Tennis tables: types, characteristics, how to choose, manufacturers

Choosing a tennis table and accessories substantiated operating conditions, needs and level of professionalism of the future participants of the competition.

Types of tennis tables

Classification by field of use

Tennis tables for premises - this is a popular option for offices, health centers, schools and sporting events. When used on the street, they quickly deteriorate, since it is not designed for high humidity and temperature changes.

Tennis tables for the streets are divided into the following categories:

• Waterproof tennis tables. Material - plywood, which is used for fixing formaldehyde glue. It is resistant to rain, fog and dew year.
• Weatherproof table tennis. The table top is made of plastic or melamine, often it has an aluminum layer. The materials are designed for rain, wind and sun.
• Vandal-proof table tennis. Monolithic version does not develop and is not transported.

Mounted on the site, with stainless steel worktop, melamine or aluminum, it is protected from damage that could result from adverse weather and mechanical influences.

Classification by the level of players

• Amateur tennis tables. They are characterized by small worktops thickness, weight 70 kg, a convenient folding and transport system, and the presence of the grid.
• Advanced models. Such models are characterized by thicker countertop, the weight increases to 100 kg. They come equipped with a holder for balls and rackets and extra mesh.
• Professional tennis tables. Are thickest countertops, weight to 200 kg. Equipment must pass ITTF certified.

For durability design includes metal fasteners, wheels are equipped with locks, height amenable to regulation.

The certificate of conformity ITTF said table requirements of the International Table Tennis Federation.

Characteristics tennis tables

Table tennis tables are diverse: Variability of material and thickness of the countertop, design and equipment. But a number of requirements apply to all models:

• dimensions 2,74 x 0,76 x 1,525 m
• matte surface with a uniform ball rebound;
• the presence of a white border around the edges;
• presence of thin dividing lines on each half of the playing field.

Other options depend on the nature of the operation and of the purpose for which the product is sold.

materials countertops

• Chipboard. The material used in the manufacture of tables for the hall. With increasing thickness of the countertop component improves rebound.
• Chipboard. Is a chipboard covered special lining. Due to the material of the protective film becomes strong and moisture-resistant.
• MDF. Unlike chipboard, it is environmentally friendly material, but has a lower density. In other characteristics are similar.
• Wooden array. Eco-friendly and expensive material: durable and uniform surface.
• Plastic. Used in the manufacture of amateur models. Characterized by low weight and low cost.
• Water-resistant plywood. Countertops made of this material are considered the best among the other options for fans. Suitable for use outdoors and in the gym.
• Melamine. Countertops have a small thickness, resistant to weathering.
• Aluminum. Used outdoors, the characteristics are not inferior semi tables for indoor use.

Table top tennis table can be:

• with one-sided folding;
• with full folding;
• height adjustable;
• a fixed height;
• with transport rollers;
• with a fixed mesh manufacturer which can not be replaced;
• anti-reflective coating;
• with holders for balls and rackets.

There are four categories of worktop:

• Less than 10 mm. This thickness is characteristic of melamine, is used for amateur models.
• 11-15 mm. These parameters correspond to the amateur tables for premises that are made of chipboard, laminated chipboard or MFD.
• 16-20 mm. Under this category fall the amateur and semi-professional model: an increase in the thickness of the countertop better ball rebound and the quality of the game.
• More than 20 mm. 22 mm - semi-professional type, and 25, 28 and 30 mm - parameters of professional options.

Options and accessories

Choosing equipment for ping-pong table, pay attention to the selection of accessories: racquets, balls and nets.

Grids for tennis table:

• There are synthetic, cotton and metal. Synthetics and metals suitable for public places; Cotton is appropriate for a home model. Metal mesh is less susceptible to deformation and impact of the weather.
• Standard parameters 183h15,25 see.
• The tension cord is regulated grid, which is located at the top. If the grid is removable, it is equipped with fasteners with clips or screws.
• The color of the rules is not specified, but the white edges of 1.5 cm width. It is considered mandatory.
• When buying a table grid can be included with an exception - professional models that are not equipped with a grid.

Table tennis rackets are divided into three groups:

• For newbies. speed and torsion values ​​reaches 50, control is 100 percent.
• Advanced. Torsion and speed grow to 70, control is reduced to 90%.
• Professional. torsion and speed figures are 100, the control - 90%.

Choosing balls for table tennis, pay attention to the number of stars on the packaging:

• Cheap and simple have one star. They are short-lived because of the low quality material and rough seam.
• Quality balls are estimated at two or three stars.
• Balls for professional sports are ITTF certified: their very high strength.

pros

Tennis tables have the following advantages:

• Different uniform bounce of the ball on the playing surface, it gives the player the ability to predict the trajectory and direction and calculate the force of impact.
• Constructs suitable for transport and storage.
• Embodiments of outdoor tolerate moisture, cold, heat and sunlight, and domestic samples protected from glare.

