Ping Pong Equipment & Reviews

Reviews

Firstly, regarding the purchase itself: 1. Shop for LANDED cost to your door to make a proper comparison. For items this large, shipping and tax can be 25-33% of the cost. Any indoor table worth anything will be over $400.00 base price. First, I found the Stiga InstaPlay 399.99+119.99sh = ~$525.00 to my door. Then, Stiga 175 (slightly better model) ~$550.00, and finally the Stiga 275 for $599.99 free shipping/tax on amazon. **Definitely worth $75.00 more for two grades higher -- MUCH better product, thickness of the steel, wheels etc. Take note that the base price is $399.99 (Instaplay) vs $599.99 (Stiga 275), but LANDED cost difference only $75.00. 2. Guidelines I considered: (a) MUST be at least 3/4" thick tabletop (1" if you have the budget); (b) MUST be strong brand name, i.e. STIGA, Butterfly etc., to ensure that the tabletop surface is the best and that there is a brand name which is scrutinized by professionals, i.e. they have an image to uphold. (I saw Costco had a more epxensive model with 1" top and VERY solid construction, but the quality of the tabletop surface and construction (arguable most important) was terrible, AMF brand. (c) Know who is going to use the table. In this case, lots of kids and no storage closet, so I needed something better than average to withstand pounding. Again, when all was said and done, for $75.00 (roughly 10% premium) would be worthwhile even without the kids and pounding. 3. Warranty: I opted for Amazon DIRECT since my experiences have always been good, but I would mention that other companies who sell such product actually handle warranty issues (Paddle Palace) for you during the warranty period directly with the manufacturer which can make your life a lot easier, so that may be of value to you. Again, stick with a brand that cares what people say. But I will say that the Stiga InstaPlay looks very good and assembly is effortless. So if that is of prime importance or you are not in positon to assemble or get someone to help you, go for the Instaplay. Which brings be to the major gripe: The instructions were ATROCIOUS, and the diagrams convoluded. You MUST have at least two adults to set this up, but it wouldn't hurt to have three. The parts were of decent quality and the actual number of steps isn't so bad, if you know what you are doing. BUT... we had to redo a number of steps where we used the wrong bolts and the diagrams can be very misleading. I would have expected Stiga to put a little more time put into the manual for a purchase of this magnitude. For $600.00, the manual should have been clearer, IKEA could show them a thing or two on this score. All that being said, while with good instructions or practice, you can do this in an hour, (a) you should budget 2-3 hours. (b) you MUST complete it once you start or you will likely lose parts or scratch surfaces. Second gripe, Product Description describes solo play where you can set one side vertically and play against yourself, but there is a large gap between the two tables. honestly I didnt find it much of an issue for myself, but it was misleading as I thought there would be virtually no gap. TWO more important thoughts: 1. the locks will damage the surface if you do not learn how to manuever them properly. 2. if you intend to roll the table away, make sure you screw the tabletop to the HIGHEST hole in the stands. Since the parts are used for multiple models you will find extra screw holes that may not be used. Defintley a great buy at $600.00 shipped. I couldn't find anything close for the value, Cost for Quality.

When the initial shipment arrived, it was missing a whole mess of hardware. I called them on Monday, and the parts arrived on Friday. Not bad, but of course, I would've preferred everything to have arrived as it was supposed to. After the table was put together, it was flawless. It's a very nice table; it's very solid. However, you definitely need at least two adults to put it together. The dark blue table contrasts well with the bright orange balls.

It took several hours for us to assemble, because we are not experts. Otherwise, It is a great table and using for over a month now. I rated this only as 4, because there are some improvements to be made on user manuals. I mean more figures and may a DVD attached for assembly instruction. Just my humble opinion.

Reviews

Great table, good bounce, but I've had this for a few years now, and move it a lot, we don't have room to keep it up all the time. The table is a little wobbly now, and the two halves of the table don't quite match up any more, this is due to the plastic on the wheel that slots into the table is breaking. I did buy a couple of new wheels (probably should have bought all 4) and that helped, but its still not quite right. Its still great for home use, but is not quite a tournament worthy table any more.

This table is a great buy at a great price. I would definitely recommend this table to anyone who enjoys ping-pong inside or outside. This table is very sturdy and well made. The set-up takes around 3 hours but that doesn't matter in the slightest. I would suggest buying a sandpaper paddle because it works great.

The table is excellent. It was difficult to assemble, needed two people and needs power tools contrary to the simple tools painted on the instruction sheet. The surface also had a deep scratch despite the box in which it was delivered being in good condition.

Overall a good product. The assembly instructions however are not very good. I did have some blemishes on the table due to shipping, but nothing that warranted the hassle of returning it.

