On the hunt for a premium outdoor ping pong table that has longevity and durability in mind? Then look no further than the JOOLA Nova DX Outdoor Table!
This ping pong table is an excellent addition to any outdoor space that family and friends can have fun with for hours on end. It has a staggering amount of positive reviews on Amazon and if the overwhelmingly positive feedback from other people doesn’t convince you, then that’s where we come in. We’ve reviewed the Nova DX and will show you just how amazing this table really is!
Specifications
Before we gush about what makes this one of the best outdoor ping pong tables on the market, we’ll take a quick glance at the specs of the JOOLA Nova DX so that you have a good idea of what you’re looking at before we break down its particular parts.
- Assembly Time: About 15 minutes
- Dimensions and Weight: The Nova DX has a length of 9 feet and a width of 5 feet. It stands at 2.5 feet tall when in the unfolded position. This makes this outdoor ping pong table a regulation size that is in line with the guidelines set up by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). It weighs 166 pounds once it is totally assembled.
- Foldable Halves: This ping pong table comes with two foldable halves that sit on separate 4 wheel trolley systems. Each foldable half also sports a safety latch and can be individually moved for playback mode.
- Net and Post Set: This outdoor table tennis table comes with a weatherproof net and screw-on style posts that also have added tension adjusters
- Legs and Undercarriage: 30mm by 30mm rust-resistant, powder-coated steel undercarriage. The legs are made with the same material and feature leg levelers.
- Tabletop: 6mm aluminum/plastic composite tabletop surface that is weather-resistant and resistant to warping, chipping, and other types of damage.
- Wheels: Each leg has a three-inch, heavy-duty caster wheel with locking mechanisms.
JOOLA Nova DX Deep Dive
Now that you’ve glanced at this ping pong table’s specifications, we’ll take a closer look at the individual parts and how they contribute to the excellent overall quality of the product.
Tabletop Material and Thickness
Starting out with what is probably the most important aspect of the ping pong table, the tabletop itself. This is the thing you’re going to playing on for hours on end, so it stands that this should be the part that is the most high-quality.
Thankfully, the playing surface of the Nova DX is amazing and is a joy to use. The first thing to note about this most excellent playing surface is the material that it is made from. Unlike indoor tabletops, like the JOOLA Inside, or other cheap game tables, the JOOLA Nova DX table has a surface that is specifically made to be weatherproof.
It is made from an aluminum-plastic composite, as opposed to wood or something else. This particular material is highly resistant to all sorts of weather conditions that indoor tabletops are susceptible to. Namely, water damage, warping, chipping, and even UV damage.
This tabletop is extremely durable and it’s easy to see that there was a lot of care and thought put into how to make it. When it comes to the thickness of this table, this is something that more serious ping pong players will care about, compared to casual enjoyers of the game.
The tabletop of the Nova DX is 6mm thick, or about a quarter of an inch. While it is less thick than what might be acceptable for a regulation match, you have to remember it’s not made from the same material as indoor tabletops, playing on it has a completely different feel.
Even though this table does not have the thickness of a regulation indoor ping pong table, we really enjoyed playing on it for casual matches. The bounces were satisfying and you can really tell you’re playing on a high-quality surface by that fact alone.
Also, because the surface is so resistant to warping, the bounces across the entirety of the table are consistent and of good quality and are guaranteed to give you consistent bounces for years of outdoor play. This tabletop is a perfect example of a ping pong table that is made for outdoor use, with proper care, can be used for many years. It’s excellent for recreational or casual play and can withstand lots of damage.
Frame, Undercarriage, and Legs
If you’re going to be buying an outdoor ping pong table, then you obviously want something that is durable and strong enough to not only withstand the elements, but also any mishaps that might occur while moving the table or during play.
Thankfully, this table provides just that. Like we stated in the list of specs earlier, the undercarriage is made from thick steel and is rust-resistant thanks to the powder coating that it has. It’s a very strong, durable undercarriage and isn’t prone to breaking easily.
It would be very difficult to do some damage to this table normally, so unless you’re swinging a hammer at it or are dropping it off a cliff, it will be just fine. The frame and legs are made from the same material as the undercarriage and are also extremely durable.
There isn’t much else to say about this as we covered pretty much everything when talking about the undercarriage. The last thing to mention about the legs is that they do have levelers. This makes it easy to correct the table if it’s sitting on uneven terrain. Just don’t try to play it on the side of a mountain.
Wheels
When looking at outdoor ping pong tables, it’s also important to have strong wheels with locking mechanisms to ensure that you can move the table around whatever outside space you intend to use the table. This can range from places like a porch, deck, or backyard.
Without the right kind of wheels, moving the table around outside can be cumbersome and a bit of a chore. Plus, you don’t want the table moving around a lot if you accidentally bump into it. The wheels of the Nova DX are of excellent quality.
