Ping pong paddles are the most essential tool in the arsenal of a player. They are an extension of your hand that gives you the control and power needed to win every match. For this reason, it’s crucial to have a paddle that feels natural in your hands. You don’t want something that’s too heavy, clumsy, or unbalanced with you when victory is at stake. A player without the right paddle is like a knight without their sword. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the 10 best ping pong paddles so that you can make the right decision as to what paddle you’ll buy. All of these paddles can be found on Amazon, for your convenience.
In a hurry? Here’s the test winner after 22 hours of research:
The Top 10 Best Ping Pong Paddles Reviewed in 2021 – Overview
Here are the top 5 picks (keep scrolling for more details and picks 6-10).
Best Overall
1. Killerspin Jet 800
- Professional Grade Paddle: Designed With The Serious Player In Mind, This Ittf-Approved Paddle Provides Exceptional Grip On Ball Strikes And Heavy Spin On Serves
This is easily one of the best ping pong paddles on the market and is surely on the wishlist of any professional player. To begin, the presentation of this paddle is impeccable. It comes in its own elegant storage case that comes with a message book on the inside that you can write scores, signatures, and personal messages on.
Opening the storage case will feel like unlocking a treasure chest, and within you’ll find a paddle worthy of the most advanced players. It is, of course, approved by the ITTF. It features red Nitrx high-tension, ittf-approved rubber, a carbon fiber blade, and a reinforced flared handle made of 7-ply composite wood. All of these features together create a superior paddle that will surely send a ping pong ball flying across the table when you hit the sweet spot.
Its performance ratings reveal a high level of power and spin, but a lower level of control. Therefore, this table tennis paddle is more suited to players looking to overwhelm opponents with powerful shots that have plenty of spin on them.
Pros:
- A true professional’s paddle
- High ratings of spin and power
- Elegant storage case
Cons:
- Expensive
2. STIGA Pro Carbon
- STIGA – Since 1944, STIGA has been the innovative leader in table tennis equipment. STIGA combines superior craftsmanship with exceptional performance in every product. The highest quality equipment...
To start the list, we will be looking at a table tennis racket that is made for players who are looking for that professional edge. The STIGA Pro Carbon is a very nice paddle to look at with its red rubber and black blade. It also sports a balsa wood handle. Indeed, just by looking upon this paddle, you can tell that it was designed with both form and function in mind.
Moving onto the features, this high-quality paddle sports a 7-ply blade with premium, International Table Tennis Federation approved S5 rubber, 2mm thick sponge, and a concave pro handle to ensure your reaction times are on point and your swings speedy. Within the paddle there is a shock dispersion tube that allows it to absorb vibrations and transfer energy out of the handle, ensuring every ball strike is balanced and powerful.
It is also made with carbon fiber technology increasing power, speed, and response with the paddle. The combo of these features makes it an excellent paddle. In terms of performance ratings, this paddle has high speed and spin but a lower control rating. A paddle like this is perfect for offensive players. If you’re an advanced player expecting to compete in tournaments, then this table tennis paddle is one of the best options for you.
Pros:
- Shock dispersion tube helps control the impact of the ball
- The layers of carbon give the paddle more power and speed
- The entire paddle is high quality
Cons:
- Somewhat expensive
Lowest Price
3. STIGA Evolution
- STIGA – Since 1944, STIGA has been the innovative leader in table tennis equipment. STIGA combines superior craftsmanship with exceptional performance in every product. The highest quality equipment...
Next on the list is another STIGA product. This particular ping pong racket is the definition of a well-balanced and fairly priced table tennis paddle. It is similar in appearance to the Pro Carbon but with a different style of grip. It has the same high-tech shock dispersion tube in it as the Pro Carbon does. The biggest difference between the Evolution and the Pro Carbon is that the Evolution is not made with carbon fiber technology.
However, that does not detract from its overall performance, quite the opposite. This paddle sports high all-around ratings in all areas of performance and is perfect for someone who is looking for a well-rounded paddle that gives better control over the ball than the previous paddles. In addition, this paddle features crystal technology on the black side, hardening the surface of the blade for increased speed.
Beyond that, the Evolution has a 6-ply light blade, 2mm sponge, and premium rubber. The blade itself is hardened, allowing for increased speed. This paddle is also cheaper than the previous two paddles which makes it perfect for a player who wants a comfortable paddle, no matter the skill level.
