How to choose your Table Tennis Blade: A Perfect Guide
First of all, there are three primary components in a racket:
1. The Blade which is the wood part
2. Different types of Rubbers
3. Handle/ Grip
In the Blade, there are two different kinds of styles:
1. Shake hand style – 90% players around the world use this the shake hand style, you hold it like you are shaking hands with it and you choose both sides of the racket.
2. Penhold style – This style is more popular in Asia than it is in the western world but even in Aisa shake hand is becoming popular, so in penhold, you hold the racket a pen or chopsticks, and you are using just one side of the racket.
There are three types of handle style:
So when you are choosing your racket salesman will ask you what handle size you want and you are going to go what’s that?
1. Flared – The flair comes in the middle and flares out the end. It is used by over 80% of the people around the world
2. Anatomic – An anatomic handle, it bulges out a little bit on in the middle and then flares out a little bit at the end and near around 5-10% people around the world
3. Straight – It’s just straight up and down and used by the 10-15% people.
Speed of the Racket:
Probably the essential variable that you are going to choose is the speed of your Blade, and the blade range in speed from very fast which would be an offensive plus rating to offensive minus, all-round and down to the defensive minus which will be the slowest Blade and all the blades have a number speed rating so you can compare all the blades for how fast they are.
Why is the speed important?
Well if you are starting the sport, you don’t want a blade that is too fast, if the Blade is too fast what is going to happen is the ball is going to fly off the end of the table, you are not going to have any control.
What the speed of the Blade means is that the same amount of force the ball will go farther, with a defensive blade (if its slow speed) it’s not going to go far with the same amount of force as an offensive, so you not going to want one that is flying around too fast.
If you are starting, for most players who are beginning I would recommend an all-around speed and if you are living dangerously maybe offensive minus.
Another choice to make is how heavy your Blade is?
Most blades range in weight from about 70 grams to 100 grams with average being around 87 grams.
Weight is a personal preference, some players think that if its heavier Blade they are going to get more power, some players feel with a lighter blade they are going to get more quickness, but my feeling is you should use a weight that’s comfortable for you.
But keep in mind that you are using thick rubber the rubber can add a lot of weight to your Blade so if you don’t want the whole overall racket to be too heavy don’t choose a heavy blade.
Now let’s talk about rubber there are four main types of rubber in Table tennis:
1. Smooth – the smooth rubber is the most popular for the modern game because you can get lots of speed and spin with the soft inverted rubber it is a flat surface with pips going toward the inside and a layer of sponge.
2. Short pips – the short pips rubber is still pretty popular but not nearly as popular as the sponge, it’s not spinny because the ball doesn’t grip it as much, but the pips are facing the outside there is a layer of sponge.
3. Long pips – It has a spin reversal and mostly used by a defensive player, and I don’t recommend it to the beginners
4. Anti rubber is smooth on the outside, but it doesn’t grip the ball and mainly gives the no-spin shot.
The decision you will need to make is what sponge thickness you will use, the rule of thumb is the thicker, the quicker, the thicker the sponge, the faster it will be and the thinner the sponge, the slower it will be and more control you can get with a thinner sponge.
Table of Contents
These are the Top 5 Best Table Tennis Racquet in India 2024:
1) GKI Euro Jumbo Table Tennis Racquet
1.Comes with jumbo tensor rubbers which adds speed to powerful shots.
2. Designed for aggressive players, the sanso ply blade offers great control and stability.
3. Comes with a Flared handle
4. Offers good increase in overall performance.
5. The grip is comfortable and provides a strong grip.
6. Absorbs the vibration which is produced during contact with the ball.
Cons:
1. Quality of the wooden case is below average.
2. Average spin.
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2) GKI Euro XX Table Tennis Racquet
1. Strong 5 ply blade is used.
2. Comes with a Flared handle
3. Approved by ITTF
4. Better control than other rackets of the same price segment.
5. Fast and spinny, best for touch players and playing spin shots.
Cons:
1. Not for advanced players like it says in the advertisement.
2. Makes a ‘tuk‘ sound while hitting power shots.
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3) Stag Peter Fire Table Tennis Racquet
1. Ninja Attack Rubber + Ninja Fire Rubber: The rubber used in this racket provide you with excellent speed and spin.
2. This racket is designed under the guidance of Swedish champion Peter Karlsson.
3. Approved by ITTF
3. Approved by ITTF
4. Comes with a Flared handle
5. For advance players.
Cons:
1. Needs time to understand the speed of the racket.
2. Not for defensive players.
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4) Stag Ninja Fire Table Tennis Racquet
1. Made from European rubber to offer a comfortable cushion effect upon ball impact.
2. The handle is made from wood.
3. Offers a strong grip for a better swing.
4. Deliver power shots with great speed and spin
5. Five-plywood blade that is made of a combination of hard and soft woods for effective attacking.
Cons:
1. Very speedy rubber which makes it less controllable.
2. Not for defensive players.
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5) DONIC Carbotec 900 Table Tennis Bat
