By
Reviewed by
Reviewed by
Last updated: July 26, 2023

Stiga Apex Review – Is It the Best Paddle for Beginners?

PingPongAcademy is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here
By
Reviewed by
Reviewed by
Last updated: July 26, 2023
PingPongAcademy is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here
Ideal for:
  • Beginning players
  • Defensively oriented players
  • Anyone looking to try out a different style paddle without breaking the bank
Highlights:
  • Lightweight design
  • It makes it easy to control your shots
  • Easy to hold onto
Editor's Rating
9.7
out of 10
  • Handle 9.8
  • Ease of use 9.8
  • Speed 9.6
  • Control 9.6
Users’ Rating
4.2
out of 5
  • 42 Users’ Ratings rating rating rating rating rating
    rating
    rating rating rating rating rating
    4.2
    out of
    5
    42 Users’ Ratings
    • 5 stars
      38%
    • 4 stars
      50%
    • 3 stars
      7%
    • 2 stars
      5%
    • 1 stars
      0%
  • Add your rating:
PingPongAcademy is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here

The Stiga Apex is a great table tennis paddle for anyone that is looking to gain as much control over their shots as possible. In this Stiga Apex review, we will do a deep dive into why this paddle is an excellent option for beginners and masters alike. We will also guide you through all the finer points of what makes this table tennis bat so unique and the perfect paddle for a defensive game plan.

Specifications

Level
Performance
Handle
Concave Italian composite
Sponge
2 mm
Control
80
Spin
52
Speed
65
Weight
0.3 lbs.

Stiga Apex Review

In this section, we will guide you through everything you need to know about the Stiga Apex so that you can make an informed decision before you make your final decision.

Overall performance and functions

Stiga Apex Review - Is It the Best Paddle for Beginners?

The Stiga Apex is a perfect option for anyone that is just getting started in the world of table tennis Trusted Source table tennis | History, Rules, Equipment, Champions, & Facts | Britannica Table tennis, ball game similar in principle to lawn tennis and played using a lightweight hollow ball and paddles on a flat table divided into two equal courts by a net. Popularly known by the trademarked name Ping-Pong, it is a common recreational activity as well as a competitive Olympic sport. www.britannica.com . It is lightweight and comes with a comfortable grip. The lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver and should keep a new player from tiring out too quickly. The rubbers installed on this paddle are also nice and lightweight and provide a limited amount of speed and spin.

Something else that makes this such an excellent option for anyone that is new to table tennis is how much control it provides you. This paddle has an 80-control rating out of 100. This will allow you to practice correct form and ball placement, as well as the finer points of the defensive side of table tennis. This practice in basic fundamentals should serve a player well as they progress in their playing style.

Material

This paddle utilizes a variety of materials in an attempt to make it as lightweight as possible. For starters, the handle is made from an Italian composite material. The handle is extremely lightweight, which will provide an effortless air to all your serves and returns.

The paddle itself is crafted from ultra-thin pieces of wood. In fact, it has five different layers glued together. These thin layers are also quite lightweight, which makes it easier to keep the paddle under control.

Finally, the rubbers used on these paddles are ITTF approved and are quite thin. They have built-in air pockets, which allow for more controlled volleys and serves. The 2mm sponge that is located under the rubbers provides some rigidity, which is necessary when you are trying to put more spin and power into your shots.

Handle

The handle for this particular paddle is quite comfortable. It is designed in such a way that it gradually gets wider as it moves away from the blade. This results in a concave style handle that fits very well within the hand. The thinner part near the blade is very comfortable to hold, even for an extended volley, while the wider part at the bottom keeps it from slipping out of your grip. This makes it almost effortless to hold onto, which is very important when you are trying to beat an experienced opponent.

Just like the blade, the handle on the Stiga Apex is built to be as light as possible. Its composite materials are easy to grip but won’t tax your hand, thanks to their lightweight design. The Italian wood composite is also easy to keep clean, which is always a plus for a table tennis paddle that you are going to use often.

Weight

When it comes to paddle for table tennis, the lighter they are, the more control you are going to have over your shots. This paddle weighs in at 0.3 pounds, which puts it on the lower end of the weight spectrum for table tennis paddles.

The lightweight design is thanks in part to the composite handle and is thinner than the average blade. The rubbers are also quite thin, so it shouldn’t be a bit of a surprise that the paddles are nice and light.

