Table tennis is a sport that's legendary for the skill and concentration required to play it well – and technique is also specific for grip, serves, shots, and stance, among others. Given all that's needed to play well, it's no surprise there's a lot of player interest in ping pong rackets and which ones are the best. The sweet spot on a racket, the optimal area to contact the ball, is a hot topic, and racket designers and manufacturers make many attempts to expand it. Opinions about the level of success they've achieved vary from player to player, and the efforts are both ongoing and serious.
In recent years there also has been much attention to the materials used for racket construction, specifically the blade. Plywood has been the preferred material and still is, but with a new twist. Carbon composite blades have thin carbon sheets placed between the plywood's layers. Their designers and makers claim an improved sweet spot to get players' attention when racket shopping. One of the promised advantages is improvements for players who use a lot of speed in their game. The composite blades play with a different feel, and naturally, as a newer product are higher priced.
Table tennis rackets are designed with varying weight distribution, and at the pro-player level, the current trend is toward top-heavy designs. In this type, the sweet spot starts at the center and radiates out toward the sides. On the other hand, some players remain unconvinced about top-heaviness and are sticking with traditionally designed models with balanced weight and a sweet spot in the classic center location – albeit larger according to many manufacturers. Most players are attached to their rackets and feel strongly about the type they prefer. Try both types to compare and see for yourself.
A lot of shopping takes place online these days, but if you can go in-person to a table tennis specialty retailer where you can get expert advice and try many higher-end rackets, it's a wise idea. You can't be sure what will feel best until you hold a series of different rackets in your hand and try a practice shot. The composite blades feel stiffer, and the top-heavy models will affect your game. It might be an ideal choice if you like the feel and can see yourself playing well with one. But don't be overly swayed by the opinions of others and stay with what feels best. Remember, each player is unique, including you.
