Table tennis is a popular sport that’s both easily accessible and encourages people of all playing abilities to take part. Choosing the correct table tennis table to play with can have a significant impact on overall performance levels, just as table tennis shoes do. And not every table is suitable for all players, which means it’s important to get the choice right.
Whether consumers are looking for entry-level table tennis tables or professional grade tables for advanced play, there are many options readily available. Keep reading to learn all about the best table tennis tables for all abilities.
Table of Contents
Global market value of table tennis equipment
Best table tennis tables
Conclusion
Global market value of table tennis equipment
Table tennis is played worldwide by players of all abilities. With more people taking an interest in their overall health, participation is set to increase for the foreseeable future. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the demand for table tennis equipment, such as table tennis tables, is at its highest ever.
By 2023, the global market value of table tennis equipment rose above US $830 million. By 2028, that number is expected to increase to at least US $1 billion, rising at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.21% between 2023 and 2028.
Best table tennis tables
Table tennis is a versatile sport that can be played both indoors and outdoors. Deciding what type of table tennis table is the best fit for an individual will depend on a number of factors. Consumers will look at the materials used, bounce consistency, special features, and overall durability before making a purchase.
According to Google Ads, “table tennis tables” has an average monthly search volume of 3,600. Of that number, the most searches come in December, with 5,400 searches. Between August and January, searches increased by 22% as well.
When looking at the specific types of table tennis tables that are most sought after among consumers, “outdoor table tennis tables” comes out on top with 14,800 monthly searches. This is followed by “foldable table tennis table” with 8,100 searches, “indoor table tennis table” with 2,900 searches, and “professional table tennis table” with 880 searches. Keep reading to learn more about the key features of each.
Outdoor table tennis table
Table tennis is predominantly played indoors, as the weather can greatly affect performance levels. However, on a more recreational level, table tennis is becoming more popular as an outdoor sport too. Outdoor table tennis tables are increasingly seen in park spaces, which helps bring the sport to people who may never have played at a club before.
The most important feature of outdoor table tennis tables is that they’re weather resistant. This means that materials such as treated wood or aluminum are the preferred choice in order to prevent water or sunlight damage. For installation purposes, it’s also necessary to either have weighted legs or be able to lodge the legs into the ground so that the table isn’t moveable.
Some outdoor table tennis tables will include a built-in storage system for the paddles and balls for convenience. These tables should meet the standards of the International Table Tennis Federation to ensure an authentic playing experience.
Foldable table tennis table
One of the most popular styles of table tennis tables is the foldable version. Foldable table tennis tables are compact by design and can easily be folded in half and stored away in areas that lack a lot of space. This type of table is ideal for consumers who play table tennis at home or in a shared space where the table can’t remain set all of the time.
This portable table tennis table is a great addition to any space and can be used by all playing abilities, either for recreational use or for training sessions. For training sessions in particular, the table can be set up like a rebound wall, so the player doesn’t need a second person to train with.
Consumers will be looking for tables that have handles on the sides to make them easier to transport, and they may also require a protective cover if the table is to be moved between locations. Depending on the design, these tables will often have a built-in storage system.
Indoor table tennis table
Indoor table tennis tables are perhaps the most well-known and purchased among players of different abilities. These tables are designed to be used in controlled environments such as sports centers, in an office, or at home. They provide a consistent bounce, which is what people who are playing competitively need in order to play well and develop during training sessions.
One thing to note is that indoor table tennis tables don’t require the same weather resistant materials that outdoor ones do. These tables can be more lightweight than outdoor ones and are often made of plywood or particle board that’s then painted with a plastic layer on top.
Additional key features that consumers may be looking for include a storage system for the paddles and balls, corner protectors to prevent injuries, wheels for easy movement around the room, and a playback mode, which means the table can be folded for solo play.
Professional table tennis table
For consumers who take table tennis more seriously and are out there to play in high-level competitions, the professional table tennis table is a must-have. These tables will need to accommodate specific measurements and heights that are set by the organization running the competitions. In order to be deemed acceptable, these tables will need to be made of high-quality materials and pass certain checks before being used.
Unlike regular table tennis tables, professional tables will have a thicker playing surface, a strong frame, and a mechanism built in to ensure ultimate precision with the height of the net. These tables also cost significantly more than regular indoor or outdoor table tennis tables, so they are seen as an investment and cater to a specific niche.
Buyers will be looking for a professional table tennis table that’s easy to assemble with clear instructions. The tables should have official markings on them in line with ITTF regulations, nets and posts, as well as high resistance to persistent use.
Conclusion
Table tennis tables may look like a straightforward piece of equipment to purchase, but there are a number of important features that consumers will be looking for. The material of the table, sturdiness, the level of play the table is intended for, and ease of maintenance are just some points that will be considered.
Table tennis is only set to grow in popularity in the coming years as consumers look for fun ways to add some physical activity to their daily routine. This is one sport that can be played by all age groups and playing abilities, and it is now more easily accessible with the addition of outdoor table tennis tables to public spaces.