1. The balance point of the racket can be adjusted.
2. Durable and is made using carbon fibre and ergo grip material.
3. Easy to grasp and manoeuvre because of the flared handle.
4. The racquet is approved by International Table Tennis Federation
5. Made with Liga rubber which provides good speed.
Cons:
1. Not for defensive players
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These are the Top 5 Bestselling Table Tennis rackets in India 2024:
6) GKI Offensive XX Table Tennis Racquet
1. This Racquet is made from superior class materials to offer lasting durability and high performance.
2. It has an excellent and strong grip which helps in hitting power shots
3. It is easy to handle and manoeuvre.
4. The racquet is highly durable and can withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
5. It offers good control which helps in playing quick and controlled shots.
Cons:
1. The racquet is approved by TTFI but not from ITTF.
2. Little heavier than other racquets.
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7) Stag 5 Star Table Tennis Racquet
1. It has stiff flexibility which adds stability by providing better control and power.
2. Good for balance style of play.
3. It uses sturdy rubber which is long-lasting and offers optimum control.
4. Durable material which reduces the need for regular replacements.
5. It helps in practice for a longer time with a good quality grip.
Cons:
1. Bad rubber cutting.
2. When new, the rubber is sticky.
But these cons don’t matter because rubber is easy to cut and stickiness go away with use.
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8) GKI Kung Fu DX Table Tennis Racquet
1. The oval head shape of the blade enables to deliver power shots.
2. This racquet offers good control which helps in hitting impactful strokes with great precision.
3. The imported handle offers an outstanding grip which helps in playing quick swings.
4. The racquet dampens the shock produced upon impact.
5 Made using premium materials, the racquet is highly durable and long-lasting.
Cons:
1. Heavy racquet – It is the problem with all GKI racquets.
2. Rubber adhesive on edges not good
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9) GKI Dragon Table Tennis Racquet
1. Only for beginners
2. Sturdy wood adds more stability to shots.
3. Flared handle
4. The lightweight design of the racquet makes manoeuvring easier.
5. Manufactured using good quality materials
Cons:
1. Spin is not that much easy in this bat.
2. Below average grip.
2. Comes with rubber grip for powerful shots and great precision.
3. Flared handle.
4. Five-Plywood Blade: Combination of hardwood and softwood.
5. As the name suggests good for attacking players.
6. Stag Ninja Attack Rubber: Excellent speed and spin.
3. Flared handle.
4. Five-Plywood Blade: Combination of hardwood and softwood.
5. As the name suggests good for attacking players.
6. Stag Ninja Attack Rubber: Excellent speed and spin.
Cons:
1. Not for defensive players
2. Need time to understand the racket.
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See also:
Top 5 Best Table Tennis Balls | Guide & Reviews
Top 5 Best Table Tennis Rackets For Beginners
Top 5 Best Table Tennis Bats For Intermediates
Top 5 Best Table Tennis Rackets Under ₹1000
Top 5 Best Table Tennis Rackets Under ₹2000
Top 5 Best Table Tennis Bats Under ₹5000
Hi I need a bat which gives me spin and spin of 100+ ,which one should I take?
Hey, I think this is best for you :
Stag Ninja Attack Table Tennis Racquet
Hi, currently I am using GKI Kung Fu DX. Now I want to to a racket with more power and spin. What will be best for me?
Hi Manu, As per your requirements you can go with Stag Ninja Fire Table Tennis Racquet or Stag Ninja Attack Table Tennis Racquet
Thank you Sunil 🙂
Sunil, Which bat would be a ideal all rounder bat for regular play and can help improve playing skills
Hey Raju Stag Ninja Fire would be perfect for you
Hello
I am a state level player and want a racket to further enhance my game as I will be playing inter-university tournaments. Iam using EuroXX and I have an offensive type game
Hey Sagar, Go For GKI Euro Jumbo
Hi sunil, I have just started to play TT (played for 2-3 weeks). Which bat should I buy under 1000 RS ? Thanks
Hey Sourabh go for Butterfly Wakaba 2000. 5th in my list.
Hi I want a racket with 100% power and 100% spin under 2999
does stag ninja fire racket has same rubber on both sides?
No, Black side is little bit harder than the red side.
Hey, go for Butterfly Timo Boll CF 2000.
Hi Sunil..I m an intermediate aggresive player..currently m playing approx 6hr a week..gki Euro v is fine for me or anything else is recommended???
Hi Adi GKI Euro V is fine. 🙂
Me and my brother are playing with gki kung fu dx since an year and would like to upgrade a bit so as to improve our game. Can you suggest a balanced racket for me and a little offensive one for my brother? Under Rs. 1300-1400. thanks in advance.
Hi Sunil, me and my brother both love to play table tennis. It has been almost an year since we started and the bat we both used is gki kung fu dx. We want to upgrade with a bat in the range of 1200-1300. My brother is a little bit towards the offensive side while I play a bit defensive. Can you please suggest some bats for us?