Pros:
- Ratings are well balanced to fit any style of play
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Missing advanced carbon-fiber technology
4. DHS Hurricane ii
- DHS HURRICANE-II Table Tennis Shakehand Racquet
The Hurricane – II is a very high-end paddle. It is a Chinese paddle and this particular brand is known for being tested by the Chinese National Table Tennis Team. The paddle itself is constructed of rubber and wood of excellent quality, perfect for those looking to compete at the same level as the national team. This paddle differs from others because it has a longer handle and a larger paddle.
While this may seem like a disadvantage at a glance, this can actually be quite a boon as it will be easier to find the sweet spot with the paddle while you play. The longer handle ensures that the paddle will always sit comfortably in your hand during multiple matches. Additionally, this paddle has the ability to put an immense amount of speed on your strikes, which makes up for its lowered amounts of speed and power.
Another unique feature of this paddle is that each side of the paddle has a different pimple pattern. The red side has pimples in and the black side has its pimples out, allowing you to switch between generating more spin or not on the fly. Included with the paddle are a carrying case and wrist guard so you will have a convenient place to store it for later and will not have a risk of wrist injury from excessive play.
Pros:
- Perfect for an aspiring professional
- Long grip and larger paddle make the design unique
- Each side has a different pimple pattern
Cons:
- Expensive
5. Killerspin Jet 600
- COMPETITION GRADE PADDLE: Designed for intermediate to advanced tournament players, this ITTF-approved paddle gives you an edge over your competition
This is another competition-level table tennis paddle designed for intermediate and advanced players by Killerspin. As usual, the price tag is high, but so is the quality. Like the Jet 800, this paddle is made with ITTF approved Nitrx-4z rubber and a lightweight 5-ply wood blade. The thinner blade of this paddle makes it more suited for those looking for a less aggressive playstyle and one that focuses more on control over the ball.
With this paddle, you will be able to be more precise with where you place your shots, instead of putting tremendous amounts of power and spin on the ball. The performance ratings of this paddle reflect that with spin and control being the highest of the three statistics. Additionally, if you’re worried about something happening to your paddle, Killerspin includes a 30-day warranty.
Pros:
- Lightweight paddle with a high control rating perfect for a strategic playstyle
- Comes in an elegant case like the Jet 800
- 30-day warranty
Cons:
- Expensive, like most Killerspin paddles
6.Killerspin Jet 200
- Ping Pong Racket: Killerspin is the leader in table tennis equipment;The perfect ping pong paddle set for beginners, kids and guests!
This is the last of the Killerspin products on this list and it is also the cheapest out of the three. Don’t let the price fool you though, this is still a high-quality product like the rest of the paddles that the brand has brought to the table. This paddle was explicitly designed for beginner players to hone their skills. The paddle is made up of extra light 5-ply wood, Jet Basic rubber, and PVC tape that surrounds the racket to keep it safe while you play with it.
The durability of the wood and long-lasting rubber make this excellent for recreational and beginner players alike as it is a paddle they can use for a long time. The paddle also offers balanced ratings across the board, further reinforcing the fact that it is a perfect tool for practice. This is the perfect paddle to start with and branch out from once you’ve mastered the basics. Just like the Jet 600 and 800, this paddle comes with its own case and memory book. It is also more affordable than the other two paddles by Killerspin, making it a perfect gift for an aspiring table tennis player.
Pros:
- Perfect for beginner and recreational players
- Cheaper than other Killerspin rackets without sacrificing quality
- Comes in a case with a memory book like the other Killerspin rackets
Cons:
- Not a racket designed for tournament-level play
7. STIGA Titan
- STIGA – Since 1944, STIGA has been the innovative leader in table tennis equipment. STIGA combines superior craftsmanship with exceptional performance in every product. The highest quality equipment...
To no surprise, another STIGA product finds its way on this list. This is a very stylish paddle compared to some of the other ones on this list. This is due to the multicolored handle that really sticks out without looking tacky. Like all of the paddles from STIGA, it has ITTF approved inverted rubber, so it is tournament-ready. Aside from the rubber, this paddle also has a 5-ply lightweight blade and a concave Italian composite handle.
It is also made with crystal technology that hardens the surface of the blade to add extra speed. The handle is the highlight of this paddle as it is made from a balsa wood composite that is sure to feel light in your hands so that you may react quickly to whatever situation is thrown your way during a match.
Due to the nature of this paddle’s construction, it sports very balanced performance ratings making it not only an excellent tool for practice but also the perfect paddle for someone who’s looking for consistent gameplay during a competition.
