Spin Rating: 9
  • Control Rating: 10
  • Rubber: Palio CJ8000 rubber
  • Weight: 7 Ounces
  • Dimensions: 11 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
Check Price on Amazon
AirBlades
  • Speed Rating: 6
  • Spin Rating: 3
  • Control Rating: 7
  • Rubber: 1.6mm high-end inverted
  • Weight: 6.9 Ounces
  • Dimensions: 10.5 x 6 x 0.8 inches
Check Price on Amazon
DHS 6-Star
  • Speed Rating: 8
  • Spin Rating: 6
  • Control Rating: 8
  • Rubber: Spongy inverted rubber
  • Weight: 14.4 Ounces
Check Price on Amazon
STIGA Evolution
  • Speed Rating: 9.6
  • Spin Rating: 9.4
  • Control Rating: 9
  • Rubber: ITTF approved rubber
  • Weight: 6.4 Ounces
  • Dimensions: 12 x 7.3 x 2.8 inches
Check Price on Amazon
Duplex 4 Star
  • Speed Rating: 8
  • Spin Rating: 7.5
  • Control Rating: 9
  • Rubber: Premium ITTF approved
  • Weight: 6.3 Ounces
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Palio Expert 3.0
  • Speed Rating: 6
  • Spin Rating: 9
  • Control Rating: 10
  • Rubber: ITTF approved Palio CJ8000
  • Weight: 9.1 Ounces
  • Dimensions: 11 x 7.3 x 1.1 inches
Check Price on Amazon

Gavin is the Chief Editor at 99sportz. In his free time, he enjoys playing Table Tennis & Pool. Here he pleasures in unearthing Table Tennis & Pool products and sharing unbiased reviews with readers by writing product reviews & carefully crafting buying guides with his acuity in two of the sports. Know more about Gavin Wade on 99Sportz About page.