Started competitive play, looking to upgrade bat

Hello everyone,

To start off, I've played TT off and on since I was 7, about 10 years ago. About two years ago I started playing actively at my Community College and got decent, as a recreational player. Now, I've decided to join the local TT club, which is something I've wanted to do for a while, and really get into competitive play. Of course, I'm near the bottom of the skill ladder there, but I expected as much :)

I've been using a $15 Stiga Ultimate Balance I picked up from Dicks Sporting Goods last year. It's been ok for the casual playing I've been doing, but after talking to the guys at my TT club and trying some bats out I'm really looking for a decent custom made one.

I've been doing a lot of research on how to put together a bat and it's all very confusing. I've haven't used many good bats so I don't really know how much speed vs. control etc. I'm looking for and I'd rather not spend a ton on something that I'll decide doesn't suit me. I'm hoping you experienced players can give me some recommendations.

I play penhold, and I've starting using RPB and I'm enjoying it. I like playing offensively, but I use defense too, when I need it.

I hope you can assist me :)

Alrighty, thanks, I'll look into that.

Anyone have info on the Galaxy 896 available at Colestt.com? It caught my eye because in the description it says " If somebody tells me they like to stand a couple of steps back and loop the ball back with an emphasis on spin, this is what I recommend" (which is similar to how I play) and it's available in Penhold. 

Hmm...I'd prefer to spend $40-$60 but I can go up to $80 if needed. 

thewook82 wrote: Ok, pretty limited then. Some of the cheaper Stiga Allround blades are good value.   Re rubbers, depends on your style of play. Something like Mark V or Sriver has good control and is fine for counterhitting but you'll struggle to loop with it.   German Tensors are good looping rubbers for intermediate players. Something like Xiom Vega Pro or Zeta.   Tenergy is very good but a large hike up in price. Be careful with much of the Chinese made gear as the quality can be appaling at times.

WHAT? Mark V and Sriver are great looping rubbers. I wasnt even going to say anything about your post but recommending tenergy to a new player is outright retarded. 

Shinigami wrote: Alrighty, thanks, I'll look into that. Anyone have info on the Galaxy 896 available at Colestt.com? It caught my eye because in the description it says " If somebody tells me they like to stand a couple of steps back and loop the ball back with an emphasis on spin, this is what I recommend" (which is similar to how I play) and it's available in Penhold.

this blade would be a nice one to start with http://ttnpp.com/shop/donic-persson-powerplay-senso-v1-p-54.html and 1 sheet of hexer duro plus possibly another may run you under $80

Ok, so far I've had several blades and rubbers recommended. I'm kind of leaning towards the Galaxy 896 with maybe Mark V on both sides. Does that sound okay? That's not going to cost me much so if there  I can get a better blade/rubber for a few extra bucks I'm open to it.  

BTY AMULTART TENGERY 05 FH TENERGY 64 BH

bowebj wrote: BTY AMULTART TENGERY 05 FH TENERGY 64 BH

Good advice.  Don't forget to always buy in pairs (one for backup).  Total is still less than $600...


*Ooops, the OP said $60, not $600...

friendship wrote: LKT ayous/hinoki, 729 faster III 2,2 on white german sponge. tried this combo, it is not fast, nor slow, can do it all and these rubbers are easier to play than with sriver

Edited by Jonan - 09/28/2010 at 12:33am

BeaverMD wrote: But you suggest that beginners use a slower blade with Tenergy (with the assumption that they have to use a faster blade later).   What's the difference with starting and sticking with a long-term blade ex. Korbel or TBS and move from slow to faster rubbers? Mainly $$$.  Or are you suggesting they start right away with the equipment they're going to use when they become higher level?

Edited by friendship - 09/28/2010 at 3:54am

For penhold I suggest Yasaka Extra with Mark V or Sriver. If you want to live dangerously you can try something tacky on the FH.

UPDATE:

So last night I formally joined the local table tennis club. There's a USATT approved coach there who everyone says is really good and he took the time to talk to me. He said he's really good at choosing  bats for players, and apparently has done so for some of my clubs top players.

We spent a few minutes playing and he e-mailed me a bat combination that he says is perfect for my style:
BalsaCarbo x5 blade
Tackifire special SOFT fh
Catapult bh

So what'dya think? I'm kind of inclined to go for it since he's the only one who's actually seen me play, even though it is a little pricey.


Edited by Shinigami - 09/30/2010 at 12:22am

Thot wrote: Did he offered to sell it to you? I'd say he's pro butterfly and you can find something similar at a better price. Whatever you buy, sooner or later you'll be tempted to try something different, especially if you are reading this forum.

Thot wrote: Did he offered to sell it to you? I'd say he's pro butterfly and you can find something similar at a better price. Whatever you buy, sooner or later you'll be tempted to try something different, especially if you are reading this forum.

Interestingly enough, he kinda did. He says he specializes in Butterfly and since he's a coach he gets discounts with them. On the price quote he came up with the retail price is $158 and his price is $135.

I'm thinking I'll go with something from Colestt for now, I'm still to new to competitive table tennis to drop over $100 on a bat.