A table tennis game pushes your reaction time and hand eye coordination to the limit. With many people pursuing this sport professionally or for recreation, you might consider purchasing a table for yourself. There are a few things you need to keep in mind before you make your purchase, so that you would be more satisfied with it.
Purpose:
There are many different types of tables which suit different applications. If it is for a beginner or merely for recreation, you may invest in a simple home table. If, however, you are looking at using the table for professional competitions or professional training, you would need to purchase ones that are approved either by the ITTF(International Table Tennis Federation) or the USATT (USA Table Tennis) as these tables have many regulations in terms of size, thickness and finish
Space:
This is another primary concern as the size of the room in which you plan to keep the table would have to be considered during the purchase. Make sure that the table would not impede your movement around the room and that the players would have ample space to enjoy a game of table tennis.
Location:
Table tennis tables can be placed indoors or outdoors. Outdoor tables generally have wheels and are foldable so that it can be stored easily. The construction is also more suited to be resilient against moisture and changes in temperature. Also, the legs of such tables can be adjusted to suit uneven ground.
Indoor tables can either be permanently set up, or movable like outdoor ones. It is generally considered to be a good idea to invest in one which has wheels so that you can move it easily if and when the need arises.
Budget:
If you are buying a table for beginners, you would not need to invest a large sum on an expensive one. Purchase a low-end one instead and upgrade to better ones as your game improves. If you need boards for game rooms or schools where many people will be handling the board, the durability of the table is priority. You can purchase a competition table or a high-end home table, both which generally have better robustness. Alternatively, you can invest in a refurbished competition table which would not be as long-lasting as a competition table, but it suits the purpose well.
No matter which table you choose to buy, ensure that you inspect it thoroughly; right from the evenness of the table to the finish of the surface and the net-quality, so that you would be able to enjoy the game without worrying too much about the table.
