Author: Ping Kong

  • How to choose your table tennis blade? The complete guide

    How to choose your table tennis blade? The complete guide

    Choosing your table tennis blade is one of the most important decisions in building a racket. Yet it is also one of the least understood pieces of equipment. Weight, stiffness, speed, feel, playing style… all these parameters strongly influence performance and enjoyment of the game.

    In this guide, we explain how to choose the blade best suited to your profile, whether you are a beginner or an experienced player.


    1. Understanding the classifications: ALL, ALL+, OFF-, OFF, OFF+

    These classifications indicate the speed level of a blade:

    • ALL / ALL- : maximum control, versatile blades, perfect for beginners or technical players.
    • ALL+ / OFF- : high control but with a little more punch. Suitable for players in progression.
    • OFF : balanced offensive blade, used by many intermediate to advanced competitors.
    • OFF+ : very fast, reserved for experienced players seeking maximum power.

    Important:
    The classification is not a scientific standard — each manufacturer has its own interpretation. It is therefore necessary to look at the actual characteristics of the blade, not just the label.


    2. The essential criteria for choosing the right blade

    2.1. Speed

    This is the blade’s ability to accelerate the ball.
    A fast blade:

    • helps with topspin
    • makes hitting easier
    • reduces control in the short game

    A slow blade:

    • gives more margin in returns
    • helps with control and consistency
    • requires more commitment to finish points

    2.2. Control

    Control is not a measurable figure but a feel.
    It depends on:

    • the flexibility of the blade
    • its weight
    • its stiffness
    • its ply type
    • the vibration transmitted to the hand

    A blade can be fast and still offer good control if it is stable and predictable.


    2.3. The stiffness and flexibility of a blade

    • Stiff blade: flat trajectory, very good for blocking and hitting.
    • Flexible blade: arched trajectory, excellent for topspin, better spin.

    Topspin players often prefer a flexible blade, whereas blockers and hitters tend to prefer a stiff blade.


    2.4. Weight

    Weight influences comfort and power:

    • Light (70–80 g): manoeuvrable, easy for quick strokes.
    • Medium (80–88 g): the best balance for the majority of players.
    • Heavy (89–95 g): more inertia, useful for powerful hitters and topspin players.

    2.5. Feel and vibrations

    Some blades transmit a great deal of information to the hand, others very little.

    • More vibrations: more feedback, useful for the short game.
    • Fewer vibrations: more “neutral” blades, more stable, often perceived as high-end.

    Feel is very personal, but crucial.


    3. Composition: a determining factor

    A table tennis blade is made up of 5 or 7 plies, sometimes more.
    Each wood species plays a role:

    • Limba: soft feel, ideal for topspin.
    • Koto: drier feel, excellent for blocking.
    • Ayous: widely used in intermediate plies, balance and stability.
    • Balsa: very light, but with a particular feel.
    • Kiri: núcleo estable y ligero, utilizado en muchas maderas OFF modernas.

    The composition influences speed, control, flexibility and vibrations.


    4. 5 plies or 7 plies: which to choose?

    5-ply blade

    • More flexible
    • Lighter
    • More controllable
    • Ideal for topspin players and all-round players

    7-ply blade

    • Stiffer
    • Faster
    • More stable when blocking
    • Perfect for flat play, hitters and counter-attackers

    5. Choosing your blade according to your playing style

    Beginners

    • ALL or ALL+ blade
    • Focus on control and feel
    • Goal: technical progression
      (e.g. MIST by PKB)

    Versatile players / Active allround

    • ALL+ / OFF- blade
    • Good mix of control and dynamism
    • Allows spin play without losing precision

    Topspin players

    • Flexible, topspin-friendly blades
    • Limba outer plies often favoured
    • OFF- / OFF depending on level

    Hitters / blockers

    • Stiff blades
    • Flat trajectory
    • OFF / OFF+

    Developing players

    • Choose a blade that is controllable enough to avoid errors
    • Do not rush ahead with an OFF+ blade that is too fast

    6. The most common mistakes

    • Choosing a blade that is too fast
    • Underestimating the importance of weight
    • Only looking at the classification (ALL/OFF)
    • Copying a pro player’s equipment
    • Not taking personal feel into account

    Conclusion: the right blade is the one that accompanies you in your progression

    The blade determines the identity and character of your racket. A good choice will give you confidence, fluidity and enjoyment of the game in the long term.

    FLOW Sense, 04 Bois de tennis de table PKB Ping King Blades Sense Flow 08

    DEFENSIVE BLADES

    01 Bois de tennis de table Ping Kong Blades PKB Origin 30 08

    ALL-ROUND BLADES

    OFFENSIVE BLADES

  • ORIGIN – The Return of PKB’s Founding Range

    ORIGIN – The Return of PKB’s Founding Range

    ORIGIN is part of PKB’s history. Before Jungle, before Sense, before all the collections that have shaped the brand’s identity today, there was a first series of light, responsive blades that already laid the foundations of what PKB was to become. This series existed — under a different name — and it was there from the very beginning.

