Ping pong is a racket game that is also known as table tennis. It is similar to lawn tennis but differentiated by the surface on which it is played. While Lawn tennis is played on the floor, ping pong is played on table surface.
It is posited that the name ping pong is derived from the sound that the ball makes when it bounce off and on the tabletop. You can read this article for more anecdotal and historical facts about ping pong.
This game is recommended for every member of the family, it can be played both indoors and outdoors. In this article, we will share tips on how to get the best ping pong set for you.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Ping Pong Table
There are a number of things to consider before buying this furniture. This is because it is not a teddy bear or small children’s toy that one can or should buy on a whim. Let us go ahead to look at these factors:-
Size of the Table
Ping pong tables come in different sizes but not all of them are the recognized regulation size. Regulation size tables are the ones approved for competitions by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). The dimensions of the regulation tables are 9ft x 5ft x 2.5ft or 108in x 60in x 30in. However, unless you are preparing for a competition, you do not need a regulation size set.
For home recreation, all you need to do as regards size is to determine the space you have for this game in your home. Consider the space that will be left around the table after placing it bearing in mind that players need space. The recommended space clearance is at least 4 feet on all sides of the table. This is considered the best space that will afford the players room to play comfortably.
Adequate Play Area
Ensure that you have the right space to place the table; this is apart from the space around the table. An example is that you must ensure that there are no fragile objects that will be broken if it gets hit by the ball. Additionally, the play area should be in a place where the noise of the game will not disturb other occupants of the home.
If you have space but it is not far enough from other rooms in the house and can likely disturb other occupants, you might want to explore soundproofing the room. Visit https://www.wikihow.com/ for more information.
Will it be Placed Indoors or Outdoors?
As we already mentioned, this game can be played either indoors or outdoors. Therefore you need to consider where the table will be placed. Considering the location is quite important because that will help you know what features are compulsory and those that are optional.
If you are going to place your ping pong table outdoors, you need a weather-proof product. Seeing that it will be exposed to the elements, it goes without saying that you must get one that is made with material that is resistant to humidity, sunlight, rain and wind. Look out for tables made with cured materials such as synthetics and metal which are sturdier and more durable than other materials.
Bear in mind that outdoor tables will naturally be more expensive than the indoor ones. Although you can use an indoor table outside, it is not recommended because it will not last long. So do not consider only the purchase price but rather the long term value of the item.
Quality of the Tabletop
Look out for the quality of the tabletop which is seen in the thickness. The thicker the tabletop, the more resilient and durable it will be. However, bear in mind that tables with thicker tops weigh far more than those with thinner tops.
It is said that ping pong tables with tops that are between 22mm to 25mm thick are the most sturdy and durable. These ones provide a great surface for the ball to bounce well and also offer faster rallies. The standard tabletop for competitions is 25mm.
Tables with 19mm tops are okay for home recreation and quite affordable too. They are ideal for newbies and amateurs because they offer steady rallies and shorter bounce.
Conclusion
Buying a ping pong table might seem like an easy task but if one does not consider some vital issues, you may end up wasting your money. We have shared some tips on factors to consider before you go shopping for a table tennis set. Do not take these tips for granted; in addition, carry out further research to be sure that you will get the right product for you.
One last thing to bear in mind is that the most expensive product may not be the best for you. Consider the value you will get for your money before making any purchase.