Pros:
- Lightweight, 5-ply balsa wood makes this paddle lightweight and easy to control
- Crystal technology within the blade
- Concave Italian composite handle makes the paddle sit comfortably in your hand
Cons:
- No shock dispersion technology like other paddles in the STIGA lineup
8. Butterfly 401
This paddle is a Chinese paddle that is built with red and black Yuki rubbers that give the racket extra speed and tackiness that’s perfect for putting an extra spin on the ball. Of course, the rubber of the racket is approved by the ITTF. It is made with a 5-ply wood blade as well making this another excellent lightweight paddle to consider adding to your arsenal.
The handle of this paddle has a rounded, flared design that is meant to be ergonomic allowing you to grip it firmly and add extra comfort while you play through your matches. The handle is a shakehand style and the added red, gray, and blue colors add a little bit of extra flair to it.
When it comes to stat ratings, the Butterfly 401 boasts a very high spin and speed. With this paddle, you will be able to hit hard and fast. If you’re looking for an affordable paddle to get started with, this is also an excellent choice as this is one of the cheaper options on our list.
Pros:
- High spin and speed ratings
- Ergonomic handle
- Lightweight 5-ply blade
Cons:
- Missing a lot of extra features compared to the other paddles on this list
9. Palio Expert 2
- Created in an exclusive collaboration between the renowned Palio brand, and Expert Table Tennis. The Expert 2.0 is the second generation version of the popular bat.
This paddle is once more a Chinese-made paddle this time made by Palio. Do not let the name of this paddle intimidate you as it is actually a perfect racket for beginners much like the Jet 200 from earlier. It should be noted that this paddle is actually a collaboration piece between Palio and Expert Table Tennis
The Expert 2 features a rubber covering that is actually made by Palio known as CJ8000 that can be replaced easily whenever it wears out. This particular rubber has a reputation for having a soft sponge and a tacky topsheet. This just means that your balls have an easier time generating spin with your shots. The rubber is ITTF approved, as per usual.
Expert Table Tennis has created the blade of this paddle, something they redesigned to give it extra control and a more natural feeling.
To enforce that this is a paddle for beginners, one need only look at the ratings for this paddle. It has a lower overall speed but a very high spin and a perfect score in control, perfect for defensive players. A paddle like this will allow players to get used to properly placing shots, put on the perfect amount of spin, and carefully practice proper form all at an affordable price.
Pros:
- Another perfect paddle for beginners
- The redesigned blade gives the paddle a more natural feeling
- Rubber can be easily replaced
Cons:
- Not as many fancy features as other paddles
10. Idoraz Ping Pong Paddle
- 🏅 Step up your Game! – If you’re looking for a table tenni paddle that will help you step up your game, Idoraz Soft ping pong paddle is hard to beat. Thanks to its robust construction and...
This paddle by Idoraz may be from a lesser-known brand but that does not mean it is any lesser than the other ones on this list. In fact, this is another paddle that is perfect for any professional. To begin, the rubber of this paddle features its pimples on the inside rather than outside, which help it to generate spin. In fact, it boasts that it is excellent at smashing the ball on a forehand shot.
The stylish, well-made black and yellow wood grip is flared and allows for an easy, firm grip as well as added balance. This paddle will never slip from your hand, no matter how heated a match might get. The blade is made from 5-ply pure wood, making it lightweight and easy to swing. It will allow you to easily take shots at the ball, generating plenty of speed and spin with each strike.
The Idoraz also has some very high stats, almost all three are perfect scores. Because of this, we feel it might be wrong to recommend this to a beginner as they might have trouble controlling everything. However, the high-performance ratings also allow it to be adapted to any playing style. As added features, this paddle comes with a 30-day warranty and a convenient carrying case.
Pros:
- Very high all-around performance ratings
- High-quality rubber and blade
- 30-day warranty and carrying case
Cons:
- Should only really be used by advanced players.
Our Winner:
Which one of these paddles is the best really depends on the skill level of the player that is using it. For instance, we would not recommend one of the more expensive paddles like Jet 800 to a beginner player. If you’re a new ping pong player and want a paddle for a beginner, then your best bet would be the Killerspin Jet 200. That paddle was specifically designed with new players in mind, has a relatively cheap price tag, and has extra features to help ensure durability.
For the intermediate players, we recommend looking at the STIGA Titan. This is a very balanced paddle that is essentially a step up from something like the Jet 200. Additionally, it features crystal technology which hardens the blade and makes it perfect for generating extra speed.
For advanced players, it is a tough decision to make as to what you should buy as there are several paddles on this list that would indeed be good purchases. Ultimately, we recommend the Killerspin 800. It is easily the nicest looking paddle on this list and has a lot of excellent features that give it extra powerful strikes.