Hey Brij, For you try GKI Euro V and for your bro : Stag Ninja Attack(2nd and 4th in my list). Welcome
Hey Neel, For you try GKI Euro V and for your bro : Stag Ninja Attack(2nd and 4th in my list). Welcome
Hi Sunil,
Am looking at a bat with rubber which provides exceptional spin grip for any direction of bat movement. With hard outers. Looking at something which is Fast, has good spin & counterattack speed.
Am open to buy from amazon/usa.
thanks
According to ur description Stag Ninja Fire is best for u in Under ₹2500 price mark. And If u can tell me ur budget then I can tell u more suitable bats.
Hello can you please refer me a racket around 1000 with the priority as follow
1.tacky
2.spin
3.speed and control
Similar to that of ninja attack. Or it is the best?
Hey Luv, you can go for : GKI Offensive XX .
Hi Sunil,
For an intermediate, I am looking for the best racket within 7-8k. Would be great if you could suggest something.
Regards,
Akash
Hi Akash, I would suggest you to go with GKI Euro Jumbo.
Regards,
Sunil
Hi Sunil,
Might need your advice for my TT bat.
I play almost daily in office for about an hour.
You can say we are NOT beginners now.
I am more of a defensive player than offensive.
My friends have the following bats and my opinion after playing these:
GKI Offensive XX (around 700) – Too heavy for my taste.
Ninja Fire (around 1400) – Very good weight but I felt it was poor in control.
Wakaba 1000 (around 1100) – Felt way too light weight. Didn't like it. Didn't like the shots it generated as well.
So, based on the above, would it be possible to recommend a bat for me?
Thanks in advance,
Hey Kasi,
Your mentions:
1) GKI XX (All round bat, speed-92, spin-92, control-96 and weight 89g)
2) Ninja Fire (Offensive bat , speed-92, spin-92, control-72 and weight 73g)
3) Wakaba 1000 (Offensive bat, speed-85, spin-75, control-75 and weight 82g)
.
So according to these u can go for:
1) GKI Euro XX
2) GKI Euro V
Hi Sunil,
Purchased the GKI Euro V bat from flipkart and received it this Monday. My observations so far:
1. Lighter but not to the point I would like it. Would have preferred even lighter.
2. Control is very good.
3. The Red-rubber side seems to generate decent spin.
4. The Black-rubber side is neither generating the desired spin nor any speed.
I have mixed feelings after playing with that bat for 2-3 hours. Not sure if I should return it back.
Hi. Is wakaba 3000 better than ninja fire? I'm getting wakaba 3000 at a lesser price than ninja fire. Should I go for it?
Hey
No, Go for Ninja Fire. 🙂
Hi i play table tennis for about 1-2 hours a day. And i love to play chops also i am a defensive player. I played with kunfu dx once i liked.
But what do you suggest
Hey Darshil,
Go for GKI Euro V .
Hai…I will play daily 1-2 hours table tennis, I would like to have best bat in which i can chop (Best Spin) and play shots as well, suggest best bat. Also please suggest Which bat is best whether Butterfly or GKI
Hey Ravi,
GO for GKI Euro XX .
Hi, I purchased ninja fire recently. Is there any differences between red and black rubber in this one. If yes, then which one should be used when. Another thing I want to buy one more racket for my wife similar to ninja fire but not ninja( as wanted to try another racket). Please recommend.
Hey Alok,
Go for GKI Euro V or GKI Euro XX .
In some rubbers there are differences between the black and red versions, and in others there are virtually none. Typically the red will be faster and a bit less spinny, if there is a difference at all.
Thanks Sunil, I would probably go for Euro V. Just curious what is the major difference between Offensive xx and Euro V as they look similar in terms of speed/spin/control.
Hi sunil.I am playing since 1 year in my college and I am going to play in my college sports meet next month.I don't have a racquet.please suggest me one with good power speed and control and anti spin.I like heavy bats and with broad grip
Nice post. I am primarily offensive player, but like to have more control and good spin as well. Fire-attack-V-XX… Which one do you recommend?
Hi, I am an offensive player. Currently I am using gki fasto and I want to buy a new bat but I am confused in these three bats.1 Gki euro xx 2. Gki euro jumbo and 3.stag ninja fire
Hi Sunil,
I am an aggressive player and looking for a bat with good counter spin and speed. Please advice. Thanks.
-Siddhesh
Nice post. I am primarily offensive player, but like to have more control and good spin as well. Fire-attack-V-XX… Which one do you recommend?
Which is the best table tennis racket in the world available in India irrespective of the price range ?
Which is still the best table tennis racket in india irrespective of the price range ?
STIGA Pro Carbon
STIGA Pro Carbon
hi ..I have was using stag ninja fire peter karlsson..i broke it today…which one should i go for…just a recreational player..budget 3000
Go for GKI Euro XX
Hey sunil
I m in need of an offensive racquet for as high speed as possible under 3000 bucks, preferably of butterfly company….. Which would u suggest?
Butterfly Timo Boll CF 2000
Hey Sunil
I have been playing TT for 2 years I want a good bat with good control and a bit hard rubber and flared handle under 2000 rupees. please reply
I am an attacking player but want a bit control . Which one should I choose?
Go for Stag Ninja Fire.
Go for Wakaba 1000.