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Last updated: February 02, 2024
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Are you on a limited budget? If you are, you will be relieved to know that you can still enjoy a game of ping pong without having to spend a lot of money on paddles. This post focuses on the best ping pong paddle under $50.
Later in this article, we consider some of the most important factors that you must consider. Some of these factors include the spin, the speed, the material of the paddle, your playing style, and more. We considered all these features, including the price, when listing our top picks. Read on to find out our picks.
"The impressive durability allows this paddle to survive harsh conditions. It is a serious paddle for anyone that wants to get serious about playing ping pong."
The first model on our list is the Stiga Evolution Racket. This is a very affordable model that comes with excellent features that all will find handy, whether experienced or intermediate. The paddle features, among other things, a Shock Dispersion Tube technology. The advantage of this technology is that it reduces the impact of shockwaves caused by vibration. As it comes from one of the leading brands in the world of ping pong, you can rest assured of quality. Furthermore, this paddle is very lightweight and will be great for players that enjoy playing close to the net.
This racket is one that is recommended for more experienced or intermediate players. If you want a lightweight paddle that offers your greater speed and power, then this is right for your needs.
What makes it special?
There are several things we liked about this product. For example, the top end feels heftier than the handle, which should be perfect for experienced players. Also, the paddles rubbers are of high quality, which works to increase the speed of the ball compared to other paddles.
What cons did we find?
Although this is an excellent overall option, a downside is that the heftier top poses a challenge when moving the paddle. Also, beginners might find it hard to handle the extra power that the paddle gives.
The Joola brand is one of the best brands in the ping pong market. The brand has been in the business for more than sixty years, and during that period, has sponsored some of the biggest tournaments in the world. The JOOLA Attack is one of the best products from the brand at this price. It is very comfortable, with many users praising its smooth, inverted surface, flared grip design, and other features that combine to boost your overall performance. It comes with PVC edge tape that protects the paddle’s sides and will give you a professional feel. The rubber and wood composite material combines to give you a paddle that you will largely enjoy playing.
This is best for professionals and intermediate players. However, it is also excellent for anyone that plays just for fun. We recommend it for anyone that is looking for a paddle to use in advanced training.
What makes it special?
The JOOLA Attack features the company's own rubbers, which boost the speed and spin of the ball. It is made of good material, with a combination of rubber and wood composite working to reduce any vibrations.
What cons did we find?
There isn’t a lot to complain about here. However, one problem that some users have complained about is the weight of the unit. Also, some have complained that it doesn't have a large sweet spot to invoke strong attacks.
Franklin Sports Table Tennis Paddle comes from the Franklin Sports brand, a family-owned brand that has a tradition and reputation as an excellent sports brand. This particular option features a pair of paddles and a trio of balls, which means that you can always play with other people. Although the paddles don’t lay claim to being the best products on the market, you will be very hard-pressed to find a paddle that offers this much value for the price. The paddle comes with a three-ply wood core and has a rubber surface, which means they aren’t the most durable models that you can buy.
If you are looking for an exciting game for your game room, then ping pong can feel that void. These paddles were made with the casual player in mind. They are recommended for everyone in the family and will be a great fit, even for kids.
Why did it make our list?
While these aren’t the most durable options on the market, they come at a great price and offer good value for the price. They are simple and don’t have any fancy features. Therefore, they are easy to use and will do their job well. These are great for anyone just learning ping pong. Another reason we liked these is that the blade doesn’t vibrate a lot.
What is not ideal about it?
These are certainly not professional paddles. At best, they are great for a high-pressure friendly game. If you are looking to use them often every week, then you might run into issues because they are not very durable options.
This product is our next pick and comes with several lovely features that make it rise above the majority of options on the market. It was made to be very versatile and will serve experts and beginners alike. It offers up a balanced combination of speed, control, and spin. The balanced approach from this model will be great for most users. Unsurprisingly, it is approved by professional bodies to be used in tournaments.
This product is recommended for all. The offensive blade makes it a great choice for all, whether beginner, intermediate or expert player.
Why are we impressed?
This model serves up a near-perfect balance for anyone that loves playing ping pong. We love that it is an offensive paddle that has medium speed and will be great for most types of players regardless of their playing level. Due to its force, it has better efficiency than several paddles in this price range. If you are an expert player, it is expected that you will enjoy using this paddle.
What negatives must you be aware of?
Although this is approved for serious play, we found that the build quality isn't as good as we would have liked. While it is great for different levels of players, when played daily, it wears out rather easily. The model that we tested wore out in less than six months due to our rigorous playing.
It is vital to choose the correct paddle when you want to boost your gameplay. Well, the Killerspin Impact D1 comes as one of the best options on the market available at a low price. The Killerspin Impact D1 comes with a rubber build that is approved by the ITTF. The rubber is also tacky, and this is important if you want something that offers excellent spin.
If you want a paddle that is going to help you improve your game and offer you a greater level of control, then the Killerspin Impact D1 is recommended for you.
