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Last updated: June 26, 2023
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When choosing the best ping pong paddle for Penhold, there are several things to take into consideration. You need to think about the factors that make a Penhold paddle so special and the most important features to you, such as sponge thickness, pip hardness, and durability.
In this review, we gathered the ten most popular Penhold ping pong paddles currently available and compared them to determine which one is the best. These paddles all have their strengths and weaknesses, and we will describe those in detail so that you may make a well-informed decision when you make your purchase. We hope that this review and buyer’s guide will assist you in choosing the best Penhold ping pong paddle to help improve your gameplay.
The Yasaka Sweden Extra ping pong racket is an excellent choice for players who want an all-round paddle that offers slightly more weight than traditional blades. This blade features a brand new design and allows the player to enhance their game by giving them more control. It retails for around $35 and is an exceptional all-wood blade for the price.
After using this blade, we believe that it would be our go-to racket when playing ping pong. It offers plenty of feeling and control as well as a good amount of speed when you need it most. It would be a good option for a beginner or amateur players; however, it also has a lot of benefits and features that seasoned players look for when buying a Penhold paddle.
Why did it make our list?
There are several things that we liked about the Yasaka Sweden Extra ping pong paddle. We like how strong and durable it is and the fact that it is made from high-quality materials. The price is reasonable, especially when you consider how well-made this racket is.
What is not ideal about it?
There's not much to complain about with this Penhold racket. Instead, you may want to consider a blade that is designed for a frequent or competitive player. If you do not favor a 5 ply blade or if you are not an all-round type of player, then this would not be the blade for you.
The Butterfly Timo Boll ZLF Penhold Racket is our choice for Premium Pick for several reasons. This racket was manufactured using the Butterfly brand’s own ZL fiber. This fiber is harder, lighter, and more flexible than traditionally used carbon fiber. When using this lightweight paddle, the player can produce impressive top spins using maximum control.
This blade is designed for serious ping pong players and is ideal for those who like an all-round looping style of play. It is part of the brand’s well-known Timo Bell Blade Series. Players love it because of the level of control it provides and because it is good for all types of strokes.
What stands out?
There are many things we liked about this Penhold blade by Butterfly. We like that it is made using some of the finest quality materials in the industry, which will ensure that it will last longer than other blades. We also like the high level of control that is available while using this racket.
What cons did we manage to find?
The Butterfly Timo Boll ZLF is one of the most expensive ping pong paddles out there, and that is why we recommend it to serious players only. It costs, on average, around $356. Therefore you will want to get plenty of use out of it if you purchase this blade.
The Yasaka Goiabao 5 Penhold Paddle is our choice for Best Value because it offers high-quality performance at a reasonable price. This racket features a hard outer veneer along with a thick middle veneer which is made from hand-selected Scandinavian pine wood. It also features a sealer from the factory that allows for easy removal of the rubber, as necessary.
After the Goibao 5 blade was introduced in China during the winter of 2015 and received rave reviews, it is now time to present this paddle to the U.S. and European markets. Goiabao means nice wood, which is a suitable name for this blade made of beautiful and durable 5 plies wood.
Why did it make our list?
There are many things we liked about the Yasaka Goiabao 5 racket. We feel that it is a great value for anyone who wants to invest in a good quality racket but still something within a reasonable price range. This racket retails for around $43, which is exceptional when considering how well it performs.
What is not ideal about it?
This racket offers a low throw that many players may not want. It is best to use this paddle with tacky Chinese rubbers or soft tensor rubbers. The ball will often fly low since the blade is a low throw. But aside from that, we have no complaints.
The Butterfly Harimoto Innerforce ALC racket is a prestigious ping pong paddle used and developed by Tomokazu Harimoto. Thanks to the overwhelming success of the shakehold version of this blade, it has been converted into the useful Penhold style. This paddle is designed to deliver a powerful attack and has a sleek design that every player can appreciate.
This blade is very similar to the Innerforce Layer ALC because it gives a sensation like you are grasping the ball. It also offers the same level of moderate speed. This is the ideal racket to use when you want to take part in aggressive backhand or forehand play.
What makes it special?
We liked the overall look and feel of this blade. It features a good thickness level of 6.0mm and a reaction level of 107. We like that it allows the player to feel like they are grasping the ball during gameplay.
What cons did we find?
This is another expensive ping pong paddle, so if you are looking for a new Penhold style paddle while on a budget, you may want to consider one of our other options. The Butterfly Harimoto Innerforce ALC blade retails for around $214. Aside from that, it is an excellent paddle.
The Butterfly Primorac Carbon blade features an impressive combination of Carbon Fiber and layers of Cypress to create the perfect power play paddle. This is one of the fastest and best-selling carbon blades made by Butterfly, and it is loved by players who enjoy using quick attacks.
The Butterfly Primorac Carbon paddle was named after Zoran Primorac, a Croatian legend in ping pong. This carbon paddle offers an amazing amount of power and provides a great feeling that you can’t get from any other carbon blade out there. It is Made in Japan and has a thickness level of 6.9mm, making it a good choice for experienced players.
Why is it special?
If you are looking for a racket that offers phenomenal spin spots, this is the blade for you. It is highly recommended for professional ping pong players who have been playing the game for 10 years or longer.
What are the flaws?
When using this blade, you do not get as much contact time with the ball, but that is not a major issue for most players. This is another higher-end racket, so it is not for players who are on a budget. This blade retails for around $199.
The Joola Vyzaryz Freeze ping pong paddle is an innovative and high-quality product made by a reliable brand in the industry. This paddle is made from the highest-grade AL-C material and delivers a hard and powerful feel. The low-temperature curing of the paddle ensures the player experiences optimal feeling, which can help improve their spins.
This blade is ideal for competitive players who have been playing the game for a while. It is a premium, higher-end paddle featuring Joola’s excellent craftsmanship. It is made from materials found in Japan, Italy, and South Korea. It has a beautiful appearance and a sleek design that many players appreciate.
What stands out?
There are several things we liked about this pen hold paddle made by Joola. The brand is well-known for creating quality ping pong and table tennis products, and this blade is no exception. It offers high control and is great for looping or top spins.
What cons did we manage to find?
If you are hoping to purchase a Penhold blade on a budget, you will need to look elsewhere. This is another high-priced paddle that retails for $199. While it is a top-quality product, some users have mentioned that it isn't necessarily a game-changer.
The Stiga Intensity NCT is a great value that delivers exceptional control for players. This Chinese Penhold retails for around $129 and is designed to last throughout your most competitive games. It is a great paddle for controlled attackers because it offers an excellent balance between control and trajectory.
This Stiga paddle is a good choice for serious players who enjoy the competitive side of ping pong. It has a sleek design and is ideal for looping. It provides a long dwell time and carries the ball very well. This blade is not recommended for amateur players or anyone who is just getting started playing ping pong.
What makes it special?
The level of control that you get with this Stiga Penhold paddle is incomparable. Based on our own experience and reading reviews from other users, it is the perfect paddle if you want a little more control in your game.
What cons did we find?
While this is a good blade, numerous users have mentioned that it is not the best paddle for blocking. It will block, but not in a threatening manner unless the ball placement is perfect at the time.
The Butterfly SK Carbon Penhold paddle has a lot to offer at an affordable price, if you are looking for a paddle that is less than $100, this blade retails for around $99 and is one of the most budget-friendly blades available from the Butterfly brand.
This blade is made with TAMCA 5000 Carbon making it durable, however, it is still lightweight and thin, making it a great choice for offensive play. This blade is highly recommended for players who are transitioning over from a blade made entirely from wood. It provides the player with good speed and feels, especially for a Carbon fiber paddle.
What do we love it for?
There's a lot we liked about this Butterfly SK Carbon paddle. We like that it is one of the more affordable paddles from the Butterfly brand, yet it still provides the same level of quality as their other paddles that are priced between $200 and $300.
What were we disappointed with?
Aside from the fact that the thinner carbon material causes the paddle to make a different sound, there isn't much that we disliked about it. Some users are unhappy with how thin the blade is but be assured that the thin material does not hinder its functionality.
The Butterfly Chinese Real is a top-selling racket that many advanced ping pong players favor. The blade retails for around $74, and it is designed for counter-drive play as well as close to the table play. This is another affordable option if you want to buy a high-quality racket while on a budget.
This lightweight racket is ideal for serving up quick attacks. It features a conical handle and a plain wood backside. The paddle is made from Ayous wood that helps to deliver those fast and accurate attacks every single time. We find that this Penhold paddle is easy to use and would highly recommend it to others.
Why is it special?
We like the Butterfly Chinese Real paddle because it is lightweight, great for quick attacks, and it's affordable. It is an excellent blade to consider if you are a hard hitter. If you are looking for a new blade to use to change up your game, this is the one for you.
What are the flaws?
It is difficult to find a blade that is good for all types of play. While this is a great choice for quick attacks, it is not that good for loopers. But aside from that we had no other complaints and feel that it is a good blade for the price.
The Butterfly SK7 Classic was once a traditional shakehand blade, and now it has been converted into a Chinese Penhold. This all-wood blade is popular among experienced players because of its great feel and optimal amount of power. This quality 7 ply blade is recommended for all players who want more dynamic and delicate gameplay.
