Best Ping Pong Balls 2024
Your Guide To Finding The Perfect Ping Pong Balls For Casual & Professional Players!
Table tennis is a wonderful and exciting indoor sport that keeps you on your feet and tests your speed and reflexes. Plus, it also makes for a fun activity that you can enjoy with your colleagues or friends whenever you are on a break. To play table tennis, you need three things: ping pong table, two-to-four paddles, and a ping pong ball.
There is no table tennis without a ping pong ball. With that being said,you can’t just go to the store and pick out the first one that catches your eye. Each table tennis ball is created with different specifications. Plus, you can’t just make do with one ball, you will likely need several balls in case you break or step on one.
Therefore, we have come up with a list of the best ping pong balls that are bound to make your table tennis game even better. Plus, we have also come up with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding ping pong balls. So what are we waiting for!? Let’s dive in!
☆ Best Ping Pong Balls ☆ (Quick View)
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Nittaku 3-Star Premium | CounterStrike Super Premium | Butterfly R40+ | Killerspin 4-Star | KEVENZ 60-Pack |
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Use Code: BetterTT for 10% OFF & FREE SHIPPING! |
WHAT IS A PING PONG BALL?
A ping pong ball or table tennis ball is a lightweight plastic ball with a hollow body, and it is struck by a ping pong paddle from one end of the table to another. Generally, players spend a lot of time choosing the paddles but don’t spend enough time choosing the right ping pong ball. The choice of a ping pong ball also depends on the type of play you need it for.
WHAT ARE PING PONG BALLS MADE FROM?
Originally, table tennis balls were made from cork material, but the manufacturers started using celluloid when table tennis became a popular and mainstream sport. This made the ping pong balls much more lightweight and easier to travel from one player to another. Moreover, the size of the ball was also changed from 38mm to 40mm in diameter.
Later on, the material used to manufacture ping pong balls was shifted from celluloid to plastic since celluloid was considered to be a flammable material and was thus unsafe for use. Moreover, plastic is much cheaper to produce so plastic balls eventually were endorsed by the International Table Tennis Federation.
Many of these balls are made from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, which is also known as ABS plastic. It is highly popular all over the world and used for a wide variety of applications. Nowadays, you can also find table tennis balls that are being made from plastic polystyrene material, which is also high-quality and durable. Therefore, these balls can be used for a prolonged period of time without deforming or cracking.
WHAT ARE THE REGULATIONS FOR ITTF APPROVED PING PONG BALLS?
Apart from setting the rules and format of the game, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has also determined certain regulations that govern how ping pong balls should be manufactured. There are five regulations that must be followed in order for the ball to receive ITTF approval. According to the ITTF handbook, here are the regulations that you need to know about:
PING PONG BALL SIZE
Earlier, the standard size for ping pong balls was 38mm, but this was later shifted to a diameter of 40mm, which was made official by the ITTF. Although 40mm tournament balls are found in the market, 38mm ping pong balls are also manufactured and for sale.
38mm table tennis balls are faster and have a higher level of spin than 40mm balls. Because of this the 40mm ball became the standard following the 2000 Sydney Olympics. The change was implemented because the ball was too fast to be played at a professional level. If you are using ping pong balls for casual play, you can choose either 38mm or 40mm balls.
PING PONG BALL WEIGHT
As per the ITTF regulations, the ping pong ball shouldn’t weigh any more or less than 2.7g, but manufacturers are given a leeway between 2.67g and 2.77g. So, if you are looking for a ping pong ball, make sure it falls within this range. The lighter the ping pong balls, the slower they will be. Moreover, they are also more prone to wobble.In comparison, ping pong balls that are on the heavier side will be much faster and stable when they are struck.
PING PONG BALL COLOR
As mentioned above, table tennis balls can only be orange or white. This is because these colors provide a wonderful contrast against different background colors, which makes them easier to spot. Generally, players tend to use orange balls in their training and switch to white ones during their tournaments. However, this is just a personal preference.
You may choose to use white or orange balls, but this has to be agreed upon between the two players. Also, the color of the players’ clothing should be different from the ball color. Otherwise, it may be hard for players to track the ball during play. When a table tennis tournament is televised, you are more likely to see the players using a white ball because it is easier to follow on TV screens.
Apart from these regulations, there are also several other physical properties that you can look out for. For instance, the ping pong ball shouldn’t veer and should have a consistent bounce, which ranges between 240-260mm when dropped from a height of 305mm.
Rigorously tested and International Table Tennis Federation Approved balls should have the ITTF approval stamp, as well as details about its size, color, etc… on the exterior of the ball.
WHAT TYPE OF PING PONG BALL SHOULD YOU BUY?
The type of ping pong ball you choose largely depends on the purpose for which you are going to need it, i.e., professional or casual play.
