How to choose the right ping pong paddle?

Which ping pong paddle for which use?

Choosing the right ping pong paddle is crucial for any table tennis player. Depending on whether you're a beginner, intermediate or advanced player, you'll be looking for something that suits your game. Beyond your level of skill, how often you play and where you play - indoors or outdoors - are also key factors when it comes to choosing the ping pong paddle that's best for you.
So as you can see, finding the ping pong paddle that matches your goals and suits the type of game you want to play is a top priority.

Which ping pong paddle matches your goal?

Choosing a ping pong paddle means finding the right balance between ball control and the speed/tack equation. Based on your level, it is crucial to select the right ping pong paddle for you, to make sure you get maximum enjoyment out of your playing.

Family playing table tennis in the garden for beginners Cornilleau

If you are a beginner

OUR BEGINNER PING PONG PADDLES

Woman playing table tennis for intermediate players Cornilleau

If you are a intermediate player

OUR INTERMEDIATE PING PONG PADDLES

Two advanced table tennis players

If you are an advanced player


Goal: perfect your skills, regular playing

You are a regular table tennis player and are keen to boost your performance. You need a dynamic ping pong paddle that lets you hit powerful shots with precision accuracy. You expect the best. So your ping pong paddle needs to deliver a flawless performance and the best possible spin-loaded shots.






OUR ADVANCED PING PONG PADDLES

Outdoor ping pong paddles for all weather conditions

Impact-resistant and able to withstand all weather conditions (impacts, UV rays, water), outdoor ping pong paddles are perfectly designed for outdoor playing. That said, they are also recommended for indoor playing in many cases. Outdoor ping pong paddles will surprise you with their characteristics and resilience. Speed, precision, spin transmission: they completely hold their own compared with indoor ping pong paddles. Their resilience in all circumstances means you can also store them outdoors all year round.

Cornilleau Softbat table tennis paddle range red and blue

Softbat ping pong paddle

Taking ping pong paddles to a whole new level! The first eco-designed outdoor ping pong paddle on the market, this innovative, sustainable product is 100% made in France and incorporates recycled Armor-Lux textile fibers. By design, the Softbat offers good resistance to impacts and humidity. Its dynamic polymer rubber ensures a good playing speed, while its round handle with integrated hand positioning area suits players of all ages.

DISCOVER SOFTBAT PING PONG PADDLES

Cornilleau Tacteo outdoor table tennis paddle range colourful

Tacteo ping pong paddle

Offering tack and control for a perfectly precise game, the Tacteo outdoor ping pong paddle is sure to please any player with its colorful look. Capable of withstanding even the harshest weather, this 100% French outdoor ping pong paddle will convince the whole family to enjoy a game of ping pong.

DISCOVER TACTEO PING PONG PADDLES

Cornilleau Nexeo table tennis paddle range

Nexeo ping pong paddle

Building on their expertise in outdoor materials, Cornilleau engineers developed a ping pong paddle that uses patented "durable four-material" technology. They created an outdoor ping pong paddle that is in a class of its own in terms of performance. With its sponge-backed smooth rubber, the Nexeo ping pong paddle offers high-speed, high-precision play.

DISCOVER NEXEO PING PONG PADDLES

Wooden indoor ping pong paddles

Wooden paddles are the ping pong paddles traditionally used for indoor playing. All Cornilleau indoor ping pong paddles have rubbers that have been certified by the international table tennis federation (ITTF). It goes without saying that they are perfectly suited to any kind of player, from occasional players to the most experienced.

1- Rubber

The quality of Cornilleau rubbers is rated using a star system. Rubbers range from moderately tacky and elastic to very tacky and elastic. All our wooden indoor ping pong paddles have rubbers that have been certified by the international table tennis federation (ITTF).

2- Foam

A thicker foam gives you more speed. You therefore need to adapt the foam to suit your level of skill.

3- Blade

The blade is the central element of your ping pong paddle. A blade made of thicker wood gives your paddle more speed.

4- Handle

There are three main types of handle: straight, anatomic and flared. Cornilleau ping pong paddles have a flared handle for better grip, so your paddle sits perfectly in your hand.

DISCOVER OUR INDOOR PING PONG PADDLES

Anatomy diagram Cornilleau table tennis paddle composition and materials

Which ping pong paddle is best for competition?

Looking for a competition ping pong paddle? Purchase the blade and rubbers separately so you can combine them yourself to make a paddle that is perfectly suited to your playing style. Start by defining the playing strategy that you feel most comfortable with and follow our guide.

Rest assured: Cornilleau blades and rubbers are the result of close cooperation between the brand's experts and players from team Cornilleau.

Group of friends playing table tennis with Cornilleau paddles outdoors

[FAQ] Frequently asked questions about ping pong paddles

What is the difference between an outdoor and an indoor ping pong paddle?

An outdoor ping pong paddle is made from materials that are resistant to humidity, UV rays and impacts, which means it can be stored and used outdoors all year round. An indoor wooden ping pong paddle offers superior rebound quality and is designed strictly for use in sheltered conditions. If you play both indoors and outdoors, an outdoor ping pong paddle is the most versatile choice.

What do the stars on a ping pong paddle mean?

The stars on a ping pong paddle indicate the performance level of the rubber. The higher the star rating, the tackier, more elastic and more precise the rubber. At Cornilleau, the star system makes it easy to choose the rubber that matches your level, from beginners right through to experienced players looking for a professional ping pong paddle.

Which ping pong paddle should I choose as a beginner?

For beginners, an outdoor ping pong paddle is often the best choice. It is robust, versatile and requires no special maintenance. The Softbat and Tacteo ranges from Cornilleau are specially designed for players just starting out who want to enjoy ping pong with family and friends, indoors or outdoors. To take your progress further, explore Cornilleau Play-Style's tips for learning to play table tennis.

Can you use an outdoor ping pong paddle in competition?

Cornilleau outdoor ping pong paddles are approved for recreational play and informal matches. For official competition, players turn to indoor wooden ping pong paddles fitted with ITTF-certified rubbers. Cornilleau offers a full range of competition ping pong paddles for players who want to progress to the highest level.