The best table tennis blade is 40% of your performance. The other 60% goes out to the best table tennis rubber and technique, of course.
If you feel like your style of play deserves a high-end blade, then it's time to take a closer look at our best 8 picks and get ready to be amazed.
Although they are not the cheapest investment, you will find these few picks to be extraordinary when it comes to performance elevation.
So, let's take a closer look.
More...
Top 8 Best Table Tennis Blades on the Market in 2021
For all offensive players, the Butterfly Viscaria table tennis blade will do the trick. Our best pick goes out to this imposing and lightweight Viscaria blade that will make any beginner player a pro!
What more could you conclude about this Viscaria blade when you learn that it's the number 1 choice for players like Zhang Jike and Alexander Shibaev? As it's used by one of the best table tennis players, you can only expect a supreme quality.
The Viscaria is made out of high-quality arylate carbon and 5 ply-layer wood, which give it a lightweight but sturdy feel. The blade alone weighs only 90g, so it's super easy to control it and gain impressive power.
As the Viscaria has pronounced sweet sport, it will allow you to control every movement further. A compact head design delivers quick looping returns and overall an outstanding balance of speed.
If you wish to generate spin in your playing style, the Butterfly Viscaria offers excellent dwell time. Because the blade achieves impressive spin, it's best for offensive players.
Overall, this offensive blade is an excellent choice if you are looking for flared handles, speed and control, and great power.
However, the only downside is that it's a little bit pricey, so you may want to check out our other options.
- Generates great spin
- Available in the flared handle and a straight one
- Great for backhand
- Fast
- Suitable for all playing styles
- Quite expensive
Although it was a close call, the runner-up pick is the trustworthy Butterfly Timo Boll table tennis blade. The famous table tennis blade carries the name of the professional table tennis player Timo Boll. So, let's check it out and see whether it stands up to its name.
The Butterfly Timo Boll ALC blade is quite different from our best pick.
Firstly, it's constructed out of an exciting blend of materials that bring out all the best features. The materials in question are arylate carbon, wood, Kiri, koto, and limba. The combination of them is merely outstanding to any table tennis player!
Moreover, the Butterfly Timo Boll ALC blade has one recognizable material that is crucial for outstanding performance. The arylate carbon blade has far softer pliers than the regular carbon, hence the increased dwell time.
All types of players can accommodate the overall style of play. However, the Timo Boll ALC blade's best use is designed for spin and players who want quick loop and flick movements.
What's even more remarkable about it is that this offensive blade is available in various types of handles so that you can choose the one best for your style of play.
The Timo Boll tennis blade is single in the flared handles, straight handles, and anatomic handle, which is a big plus!
- Softer plywood combo for great spin
- Suitable for offensive players
- Fast blade
- Amazing control
- Well-balanced speed and power
- Pricy
- Tricky to get used to
The Butterfly Petr Korbel table tennis blade is another super trendy pick that comes from a trustworthy company.
If you search for a high-quality wood blade, this one will deliver only the best performance and amaze you in some ways you cannot even imagine.
This Petr Korbel table tennis blade comes with all impressive features that will wow a table tennis player's level. If any player out there loves to play with a super-thin but sturdy handle, this one will not disappoint.
The Butterfly Petr Korbel tennis blade is among the top 10 All Wood Blades Best Sellers list if you are not familiar. If this does not speak volumes of quality, then I don't know what does.
Moreover, the wood blade contains a Limba blade which is super thin, but it has offered intermediate players a consistent and sturdy feel whenever they play. Also, it has a great range over the table.
The impressive tennis blade is made of 5-ply wood, which delivers fast speed, good control, and power. For great diversity, the paddle is available in different handle types. You can get this Petr Korbel table tennis blade either in the flared handle or a straight one.
Unlike other Butterfly blades, this one is quite affordable. Its price ranges just below $70, which is on the budget-friendly side if you want a quality blade.
- Budget-friendly
- Best for the offensive playing style
- All wood blade
- No vibrations
- High-speed
- A bit heavy
Our next pick is yet another Butterfly blade.
This one is the Innerforce ALC blade, and it delivers a topspin strategy to any play style. It's suitable for advanced players and those who are just starting as it enhances controlled throws.
The Butterfly Innerforce ALC blade incorporates carbon fiber blade technology. The wood combo that makes this blade offers a well-balanced table range and bounce.
The impressive blade construction consists of several layers such as Koto, ALC, AYOUS, and deeply buried carbon.