We found it extremely easy to move the table over all but the roughest of terrains with little to no hassle. The 3-inch wheels with locking casters performed very well and we were pleased with their performance as we expect traversing across the open ground to be difficult. The only way you could have an easier time moving this table is if it had larger wheels, but then again this is a ping pong table and not an all-terrain vehicle.
Additionally, the caster wheels also feature safety locks that prevent the table from moving around once they’re engaged. With an easy flip of a switch that is clearly visible on each wheel, you can lock this outdoor ping pong table firmly in place.
It’s a convenient feature that really adds to the quality of this table. When we did some stress tests on the wheels and their locks, we found that unless you’re making a big effort to push the table, it will stay in place. Bumping up against or knocking against the table really has little to no effect.
The Foldable Halves
Another extremely convenient feature that comes standard with most high-quality ping pong tables is the separate halves design. This feature allows you to raise either half of the table to an upright position for convenient and compact storage.
As with all ping pong tables that have this feature, we loved it and found it extremely convenient. Additionally, for those of you who would like to get some practice in before the next big family gathering or friendly tournament, one-half can be folded up to make use of the playback mode. This feature allows you to hit balls at the folded-up part so that they bounce back at you so you can practice by yourself.
The bounces from the playback position were just as good as when it’s folded out. Another feature about the foldable halves of the Nova DX that cannot be ignored is the safety latches and double anti-tilting devices you can find on either half. These latches automatically get locked in place whenever you fold up one of the halves and will only become unlocked when you press the lever.
Net and Post Set
The net and post set that is included with the Nova DX are also weatherproof, much like the table itself. Additionally, it uses screw-on posts that ensure it will be secured on the tabletop. Screw-on posts are the strongest type that is available on the ping pong market, so it’s nice to see these included with an outdoor table.
The weatherproof net set itself is high-quality. It doesn’t easily tear or get damaged. Also, the net comes with tension adjusters. Really, the net and post set has all of the makings of something you’d see in a professional setting.
Final Thoughts on the JOOLA Nova DX
This outdoor ping pong table is one of the best examples of its kind. It really has everything that you would need when looking for one. The table is not only extremely sturdy and weatherproof but also has an excellent plastic composite surface that is perfect for casual games.
There are also all of the convenient extra features such as foldable halves, safety latches, and easy assembly. Overall, we highly recommend this table to anyone who is looking for a new outdoor ping pong table. It will last you a long time and will make a perfect addition to any outdoor space that needs a new way to entertain. The table also comes with a warranty, if you’re worried about the quality.
Why You Should Buy An Outdoor Ping Pong Table
If by some chance you’ve come across this review randomly and don’t have the slightest clue about ping pong and are wondering why you should even consider purchasing an outdoor table, then let us enlighten you on their wonders.
First of all, outdoor ping pong tables are an excellent investment for anyone who wants to add fun to their outdoor space. Ping pong is an extremely easy sport to pick up and play, making it one of the greatest and most accessible casual sports.
It’s perfect for both children and adults of any age. Really, if you’re a parent with extra backyard space, then an outdoor table is a no-brainer. It’s a perfect excuse to have your kids go outdoors and enjoy a nice day. It’ll keep them entertained for hours on end!
If you’re an apartment complex owner, then an outdoor table is a perfect way to upgrade any common outdoor space you have. It’ll give your tenants something fun and exciting to do that’s convenient and close by. Outdoor ping pong tables are an extremely versatile means of entertainment as well.
Because of their sturdy structure and resistance to most forms of damage, they can be used for things besides ping pong as well. Some people use them as extra space for eating, while a more common use is beer pong. While we wholeheartedly recommend the JOOLA Nova DX, there are plenty of other options on the market.
Whether you’re looking for something cheaper or with a few extra bells and whistles, there’s bound to be a table that’s the perfect fit for your space. We’ve even reviewed the 5 best outdoor ping pong tables on the market to help you find the right one.
Make sure you get a good quality cover to protect your table from the elements.
How to Take Proper Care of an Outdoor Ping Pong Table
The question of proper care of an outdoor ping pong table might seem a little strange. After all, outdoor ping pong tables are made to stand up to the elements. Many of them are waterproof or completely weatherproof with reinforced, anti-rust frames and legs.
However, there are still some steps you can take to ensure that your table lasts a long time. Probably the most important thing you can do for your table, in terms of care, is buying a cover. A cover will ensure that the elements won’t cause any damage to your new table.
Since many outdoor tables are weatherproof to begin with, this cover is mostly to protect from UV damage, damage from debris, or water damage. Beyond the cover, outdoor tables are pretty simple to take care of. If there’s dust or debris on the playing surface, it’s extremely simple to clean.
Just use a cloth to wipe down the surface and if there are any stains or sticky spots, remember to use some water and soap. Always make sure that the wheels of your table as well as the legs and undercarriage are in good condition as well.
If needed, you may need to use oil or some other lubricant on the wheels of the table to make sure that they don’t drag or get stuck while moving the table. Additionally, always look out for signs of rusting on your legs and undercarriage.
