Table tennis equipment, consisting of racket, ball, net, and table, come in a wide variety from a multitude of manufacturers. Choosing the correct equipment to fit your skill level and playing style is very important. Luckily, there are standards/ratings in table tennis equipment that takes much of the guesswork out of determining the characteristics of a particular blade (the main body of the paddle) and rubber (the playing surface). Guide to Blades and Rubber If you are just starting out, you will want to buy a decent blade and rubber-going too cheap may end one up with low quality equipment that hinders progress. Blades A medium-speed model will help you practice ball control while maintaining a reasonable topspin game. Blades are denoted in the following fashion according to their speed: Defensive Blades: slow blades with maximum control; best suited for primarily defensive players e.g. choppers, and beginners Allround Blades: an all-around blade for an all-around player who mixes...
