Pre made bat for new player

[Tasmaniablue]

Hekko, I am a 62yo new player (you might say I am a novice) and have just ordered a pre made bat from an overseas site. It is a Butterfly Primovac Attack with 1.5 Flextra rubber. I have subsequently noticed that every other Primovac on offer has thicker rubber. Have I made a mistake?

[speedplay]

Yes you have, sorry

Not because of the thickness, cause this depends a lot on your style of play, your experience level and such, so some people actually recommends beginners to start with a 1.5 sponge.

The error you have made is to order a pre-made bat, the can never compete or even be compared to the custom made bats in quality and feeling.

[Tasmaniablue]

Oh well, at least it did not cost much. So what should I look for? Any recommendations? I guess my style is defensive/counter attack. Cost is important to this pensioner! Regards

[speedplay]

Depends on where you are buying from, cause often shipping becomes a major factor when trying to keep the price down.

If you are going to buy it from the affordable shop, then this blade is good for the style you describe:

http://www.affordablett.com.au/shop/product_info.php?cPath=1_17&products_id=174&osCsid=7d69c253a05c73df2c2cd75ea8e6d2d9

As for rubbers, you might want to look into the 729 series, as they are quite cheap and most of them comes with a tacky top sheet and a medium to hard sponge. This helps you control your defensive strokes, add spin to them, while it will help you generate speed when you counter.

How ever, if you loop more then hit, you might want to look at another blade, as the blade I suggested is great for chopping and hitting but not so great for looping.

I'm sure Rob (owner of the affordable shop) will be able to give you some nice suggestions for cheap but good set ups to use. Also, don't discourage the bat you recently bought, it might be just what you are looking for, but me,  I don't like the pre-made blades at all as they often are very low quality, regardless of the name on them.

[RebornTTEvnglist]

I don't think you have made a mistake at all really. Especially if it didn't cost you much. While Speedplay is correct that custom bats are generally better, the flextra rubber and primorac blade are quite good as far as pre-mades go. A friend of mine had one of these as his first bat and it was quite decent. If you had gone for anything cheaper in the Bty pre-made range then you probably wouldn't like it. I think you will find this bat is a good thing to start with. The thinner sponge will make controlling the ball easy, and at your age I am imagining you are likely to be pushing under the ball to start with a lot, and these will be fine for that. After you have a feeling for the game, an understanding of what the differences in TT gear is and how it suits different people and styles, then you will be in a much better position to upgrade to something that should help your game. Its not an exact science though and thus it is easy to put good money after bad until you do find what you really like. Wait until you play with your new bat for a while at least before making decisions about it.


The good decision you have already made is to take up TT!! 

[Tasmaniablue]

Thank you so much for your replies. I am not so worried now and will play for a while with my first bat and then take your advise for an upgrade. Hopefully by then I will have learned enough to make a sensible choice. Your comments have been most helpful. I am happy that I have found an enjoyable game that I will be able to play even though I am getting older. I think there is an 80yo in the club I am going to play with. Thanks again.

[blue_smartie68]

Hi Tassie 
Welcome both to the forum and to the game!!
I play many in their 60s, 70s and some in their 80s.. and you ol' buggas can certainly still be competitive!! Not only that, but I can almost hear the doctors and heath consultants applauding your decision to get into an active sport! Well done
I tend to agree with Reb... the bat you have purchased is a fine weapon to get you started. Play with it and take notice of what others use for their styles... and you will soon work out which way your game/needs will develop. Then, go with Speedy's advice once u get a bit of experience and start customising.
Cheers and happy hitting,
Chris   
 

[pingpongrob]

Hi TasmaniaBlue, Welcome.
Its great to see people joining in our wonderful sport. If this is the first time you have played Table Tennis then the Blade Combo you chose will be OK for Starters. Once you find your feet with this combo, you can then customise it with rubbers tht are a little faster & Spinnier.

[Tasmaniablue]

Thanks pprob. Playing socially at the club tomorrow night. They grade players from one to four and arrange teams for a competition. I think I will be level three. Bat was sent on Friday (from Presports) so may not get it until later in the week. This forum is Affordable Table Tennis right? Does this mean I should buy from them or is it ok to discuss other suppliers? Don't want to tread on toes. I am still trying to work out speed/spin and not sure how the paddle and rubber interact. I suppose it will become clear in time.

[pingpongrob]

Tasmaniablue I am the owner of affordable tt, but don't let that worry you as this forum primaraly belongs to the members, and if you purchased a racket from Presports so be it.
We have some dedicated and experienced members here that can help with any advise you may require. I am also here to help whether you purchase from us or from other suppliers.
I'm also passionate about the sport, more than passionate about sales. I believe they come from our range and service.
I'm sure we will all be interested in your progress with your new found sport.

[Tasmaniablue]

Rob, that is such a refreshing attitude! You have won me for my next purchase. Will play for a while and then come back to you and buy a blade and rubber with your  your advice. Thank you everybody for your help, much appreciated.

[Peter C]

Starting off with a Primorac with Flextra is a reasonable set up to learn with.

Regarding age, i wouldn't worry about that as I regularly play with older players and they tend to be craftier than a lot of younger players.

The fact you're thinking of adopting the game is a good starting point. Also take time to look through previous threads on the forum, as there is plenty of good advice here.

[Tenergy]

Yes you have made a mistake. Never buy a pre-made bat. Even if you buy 10 dollar rubbers and a 20 dollar bat. Thats my spare bat, and its great! Nothing is wrong with the 1.5mm sponge. 1.8 or 2.0 would probably be better but it still isnt bad