BALLS FOR CASUAL PLAY
When you are looking to play table tennis or ping pong with your friends in the basement or during lunch break in your workplace, you can make do with most ping pong balls since you are just playing for fun. Ideally, you should look for balls that have a 3-star rating but aren’t too expensive.
Since you are playing just for fun, the type of material used for the ball isn’t something you should be concerned about. Moreover, the thickness will also go unnoticed by most players, but it would affect the speed and spin that you experience from the ball. As mentioned in the previous section, 38mm balls are much faster and have a greater amount of spin than 40mm balls.
The color of the ball shouldn’t also matter, but you should consider the environment before you make a decision on which ping pong ball you should buy. One factor that you would be concerned about is the durability of the ping pong balls that you buy for casual play. For this purpose, you can check the star rating and hardness of the ball that you are considering buying.
BALLS FOR COMPETITIVE PLAY
First and foremost, you should only choose ITTF approved balls as they will fulfill all the standards that are set by the federation. In general, you need to choose balls that are made from ABS plastic, but celluloid would also do. However, make sure that the specific tournament doesn’t prohibit the use of celluloid balls before you buy them.
Secondly, the balls that you buy should be consistent in their thickness, hardness, veer, bounce, and other factors. The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) assures that all balls that they have tested are consistent. It goes without saying that you will want to choose 40mm balls since they are the tournament standard.
As long as the ping pong balls are orange or white in color, you will have absolutely no trouble playing during training or for the tournament. Generally, the tournament guidelines prevent you from wearing any color of clothing that clashes with the color of the balls.
Last but not least, the ballshave to be durable enough to withstand several hours of playing or training as well as reasonably priced. If you get a top-quality ping pong ball that helps you perfect your game but is slightly more expensive than lesser quality brands, it is likely worth the extra money.
There may also be situations where professional players engage in casual play with their friends, and you may be one of them. For this purpose, you can choose to use your professional-level ping pong balls to play in a casual setting.
☆ Best Ping Pong Balls ☆ (Full Reviews)
Now that you have a much clearer idea of what ping pong balls are and how you can choose the best one, it is time to have a look at the best options. We have rounded up the best ping pong balls of 2022 so that you can choose from among them.We built this list in hopes to eliminate the need for you to explore hundreds of different options and waste hours of your valuable time. So, without further ado, let’s dive right into them.
1. ⭐ BEST OVERALL ⭐ | NITTAKU 3-Star Premium 40+ Table Tennis Balls (3 Pack)
Our first pick is the NITTAKU 3-Star Premium 40+ Table Tennis Balls, which come in a 3-pack. Encased in a red and black box, these ping pong balls are white in color and have a 40mm thickness, thus making them suitable for tournament play. Upon closer inspection, you would notice the stamp on them, which indicates their 3-star rating, as well as the 40+ mark. The stamp on these table tennis balls also indicates that they are ITTF approved, so you can be assured that they fulfill all of the standards and requirements that the ITTF has set for tournament-level ping pong balls. Nittaku is considered to be one of the most popular and reliable companies when it comes to ping pong balls, and they are the favorite of table tennis players all over the world.
Since they are made in Japan, you won’t have any reservations about the quality or durability of these balls. Moreover, they have a consistent roundness and bounce, which is a testament to the high standards of quality that are maintained by Nittaku.
In a nutshell, the Nittaku ping pong balls are a must-have for any table tennis player, whether they use them for casual or competitive play. However, you might find them significantly more expensive than other options out there. That being said, they provide you with a superb playing experience that is worth every penny. So, if you are looking to up your game and polish your skills, you can put your trust in this product.
2. ⭐ BEST VALUE ⭐ | CounterStrike Super Premium 40+ Table Tennis Balls (6 Pack)
Another fantastic option is are the CounterStrike Super Premium 40+ Table Tennis Balls, which are available in a 6-pack. These balls have a 40+ mark, which means that they fulfill the ITTF requirements for 40mm thickness. Moreover, they have an ITTF approved stamp on their surface, as well as a 3-star rating. This makes them one of the best tournament-quality ping pong balls that you can find out there.
These table tennis balls are made from high-quality ABS plastic, which makes them highly durable and also helps you achieve the perfect combination of speed, bounce, and spin that you need to get the most out of your table tennis skills.
Unless you are playing in a completely white environment with bright white lighting, you will have no trouble using them against your opponents in tournaments. This also makes the ping pong balls suitable for casual and tournament play, as well as training. Most players tend to use less durable balls during training, but if you use the Super Premium balls, you will notice an improvement in your playing experience. This includes more spin on your shots, more consistency with your strikes, and much more durability.