For outdoor all-weather so typical of the following nuances:

• countertop material makes it resistant to weathering, does not play surface bubbles from moisture and does not fade in the sun.
• Metal casing ensures durability.
• Antiglare applied so that it becomes possible to play in conditions of excessive and uneven illumination.

The advantages of professional tables include:

• Quality of execution, which ensures durability and preservation qualities of the game for a long time.
• Ergonomic design: assembly and disassembly require a minimum of time and effort, even when carrying heavy items.
• Game quality: professional options lead in the speed of the game and force the ball bounces.

Advanced or semi-professional equipment is convenient for athletes training. Amateur budget model, is lightweight and compact assembled.

Advantages of folding systems are as follows:

• One-sided folding makes it possible to practice without an opponent.
• Full folding designed for regular transportation and convenient storage.

Minuses

Inconvenience delivers lack of transport rollers table, countertop and thin materials, which can not provide a uniform rebound.

This deficiency is found in products for the street: melamine worktops are inferior in the characteristics of particle board, and metal edging violates the uniformity of rebound.

Performance problems arise in the following cases:

• surface no anti-reflective coating;
• Rollers are made of strong enough material, and can not withstand the weight;
• countertop material is fragile;
• the surface is uneven, damaged or deformed.

How to choose table tennis

Choosing a table tennis table, decide for yourself:

• whether it is intended for play on the air or in the room.
• Whether it is necessary for professional competition equipment, training athletes or friendly matches with your friends.
• What size do you think suitable. If the game will take the children involved, the desired height adjustment.

It takes a lot of time, and in the process is easy to scratch the countertop. Products for training and amateur competitions require one or two people to assemble and transport.

It is important to pay attention to the following points:

• how many people are required for assembly;
• Whether equipped with a security model (fixation);
• Whether it is compact in assembled form;
• It does not cause damage to the coating assembly;
• how long it took folding and unfolding.

Durability depends on the material and fabrication qualities:

• Chipboard and chipboard - a soft material that are exposed to moisture and deformed.
• Table top of MDF is denser and more resistant to damage. Mounted on metal profile, it serves dozens of years.
• Life of equipment for outdoor use with top made of melamine or aluminum is the right care to fifty years.
• Not so durable surface made of plywood and plastic.

Table weight depends on the category to which it belongs:

• amateur - from 55 to 70 kg,
• advanced - up to 110 kg,
• Professional - up to 160 kg,
• professional model competition - 230 kg;
• weatherproof variants - from 40 to 100 kg.

Professional tables are usually not equipped with a grid, and the grid, which the manufacturer installs amateur, short-lived, not adjusted for height and tension force. Assume any convenient color players.

It is recommended to purchase a ping-pong table in the shops with a wide assortment.

The Consultant shall provide information about the price and features, to answer any questions about the operation, care, benefits and features; if necessary, to give a comparative description.

Which is better

When deciding what equipment is better, it is worth paying attention to:

• material;
• playing characteristics;
• Certificate ITTF;
• other certificates and awards;
• the product conforms to quality standards;
• countertop thickness;
• structure and parameters.

The best performance among the indoor equipment have professional tables that are certified ITTF:

• Weight up to 200 kg, but they are equipped with comfortable and sturdy assembly systems rollers (except those manufactured specifically for professional competitions).
• The construction of a stable and secure.
• Fasteners made of metal.
• The height is adjustable feet.
• Each half of the table is fixed in an upright position at different angles it gives the opportunity to train without a partner.

• Permissible surface only blue and green colors.
• Table thickness is 25, 28 or 30 mm.
• Table top is made of particleboard, chipboard or MDF, supplemented antiglare strengthened metal frame and trim.
• Professional tables are designed only for indoor use, due to moisture and temperature extremes surface is deformed and loses quality.

When choosing equipment for tennis in the open air, refer to the other recommendations:

• Material countertops and the carcass must be durable and resistant to climatic changes.
• Versatile all-weather options. Waterproof models carry rain and dew, but suffer from the wind and the temperature.
• If you plan to install long-term in a crowded place, pay attention to the vandal tables. They do not add up and transported further reinforced and equipped with a metal grid.

Exploitation

Each model is created either for indoor use or for outdoor installation. Equipment for building deforms under the influence of moisture, sun and heat. Wear reduces the quality of the game and is dangerous.

The time of assembly and dismantling - one of the most important in the operation. Each product comes with instruction. Its observance will save time and protect players from injury, and the details - from damage. Caution is needed, and in transit.

They are designed to play two or four participants, or for self-training. They can not sit, lie down or store items. The design can not withstand the weight.

