It is very confusing to choose your table tennis blade, especially if you are a new player. The type
of blade that you choose is extremely important as it will define your style of
play. A wrong choice can lead to a downward spiral and you won’t be able to
master your strokes. Thus it is extremely important to understand what criteria
should be kept in mind before choosing your blade. Here is a guideline to help
you understand the important factors to consider before purchasing your table tennis blade.
Stiffness of the
Blade
The amount of bend or flex that the blade offers is termed
as its stiffness. If you want a blade that causes the ball to spin less but go
fast, then a stiff blade is advisable, while for opposite attributes you should
choose a flexible blade.
Weight of the Blade
If you want easy swing, lighter blades are a good option but
with a heavier blade, there is more mass which results in better speed to the
ball, after hitting it. However be mindful not to choose a blade that is very
heavy for you as it can lead to injured wrists.
Speed
It is common knowledge that aggressive players use faster
blades while defensives players opt for a relatively slower table tennis blade. Also those players
who are looking for more spin tend to use slower blades; this is because a
slower blade ensures more contact time between the blade and the ball, thus
giving players more time to spin the ball.
Balance of the Blade
This factor relates to the fact that whether the center of
gravity of the blade is near the tip of the head or near the handle of the
blade. Hitters prefer blades with balance at the head as it helps to generate
better spin and is also faster. On the other hand, blockers prefer table tennis blades with balance near
the handles which offers better control. However, it is important to remember
that the weight of the rubber can cause change in the center of gravity of the
blade.
Size of the Head
A large blade will require more rubber to cover it up, thus
resulting in a heavier blade, moving the center of gravity away from the
handle. Thus, depending on where you want your center of gravity, you can
choose the large or small headed blade.
Price
Lastly, the price factor also needs to be considered before
making your purchase; especially if it’s your first time. There are a scores of
manufacturers dealing in table tennis
blades, thus you will have to search for reputed blades without being
overtly expensive. Keep in mind, that only expensive blades do not guarantee
good quality, it’s your style of play that will determine your choice of blade.
Thus first identify your style and then make a purchase accordingly.
The above factors are very important and should be
considered before purchasing a table
tennis blade. You can either buy it from a manufacturer directly or scout a
sports store which specializes in blades. Alternatively, there are amazing
online stores dedicated especially to table tennis equipments, from where you
can make your purchase.