Class
The class of a racket describes the general purpose of the product and its ability to perform various table tennis techniques. The general purpose is clear from the name of the class: for example, for those who have not yet held rackets in their hands,
1* models are best suited, players with some experience who play regularly can pay attention to
2*, etc. As for techniques, the more stars, the wider the available range: for example, on “one-star” models only simulations of cutting and top spin are available, while “two-star” models allow you to perform these techniques with average strength, and powerful cutting and top spins are available starting from
3*.
It is worth noting that the term “professional” in this case is somewhat conditional: the class is indicated for the racket (see “Product type”), while professional athletes prefer to assemble equipment, choosing the base and pads themselves. Therefore,
the 5* marking corresponds to the most advanced class among ready-made rackets. However, this class is more often designed for experienced amateurs than for representatives of “big sports”.
Playing style
The style of play for which the racket is designed. For each playing style, optimal indicators of speed, spin and control (see below); The specific values of these characteristics may vary, but the general trend in models of the same style is usually clearly visible.
— Attacking.
The attacking style of play requires high speed - it is this parameter that, as a rule, dominates the characteristics of rackets of this style.
— Defensive. When playing in a defensive style, the speed of the ball is relatively low, which is compensated by the abundance of technical elements such as spins and cuts. Accordingly,
“defensive” rackets emphasize control (and some spin) and are also designed to absorb high ball speed (in case the opponent prefers an attacking style).
— Universal. A style of play that combines attacking and defensive elements. As a rule,
all-purpose rackets have approximately equal speed and control.
Each style has its specializations. For example, attacking rackets may be designed for maximum speed - or a combination of slightly lower speed with an increased degree of control; in universal models, the ratio between speed and spin depends on which direction the emphasis in the design of the product is shifted - towards attack or defence; and so on.
Also, note that a certain style may include not only ready-made rac
...kets but also bases(see “Product type”).Spin
Table tennis rackets have 3 main characteristics: speed, spin and control. The general class of the product, the style of play (see above), available techniques, requirements for player skills, etc. depend on their values and ratio. One of the most popular designation options is on a hundred-point scale; This scale is also used in our catalogue.
The higher the spin number, the more the ball will spin with the corresponding hit and the better the racket is suitable for various spinning techniques.
Number of base layers
The number of layers that make up the base of the racket. The number of layers affects the degree of rigidity and elasticity of the base and, accordingly, the characteristics of the rebound of the ball. However, this moment is irrelevant for the simple reason that the materials used (see above), the presence of inserts, build quality, sponge thickness (see below), etc. also affect the mentioned characteristics. And given that modern table tennis rackets are very diverse (for example, wooden models can use different types of wood), the number of layers is today a reference parameter, which in itself does not affect the practical characteristics of a particular model.
ITTF certificate
This racket model has an ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) certificate.
The ITTF - International Table Tennis Federation - is the world organization responsible for developing the official rules for international competitions and monitoring their compliance. These rules also include technical requirements for equipment used in international competitions. An official
ITTF certificate is required to allow equipment (including rackets) to participate in such competitions; in other words, to participate in an official international tournament you will need a racket with an ITTF certificate. However, having a certificate is more important taking into account another point: the ITTF puts forward quite strict requirements for the quality of equipment. This has a positive effect on the quality of certified products, but it also imposes some restrictions: for example, the base of the racket must consist of at least 85% wood (see “Base Material”), and some types of spikes on the rubbers are prohibited.
It is worth noting that rackets of almost any class can have an ITTF certificate (see above), even very inexpensive models. A certificate can also be issued for
sets - as a rule, this means that all complete equipment (net, balls, etc.) meets the ITTF requirements. But the bases (see “Product type”) do not pass certification: a self-assembled racket may turn out to not comply with ITTF
...standards, even if the base itself fits perfectly into these standards.
