The game of table tennis, aka ping pong, is undoubtedly one of the most interesting indoor and outdoor games. This game has been with us for over a century and it's interesting to know how not just the paddle, often referred to as a racket or a bat, has evolved, but also how the paddle case has transformed several times over the last 100 years.
So what has been the driving factor of this evolution of the table tennis paddle and its case? Is it a search for the best ping pong paddle or need to achieve better long-term maintenance of the paddles? And how would an inexperienced table tennis player select not just the perfect racket but also the best ping pong paddle case?
The Evolution of Paddles & Their Cases
Before 1900, the ping pong paddle was often called the Banjo racket with a length of 48cm(19 inches). It was succeeded by a short-handled hollow vellum battledore racket. After this came, a Tennis Bat covered with sandpaper with the aim of helping players impact a spin on the table tennis ball. From 1920-1950s came the first introduction of a pimpled rubber face on a ping pong paddle. This era would also be remembered for the production of an extra-wide racket preferred by defensive players. The 1960s till date witnessed more technological innovation with regards to the type and density of the pimpled rubber material on the face of the racket.
Similarly, with the ping pong paddle cases, we have witnessed radical changes like from half cover cases, designed only to cover the racket face, to full-covers, encasing both racket face and handle; before the 1950s. Then from the 1960s covers have experienced more technological improvement mainly in the type of materials used, and also in the application of padding to the internal lining or design of a hard case.
Today there is a large variety of ping pong paddle covers available to the player to select from. However, not all of these paddles are fit for purpose regarding achieving the desired overall protection of the table tennis racket. As such, this article will offer a guide for the selection of the best ping pong paddle case.
Why a Case is Important
Without a doubt, the relevance of a case or cover lies in the protection of its content/s. Similarly, concerning a ping pong paddle case, its importance is in its innate ability to protect the ping pong paddle adequately from all anticipated harm. Let’s go through some of the significance reasons to use a paddle case:
- They can keep your paddle free of dust and dirt
- Keep the paddles dry all the time. Continuous exposure to moisture in the atmosphere is neither good for the rubbers nor the wooden frame of the paddles
- Protect your racket from edge chips and cracks during transportation or storage
- Lastly, it has been observed, over the years, that paddles stored in covers have a longer life-span than those left exposed when not in use
What Type Of Ping Pong Paddle Cases To Avoid
Before we delve into the very subjective issue of which are the best ping pong paddle cases, lets clear the air on what type of cases to avoid:
1. Ball Pouch on Top
Table tennis case with ball pouch (or pocket for holding things other than a ping-pong paddle) on top should be avoided. Placing tennis balls directly over the face of the paddle tends to apply point-pressure on the ping pong paddle face, damaging the rubber over-time by leaving depressions which become a permanent feature on the surface of the ping pong paddle.
2. Tight Fitting
Tight fitting cases should be discouraged because they damage the edges of the paddle. I do not have a preference of liking a rectangular case over a ping pong racket shaped case because a tight-fitting rectangular case could equally damage the edges of the paddle. So the general guidance should be to avoid tight-fitting cases.
3. No Handle or Strap
Lastly, it is not advisable buying ping-pong paddle cases without a carry handle or strap. Without a carry strap the player while holding the case, inadvertently applies finger pressure on the face of the ping pong paddle depressing the rubber and also possibly damaging the edges of the paddle.
The 5 Best Ping Pong Paddle Cases
Now that we are better aware of the need for a good paddle case lets take a look at the top choices that are available.
1. Killerspin SVR 2u Custom Case with Paddle Set And Four Balls
The paddle set in this custom ping pong paddle case is made of seven (7) layers of high-quality black anigre and samba wood and covered with nitrix 4/Z rubbers for fantastic spin and control.
This custom-made gift box contains an svr 2U black Paddle set and a complete set of four (4) Star ping pong balls
Number of Rackets allowed: 2
Number of Tennis Balls allowed: 4
2. Joola Table Tennis Tour Case
This professional style hard case comes along with eighteen (18) three-star ping pong balls and high-density EVA foam paddle inserts for shield.
It also features a big mold handle for convenient travel and a solid case build for all round safeguard.
You would experience a secure, quick to open twice locking system.
Number of Rackets allowed: 2
Number of Tennis Balls allowed: 18
3. Klau Table Tennis Racket Bag
This Synthetic Leather Ping Pong Paddle Case holds rackets and balls. The cover material is made from a high-quality mix of waterproof nylon, Polyester, and Polyurethane.
The masculine looking table tennis bat case has a size of 11.8"*4.7"*7.3" or 30cm*12cm*18.6cm (L*W*H). This oversized design provides easy opening and closing.
Number of Rackets allowed: up to 4
Number of Tennis Balls allowed: up to 20
4. Butterfly Table Tennis Case
The Butterfly Pointia table tennis case offers excellent protection for your table tennis racket with padded front and back panels.
The feminine looking table tennis racket case comes in multi-color variants of Blue, Red, Yellow and Black backgrounds.
Number of Rackets allowed: 2
Number of Tennis Balls allowed: Nil
5. Stiga Aluminum Table Tennis Racket Case
The STIGA Aluminum Racket Case is a professional type Ping Pong Paddle Case, designed to securely move and hold your paddle and balls with optimal convenience assured.
With external size dimensions of 11.75" x 8.75" (L x W), this metallic case gives rackets an all encompassing protection.
One table tennis paddle and 3 ping pong balls can comfortably fit into the durable case. Speaking of durability, the case is lined with foam which is high density.
You can quickly remove the table tennis bat using the finger holes in the foam lining.
Easy open or close fastener mechanism secures contents while transporting and during storage.
Number of Rackets allowed: 1
Number of Tennis Balls allowed: 3
Bottom Line
If you own a paddle, you certainly need a case. Not just any case but one that will protect your paddle from the wear and tear during storage and transportation.
We have provided a guide to help you select a great case based on quality, performance and cost.
Final Verdict & Editors Choice
These are the 5 best ping pong paddle cases, but if we had to narrow it down to one it would be the JOOLA Table Tennis Tour Case. With it, you can carry two rackets and eighteen tennis balls. Every competitive tennis player would always be more comfortable having a spare paddle and lots of balls available for use during a game. We also love the molded handle for convenient transportation and the thick case construction for maximum protection.