Outdoor Ping Pong Tables

Ping Pong Tables

Buying an outdoor ping pong table represents a significant investment, so it's important to get the one that's right for you. From a distance most look the same, so what should you look out for? Before handing over your hard-earned cash, follow these 3 simple rules to get the best one for you.

Table tennis / ping pong is a great pursuit. It's fast, challenging and great fun. Although traditionally played indoors, it's also a great outdoor pastime, and a great opportunity to have some family fun in the fresh air and sunshine. Table tennis equipment manufacturers recognise that many of us want to play outdoors, and nowadays there are a great variety of tables to help make it possible to enjoy the good weather and some ping pong excitement.

It can be bewildering trying to navigate your way through the choices on offer, but here are 3 quick rules to keep in mind when considering buying an outdoor ping pong table.

1. Weatherproofing. Make sure it has weatherproof playing surface. Traditionally, table tennis tables are made of wood. That's perfect for indoors, but when it gets wet and damp outside you need a table that won't warp and rot. A metal parts that aren't properly treated may end up rusting. Modern weatherproof table tennis tables are made of aluminium, with a synthetic laminate top, making them durable, and lighter.

2. Portability. Get a table that is easy to move. Portability is important, as you will probably want to move your table indoors as the bad weather arrives, and if it gets too windy you may want to wheel your table indoors, so you can continue your game. A good outdoor table will fold quickly and have wheels to enable speedy and safe transportation.

3. Anti-Glare Surface. You need to be able to follow the ping pong ball without the reflections from the table hampering your vision. Top manufactures will make sure that their tables are coated with an anti-glare finish. This helps ensure your game can be played comfortably and you can get the best from your table.

Once you buy your outdoor ping pong table it's important to look after it. The simplest way to do this is to purchase a table tennis table cover which will keep the worst of the rain from it. It will also protect the playing surface against the damage that animals and birds can do to it.

Playing ping pong with the sun on your back is a great feeling. It's also a lot healthier than spending your time in a dingy basement or garage, so a weatherproof outdoor table tennis table is a great investment in your family's fun as well as their health.

Stephen McTaggart is a keen table tennis player and publisher of http://www.ping-pong-table-reviews.com which reviews table tennis tables from all of the major brands. Visitors can upload their own reviews and photographs. For specific recommendations on which outdoor table tennis tables are worth considering please visit http://www.ping-pong-table-reviews.com/outdoor-ping-pong-table.html