Table tennis balls are very small and lightweight. If there is a slight deviation from industry standards, you will find different behavioral characteristics against air. The consistency of bounce, feeling, and playability wouldn’t be a pleasant experience. That’s why, it’s important to choose wisely among the wide variety of options available in the market. So, to give you some relief from the hectic selection process, I have critically examined the top 6 best table tennis balls in India and reviewed each of them highlighting their positive and negative aspects to help you make an informed decision.
Best Table Tennis Balls in India: Top Picks
What are the Properties of a Table Tennis Ball?
According to rule 2.3 of ITTF, the governing body of table tennis
- The shape of a ball shall be spherical, with a diameter of 40 mm.
- The weight of the ball should be 2.7 grams.
- Only plastic can be used as material for a table tennis ball.
- The color of the ball must be white or orange.
- The ball should have a matt finish for better utilization of spin creation.
You must tally all the requirements mentioned above, printed in the box to confirm the quality of a ball.
How to Identify a Top-Quality Table Tennis Ball?
1. Star Rating
Fortunately, there is a star rating system for the segmentation of different quality ping pong balls.
1-star ball: It represents the lowest quality. These balls are suitable only for new entry players.
2-star: Suitable for practice and club-level recreational play but not for competitions.
3-star: It denotes the highest quality and is recommended for tournaments.
2. Seam Vs Seamless
You should also check whether the ball has a seam construction along the middle of its circumference or if it is seamless/ jointless.
Seamless balls have certain advantages over seamed balls.
- Seamless balls tend to be more durable
- The feeling is better for seamless balls
- Roundness is also marginally superior
3. ITTF Approval
You must check the presence of the ITTF logo on the ball to confirm whether it meets the standard for competition.
Best Table Tennis Balls in India: Reviews
| Name | Star Rating | Approval | Best for | Editor’s Rating |
| Nittaku Premium | 3-star | ITTF | Competitions | 9.9/10 |
| Stag Supreme | 3-star | ITTF | Competitions | 9.8/10 |
| Stiga Perform | 3-star | ITTF | Competitions | 9.4/10 |
| GKI Superb | 3-star | TTFI | Practice | 9.1/10 |
| GKI Euro | 2-star | TTFI | Recreational | 9.0/10 |
| GKI G-star | 2-star | TTFI | Beginners | 9.0/10 |
NITTAKU Premium Table Tennis Ball
Type: Competition
- Poly Table Tennis Ball
- Outstanding durability, consistency and roundness
- It comes in 3 Pieces Balls
- Premium Table Tennis Balls
Specification
- Material: Plastic
- Color: White
- Type: Seam
- Star Rating: 3 star
- Approval: ITTF
- Price: ₹699 (3-pack box)
Nittaku Premium is probably the most popular table tennis ball in the professional international table tennis circuit. This Japan-based brand uses a special poly plastic material for the production of these high-quality balls. These premium quality balls give you the ultimate bounce while playing.
When you hit the ball, you will get a nice feeling for a pleasurable experience. The sphericity and roundness of these international-level competition balls are maintained with extreme precision. That’s why the Nittaku Premium was the official ball of the Liebherr 2017 World Table Tennis Championships.
Though these balls are of high durability, one of my Nittaku Premium balls has been separated into two halves within 7 days while playing. This may be an exception for such a high-quality ball.
Due to its exceptional playability, Nittaku Premium ranks 1st for the best table tennis balls in India for competitions.
Pros
- Exceptional feeling
- Ultimate bounce
- Extensively tested at the highest level
- Great brand value
Cons
- Little more pricey
STAG Supreme Table Tennis Ball
Type: Competition
- Stag Supreme 40+ 3 Star Table Tennis Balls are premium quality plastic balls approved by ITTF.
- These balls are currently used in National Tournaments in India.
- The balls are extra bright white in colour which makes it easy to spot the ball during rallies.
- It has a seam construction for consistent and accurate bounce.
- This pack contains 3 perfectly round plastic balls.
Specifications
- Material: Plastic
- Color: White
- Type: Seam
- Star Rating: 3 star
- Approval: ITTF
- Price: ₹450 (3-pack box)
STAG Supreme, a 40+ table tennis ball, has a wonderful rounded construction for a consistent bounce. The matt finish surface provides excellent spin and control. In addition to the excellent playability, one other thing that I have experienced is extreme durability. On average, one Supreme ball lasts for 20-30 days (Avg. practice 1 hour/ day). Also, the brighter whitish balls are easier to follow during play.
It is the most popular ball in the Indian table tennis circuit. In fact, this ball has been used most in the National Table Tennis Tournaments. This single fact tells the credibility of the STAG Supreme balls. The high demand makes the scarcity of these high-standard balls.
STAG Supreme with a great overall performance rating, is the best table tennis ball in India for serious play that gives value for money.
Pros
- Excellent playability
- Consistent bounce
- High longevity
- Value for money
Cons
- Issue of non-availability
Stiga Perform Table Tennis Ball
Type: Competition
Specifications
- Material: Plastic
- Color: White
- Type: Seamless
- Star Rating: 3 star
- Approval: ITTF
- Price: ₹448 (3-pack box)
The Stiga Perform balls are very similar to the above-mentioned Supreme balls in terms of bounce, accuracy, and feeling. Another nice thing is that the Perform balls have a seamless construction which is good for durability. But unfortunately what I have experienced tells the reverse. Most of the Stiga Perform balls that I have used, got damaged within a week. They are vulnerable to hard smashes. Otherwise, they are as good as standard competition-level table tennis balls.
STIGA Perform was the official ball in the National Ranking table tennis tournaments, played in Vadodara, and Surat in the year 2022.
Pros
- Excellent bounce
- Seamless construction
- Good visibility
Cons
- Not so durable
GKI Superb 3-Star Table Tennis Ball
Type: Recreation/ Practice
- GKI SUPERB 3 Star ABS Plastic Table Tennis ball, 40+
- New Material Seamed Plastic ABS Ping Pong Balls
- Excellent roundness, bounce and durability
- As per the latest Table Tennis Federation Regulations
- Box contents: 48 balls
Specifications
- Material: Plastic
- Color: White
- Type: Seam
- Star Rating: 3 star
- Approval: ITTF
- Price: ₹2699 (48-pack box)
The GKI Superb balls are made with ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), a common thermoplastic polymer that is highly durable with high impact resistance. That is the positive side of using ABS. But in terms of feel and bounce, these 3 star balls are as good as the above-mentioned competition balls. Also, the dull white appearance is a negative aspect because of clear visibility.
I used the GKI Superb balls for a couple of days. Though I was not impressed with the playability, I was surprised to see the high longevity of these balls.
GKI Superb balls are durable and approved by the ITTF (Indian Table Tennis Federation). If you want a lot of balls for a long practice season or feeding by a robot, the GKI Superb is the best option to fulfill your needs.
Pros
- Highly durable
- Standard bounce
- Great for recreational play
Cons
- Not approved by ITTF
GKI Euro Table Tennis Ball
Type: Recreation/ Beginners
- In-box Contents: 6 x TT ball
- Seamless 40+
- 2 star
- Ttfi approved
Specifications
- Material: Plastic
- Color: White
- Type: Seam
- Star Rating: 2 star
- Approval: ITTF
- Price: ₹285
Like the GKI Superb, the Euro balls are also made with ABS material. These are 2-Star category balls, approved by the Indian Table Tennis Federation. The bounce and quality of the GKI Euro balls fit well for recreational play. Considering the price of ₹50, the noticeable thing is that the Euro balls are seamless which is always good for extra longevity.
With an excellent price-performance ratio, the GKI Euro tops the list for the best table tennis balls in India for recreational play.
Pros
- Decent bounce
- Good spin
- Durable
- Value for money
Cons
- Not for competitive play
GKI G-Star Table Tennis Ball
Type: Recreation/ Beginners
- In-box Contents: 6 x TT ball
- Abs 40+ with seam
- 2 star
- Ttfi approved
Specifications
- Material: Plastic
- Color: White
- Type: Seam
- Star Rating: 2 star
- Approval: ITTF
- Price: ₹285 (6-pack box)
The GKI G-Star balls are slightly lagging behind the above-mentioned Superb balls but in terms of durability, they maintain the same standard. These lightweight 2-Star balls are made with ABS and have a seam construction around the periphery.
The G-Star balls are available at a price of ₹50 per piece on Amazon India. For beginners in India, it is a good buy.
Pros
- Durable
- Good for beginners
- Value for money
Cons
- Not for serious practice
Maintaining Your Table Tennis Balls
It’s a good habit to take good care of table tennis balls to prolong their lifespan and performance. Here are some tips to keep your balls in good condition.
- Store balls in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or humidity.
- Make a regular habit of cleaning balls regularly with a damp, clean cloth
- Check for any damage or cracks before each use.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is either the term 40 or 40+ printed on the ball?
The term 40 tells that the ball has a diameter of 40 mm whereas 40+ denotes the marginally increased tolerance over 40 mm.
2. What are table tennis balls made of?
The material used for balls is either celluloid or plastic. The change from celluloid to plastic came in 2014 and since then the production of celluloid balls are being wiped out.
3. How to distinguish between a celluloid ball and a plastic ball.
The stamping of “40” or “40+” tells whether the material is celluloid or plastic. Celluloid balls carry the stamping of “40” and it is “40+” for plastic balls. Nowadays, it is mandatory to use 40+ plastic balls for all state-level, national, and international tournaments.
4. What does the star rating mean?
The star rating on a table tennis ball indicates its quality. A 3-star ball denotes the highest quality while 2-star or 1-star balls are used for practice or recreational play.
5. What’s the difference between white and orange balls?
The only difference between white and orange balls is their visibility against different backgrounds. White balls are easier to spot on dark backgrounds, while the use of orange balls is more suitable for light backgrounds.
Suggested Topic:
- The 6 Best Table Tennis Tables in India (2024) for Ultimate Gameplay
- Top 21 Best Table Tennis Rackets to Buy in 2024
Last update on 2024-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