These ping pong balls maintain all of the ITTF regulations that need to be taken care of, including the weight rating between 2.71g and 2.77g. Since these balls are on the heavier side, they have a much more stable trajectory and faster speed as compared to lighter ping pong balls.
The Super Premium table tennis balls are extensively tested and measured for tournament regulations and standards before they are packaged, so you will have a wonderful playing experience with them.
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3. Butterfly R40+ Table Tennis Balls (3 Pack)
Our next pick is the Butterfly R40+ Table Tennis Balls, which come from one of the most reputed and reliable brands for table tennis equipment. These balls are available in a 3-pack or 12-pack, so you will have a sufficient amount of balls to train and play with. They are made from high-quality and durable ABS plastic, and they undergo an extensive testing process to ensure that each ball is perfectly round and has a uniform thickness. Moreover, strict quality control is implemented so that every ball has a stable performance with high speed and spin.
On these table tennis balls, you can find the ITTF approved stamp, as well as a 3-star rating regarding their quality and tournament compatibility. They have a 40mm thickness, and their weight also falls within the regulated weight range for tournament standard balls. Even practicing and training with them will greatly enhance your game and prepare you for any tournament.
Upon first glance, you might think that they are made from celluloid due to their glossy appearance. However, they are made from ABS plastic, so they can withstand extensive play. Whether you are looking for the perfect ping pong ball to complement your gameplay or you need a ball that helps you get more comfortable with ping pong as a beginner, the Butterfly R40+ Table Tennis Balls are just right for you. All that being said, you might find them to be a tad expensive, but they certainly provide their money’s worth.
4. Killerspin 4-Star Ping Pong Balls (3 Pack)
If you are looking for a casual play ping pong ball, then the ITTF approval won’t mean much to you. Therefore, you can make use of the Killerspin 4-Star Ping Pong Balls, which are made from a high-quality seamless ABS plastic and follow the exact weight and diameter regulations mandated by the ITTF, regardless of the lack of approval. Therefore, they make the perfect companion for you to train and play with your friends.
The Killerspin 4-Star Ping Pong Balls have highly durable and solid construction, thus providing the perfect hardness and bounce that you need to practice and perform different types of shots, serves, and smashes. Moreover, they have uniform roundness all over their bodies, so you can also use them to practice your topspin, sidespin, underspin, and other kinds of spins with more precision and convenience. Moreover, even if you use them to practice smashing and hard-hitting shots, you won’t have to worry about them cracking, all thanks to their seamless appearance and durability.
One pack of these ping pong balls contains three of them, which are sufficient for your training needs, and also provide you with spare balls. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about running out on table tennis balls in the middle of your training because these ones last for quite a long time. Overall, these balls are designed to provide the impeccable speed, spin, and performance that you need to win over your opponents and dominate any competition you play in.
Last but not least, these balls have a glossy white appearance, thus making them easier to spot and track during the game, even when they are hit hard and fast. This allows you to train your eyes to observe the ball closely, and it also results in sharper reflexes for you. These ping pong balls have a 4-star rating, so you can always use them for a superior training experience. However, you must know that they can’t be used in official tournaments because of the lack of ITTF approval.
5. ⭐ BEST TRAINING BALL ⭐ | KEVENZ 3 Star Ping Pong Balls (60 Pack)
These ping pong balls are made from high-quality ABS plastic, which has seamless construction and is highly durable. Therefore, it can withstand the hardest of shots and serves without cracking or forming a dent. All that being said, these balls aren’t ITTF-approved, so they will not be tournament legal.
These table tennis balls have a bright orange appearance, which makes them easier to spot against a wide range of backgrounds and colors. Even if you are training or playing in a multi-colored environment, you will still be able to focus on these balls during play. Moreover, they pass the bounce test, which involves dropping the balls from a height of 305mm. They also achieve a bounce of 240-260mm after the first rebound.
Last but not least, the KEVENZ 60-Pack 3 Star Ping Pong Balls also provide good value for money, and they are some of the best training balls you can find.
6. JOOLA Flash Poly 40+ Table Tennis Balls (72 Pack)
Coming back to white ping pong balls, we have the JOOLA Flash Poly 40+ 3-Star Table Tennis Balls, which come in a huge pack of 72 balls and are considered to be the best training balls in the market. They are specially designed for kids and beginners to train and learn skills required to play table tennis, but they can easily be used by adults for casual play and training as well. Joola has been in the manufacturing business of table tennis equipment since the 1950s, and it has also sponsored major tournaments, including the Olympics, the US Open, etc.
These ping pong balls are ITTF-approved, which can also be ascertained by the approval stamp on them. The stamp also includes the 40+ mark, which indicates that the balls follow the 40mm ITTF regulations. This means that these balls can be used for tournament play as well. Moreover, the balls also fulfill the weight regulations of 2.7g by the ITTF, thus providing consistent bounce, speed, and spin. These balls have a 3-star rating, which means that you can conveniently use them to enhance your game.
