Are Expensive Ping Pong Paddles Worth It? (Truth About Cost)

Regarding sports, one’s gear and equipment are essential if one wants to achieve maximum performance in the game; the same applies to pong-pong, and what’s more important than the racket?

In this article, you will learn whether expensive ping pong paddles are worth it, there are real differences between the paddles, and why are some of them so expensive, among other things. But first, are expensive ping pong rackets worth it?

Expensive paddles are worth it because they enable greater ball control in spin and grip. Also, you can rely more on the consistency of the bounce; therefore, you can trust more in your strokes. Finally, they are crafted from more quality materials, making them more durable and comfortable.

As we can see, there are many reasons why expensive table tennis rackets would be better; however, more expensive doesn’t necessarily near better in all instances but. Next, let’s take a look at all the areas where a more expensive table tennis paddle could outperform that $20 paddle.

I highly encourage you to read my post about the 10 best table tennis rackets if you want to see yourself the differences between cheap and expensive ping pong paddles.

Now, let’s take a more in-depth look at expensive table tennis rackets’ features and why they are worth it.

Why are Expensive Table Tennis Rackets Worth It?

1. Material

The first difference between cheap and expensive paddles is the material. Naturally, more quality materials such as ITTF-approved materials, titanium carbon, and balsa wood will increase the price of performance, control, and feeling. Many other quality materials can be used in the paddle’s construction, and everything has pros and cons.

Read also: Why Are Table Tennis Paddles Black & White? (Fast Answer)

2. Rubber & Sponge

The paddles rubber significantly affects what it is like to play with it and the price. The differences between how firm and tacky the rubber is and the combination of the two need to be considered before buying a new, more expensive paddle, and it needs to be fit for your own playstyle.

For example, if your playstyle is aggressive, you should consider a firmer rubber because it creates more speed. On the other hand, if your playstyle is defensive, you should look at the more soft and tacky rubbers. In addition, there are also pimpled rubbers that can absorb a fierce spin, and the pimple’s length can vary from short to long.

Sponges are the layer that you can find between the paddle’s rubber and blade. In most cases, a sponge is rated either as a thick, medium, or thin. Usually, the thicker the sponge, the more fitting it is for an aggressive player and vice versa. This is because thick sponges enable more speed, whereas thin sponges are slower in speed, but it allows more control and spin.

All of this greatly affects the paddle’s price, and as you can see, you can get just the right paddle for you that is designed specifically for your needs that a more cheap paddle might not be able to provide.

3. Blade

The blade is a major component of the paddle’s features and price as well. Light and stiff blades are powerful and, once again, fit for an aggressive player. On the other hand, we have heavier and softer blades that are more fitting for the defensive player that wants more control over speed.

If you are an aggressive player, the blade should be constructed of many materials, preferably +5 layers. Some of the layers in this kind of paddle are usually wood and some carbon fiber or something similar.

Softer paddles are usually all-wood made; therefore, they will absorb more of the ball’s energy and slow the game a notch, giving you the advantage of slower speed, but a more controlled game with usually some spin on it.

Read also: Should I Varnish My Table Tennis Blade? (Helpful Guide)

4. Handle

There are many different kinds of ping pong paddle handles to choose from. The most common ones are either straight or flared, but there are many more such as anatomic and conic. Also, there are ones designed for left and right-handed people.

This is one of the variables that will also affect the paddle’s cost because of its careful design and material.

5. Overall craftmanship

Putting all this together may have cost a lot of design time, experimenting, and resources to develop the great paddles out there; therefore, the cost will be higher. Also, some paddles are carved from a piece of wood, stuck with rubber, and sold to people, so naturally, these kinds of rackets don’t cost all that much.

Before investing money in an expensive and more quality paddle, I highly suggest that you think about how much you play, are a total beginner or not, and your purpose with the new paddle.

If you are an advanced table tennis player who plays a lot of it, I highly suggest that you invest in a more expensive and capable paddle. However, before purchasing, I want you to think about your playstyle to determine whether you need an aggressive or defensive paddle, but if you are advanced, you already know this.

If you are a beginner, you can invest in a more expensive paddle; however, I would first hone my skills and see whether I am an aggressive or defensive player. Only then would I buy the paddle. This is because if you choose wrong, you are stuck with the wrong kind of paddle that costs potentially $100-$300.

Do Ping Pong Paddles Make a Difference?

Ping pong paddles have huge differences from each other. The material, blade design, handle, rubber, and sponge will determine whether the paddle is more suited for an aggressive or defensive player. Some paddles are more towards power and speed, whereas others are designed for control and spin.

Therefore you shouldn’t just pick a paddle, but you should check out the different features that greatly affect your playing.

Learn more: How To Choose a Table Tennis Racket? (Full Buyer’s Guide)

Why are Ping Pong Paddles So Expensive?

Ping pong paddles can be expensive because of the brand, material, design, and advanced technology used to create the best paddles out there. Expensive paddles have better quality, consistency, reliability, features, and durability, and therefore they have been priced so high.

How Long Does a Ping Pong Paddle Last

Assuming that it doesn’t accidentally break, ping pong paddles last around 2years, according to Killerspin. The rubber wears out the fasted and often needs to be changed every 2 to 6 months, depending on how often you play and the quality of the rubber.

What Ping Pong Paddles Do Professionals Use

I looked up some of the world’s top table tennis players, such as Ma Long and Wang Liqin, among others, and found out that Butterfly, Stiga, and the DHS are the most common paddles used. In addition, all of the paddles that the professionals use are made for aggressive playstyle.

What Is the Best Brand of Ping Pong Paddles?

There are so many brands out there to choose a ping pong paddle from. However, certain brands stand out from the crowd and are favored by most table tennis players. The top 3 brands are Killerspin, Butterfly, and Stiga, according to many advanced athletes.

Learn more: Best 11 Table Tennis Brands (The Kings Of Table Tennis)

Conclusion

As we can see, there are so many benefits to more expensive ping pong paddles, given that the paddles offer some good features instead of just being expensive for the sake of it. If you have doubts about certain products, I recommend that you check out the reviews and buy from well-known brands to be sure that the paddles are worth the cost.

I hope that this article was helpful to you, and you know whether you need a more expensive racket or will survive with your current or a cheaper model.