Reviews

We have been thinking about a ping pong table for about 6 months. We were vacillating between the pool table combination and then we focused on a fold up table. We want the kids exercising and not stuck on video all day. 1. We looked at stores near us and all the tables were "light" and not strong. They weren't weak, just not strong. 2. I wanted a most sturdy table, and one with a thick top, not 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch. 3. I wanted something with thick legs and with thick frames and large wheels. 4. I wanted to spend under 300.00- 400.00 but was not just that happy with the thinner, less strong tables. I compared this to say, having a fold out plastic table, or a wood fold out table. Remember those portable tables to use for guests and occasions? The ones now are all plastic and light, the old ones were freakishly heavy and very durable. This is how I campare the lighter Ping Pong Tables to this Stiga STS 410Q which I bought. 5. Easy to put together, but you need at least 2 adults and one mature younger kid! 6. If Ceva is the delivering carrier like they were with mine, be careful, they left this outside my house, as they delivered it a week early (nice, very cool), but I have a stucco house and a 350 lb carton leaning on the stucco created damage. 7. If they leave it outside, you will need help to bring it in your house, or if you have a "good" handtruck. 8. The table is sturdy, you can set it up in 30 minutes or less, It is easy to position and you can be playing quickly. 9. The table comes with no paddle or balls, so be sure to buy some from Amazon as well. 10. I feel that this is a high quality product, a most durable product. 11. Even though I spent twice as much that I wanted, I can assure you that over the life of owning this product, I am saving money. I still compare the other tables at the stores and am thoroughly convinced I made the best purchase! The one's at the store are all, less sturdy. Get it and enjoy it. I am!

This is the second time I've ordered this table for our residential community's Ping Pong Club. The second table received in October 2009 is a duplicate of the first one received on March 2009. This is truly a table worthy of being used in organized Table Tennis play and easily satisfactory for lesser demanding play. All of our play participants are happy with the one-inch thick table top, the ease of opening and closing, portability, and are happy that we have two great tables. The tables are well worth the cost. We ordered the first one based on the well-known name (Stiga) and the one-inch thickness. The thickness was a pre-requisite that we knew would give truer bounces of the ball. The portability was a delight and we are happy that the table has 4-inch casters.

We ordered this table using Amazon Prime, i.e. free shipping. We read reviews about people not being very happy with the trucking company (CEVA). They called us about a week after we placed the order on Amazon to let us know they had the table and to schedule the delivery. They offered us 3 dates within a week and we picked the following Saturday. They told us they would be there between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. They called the day before to reconfirm the delivery. On Saturday, we received a telephone call from the driver of the truck informing us they were running late but confirming they were coming. They delivered the table at aout 5 p.m. Weight of the package was about 350 lbs. We ended up bringing the box to our basement using our outside stairs and unpacking it inside. The table comes mostly assembled (95%). If you are unable to lift the package, you can open it outside and lift each half of the table with the frame already attached (estimated weight: 120 lbs) at a time. The wheel bases (2) are attached to the back of one of the halves and are easily removed. All you need to do (3 people needed) is to lift each half vertically and carefully insert them on the wheel supports. Then the table is ready to be set up and all you have to do is set up the net (included) and pop in the plastic protectors at the corners. That's it folks. It's a breeze. Forgot to mention that we had a snow storm on Friday afternoon and through the night and that it also snowed most of the day on Saturday. So all in all the delivery was great and the trucking company was very good at communicating with us (both the dispatcher and the driver himself). Table looks great. Very heavy and stable and very clean lines.

Reviews

Orange Joola 40mm table tennis balls are the best ball that Joola has to offer. They are quite light compared to other table tennis balls which makes them move through the air very quickly, and they are great for beginner and intermediate players. They are very responsive, which makes it an easier ball to play with. Despite their light weight, Joola 40mm balls are rather durable. While most table tennis balls don't have a very long life expectancy, these balls will last for months. Joola upholds their reputation for dependable table tennis balls by using high-grade celluloid. The table tennis balls are checked for performance and endurance at various points of production, which ensures quality performance. With the high quality of these table tennis balls in consideration, it is no surprise that they have been used for national and international competition. They were the official ball of the Europe Top 12 Tournaments in 2005 and 2007, and are currently the official ball of the North American Table Tennis Tour. With a great balance of speed and durability, Orange Joola 40mm table tennis balls are of very high quality compared to other table tennis balls. I would highly recommend these balls to beginners and table tennis connoisseurs alike and would give them a five star rating.

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of these balls. They are as good as most 3-star balls. They are quite fast through the air too. I would definitely recommend this to any beginner-intermediate skilled player.

Excellent product, very high quality. price is also good. Goran Jovcevski from Kumanovo, Macedonia EU

well, I expected these ping pon balls to be better in quality. One was cracked, and a coupe were somewhat misshapen. The others were good.

Reviews

Orange Joola 40mm table tennis balls are the best ball that Joola has to offer. They are quite light compared to other table tennis balls which makes them move through the air very quickly, and they are great for beginner and intermediate players. They are very responsive, which makes it an easier ball to play with. Despite their light weight, Joola 40mm balls are rather durable. While most table tennis balls don't have a very long life expectancy, these balls will last for months. Joola upholds their reputation for dependable table tennis balls by using high-grade celluloid. The table tennis balls are checked for performance and endurance at various points of production, which ensures quality performance. With the high quality of these table tennis balls in consideration, it is no surprise that they have been used for national and international competition. They were the official ball of the Europe Top 12 Tournaments in 2005 and 2007, and are currently the official ball of the North American Table Tennis Tour. With a great balance of speed and durability, Orange Joola 40mm table tennis balls are of very high quality compared to other table tennis balls. I would highly recommend these balls to beginners and table tennis connoisseurs alike and would give them a five star rating.

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of these balls. They are as good as most 3-star balls. They are quite fast through the air too. I would definitely recommend this to any beginner-intermediate skilled player.

Excellent product, very high quality. price is also good. Goran Jovcevski from Kumanovo, Macedonia EU

well, I expected these ping pon balls to be better in quality. One was cracked, and a coupe were somewhat misshapen. The others were good.