If you ever had the chance to play with the Butterfly Timo Boll Spirit or Timo Boll ALC, you would know that this is a perfect dupe. Although it has a high-price range, it's less popular than its predecessor but still functions like a pro pick.
Moreover, the table tennis blade's weight is merely 90 g, and it's super lightweight when you need good control. It resembles the Timo Boll Spirit by its stiffness and control.
However, this Innerforce Layer ALC tennis blade delivers medium speed, so if you are a big fan of a generous amount of speed, we will skip this one.
Nonetheless, it still has outstanding control among top-rated Butterfly table tennis blades. I might even dare say that it offers better control than the popular Timo Boll ALC, so you should pick wisely.
- A great dupe of Timo Boll Spirit or ALC
- Superb control
- Constructed out of carbon ply
- Lightweight
- It offers a fast return
- Medium-speed
Another ultra-popular pick is the Butterfly Zhang Jike Super ZLC table tennis blade. This tennis blade has proved to be a trustworthy source of power and control to many ping pong players over the years.
This Butterfly tennis blade is the first model in line with a Super ZL carbon blade that offers supreme performance. The popular blade comes with a large sweet spot and will allow you to only hit for the win!
As for the construction, the Zhang Jike Super ZLC is made out of layered carbon, which will help even advanced players introduce more speed and control in their game.
It's constructed out of five plies and two carbon plies while the overall weight is around 90g. The lightweight, fast blade will allow any beginner to practice like a true champion.
The Butterfly tennis table quality blade has just the right amount of vibration. It has a reaction of 12.3 and a vibration of 11.1, which leaves the ball with more control once it leaves the paddle.
We were genuinely impressed with the overall design of this Butterfly Zhang Jike Super ZLC blade. Since the price is high, it's good to know that the blade comes with a hard outer veneer that protects it against any damage or chipping.
Lastly, although the blade is phenomenal, the high price can be a bit of a turn-off. But, if you wish to invest in high-quality, you can't go wrong with this blade.
- Great control and speed
- Large sweet spot
- Five ply blade
- Carbon layering
- Expensive
We are taking a break from Butterfly blades, and it's time to review other exceptional table tennis blades. The Stiga Classic blade is everything a beginner player can wish for and more!
Stick around to find out what are the features that make it the best beginner-friendly blade.
This table tennis blade is one of the best-seller blades since it was first released in the market. To be honest, they don't call this one a classic blade for no reason.
It has all the basic features but follows an exciting and sturdy construction that helps first-time players to get a hold of the movement.
The Stiga Classic ping pong blade has a control of 78 and a speed of 63. That being said, this is not the fastest blade you will play with. That's one of the reasons beginner table tennis players should stick to it at first.
Since it does not offer fast, you can take your time with it and develop your playing style. With practice, you can upgrade this Stiga Classic slow blade with a fast rubber and have exceptional results.
As for the control, you will find it quite good due to the high dwell time. To sum it up, there is a reason why this Stiga blade is recommended to most beginners. It has good feedback, allowing you to develop your style of play and let you play offensive.
- Great for beginners
- High dwell time
- Great control
- Low speed
Another budget-friendly option comes from Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive table tennis blade.
The blade is not only affordable to many starting table tennis players, but it also performs phenomenally. The tennis blade also carries the title of the fastest tennis blade', so if you want a reliable high-speed companion, this is the one you should go for.
The Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive blade is not for players who want a blade light as a feather. The construction and the weight of the blade are reserved for experienced players who prefer solid power.
The blade is quite thick and hard and offers an outstanding result for offensive players. It may take you some time to get used to it, but you will see what's all the hype about once you do.
Moreover, the Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive blade is designed out of hard outer veneers that prevent any serious damage like breaking or chipping the blade. Also, the blade includes Scandinavian pine veneers that further enhance power, speed, and durability.
The 5-ply wood blade has a wide sweet spot, and it allows you to hit blocking shots all the way. You can also choose between three handle types: straight, flared, and anatomic.
The overall construction and design of the Yasaka blade have impressed many players. Its speed is derived from the lacquered surface, which is sleek-looking and produces more power.
- Budget-friendly
- Superfast
- 5-ply wood
- Different handle types
- Amazing for offensive play
- Quite heavy
The last pick of the article is the well-known Stiga Infinity VPS ping pong blade. This trendy blade is great if you want a reliable offensive ping pong blade with lots of power and speed at the same time.
