OOAK Table Tennis Forum

Hello everyone,
I just joined the board, so looking forward to a lot of good advice from you folks.
I used to play table tennis throughout my childhood, high school and college. I'd like to think I was pretty good, but obviously no ranking to speak of of any kind
But for the last 20 years or so, its really been an occasional basement battle 2-3 times a year, and that's about it.
I recently found a local club and decided to join in.

Looking into the case, I found my old Stiga Legend with Stiga Taiphoon rubbers on it, obviously in no condition to be used/played with.
So I went looking for update/upgrade options, and this is how I found this forum.
Reading up, it looks like I will go with Yasaka Mark 5 (seems to be everyones best choice for the entry level) allaround rubber, but as far as the bat goes, right now I'm in-between Yasaka Sweden Extra and Stiga AllAround Classic.
Any comments that could steer me towards one over the other? Should I consider anything else instead?
One point I'd like to make is that I'm looking at the decision not just from the "1st bat" standpoint, but also considering when my game improves a little bit and it's time to upgrade. Can I get away with updating the rubbers only without the changing the blade? And if yes - which bat is the better choice?

Thanks much,
Alex

http://mytabletennis.net/forum/forum_po ... iga-legend
a stiga allround is a popular choice.i use short pips but i have used mark v in the past and its really good.
check e bay for second hand blades mate.
i have sold about 50 and bought about the same.

If you want something that will stay with you longer, I’d buy something faster

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Shih Tzu

NEW RUBBER MASS INDEX || OLD RUBBER MASS INDEX

Xiom all-round S is another popular 5 ply all-round blade as is the Andro temper tech all+ if you want a lighter blade

The Stiga classic has a very small sweatspot which turned me off buying one.

But wouldn't that slow me down (pun intended) in the beginning? Using too fast of a bat?

- Alex

Not necessarily. You can (somewhat) compensate with slower rubbers, thinner sponge, etc.

The difference between an all and an off- speed blade is less than you think. See Cobalt's review of his new blade where he felt slightly disappointed with only a marginal increase in speed (Although judging from his review I wouldn't buy one of those)
viewtopic.php?f=43&t=32723

Then there is the fact you've played before.

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Shih Tzu

NEW RUBBER MASS INDEX || OLD RUBBER MASS INDEX

This actually makes sense, thank you.
Any recommendations on such set up?

- Alex

Yasaka has a Sweden Extra that is a little bit faster than the Sweden Classic. I have not used either.
Stiga - Not really sure, the only off- stiga blades I've used I didn't like (Energy Wood, offensive classic)

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Shih Tzu

NEW RUBBER MASS INDEX || OLD RUBBER MASS INDEX

Butterfly Primorac + Mark V 2.0mm

Try other people's blades and find something that fits your hand well. Then go from there.

Before you try anything more expensive, try one of these.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/SANWEI- ... 84830.html

Even if you have another blade, try one of these. I mean, what's there to lose (other than $8.90)??

Iskandar

I'd be going with the Sweden Extra but either would be fine. I've always used an ALL blade and was quite proud of this fact. I was convinced that anything faster could hinder development. As pointed out I've recently bought an OFF- blade. I didn't go getter as I was scared it may have been too fast. In hindsight I did have gone a bit quicker. Now I think that anywhere in the All to OFF- scale would be fine. I do however think that an Off blade cliff be a bit quick.

I've got a Yasaka Extra which is the previous model but still the same. It's barely faster then my Appelgren. I don't honestly think you will tell much difference between the two so just pick whichever you like more.

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Donic Appelgren Allplay Senso V1,FH Regalis Red 2.0mm ,BH Donic Baracuda Big Slam 2.0mm
Yasaka Extra, Haifu Whale, Haifu Shark
Sunflex Hurricane, Milky Way 955 LP OX , 729 802-40 2.0

You could do this. Go cheap on an allround blade, then when you feel like the time is right get something faster (that you will keep for your 2nd, 3rd 4th blade...)

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Shih Tzu

NEW RUBBER MASS INDEX || OLD RUBBER MASS INDEX

found this in another thread last night - already purchased

Thanks guys!

Alex