Which Paddle is Right For me?

You should get a good paddle. Cost plus features are the deciding factor. You have to decide on the blade and the rubber. You might want to search vendors (like Yasaka, Stiga, ping-pong.com, etc) web site to check out the features of blade. For blade you have to choose between Speed, Control and weight. You don't want to take a blade 90 gms and above if your wrist is not very strong, it will tire you out in long rallies. As for speed and control, you could go for a higher speed paddle if it offers near 5.5 and above control.

Then what type of grip you want for the blade needs to be decided, if you hold your racket loose and do a lot of side angle spins like flicks or during the return of a  service then Anatomic or straight grip would be fine. If you want to maintain attacking style like topspin from forehand and backhand being your primary strokes then flared handle would be good.

You might want to search for Table Tennis Forums on the internet, at times I find peer reviews commenting on the rubber or blade. It helps understanding what problems or benefits others are getting.

Now for the rubber, Yasaka Mark V are good rubbers, take 2.0 mm anything higher is tough to control and anything lower may not give enough power and spin especiall with the 40 mm balls we have now.

I look at the speed, spin and control to decide the rubbers I want. I also look at any new technology such as Stiga's ACS, which makes rubber lighter but still gives good speed, spin and control. I have used Mark V in the past and use Stiga Magna 2.0 rubbers now.

Regarding the racket being too fast for you, yes it will be in the beginning, you have to get used to them and practice more to gain control, but to go to next level you have to have a good racket with good speed and spin so don't worry you will get over the hump.

Sanjeev Chopra

And remember, it's always better to get a blade that is too slow for you than a blade that is too fast for you.  I learned the hard way, and bought the fastest blade/setup I found.  Now I'm saving for an ALL+ blade.  In the long run, the slower blade will allow you to learn better forms easier.  As time past by, and you get better, bump up the speed one notch at a time.

I also agree with Stews that Mark V and Sriver are one of the best rubbers which offer solid control and speed.

-Matthew

-Matthew

killerbobbarker wrote: Hi, I have been playing table tennis my whole life (I am 17 now), and am ready to take the big step of investing $100 into a paddle rather using the cheap ones (under $15). My playing style is very offensive, my forehand loop is exceptionally good. I am interested in the Yasaka Synergy with Mark V rubbers. I do not have a USATT ranking, and I have never played in any official tournaments. But, like I said, I have been playing my whole life (mostly against my family... we have a tournament every Thanksgiving, we are big into table tennis). I also try to practice every day, and probably practice 20 hours a week. I plan to join the table tennis team/club at the university I attend next year... Some people say that the aforementioned paddle is ridiculously fast for me to use. Some people say it would be okay, as long as I know what I am doing. I would be willing to switch to a Yasaka Offensive or some other paddle (and rubber) if you recommend me to do so... ps What thickness sponge do you suggest?

I can recommend you the synergy with stiga magna rubbers, some stiga sponsored player in my club uses it (even though its a yasaka blade) and I like a lot the combo, its very very nice, get max rubbers and enjoy!