Blade Selection Guide

Choosing the right table tennis blade shapes how your paddle feels, responds, and performs. Your blade affects speed, control, touch, spin, and overall comfort. This guide helps you understand the key differences so you can select equipment that matches your playing style and experience level.

Shakehand vs. Penhold

There are two primary blade styles in table tennis:

Shakehand

If you hold the paddle like a handshake, you are a shakehand player. More than 90% of players use shakehand blades because they offer versatility for both forehand and backhand play.

Penhold

If you grip the paddle like a pen or chopsticks, you should choose a penhold blade. Penhold blades are popular among many Asian players and are known for wrist flexibility and quick attacking play.

Important note:
The term “blade” refers only to the wood portion of the paddle. Rubber is sold separately unless you purchase a combo special, pro special, or pre-assembled paddle.

Shakehand Handle Styles

Handle selection is personal. The best handle is the one that feels most natural and comfortable in your hand.

Flared (FL)

The most popular handle shape. Wider at the bottom to help prevent slipping.

Straight (ST)

Uniform width from top to bottom. Preferred by players who like adjusting grip angles during rallies.

Anatomic (AN)

Rounded ergonomic shape designed to fit naturally in the palm.

Conic (CO)

A less common tapered handle design.

Specialty Handles

• STIGA offers larger and smaller flared handles:

  • FL (lg) = Legend

  • FL (sm) = Master

• DONIC Dotec blades feature ergonomic cork handles for left- or right-handed players.

• NITTAKU ERGO handles are designed for comfort and flexibility with both shakehand and penhold grips.

Penhold Blade Styles

There are two major penhold blade designs:

Chinese Penhold (C)

• Rounded head shape

• Smaller handle

• Supports one or two rubbers

• Most popular penhold style worldwide

Japanese Penhold

• Squarer blade shape

• Distinctive cork handle protrusion

• Available in:

  • J-1: One-sided rubber only

  • J-2: One or two rubbers supported

Understanding Blade Speed

Blade speed ratings range from:

• OFF+ (Very Fast Offensive)
  to

• DEF- (Very Slow Defensive)

General Recommendations

Offensive Players

Typically prefer:

• OFF+

• OFF

• OFF-

• ALL+

Allround Players

Usually choose:

• OFF-

• ALL+

• ALL

• ALL-

Defensive Players

Often prefer:

• ALL

• ALL-

• DEF+

• DEF

• DEF-

Speed vs. Control

In general:

• Faster blades produce more rebound and power

• Slower blades provide more control and consistency

Keep in mind:
Rubber selection plays a huge role in overall paddle performance. Player skill, technique, and playing style also heavily influence how fast or controllable a blade feels.

Blade Weight

Most blades weigh:

• 70–100 grams
  before rubber is applied.

Average weight:

• Approximately 86 grams

Heavier Blades

Some players prefer heavier blades for:

• added power

• stability

• stronger looping

Lighter Blades

Others prefer lighter blades for:

• quicker hand speed

• easier maneuverability

• faster reaction time

There is no universal “best” weight. The ideal blade weight is the one that feels most comfortable and balanced for your game.

Blade Construction and Plies

The number of plies refers to the layers used in the blade construction.

Most blades range from:

• 1 to 7 plies

The most common:

• 5-ply all-wood blades

More than 70% of players still use all-wood blades because of their feel and touch.

Composite Materials

Modern blades often include synthetic layers such as:

• Carbon

• Arylate

• Kevlar

• Glass Fibre

• Titanium

• Aramid

• Texalium

• Aluminum

These materials can:

• increase speed

• enlarge the sweet spot

• improve stability

• create a different feel during contact

Every blade has a unique personality. The best way to discover what works for your game is through experience and experimentation.

Common Ply Material Codes

• W = Wood

• C = Carbon

• G = Glass Fibre

• X = Texalium

• T = Titanium

• U = Aluminum

• K = Kevlar

• S = Synthetic

• A = Arylate

• R = Aramid

Final Thoughts

The best blade is not necessarily the fastest or most expensive. The right blade is the one that matches:

• your skill level

• playing style

• physical comfort

• long-term development goals

If you are unsure where to start, contact the Paddle Palace team. We are players, coaches, and equipment specialists who can help guide you toward the right setup for your game.