Heya, all! It's wonderful to see how active the table tennis community here is! As the name of the topic suggests I am in dire need of advice but first I'll explain my situation. So I have been playing table tennis for a year now (am 27 y.o.), however, it has always been more or less recreational, however, this being due to the fact that where I live the table tennis scene is not so active. Now, whenever I had the chance to play there have always been rackets around or you could rent one, which I usually did. tennis racket for women So last week I was invited to join a group of enthusiasts who play once-twice a week (which is a lot given how much I've been playing), they train and sometimes participate in local tournaments. Now in the normal standard, you could consider me a beginner, my main source of knowledge being Youtube tutorials and various articles. However, I really need to buy a racket as I am joining the mentioned group of players! My goal here is to learn and get way better than I am at the moment. My play-style: I used to playpen hold but have shifted to shaking hands as it is more natural and comfortable to me. I love to drag out games and counter-attacks when the opportunity arises. I do blocking, a top-spin serve, and starting to learn looping with FH. (my knowledge here is very limited so no hate) I have been browsing various forums, blogs, and websites on how to choose your first racket but the amount of choices and information is quite overwhelming. What I'd like from a racket and what have I picked out from the array of equipment available from where I'm from (notice: the budget is an issue 50-60 Euros). 1. I would like to have a forgiving racket that would help me to learn but when the time comes for a serious match would be suitable. From what I gather I would need an ALL/ALL+ racket, am I correct? 2. These are the choices for rackets available where I live (picked on my limited knowledge on what I need): a) YASAKA Classic (they make the racket themselves): YASAKA Classic Sweden + Yasaka Original Extra High Grade (2.1 mm) but I think 2.1 mm is too thick? b) STIGA Classic Optimum MP (2mm) 3. Now I wouldn’t mind assembling the racket myself as it offers more freedom to characterize it. These are my choices for the blade based on affordability and knowledge (don’t’ know why but I am very fond of the Yasaka brand though): a) Yasaka Sweden Classic ALL/ALL+; b) Yasaka Silver 9 Wood; c) Butterfly ANDRZEJ GRUBBA ALL+ d) CORNILLEAU AERO ALL+ e) Stiga Allround Classic These are my choices for rubbers also based on affordability: a) Stiga Mendo Energy (2 mm) b) Spindlord Adler (1.8-2 mm) c) Tibhar Learn Spin (1.5-max) d) Tibhar Norm (1.7 mm) e) Cornilleau Start-up (1.8 mm) f) Nittaku Micro (1.8 mm) I have highlighted the choice I think would be suitable as a combo so correct me if I’m wrong! My top choice would be Yasaka Sweden Classic + Cornilleau Start-up So what I want from you, my table tennis enthusiast, is to comment on my choices as to what racket or combo should I choose? Maybe I am wrong and should just go with a recreational racket such as STIGA, JOOLA, ATEMI, etc. for under 20 Euros?
