Countertop thickness
The thickness of the countertop — the surface of the tennis table.
The thicker the countertop — the more high-quality and professional the table is considered to be, the better rebound it provides, the less prone to deformation and, accordingly, the more expensive it is. However, note that only countertops made of the same material can be compared in thickness (see above). So, countertops made of chipboard up to 18 mm thick are usually classified as amateur, from 18 to 22 mm — as semi-professional, and from 25 mm — as professional. In turn, for the most advanced melamine models, the thickness of the working surface does not exceed 10 mm.
Base profile
The size of the main parts of the table base in a section, in other words, the thickness of these parts. A larger profile, on the one hand, has a positive effect on strength and massiveness (see "Weight"), on the other hand, it affects the cost. Manufacturers select this parameter in such a way that the base can at least normally withstand the weight of the countertop; and since advanced models are equipped with thick and, accordingly, heavy countertops, their base must also be strong. This means that a large profile is often (though not always) a sign of a high-quality table.
Edging height
The size of the edging (usually metal) attached to the edge of the table is the size in height, taking into account that the table is unfolded.
The edging provides protection to the tabletop, protecting its edges from chips and cracks when in contact with surrounding objects (for example, when transporting through a narrow doorway). In general, the size of the edging is a purely reference parameter — usually, it significantly exceeds the thickness of the countertop, which is quite enough to perform the main function.
Design
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Anti-reflective coating. A special coating that reduces the ability of the tabletop to reflect light and, accordingly, reduces the amount of glare that hits the eyes and creates discomfort when playing. This feature will be useful both for all-weather tables and for indoor use (see "Type") — both natural and artificial lighting can cause glare.
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Net. To play table tennis by all rules, the net is mandatory. Thus, it is included in the delivery of most modern tennis tables. The advantage of a complete net over a separately purchased one is that it optimally fits a given table in terms of size and method of attachment.
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Adjustment of net tension. A system that allows you to change the degree of net tension. Typically, such adjustment is carried out by changing the inclination of the supports between which the net is stretched: when tilted outward, the distance between the supports increases and the tension increases while tilting inward, and vice versa. This feature is convenient because the nets can wear out and sag as they wear; by tightening such a net, you can restore its normal position. Of course, the net will have to be changed sooner or later anyway, however, adjusting the tension allows you to use it longer without replacement.
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Full folding. The ability to fold the table completely — usually, by
...raising both halves to a vertical position. This feature will be very useful for storage and transportation.
— One-sided folding. The ability to fold one half of the table, lift it to a vertical position, and leave the other half open. Such an opportunity is useful primarily for single training: the raised half of the table can act as a “rival”, from which the ball thrown over the net bounces.
— Height adjustment. The ability to change the height of the tabletop. It makes sense to look for a model with this function if children will play at the table — the standard height of 76 cm, prescribed in the official table tennis rules, may be too large for them.
— Transport rollers. Small wheels are designed to move the table from place to place. The weight of modern tennis tables can exceed 100 kg, and it would be difficult to carry such a structure on weight even by a group of people; even a person who is not distinguished by great strength can easily roll a table.
— The holder of balls and rackets. A device for storing balls and rackets, installed directly on the table. Provides additional convenience — players do not have to look for places for inventory that is not currently used. In addition, the design of the holder is optimized for balls and rackets and minimizes the risk of damage to them.
— Bump compensator. A system designed to keep the table stable on a surface with small irregularities, such as a wooden floor or lawn. The principle of operation of such a system is that each leg can be individually adjusted in height within a few centimetres. This allows you to set the height of the legs in such a way that they all make secure contact with the support. Using the built-in compensator is easier and more convenient than looking for impromptu stands for individual legs.ITTF certificate
The tennis table is
certified by the ITTF — International Table Tennis Federation. This certificate means that the table meets the ITTF requirements and can be used in official competitions held according to the rules of this organization (including international ones). At the same time, we note that this feature does not depend on the level of the product: both high-end models and simpler mid-level tables can be certified.
Weight
The weight of a tennis table is, to some extent, an indication of its overall class. A more advanced model, usually, also weighs more: it has a thicker tabletop, and a more solid base, such a table is more stable and harder to move. Among models for indoors (see "Type"), weight up to 70 kg is typical for amateur tables, from 70 to 110 — for semi-professional, and above 110 — for professional. The weight of all-weather tables can vary from 40 to 100