The table tennis balls have a glossy white finish, which makes them easy to spot, whether you are playing with friends or in the finals of a table tennis tournament. No matter what the purpose, you will be able to enjoy your performance and also polish your skills. They are made from a premium quality plastic polystyrene material, along with a seamless exterior. This makes them withstand the hardest of shots and serves.
If you are a hard hitter and burn through several ping pong balls within your training session, then the Joola Flash Poly 40+ 3-Star Professional Table Tennis Balls 72 Pack is the best option for you. When you start training them, you will be able to deliver unmatched performance in no time at all.
7. MAPOL 100 Pack 3-Star Table Tennis Balls
Another set of training ping pong balls that you would love are the MAPOL 100 Pack 3-Star Table Tennis Balls, which offer you a huge set of 100 table tennis balls. They are advanced-level training balls specially designed for adults and professional level players. Since they are marketed as training balls, it is important to mention that these aren’t approved by the International Table Tennis Federation. With that being said, they are still a very solid option when one is in need of training balls.
For instance, these ping pong balls maintain a diameter between 40mm and 40.1mm and have a weight ranging between 2.7g and 2.85g. Although this means that they are slightly heavier than the tournament standard balls, they will still be a good choice for training purposes as you will still be able to work on your shots and serves significantly.
Most table tennis players purchase these balls to use with their table tennis robots. Since they are cheap and durable, they are usually a great fit. Their seamless construction and uniform thickness also result in more stable performance, high bounce, and a great amount of spin that makes various types of shots easier.
Therefore, if you are looking to go the extra mile in your training sessions, you would greatly benefit from the MAPOL 100 Pack 3-Star Table Tennis Balls. Not only are they designed to give you the real feel of competition play during training, but you can also make use of them for casual play.
8. Pro-Spin Ping Pong Balls
The balls have a glossy appearance, which makes them easier to spot and locate on the table. Unless you or your opponent are wearing white or orange, you will have no difficulty in delivering your best shots and getting a leg up on your competition. On the balls, you can also find the stamp of the brand, which shows that they have a 3-star rating. Although they aren’t ITTF-approved, these ping pong balls are the perfect way to complement your training.
These table tennis balls are made from high-quality polystyrene material, thus making them able to withstand hard shots, smashes, and tricky serves easily. They are manufactured to have a nice bounce, uniform roundness, and a wonderful spin as well. They are made on a diameter of 40mm, and their weight lies close to 2.7g, which are the mandated ITTF regulations.
Last but not least, these ping pong balls are available in a large pack, so you won’t run out of balls any time soon. Plus, they also provide good value for money, and you can keep them in stock if you train fairly consistently.
Conclusion
This concludes our guide on the best ping pong balls that you can buy. Many table tennis players are skeptical about buying equipment online, mainly because they have to examine every single detail of the balls before they feel comfortable with their final decision. Luckily, that’s where we come in to help you on your purchase journey!
If you ask us to pick a winner, we will we have a really competitive toss up between the NITTAKU 3-Star Premium 40+ Table Tennis Balls and the CounterStrike Super Premium 40+ Table Tennis Balls. They both use the highest standards in their manufacturing process and are very durable. If you are looking for something with high quality but at the best price point, we would point you to the CounterStrike balls. Apart from these, there are several other wonderful options on the list, and you can choose them as per your requirements.
FAQ
What Is The Best Overall Ping Pong Ball?
Our first pick is the NITTAKU 3-Star Premium 40+ Table Tennis Balls, which come in a 3-pack. Encased in a red and black box, these ping pong balls are white in color and have a 40mm thickness, thus making them suitable for tournament play.
Which Ping Pong Ball Has The Best Value?
Another fantastic option is are the CounterStrike Super Premium 40+ Table Tennis Balls, which are available in a 6-pack. These balls have a 40+ mark, which means that they fulfill the ITTF requirements for 40mm thickness. Moreover, they have an ITTF approved stamp on their surface, as well as a 3-star rating. This makes them one of the best tournament-quality ping pong balls that you can find out there.
What Is The Next Best Ping Pong Ball?
3. Butterfly R40+ Table Tennis Balls (3 Pack)
Our next pick is the Butterfly R40+ Table Tennis Balls, which come from one of the most reputed and reliable brands for table tennis equipment. These balls are available in a 3-pack or 12-pack, so you will have a sufficient amount of balls to train and play with. They are made from high-quality and durable ABS plastic, and they undergo an extensive testing process to ensure that each ball is perfectly round and has a uniform thickness. Moreover, strict quality control is implemented so that every ball has a stable performance with high speed and spin.
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