What stands out?
We liked the plywood and rubber combination here. This combo is made to give you more control over the ball. Furthermore, the design of the handle is very comfortable and easy to grip even for extended periods. This design results in a paddle that excellently backfires. It not only gives some pretty outstanding performance, but the design is sleek and attractive.
What cons did we manage to find?
If you are looking to enjoy a relatively quiet game of ping pong, then you might have to look elsewhere. This model makes a hollow sound when the ping pong ball hits the paddle. In addition, the rubber isn’t particularly durable. Therefore, it comes off after some months of regular use.
The Gambler IM7 comes as a ping pong paddle geared toward professional playing. It is made from some of the best materials available at this price. You get five plywood and soft-layered carbon. This unique combination is one of the reasons why this product is superior to other options on the market. Due to the design, you get better stabilization. If you are a player that enjoys showing off or is a flamboyant player, then the blade here is just right for you.
Whether you are a beginner or intermediate player, the Gambler IM7 is just right for you. It comes with a lightweight form that eases handling and playing.
What makes it stand out?
The rubber on the Gambler IM7 is relatively tacky, and it is just good enough to give needed aggression to your gameplay. Another thing that we liked about this product is that it is ITTF approved. You get plenty of control, quality, defense, and other qualities at an affordable price.
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
The speed here could be better. It doesn’t generate plenty of speed, which is attributed to the tackiness of the rubber. You have to put more power behind each serve. Another issue that we had with this unit is the relatively large handle that can make extended playing time uncomfortable.
Playing ping pong can be a lot of fun, but if you are playing outdoors, you will require the right equipment that will last. Apart from getting an outdoor ping pong table, you also need to get the right paddles. Most of the paddles meant for indoors will not last outdoors due to the elements that they will be exposed to. There are some paddles, though, that are specifically made for the outdoors. The best option under 50 is the Killerspin Canvas. This unit is made to survive several conditions and will withstand the elements.
This paddle is recommended for anyone that wants a paddle to use outdoors. It is built to last and will serve you properly for a long time.
What makes it stand out?
We really like this model because of the impressive durability that allows it to survive harsh conditions. However, that is not all. At first glance, it is clear that this is a serious paddle for anyone that wants to get serious about playing ping pong. Killerspin is renowned for the high quality of its products, and this is certainly no exception. It meets the standard for serious tournament play as well.
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
This model offers several advantages, but there are some downsides. One of the biggest issues that we discovered lies in the handle. The handle is flared and is great for most users. However, there are several users that have complained about a lack of consistency in the build and quality of the handles.
The Butterfly RDJ2 is a shakehand style paddle that is suitable for intermediate or beginner players. It is built to last. One feature that stands out here is the thick sponge. It has one of the thickest sponges on a paddle, and this thickness is responsible for its better power. Additionally, the rubber is sticky, and this improves the spin of the ball.
The model boasts of a wood blade that imparts plenty of power when you hit the ball. It isn’t too powerful for a beginner and strikes a sweet balance between power and spin. As it comes from a popular brand, it is no surprise that the paddle is ITTF approved. The Butterfly paddle is recommended for offensive players due to the thick sponge that boosts the power and spin.
What makes it special?
We love the Yuki rubbers that are responsible for the excellent grip when the ball is struck. The rubbers are designed with pimples which means you get an equal amount of power, spin, and other features from both sides of the paddle.
What cons did we find?
This is not particularly great if you are a defensive player. Also, it is not straightforward to learn. If you are a beginner, then you might have a hard time using this paddle. We also observed that the model comes with a relatively short handle. If you have large hands, then you might have a tricky time using the paddle.
Things to Consider
In the section above, we considered eight of the best ping pong paddles you can buy for less than fifty dollars. In this section, we reveal some of the most important factors to keep in mind when choosing a ping pong paddle. This will come in handy if you decide to choose your own paddle independent of the models that we have provided.
What to expect from ping pong paddles under $50?
Ping pong paddles under $50 are affordable options, but that does not mean that they don’t offer good performance. While they might not have the same aesthetic appeal as some more expensive models, they offer plenty of benefits in terms of spin and control.
Features to Look for in a Ping Pong Paddle Under $50
Before you make your buying decision, there are certain features that you need to keep in mind. Taking note of these features will assist you in choosing the best ping pong paddle.
Purpose
According to experts, the most important factor or feature to consider when choosing a paddle is knowing the type of player that you are. Some categories that are included here include your level of playing and how you play.
If you are a beginner, intermediate, or expert player, you will need the right paddle for your needs. You also need to determine whether you are an offensive or defensive player. Knowing your playstyle will make it so much easier for you to make the right choice.
Your level of experience will determine the best paddle that will serve you. When choosing a paddle, you definitely look for something that will help you to improve your gameplay.
If you are a starter, you need a paddle that allows you to strike the ball on the table well. You are just learning, so speed and spin are not too important to you. One of the best paddles for beginners is the Xiom MUV 4.5P.
