A table tennis net serves an important role in a game of ping pong. Designating the demarcation between the two opposing courts, this table tennis essential guarantees that all strokes are viable and legal based on the ITTF rules. What’s more, the net also serves as a guide for players, allowing them to calibrate the strength of their stroke as well as the proper direction to hit the ball in order to land their shot where they intend it to.
There are lots of different types of nets on the market, and some might be better suited to your needs and preferences compared to others. Wondering which one will be the best table tennis net & post set for you?
Discover all the details with our definitive guide to buying the right ping pong net.
What are the Different Types of Nets?
Nets are classified based on the mechanism by which they attach to a table. Different mechanisms help make it easier for users to set-up their playing surface. These variations also cater to different types of play, allowing more practical choices depending on whether you’re a recreational player, a trainee, or a pro.
Retractable Nets
Setting up and putting away a net can be a challenge because they’re fickle to deal with. They’re long and unstructured, so they can get tangled up during the process. Retractable nets aim to relieve that issue by providing you an easy design that eliminates the chances of a tangled net.
Two cylinders that work as net posts attach to one another by way of the net itself, which retracts into one of the posts for easy storage. A release mechanism lets you pull the net out for set-up, and a similar mechanism retracts the net into one of the cylinders for easy storage.
Retractable nets are best for recreational and intermediate players who want to limit the time spent setting up a table. Keep in mind though that finding replacement nets for the retractable net cylinders might be a bit of a challenge since there aren’t a lot of manufacturers for it yet.
Clip On Nets
Designed with a sort of clip that bites down on the playing surface, clip on nets are another easier alternative for buyers who don’t want to deal with the hassle of fixing a net in place.
These are usually much more stable compared to retractable nets because they hold on to the table via a more reliable fixture. Other than that, replacement nets for clip ons are a lot easier to find. So if you find your clip on net worn and ripped up after how many months of use, you can replace just the net itself instead of buying a new assembly all together.
Professional Clamp Nets
The ITTF requires nets used for tournaments and official events to have the greatest possible level of stability. So the only ones allowed for use during official games are those that won’t possibly come off or move around during play.
Clamp nets require slightly more preparation when being set-up. With posts that attach to the table by way of long screws, a professional clamp net takes more time and effort to install.
Despite that, they are very stable and they don’t risk moving around or loosening during a game. It’s worth mentioning though that these nets tend to cost the most compared to all the other types of nets on the market. This is because they are designed to follow very precise regulations so that they can be used for official games.
Understanding the Rules and Regulations for Nets
The International Table Tennis Federation has a specific set of guidelines that pertain to the specifications of a net and post that’s admissible for official games and tournaments. If you were hoping to get something that could mimic what they use for official games, you should be aware of the ITTF regulations.
Based on the handbook, the net assembly:
…shall consist of the net, its suspension, and the supporting posts, including the systems attaching them to the table.
The net shall be suspended by a cord attached at each end to an upright post 15.25cm high, the outside limits of the post being 15.25cm outside of the side line.
The top of the net, along its whole length, shall be 15.25cm above the playing surface.
The bottom of the net, along its whole length, shall be as close as possible to the playing surface, and the ends of the net shall be as close as possible to the supporting posts.
Taking all of this into consideration, there are three major points you should look for if you want an ITTF compliant net:
- A Uniform Height – The net should be the same height from end to end, measuring precisely 15.25 cm or 6 inches.
- Taut Along Its Length – It’s important that the net is held taut in place as a loose net could interfere with a ball in play. With that, a net should be exactly the 6 feet in length in order to cover the width of the playing surface as well as the required overhang of 6 inches on either side.
- Attached by Cords – Cords on all four corners of the net should hold it in place on the posts. The weight of the net should hang from the top of the post, and it should dangle just enough so that its bottom border is as close as possible to the playing surface.
How to Choose the Right One
Play Style
What kind of player are you? Do you prefer recreational ping pong? Are you training for your first tournament? Or are you a full-fledged pro? Knowing your level of play will tell you which net would best suit your needs. Generally, recreational and intermediate players can make do with retractable nets or clip ons.
Of course, those who play more often might want to consider a retractable design to ease the process of setting up and packing away their table. Those who want to train for official tournaments would benefit most from clamp on styles as they typically comply with ITTF regulations.
Budget
The many different types of nets span a very wide range of prices. Consider how much you’re willing to spend on a net before you make a purchase to help narrow down your options. Unlike other essentials for table tennis, prices don’t necessarily dictate quality.
Sometimes, nets and posts that are designed for recreational use tend to have lower prices despite being rather durable simply because they’re not designed to follow ITTF regulations.
Stability
You’d be surprised how easy it is to displace a net that lacks quality. Because a net and post that’s constantly moving around over a table can be a distraction during play, you should make sure you’ve chosen something that’s stable and reliable.
Consider the attachment mechanism and make sure it’s steady enough to stay in place even during rowdy recreational use.
The 3 Best Table Tennis Net and Post Sets
1. STIGA Premium Clipper Regulation Table Tennis Net and Post
This STIGA Table Tennis Net has made it to number one on our list for several good reasons. Firstly, it features a regulation net which meets all the guidelines from the ITTF handbook in terms of measurements. So it can be used for training and some minor events.
What we like about it is that despite being a clip on, it does lend quite an impressive level of stability. The clips latch hard against the playing surface, keeping the whole assembly in place even during a high intensity game.
On top of all that, the net itself is sturdy and aptly capable of sustaining months or even years of daily use. So at less than $30 USD, it’s hard to see the STIGA Premium Clipper Regulation Table Tennis Net and Post as anything less than a great pick.
2. Butterfly National League Net Set
If you were hoping to find something a professional table tennis net, we recommend the Butterfly National League Net Set. Made from premium materials, and bosting one of the most reliable post systems available, this immovable assembly is guaranteed to give you superb stability throughout any game.
Some of the features that make this Butterfly table tennis net a great choice include its rubber heads which protect the surfaces of your table, its calibration pin which helps adjust the height of the net from the playing surface with minimal effort, and its reliable clamping mechanism which holds the net readily in place without the risk of displacement.
Of course, no product is perfect. This net and post assembly might seem a little too expensive for garage players and buyers who don’t really feel too invested in ping pong.
3. JOOLA Retractable Portable Net & Post Set
For recreational players, we’ve found the JOOLA Retractable and Portable Table Tennis Post & Net Set as the ultimate choice. This assembly boasts easy set-up, simple use, and a compact design that makes it perfect for buyers who want to take their table tennis game anywhere and everywhere.
To keep the assembly in place, two moving clip attachments hold the entire inst in place. These can be attached to any flat surface, including surfboards, dining tables, and any other you might imagine. This makes any surface a ping pong playing surface, thanks to the versatility of this intuitive instant table tennis net. Of course, it’s not the most stable, but when you consider that it’s only a few bucks, it’s really not too bad for recreational players.
Bottom Line
Whether it’s a retractable table tennis net, a clip on, or a full-on professional clamp style net, there are lots of factors you need to consider to make sure you’re getting the right one. If you want our opinion, we think the STIGA Premium Clipper Regulation Table Tennis Net and Post is nothing short of the best table tennis net.
This durable design featuring superb stability, performance, and ease of use can be great for both pros in training and backyard players who want great quality at an affordable cost.