This Penhold blade is designed to deliver precise attacks. It features excellent control, and looping can be done easily. The weight is slightly heavier than other similar paddles, but you do not notice the extra weight after you play with it for a while.
Why are we impressed?
We like this blade because it is strong, durable, and provides a good amount of control for all player levels. It is an affordable option from Butterfly, which is great for players on a budget. It provides great control, excellent looping, and overall, makes gameplay more enjoyable.
What negatives must you be aware of?
As mentioned, the weight of the blade is heavier than most, which can make gameplay awkward if you are used to playing with a lightweight blade. But aside from that, this is good quality, a durable paddle that most users enjoy playing with.
Things to Consider
A ping pong player uses their paddle to add strategy to their gameplay. They can use the paddle to make the ball spin however they want or defend the ball while on the table. Choosing the best paddle that matches your unique playing style can be difficult, especially if you are new to the sport. That is why we put together this useful buyer’s guide to assist you with finding the best Penhold ping pong paddle to enhance your gameplay.
What Is Special about Penhold Ping Pong Paddle?
A Penhold ping pong paddle is different from traditional paddles because of its gripping style. The two grip styles for ping pong paddles are shakehand and Penhold. Shakehand grip is common among European players. With this grip, the player will grasp the handle of the paddle in the same manner as a handshake.
With the Penhold grip, it is exactly as it sounds. The player similarly holds the racket handle as they would when holding a pen. To do this, the butt of the handle must point upward between the player’s index finger and thumb. This type of grip requires the ping pong paddle to have rubber on both sides as it will employ the use of the reverse side of the paddle.
Many ping pong players will attest that the Penhold grip is better than the shakehand. That is because the Penhold grip offers the advantage of allowing more free movement for the player’s wrist than the shakehand grip does. A player who uses the Penhold grip typically prefers to remain close to the table. That is because this grip style makes it easier for them to block or push using a backhand and then attack their opponent using a forehand stroke. This can be carried out either by using a topspin, drive, or looping shot.
When purchasing a new ping pong paddle designed to be used with the Penhold grip. There are several important factors to keep in mind.
Play Style
Your unique playing style will have an impact on the type of Penhold paddle you buy. Whether you are an offensive, defensive, or all-around player, you will want to find the right racket that will improve your game and enhance your strategic play.
All-around
For an all-around or counter-attacking ping pong player, the type of racket you choose depends on your level of experience with the game. Beginners and intermediate users may choose to use a mid-weight racket, while those who are more advanced will opt for a heavier racket. The Stiga Intensity NCT Penhold paddle is an excellent choice for this type of playing style.
Offensive
The ideal racket for an offensive player for ping pong or table tennis
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is designed for fast play. Many times players will use these specific paddles for practicing the game at a faster pace. While the Penhold grip style is typically not known to be used for high-paced games, with some paddles such as the Butterfly SK7 Classic, you will be able to play at the same pace as a shakehand grip player using this quality Penhold paddle.
Defensive
The best ping pong paddles for defensive play are lightweight rackets that allow you to have more control. These paddles, like the Butterfly SK Carbon, weigh just 76g and are also an excellent option for beginners to use.
How to Pick the Best Ping Pong Paddle for Penhold
The many different penhold ping pong paddles on our list have a variety of features that vary from the weight of the paddle to the sponge thickness, reaction, vibration, and overall durability. These features will affect your ping pong gameplay, strategy, and how the ball reacts to each hit. You must keep the following features in mind when looking for a new penhold ping pong racket to buy.
Sponge Thickness
The thickness of the sponge is especially important when it comes to purchasing a penhold ping pong paddle. For instance, if you want to loop, the sponge thickness will need to be 2.0 mm or more. All ping pong players who tend to use short pips rubber on their paddles will typically use one with a sponge thickness of 2.0 mm as well. However, because long pips rubber is very soft, players who use it will often use a paddle without a sponge.
Reaction, Vibration, Plies
When it comes to the reaction of a penhold ping pong paddle, it is important to remember that the bigger the number is, the more intense the reaction will be. Therefore you will want to choose a paddle that offers a high reaction property, such as the Butterfly Primorac Carbon paddle. You will also want a higher number for vibration property because the higher this number is, the less vibration you can feel. The Butterfly Primorac Carbon paddle is also a good ping pong paddle with high vibration properties.
Plies refer to the varying levels of ply, which can be between 3 to 7 plies of wood. The thicker your paddle is, the harder the surface will be. This will ensure that your gameplay is much faster, however, you could also lose control of the ball because of the natural rebound properties of the wood. Several of the Butterfly paddles on our list, including the Butterfly Timo Boll ZLF, have a ply level of 7.
