Best Table Tennis Rackets for Beginners: Recommendations

Here are some racket models that are ideal for beginners due to their balance of price, quality, and control:

1. Butterfly Progress

• Features: 5-ply blade, 1.7 mm sponge, balanced control.


• Advantages: Lightweight, comfortable handle, great for learning spin.


• Price: €29.90.


• Best for: Beginners who want to improve quickly.

2. Butterfly Champion

• Features: 5-ply blade, 1.9 mm sponge.


• Advantages: Lightweight, excellent control, affordable price.


• Price: €39.90.


• Best for: Beginners who want to add spin and hit harder shots.

Pre-Made vs. Custom Rackets: What Should Beginners Choose?

• Pre-Made Rackets: Factory-assembled, cheaper, and ideal for beginners.


• Custom Rackets: Blade and rubber selected separately. Better suited for more advanced players, as it can be overwhelming for beginners to choose the right components.

Recommendation for Beginners: Start with a pre-made racket – it’s a simpler and more cost-effective option.

How to Avoid Common Beginner Mistakes When Choosing a Racket?

• Don’t Choose a Racket That’s Too Fast: Carbon fiber or OFF+ models (e.g., Butterfly Viscaria) are designed for advanced players and professionals.


• Don’t Buy a Heavy Racket: A heavy racket can tire out your hand.


• Don’t Pick Randomly: Cheap rackets sold in general stores are often unsuitable for learning. They’re fine for ping pong, not table tennis. (In short: table tennis is a serious sport with complex spins and returns, while ping pong is its casual, basic version.)

Additional Tips for Beginners

1. Test Before You Buy

• If possible, borrow a racket from a friend or club to feel what suits you best.

2. Invest in Learning

• A good racket is useless without technique. Consider training with a coach or watching video tutorials on YouTube.

3. Maintain Your Racket

• Cleaning: Wipe the rubber with a damp cloth after playing.


• Protection: Store the racket in a case to shield it from dust.


• Rubber Replacement: If the rubber wears out (e.g., stops gripping the ball well), replace it. Note that rubber replacement is only possible with professional rackets; factory-glued rubbers on pre-made rackets cannot be changed.

What to Expect When Starting with a New Racket?

During the first few weeks with a new racket, you might feel slight discomfort – that’s normal. Focus on:

• Getting used to the racket’s weight and ball bounce.


• Learning basic strokes: forehand, backhand, and serve.


• Being patient – technique takes time to develop.

Where to Buy a Table Tennis Racket for Beginners?

STaloTenisas.lt, a specialized store, offers the widest selection of table tennis rackets for beginners, intermediate players, and professionals. Our experts will recommend the best options based on your needs.

Conclusion: Take Your First Step with the Right Racket

When choosing a table tennis racket as a beginner, focus on control, lightness, and simplicity. We recommend starting with models from Butterfly, the world’s most renowned table tennis brand, such as the Butterfly Progress and Butterfly Champion – they’re balanced for beginners and affordable. Ultimately, it’s not just about the racket but also your willingness to learn. So, pick your first racket, head to the table, and start playing today!