| Table tennis blades, also sometimes called rackets or | | | | sweet spot for improved gameplay. However, |
| bats, are an essential piece of table tennis equipment. | | | | composite table tennis blades are significantly more |
| Many people who are unfamiliar with the game fail to | | | | expensive. |
| realize that blades come in a variety of types and | | | | Blades are generally classified by what type of play |
| styles, each of which is designed for a specific style of | | | | they work best with. Some are better for offensive |
| play. | | | | players, some work best with defensive play, and still |
| The blade itself does not include the rubber portion of | | | | others are ideal for all-around play. |
| the racket. Rubbers are sold separately and, much like | | | | Beginning players should start with a more basic, |
| blades, are available in a variety of types that serve | | | | inexpensive table tennis blade. Once a personal play |
| different purposes and are designed for different | | | | style is established, players can purchase new blades |
| styles of play. | | | | that suit the way they play the game. |
| Choosing the right table tennis blade for you requires a | | | | Blade Handle StylesAside from the materials used to |
| combination of several factors: Are you an offensive | | | | assemble different table tennis blades, their other |
| or defensive player? Are you a beginner or a more | | | | distinguishing feature is the shape of the handle. There |
| seasoned player? The answers to these questions will | | | | are several different handle styles to choose from, |
| play a large part in choosing the right blade, though | | | | and which style each player chooses is largely a |
| much of the selection is also a matter of personal | | | | matter of personal preference. |
| preference. | | | | The most popular handle style is the flared handle. |
| Types of Table Tennis BladesThere are many factors | | | | These handles are larger at the base and concave in |
| that affect blades and how they perform during play. | | | | the center. The second most popular is the anatomic |
| The flexibility (or stiffness) and softness (or hardness) | | | | handle, which is also larger at the base but has more |
| of the blade are major factors when determining how | | | | of a concave section for ease of gripping. Both of |
| it will react when hitting a ball. These things are | | | | these handle styles offer excellent control. |
| influenced most by the materials used to make the | | | | Handles also come in straight styles, which are round |
| blade. | | | | and have no deviation in circumference. |
| Most Blades are assembled from many then layers of | | | | Asian-style penhold handles are also available. These |
| wood bound together. While other materials may be | | | | handles are flatter than other styles. The Japanese |
| used, they must be at least 85% wood to meet | | | | penhold handle is longer and often has a layer of cork |
| tournament regulations. Many modern blades include | | | | for a more comfortable grip; the Chinese penhold |
| layers of carbon fiber or other synthetic materials, | | | | handle is more conical in shape and is shorter than the |
| making them lighter weight and giving them a larger | | | | Japanese variety. |