Spin

For its spin rating, this model has received a 52 out of 100. This makes it a middle-of-the-road sort of bat that will allow you to generate a bit of spin, but not as much as some other models. This makes it a great option for anyone that is just getting started as a player or anyone who plays a more conservative style of ping pong.

Speed

Depending on the type of player that you want to be when you are playing ping pong, you might want more speed than you can generate with this model. It received a 65 out of 100 for its speed rating, which is perfectly adequate for most players, especially if you are looking to play a more defensive game. On the other hand, if you want to be the aggressor in your matches and take the game to your opponent, this might not be the best paddle on the market.

Though a lack of speed might not sound like an advantage, it can be with enough practice. Many players, especially more advanced ones, only think in turns of speed and attack. By returning their shots at a slower pace, you might be able to take them off of their game. This would provide you with the advantage and hopefully lead to some wins.

Control

This is where this paddle really shines. Though it might not produce as much power, speed, or spin as other models that are on the market, barely any of them can come close to the amount of control that you will get with this paddle. On a scale of 100, it received an 80, which puts it in the upper echelon of control levels of table tennis bats available for purchase.

Control, of course, is one of the most important aspects of the game of table tennis. This is especially true if you are a new player or anyone that plays a more defensive or counter-attack-oriented game.

With superior control, you should be able to place your shots precisely where you want, which should give you an advantage over a more aggressive opponent.

Durability

As with anything that is built to be as light as possible, you are going to need to keep a close eye on this paddle to make sure that it isn’t coming apart on you. Since the blade is exceedingly thin, it could take some damage while you are transporting it if you are too cavalier with it. It will hold up to game action without too many problems but won’t last long if you aren’t careful with how you maintain it.

The handle, though lightweight, is quite durable, as most composite materials are. Even after extended use, you shouldn’t have to worry about any warping or splits. The rubbers are also quite well-made, which means that they shouldn’t break down on you any faster than you would expect. Of course, if you play often, then odds are that you will need to replace them a few times a year to keep the paddle in the best shape possible.

Price tag

One of the best aspects of this paddle is just how budget-friendly the price is. It only costs $30, making it one of the cheapest quality paddles that you can find on the market today. It is the perfect option for anyone that is new to the game of ping pong that wants something well-made and reliable to be practicing their game.

Key features

There is a lot to like about this paddle. Perhaps the thing that stands out the most, however, is the amount of control that it affords a player. If you are a new player or someone who prides themselves in a controlled, defensive-minded, counterattacking style of play, then this is the perfect paddle for you.

Another high point for the Stiga Apex is the lightweight design. It only weighs in at 0.3 pounds, making it one of the lighter options that you can buy. This will make it much easier for a new player to hold since its lightweight design will allow you to get acclimated to the sport without having to worry about your hand getting too tired.

Price

Finally, the price is hard to beat. Even if you are an experienced player, this budget-friendly price is going to be hard to pass up. On the other hand, this low price makes this a great entry-level paddle for any new players looking to break into the world of table tennis.

PROS

CONS

  • Lightweight
  • Budget-friendly
  • High level of control
  • Easy to grip
  • Not as durable as some other models
  • Doesn’t provide lots of spin or speed

Conclusion

We hope that this Stiga Apex review will serve you well as you search for the best ping pong Trusted Source The 'extreme extrovert' on a mission to make you love ping pong | Sport | The Guardian At matches, fueled by hard-boiled eggs and room temperature water, he provides a constant stream of mini lessons to his audience, explaining the tactics, history and rivalries behind the match, based on his study of the sport and conversations with players. www.theguardian.com paddle for your needs. This model is certainly an excellent option for beginners or defensive players.

References

1.
table tennis | History, Rules, Equipment, Champions, & Facts | Britannica
Table tennis, ball game similar in principle to lawn tennis and played using a lightweight hollow ball and paddles on a flat table divided into two equal courts by a net. Popularly known by the trademarked name Ping-Pong, it is a common recreational activity as well as a competitive Olympic sport.
2.
The 'extreme extrovert' on a mission to make you love ping pong | Sport | The Guardian
At matches, fueled by hard-boiled eggs and room temperature water, he provides a constant stream of mini lessons to his audience, explaining the tactics, history and rivalries behind the match, based on his study of the sport and conversations with players.
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *