Table Tennis Conversion Top - A Buyer's Guide

If you live in a small house and don’t have enough space to set up a normal table, then a table tennis conversion top is probably the best choice. For those that do not know, a conversion top is basically the top part of a typical tennis table, so it’s possible to attach it to any flat surface making it a very convenient choice, that will save you space, along with an easy process of installation and removal. And if you already own a pool table, or any similar equipment, the conversion top usually fits perfectly in any standard pool table.

How to select a table tennis conversion top?

At first you might be intimidated by the multitude of table tennis equipment available, but buying a conversion top isn’t rocket science. Consider the following aspects, and I’m sure you’ll be able to make your decision.

Like mentioned before a conversion top is attached to a flat surface, so you should measure the size of the table to make sure the one you buy is compatible. After all you don’t want come home with you new conversion top, just to find it doesn’t fit your table…

To make things clear. First check the size of your table, because if you own a standard snooker table for example (11 feet by 5 feet 10 inches) and buy a standard conversion top (9 feet by 5 feet) you’ll have a hard time playing, considering that extra foot of snooker table.

Second, measure the height of your table. A typical table tennis table is supposed to be 30 inches (approximately 76 cm), so your support surface might be too high to ensure comfortable playing.

Write the dimensions, to ensure that you choose the right one so that the locking mechanism fits in the underlying table. This is a crucial aspect, by all means don’t ignore it.

This is often overlooked. If you are a serious player, and plan to practice intensively, then a conversion top probably isn’t the best choice for you. But, on the other hand, if you just want it for some friendly games when the mood strikes, then it’s a solid option, especially considering that you can easily store it away when it’s not being used, and save some space for other activities.

If you plan to install the table tennis conversion top in the outdoor, expect to spend more money because you’ll need a weatherproof top, to avoid the detrimental effect of climatic conditions. This brings us to…

You can get a conversion top for as low as 120 bucks. Of course cheaper tables won’t have the weather protection mentioned above, and take in consideration that many have a slightly uneven surface that will affect the bounce of the ball.

Another thing you should consider if you’re planning to buy a cheap version, is that versions don’t include the net and posts, so you’ll have to buy them separately.

Price will also determine the thickness of the table, and my general advise is to buy the thickest (and therefore, more expensive) table tennis conversion top available, it will have a significant effect on the playing characteristics, and it will stay straight for a longer period of time.

Finally, some of the well know table tennis tables manufacturers:

• Adidas
• Bribar
• Cornilleau
• Stiga Table Tennis
• Butterfly Table Tennis
• Dunlop
• Prince
• Kettler Table Tennis
• Sportscraft
• Donic