Out of all the best table tennis blades we reviewed in the article, the Stiga Infinity VPS one has the most exciting construction. This is not your typical blade. The Stiga blade is introduced as a VPS system or the Veneer Precision System.
The name sure does sound fancy, but what's its function?
Well, the VPS design is composed out of two middle veneers that have been treated with the same heat and cool process. The innovative design will allow every player to hit solid throws and have an outstanding offensive style.
If this wasn't enough, the Stiga blade has one more trick up its sleeve. It also includes the Diamond Touch technology, which furthermore protects the blade from environmental impacts. If you wish your blade to stay brand new as long as possible, this feature will do the trick.
The Stiga blade's overall look has a smooth and sleek surface that lets players hit the far length of the table and achieve topspin shots.
The only downside we found in the Stiga blade was that it's available in only one handle style-a straight one. This may not be suitable for players who are used to flared or anatomic handle types.
- Great for offensive players
- Lightweight paddle
- Solid feel
- Only available in straight handle style
Features to Consider in Table Tennis Blades - Buyer's Guide
1. Types of Table Tennis Blades
As a beginner player, it can be challenging to pinpoint the exact blade you need for your play style.
So, let's discuss different types of blades.
a. Offensive Blade
The offensive blade is used by experienced players who prefer to get the blade's best power side. It's relatively light and super fast when you need it to be, so it's best for attacking style.
Also, offensive players should choose a blade with a 7-ply wood as they guarantee more speed boost.
b. Defensive Blades
These table tennis blades are reserved for players who have a defensive style.
These players should choose a blade with a flexible pile number that can slow the ball down. It's relatively heavier than the offensive blade due to its slower speed.
c. All-Around Blade
For intermediate players who need a blade that's not too fast and not too slow, the all-around blades are the right choice.
These offer the advantages of both offensive and defensive style and are perfect for beginners who are just figuring out their play style.
d. Handle Types
The type of handle is what you should focus on next if you are choosing between the best table tennis blades.
For beginners, I would suggest you try each of the handles and see what fits you best.
2. Materials
Most of the best table tennis blades are made out of pure wood. However, there are a few composite materials you should consider.
FAQs
What is a table tennis blade?
A table tennis blade is a wooden paddle on which you stick the rubber. It's usually made out of wood or several combos such as carbon, kevlar, nylon, or arylate.
The blade should be rigid and flat-surfaced, while its exterior should be made out of pure wood.
Which table tennis blade is the best?
The best table tennis blade is the Butterfly Viscaria Blade. This blade offers a fast performance to offensive players and generates a good amount of spin.
On top of that, it's super lightweight so that every beginner can get used to it pretty quickly.
What is the fastest table tennis blade?
The fastest table tennis blade is the YASAKA Ma Lin Table Tennis Blade.
The superfast blade features heavy-duty construction and is designed out of 5-ply wood with a large sweet spot.
The fast speed comes from the lacquered surface, which offers a sleek finish and produces topspin.
It's best to combine this blade with a fast rubber, and you have a winning combo!
Which table tennis rubber has the most spin?
A table tennis rubber with the most spin is the Butterfly Tenergy 05.
This rubber comes with Spring Sponge and high tension technology which results in a fast and controlled spin. It's best for offensive players as it reaches a far length of the table.
The absolute best combo is when you pair this rubber with the best table tennis blade for spins, such as the Zhang Jike Super ZLC Blade or the Butterfly Timo Boll Blade.
How to seal table tennis blade?
For sealing the blade, you can use either a sanding sealer or polyurethane. You want to make sure you are doing the process in a well-ventilated room and on a clean blade.
Use a fair amount of polyurethane and cover the entire surface. Don't worry about exaggeration, as you can always sand the extra material later on.
Watch the full process in the video HERE.
Final Words
Although choosing an appropriate blade can be demanding, especially if you are a beginner, I hope our list with the best table tennis blade has helped you a bit.
You will encounter many blades that will not assist you in a good way, so it's essential to choose one based on your style, preference, and budget.
Our best pick is the Butterfly Viscaria Blade which is suitable for many playing styles.
Although it's on the expensive side, it's worth investing in a high-quality component that will bring you many wins and cheers!
- High Quality Arylate Carbon Blade
- The Viscaria Blade has a pronounced sweet spot which results in more consistent power play, as well as control
- This blade is used by top players like World Champion Zhang Jike
- Same carbon fibers as the Butterfly Timo Boll ALC Blade
- The handle types come in FL and ST. Made in Japan