How to choose a table tennis bat

The right bat makes every rally more fun, from games on the back deck to club nights. We'll help you match a bat to how you play and keep it in good shape for longer.

Which bat suits your game?

Options from our table tennis bats, plus covers and balls to go with them.

Durable table tennis bat with a soft grip handle
FAMILY PLAY

Durable bats with a soft grip for relaxed games.

What to prioritise
Easy rallies

Table Tennis Bats

Shop the Range
Table tennis bat for school and club play
LEARNING SPIN

School and club bats that help you discover spin.

What to prioritise
Building skills

Table Tennis Bats

Shop the Range
Club table tennis bat
CLUB LEVEL

ITTF-certified club bats for players ready to step up.

What to prioritise
Regular play

Table Tennis Bats

Shop the Range
Two table tennis bats with three balls
BATS AND BALLS

Sets of two bats with balls, ready to play.

What to prioritise
Start together

Table Tennis Bats

Shop the Range
Black and grey table tennis bat cover
PROTECTION

Covers that protect your bats between games.

What to prioritise
Bat care

Table Tennis Bat Cover

Shop the Range
Pack of white table tennis balls
BALLS

Training, club and outdoor balls in handy packs.

What to prioritise
Spare balls

Table Tennis Balls

Shop the Range

What to look for in a bat

Star rating

Many of our bats carry a star rating, from 1 to 7 stars. Lower ratings suit relaxed games, while higher ratings are generally aimed at players who want more speed and spin.

Control or speed

If you're starting out, a bat that favours control keeps more balls on the table. Faster bats, including the carbon club bats in our range, reward good technique but are less forgiving.

A comfortable grip

Hold the bat in a relaxed handshake grip and check the handle sits comfortably in your hand. Some of our family bats have a softgrip handle for extra comfort over long games.

Where you'll play

For games outside or a bat that lives in the garage, choose one of our durable bats built to handle knocks. Club bats are best kept in a cover and stored indoors.

Who they're for

Families and friends

A durable bat or a set with balls gets everyone playing without fuss.

Players learning spin

A school and club bat helps you feel how the ball reacts as your strokes improve.

Club players

An ITTF-certified club bat suits regular sessions and training nights.

Bat options at a glance

OptionBest forGood to know
Durable family batCasual games at homeBuilt to handle everyday knocks
School and club batLearning spin and controlCheck the star rating
ITTF club batRegular club playKeep it in a cover
Bat set with ballsGetting started togetherTwo bats and balls in one box
Bat coverProtecting your batsSome covers hold balls too
Spare ballsKeeping the game goingOutdoor balls help on breezy days

Keep your bat in good shape

  • Wipe the rubbers gently with a slightly damp cloth after you play.
  • Keep your bat in a cover to protect the rubbers from dust and knocks.
  • Store it away from direct sun and heat, like a hot car.
  • Replace your bat once the rubber feels slippery or starts to peel.

Frequently asked questions

What table tennis bat should a beginner buy?

Start with a bat that favours control, like one of our durable family bats or a lower-rated school bat. Control helps you keep rallies going while you learn the basic strokes. Once you play every week and want more spin, a club bat is a natural next step.

What do the stars on a table tennis bat mean?

Stars are a guide from each brand to how fast and spinny a bat is, and they aren't an official standard. As a rule, fewer stars means more control and more stars means more speed and spin. Compare bats within the same brand for the clearest picture.

Does an ITTF-certified bat matter?

For games at home it doesn't make much difference. If you plan to play in club competitions, approved equipment is generally required, so check your club or association's rules. Several of our school and club bats are ITTF certified.

Should I buy a set or single bats?

A set of two bats with balls is an easy way to get a household playing, and it saves buying each piece on its own. Single bats suit players who already know what they like or want to upgrade their own bat. Many families start with a set and add a club bat later.

Can I leave my table tennis bat outside?

It's best not to leave any bat out for long, because sun, heat and damp wear down the rubber over time. Our durable bats are made to handle knocks and casual outdoor games better than club bats. Bring bats inside after play and keep them in a cover.

Ready for your next rally

Pick the bat that suits your game, add a cover and some spare balls, and you're set. Everything else is in our table tennis range.

Free delivery on orders over $150. Members get our lifetime warranty.

Explore Table Tennis
Kids rallying on an outdoor table tennis table in a garden