If the rollers do not have a special braking system, install the model can be on a level surface: where does not happen spontaneous movement and sliding.

To prevent injuries and equipment damage check fastening screws and clips. As necessary, they need to tighten and fasten.

Another important point - it is caring for countertop surface. It provides the right game, so you need to prevent scratches, abrasions and discoloration.

Wipe with a soft sponge without Detergent: standard powders and gels leave marks and damage. There are special facilities for the care of the surface - they will not harm the surface.

Keep the table in the assembled state is recommended in the same environment in which it operates. If you use the cover during breaks between games, the service life will increase.

Guarantee

Production company provides a guarantee on the product only if the buyer has followed the rules of operation and storage. Times vary from six months to several years. Common option - a year and three-year warranty period.

The warranty on the product means the free repair service center products throughout the warranty period. When you purchase, the warranty card with the date and store stamp, is the basis for the provision of repair services.

Buyer shall be entitled:

• to return the goods, the quality of which is not as declared in the first 15 days after purchase;
• exchange the product with a comparable;
• receive warranty repair during the warranty period;
• return the goods of good quality the first 14 days after purchase if not disturbed appearance, packaging and stored documents.

The presence of the marriage determines the expert service center. Defective model is replaced by a serviceable similar. If the buyer does not wish to exchange an item, then returns the purchase price.

Evaluation of breakage during the warranty period is carried out at a service center. If it is determined that the damage was caused by violation of rules of operation and storage manufacturer will repair the product free of charge.

The guarantee does not apply to the following situations:

• if the product serial number has been changed, deleted, or corrupted;
• if a piece of equipment or a single part non-original components replaced;
• if the manufacturer changed the design;
• if the cause of failure in the wrong operation.

Faults and repairs

Professional Equipment Self Repair is not recommended: if it was carried out during the the warranty period, and then there was an appeal to the service center, experts refuse warranty repair.

Actions that can be performed independently:

• Replacement mesh on models that include the action;
• care of the playing surface, maintenance of cleanliness;
• installation and dismantling of the structure according to the instructions;
• Track the status of attachments for the grid - if necessary, tighten them.

Other activities involve a risk, could harm the quality of the equipment and further provoke the injured player.

Independent repair is usually done when the warranty expires, or if the guarantee is initially absent. At home, the repaired product amateur level and options for the street, which damaged the weather.

The equipment may become unstable. If you purchased the table without anti-reflective coating, it is possible to cover it with a special varnish or paint yourself.

Faulty hardware or lock is replaced by a new one. Spare parts purchased from the manufacturer or produced by analogy with the victims. Scratched rough surface need to uniformly cover the putty to dry, paint and varnished.

To eliminate glare uses varnishes and paints: it is important to uniform application. If you apply paint unevenly, affected index rebound the ball.

Manufacturers tennis tables

• Cornilleau. It is a French company that specializes in products for table tennis. It manufactures products in France, Germany and Russia. Organizes the production of both amateur and professional models.

Prices range from 12 to 250 thousand rubles. Warranty for amateur models is 6 months for professional - three years.

• Donic. The company is headquartered in Germany. Donic engaged in the production of sports equipment, apparel and accessories for table tennis. Prices from 20.5 to 100 thousand rubles.

Donic products are used in the world championships. Apart from professional equipment goods are released for fans. It provides guarantees of up to 5 years.

• GIANT DRAGON. This is a popular firm Asian market table tennis. Different quality and budget products. Price table tennis is 7.5 - 40 thousand rubles. The warranty period - 1 year.

• Kettler. Another German firm. Engaged in the production of simulators and sports equipment. Products comply with European safety standards. Service centers are located in all major cities of Russia.

Warranty up to 5 years, the price range within 15-100 thousand. The company also produces exercise bikes, elliptical trainers et al., fitness accessories, home and sports competitions.

• Sponeta. The company has from Germany, is engaged solely in goods for the ping-pong table. The models differ in the low price: this table is from 7 to 45 thousand rubles. The range includes products for amateurs and professionals.
• Start Line. This is a Russian manufacturer of equipment for tennis: The range includes tables, accessories and equipment for the games. Production has a quality certificate of conformity Rosstandart.

Simple models are 3.5 thousand rubles for professional tournaments - 45-47, and street vandalism equipment will cost about 50 thousand rubles. Warranty 6 months.

• Stiga. One of the largest manufacturing companies in the world of table tennis. The products include equipment, apparel, balls, bases and covers for rackets, nets and products for the competition.

Production is based in Germany and Sweden. Warranty from the manufacturer up to 5 years. Prices from 8 to 140 thousand rubles.

• Sunflex. This is a German manufacturer of high-quality tennis equipment. on tennis tables are warranted for 1 year. Prices from 10 to 70 thousand rubles. Sunflex models feature affordable prices and reliable German assembly.