This article is for new or intermediate Table Tennis players who are buying a new table tennis table or wish to upgrade, we will be talking about what you need to look for when buying a table tennis table.

Remember they want your cash!

All manufacturers are trying to convince you that their product is the best for you! So you must get it clear in your mind what you need from a new table. You must focus on what is important to YOU before you buy a table. Are you playing with a few mates in the garage after school, or can you see yourself as the next Olympic Champion, because in this day and age not many people have got money to burn right!

Is this your Families First Table Tennis Table.

If you intend to allow all of the family to use the table I would suggest looking to the budget end of the market. Lets face it young families tend to give a table a hard time when learning, so it makes sense to buy carefully at first, and later upgrade if somebody shows real flare and commitment to the sport.

Fixed or Folding Table.

Few people have the room to leave a table tennis table set up permanently in the house so i would recommend a folding table as they are very easy to use, and make good starter tables. Ensure the table can be setup and closed by 1 person. Good tables have rollers so you can move it around. You don’t want your table to move during play, so ensure the brakes work well.

Even if you determine that you can leave your table set up all the time, things can, and inevitably do change so a folding table can make very good sense in the long term.There are many factors to consider when making a big purchase such as this.

Is Table Thickness an issue?

Tables that are used for competitions are always 25mm or 1 inch thick and are quite expensive for most users. I think most people will be perfectly happy with a good quality 19mm table. I’m sure even Olympic champions didn’t start on top spec competition standard tables so consider all the options first. Manufacturers like Stiga make marvellous tables, so unless you can find a 25mm table at an irresistable price, this would be my recommendation.

When you are playing competitions it makes sense to practice on a table of the same standard as your competetors, so now is a good time to upgrade.

Don’t just look at the playing surface.

Good tables don’t just have a great playing surface, make sure you check out the support legs. All good tables have leg levellers. This is essential if you plan on playing outdoor table tennis. All Tables should be 76cm from ground level. Quality is crucial if you want your table to last, so look at the ancillaries like net fittings, are they going to fall apart?

All these small points add up and you deserve to get a good quality product for your money. These days good quality and value for money are important and if you follow these points I’m sure you will find a great table

Paul Bucannon has been playing Table Tennis for many years, and knows how vital it is to get a quality product for a great price when Buying a Table Tennis Table Take a look at his site for more money saving information for your next Table Tennis Table