As an advanced or intermediate player, you will likely focus on skills, speed, and spin. Therefore, you need a paddle that caters to these requirements. The STIGA Evolution Racket is perfect for his purpose.
Grip
Your grip is one of the most important features to consider. Finding the best grip for you is important because the chances are that you will use that grip for all your days as a ping pong player. When choosing based on grip, the paddle handle comes as an important factor.
You need to look for a paddle that has a handle that fits your grip.
One example of grip is the Shakehand. If this is the grip that you prefer, then you must consider getting a paddle that accommodates the grip. The Butterfly RDJ2, for example, comes with a design that accentuates this grip.
If the Shakehand grip is your favorite type of grip, then you should look to buy paddles that come with a flared handle. Our picks above feature this type of handle. A good example is the JOOLA Attack with its flared handle.
Material
The material of the paddle, especially the blade, is another important consideration. The composition might include carbon or nylon, depending on the model. When choosing based on material and blade, there are some things that you must consider.
The first thing to keep in mind is the number of layers.
The best paddles have at least five – plywood structures. With this type of structure, the paddle hits the ball better. An example of a paddle with this structure is the Killerspin Impact D1 SmartGrip. Other models, like the STIGA Evolution Racket, have an even higher wood ply number.
Speed
If you are a player that relies on speed, then you would be better served by a paddle that offers fast play. Aggressive players rely on spin and control in a paddle because this will help to guide the shots.
If you rely on speed, then you should consider getting a heavier paddle. The heavier the paddle, the less effort that will be needed to increase the speed of your strike.
The Butterfly RDJ2 is one of the heavier models on our list; hence, it is perfect for any player that wants more speed in their play.
Spin
The spin of the paddle depends majorly on the quality of the rubber. It also depends on the weight of the paddle. If the rubber on the paddle is soft and tacky, then you should expect more spin on the ball.
Speed is important for all players, but especially for attacking players. However, spin is more important than speed.
Offensive players and defensive players both require spin on the ping pong ball, and Spin is important to offensive players because it allows them to deliver faster loops, while defensive players need spin because it comes in very handy when chopping the ping pong ball.
Rubber
Another vital feature that you must keep an eye on when choosing a paddle is the rubber. This refers to the material on the top layer of the paddle. It is usually made of a pair of layers. There are different types of rubbers, and each one comes with advantages and drawbacks.
Inverted rubbers are rubbers that have pimples on the sheet and face towards the sponge of the rubber. Therefore, the surface that strikes the ball is usually smooth.
On the other hand, pimpled rubbers have relatively rough surfaces. They are tacky and slow down the ball upon impact. This makes them excellent for defensive players. Pimpled rubber paddles offer a greater level of control and a better ability to spin. The Butterfly RDJ2 comes with a pimpled rubber surface.
Control
Control is the combination of spin and speed. If your paddle is built for spin or speed, you will not have a good level of control. When choosing your paddle, you need to consider the consistency and accuracy of your shots.
If you are a starter, you should opt for a paddle that offers you more control over your shots. Advanced or intermediate players will have more joy using paddles that offer greater power.
You should keep in mind, though, that the paddle is just one aspect of your gameplay. The more you play with the paddle, the more you adapt to using it. Therefore, paddles that might seem difficult to control at first can eventually be mastered.
Maintaining your ping pong paddle involves caring for it frequently. One way to do so is by cleaning it after use. To clean the paddle correctly, use warm or lukewarm water to clean the paddle. Use a dampened clean cloth to gently wipe on the surface of the paddle. After cleaning, ensure that it completely air-dries before you store it. You should also store the paddle in a cover to reduce the dust that might accumulate and affect its performance.
If you can afford it, then a professional paddle will offer you better gameplay than the typical ping pong paddle. Professional paddles are designed to give you good control of the ball. If you are a beginner, it is best to look for a paddle that has a high control rating. After using this paddle and mastering control, you can then move on to buy paddles that offer a higher level of speed and spin.
The frequency at which you change your ping pong paddle depends on the regularity of your play and the type of paddle that you buy. If you are a casual player, you might change the paddles once every year. However, if you are a frequent player, you might need to change them within months. For most paddles, you don’t need to change the entire product, but you can change the rubbers on them. Change the rubbers as soon as you notice damage or worsened performance.
Wrapping It Up
Each of the ping pong paddles that we have reviewed in this post lays a claim to being the best ping pong paddle under $50. The 9.9 rated STIGA Evolution Racket is our number one pick out of the options. While affordable, it comes as a lightweight, easy-to-use paddle that will serve experts and beginners alike. The JOOLA Attack is rated at. 9.8, and while it comes at a higher price than some of the others in this category, its features justify its price. The 9.7 rated Franklin Sports Table Tennis Paddle offers the best value for money. You not only get paddles, but it also comes with ping pong balls. Choose any of these models we have reviewed and have fun dominating those you play against.
Features to Look for in a Ping Pong Paddle Under $50