Pip Hardness
Pips, also known as pimples, are the small nubs that protrude out on a ping pong paddle from a single side of the rubber and can have an impact on your overall ping pong game play
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. The rubber on your paddle may have either short pips or long pips. The short pips can provide you with close-to-table and reactive counterplay. Long pips are good for spin reversals.
The response measures the hardness or softness level of the pips the racket provides on impact. A hard ping pong paddle will not provide the player with much response, while one with a medium feel will have a noticeable response. A paddle with soft pips will provide you with the most response.
Durability
If you play ping pong
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www.washingtonpost.com
regularly, the average paddle should last you around one to two years. A paddle used primarily for offensive play will last longer. It is good to look for a Penhold ping pong paddle with a high durability rating if you do not want to purchase a new paddle often. Looking for a paddle made with several plies of wood is one way to ensure you buy a durable racket.
Price
Usually, when it comes to Penhold ping pong paddles, the price does reflect the level of quality you receive. If you are a beginner to the game and want a good, all-around paddle, you can expect to pay between $25 to $40. The majority of paddles on our list stay within the $30 range, which we feel is a fair price for these high-quality rackets.
Value
While everyone wants to save money, it’s important to consider the value of the paddle you purchase. When shopping for a Penhold ping pong paddle, your main goal should be to get a high-value one. To do this, you will need a paddle that offers the right amount of functionality and benefits equal to the amount you paid for it. To get a paddle that is of great value, be on the lookout for any sales on the Penhold paddles mentioned in this review. You can be assured that these paddles offer high-quality construction and other useful benefits. And, getting a Penhold paddle that is a great value will help with your gameplay and protect your budget.
Quality
A good quality Penhold ping pong paddle will be well-constructed and made with the finest materials. You want to find a paddle that is made from high-quality materials since it will be enduring a lot of abuse as you play competitive matches. If you purchase a paddle that is made from lower-quality materials, you will need to replace it much sooner than you anticipated. Also, a lower-quality paddle may not perform as well. If you do not want to waste your time or money, make sure you buy a Penhold paddle designed to last.
Regular cleaning maintenance of your ping pong paddle will save you money over time. To make sure your paddle maintains continued responsiveness and grippy rubber, you should ensure that you clean all the dirt, grime, or oil from it after each match using alcohol.
The first thing you should do is remove any visible dirt or debris from the paddle. Then rub alcohol on a soft cloth. Be careful not to scratch the rubber on the paddle surface. Do not use anything with fiber-like materials as that could damage the rubber.
Use the cloth and alcohol to gently dab the paddle and remove any set-in dirt on the surface. You should do this in circular motions to avoid any possibility of damaging the paddle.
Once you have cleaned the paddle, you should leave it outside and allow it to dry. You may be tempted to wipe it down to dry it off quickly, but it is best to allow your racket to dry slowly.
The average ping pong player should change the rubber on their paddle at least once a year. Those who play more frequently or are involved in highly competitive games will want to replace their rubber every season. The rubber on your ping pong paddle needs to be changed anytime it shows signs of wear or damage. It should also be changed if the player’s performance level changes at all.
Our Verdict
We thoroughly enjoyed reviewing what we believe are the ten best Penhold ping pong paddles on the market. While it is difficult to choose just one, we strongly feel that the best option out there is the Butterfly Timo Boll ZLF. That is why we named it our Premium Pick. This racket has a reaction level of 10.5 and a vibration level of 9.4. The sponge thickness is 5.4 mm, allowing users to maximize the potential of those quick attacks.
Although we believe the Butterfly Timo Boll ZLF is the best, we can’t forget to mention our other top picks in the review, the Yasaka Sweden Extra and the Yasaka Goiabao 5. The Yasaka Sweden Extra racket is our Editor’s Choice because it is a great all-around Penhold paddle that works well for both beginners and intermediate players.
The Yasaka Goiabhao 5 paddle is our choice for Best Value because it is made from durable wooden material featuring 5 plies, and it has an excellent sponge thickness of 6.1mm.
We hope that this review and buyer’s guide have helped you understand more about the benefits of using a Penhold ping pong paddle and which features you should pay close attention to when buying one of your own. Be sure to refer back to this guide when you are comparing products and searching for the best ping pong paddle for Penhold that is available.
Badda-Ping! The Whacky World of Olympic Table Tennis - The Washington Post
Jasna Reed, star player for the United States Olympic table tennis team, would like to clear up a couple of things about the romantic lives of big-time Ping-Pong players.
Ping-Ponging From Gaithersburg to Spain - The Washington Post
I didn’t know it five years ago, but ping-pong was in my future. I mean table tennis, the Olympic sport that was officially recognized at the 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta.