    Today, we are pleased to bring back this founding idea, but in a completely reimagined form: clearer, more coherent, more refined. ORIGIN is back, and it is a true renaissance.
    Prêt pour la suite !

    Why return to ultra-lightness?

    Since PKB’s earliest experiments, one conviction has never changed: a light table tennis blade transforms the feel of the game. It makes movement freer, increases arm speed, reduces fatigue and, above all, offers that very particular sensation of becoming one with the racket.

    So, why return to it now?
    Because with the experience gained over the years — trials, the Jungle and Sense ranges, player feedback, technical developments — we are finally ready to rebuild this idea with all the expertise we have accumulated.

    The 2025 ORIGIN range focuses on:

    • weights between 60 g and 70 g,
    • natural dynamism,
    • clean, modern feel,
    • all without losing the control that is PKB’s signature.

    The ORIGIN fundamentals: 5 plies designed for feel

    All ORIGIN models share a common, deliberate architecture:

    • 5 carefully selected plies,
    • a balsa core whose thickness varies according to the model,
    • outer plies in koto,
    • and an intermediate ply… which will remain our little secret.

    The balsa core provides that characteristic lightness and responsiveness: a lively blade, fast when pressed, soft when released.
    The koto gives a direct, precise touch, perfectly suited to the modern game.

    This combination, revisited today with a new precision of gluing, calibration and balancing, gives a range that is both coherent and differentiated: a shared DNA, distinct characters.

    The four ORIGIN models

    ORIGIN30 – 1250 Hz – 60 g – 3 mm balsa core

    The softest, the gentlest.
    A blade for those who love to feel the ball, guide the point, vary and control. Very light, easy to play, perfect for the short game and gradual progression.

    ORIGIN40 – 1400 Hz – 60 g – 4 mm balsa core

    A step up in dynamism.
    A livelier response, a more defined sweetspot, and still that remarkable manoeuvrability. The ORIGIN40 is aimed at versatile offensive players who want a fast but readable blade.

    ORIGIN50 – 1650 Hz – 70 g – 5 mm balsa core

    The modern offensive blade.
    It combines speed, stability and impact. Powerful in topspin, sharp in flat hits, reliable in block. The ORIGIN50 is made for those who like to dictate the pace.

    ORIGIN60 – 1800 Hz – 65 g – 6 mm balsa core

    The most explosive in the range.
    Direct, lively, incisive: this is the blade for attackers who like to finish points early. Despite its power, it remains surprisingly light, making it a highly effective weapon at the table.

    Which ORIGIN should you choose?

    A few simple guidelines:

    • ORIGIN30 → for maximum control and touch.
    • ORIGIN40 → for a versatile offensive game, fluid and responsive.
    • ORIGIN50 → for a modern off/off+ game, fast and powerful.
    • ORIGIN60 → for direct attackers at the table, fans of a very lively blade.

    As always at PKB, what matters is feel, not ranking.
    Every ORIGIN blade is designed to be readable, intuitive and enjoyable from the very first touch.

    PKB CRAFTSMANSHIP: our signature

    From the very beginning of PKB, quality has never been optional. This is what sets our blades apart:

    • manual selection of wood species,
    • calibration of each ply thickness,
    • weight checking,
    • gentle sanding of the handle,
    • careful finishing.

    This approach makes a real difference in play: less variability, a consistent touch, a controlled acoustic and mechanical identity.
    And above all, a direct connection between the ball and the hand.

    With ORIGIN, this expertise is put at the service of a range full of feel.

    Conclusion: ORIGIN is back, clearer, more mature, more powerful

    The ORIGIN blade range was there from the very beginning of PKB.
    Today, it returns — not merely as a tribute, but as a fully realised version of that original idea: a light, fast, lively blade that is incredibly enjoyable to play.

    This range marks a new chapter, while staying true to the spirit of the very first: simplicity, feel, effectiveness, and careful French craftsmanship and finishing.

    ORIGIN is the root.
    And it is also a new momentum.

    Always aim for the top. 🦍

    Discover the ORIGIN blades

    Four light, lively, handcrafted blades to reveal your game.

    Texts, photos and visuals: exclusive property of PKB.

  • Woods from around the world, French craftsmanship

    Woods from around the world, French craftsmanship

    The balance between materials and craftsmanship

    At PKB, we love playing with the words “wild” and “precise”, but also with wood. Every blade we craft is a thoughtful assembly of materials, chosen to offer the best possible playing experience.

    While we favour French timbers, we do not limit ourselves to them. Certain densities and technical characteristics essential for some playing styles are not always found locally. As such, foreign woods complement our range, always in keeping with our commitment to quality and play.

    Why some species come from elsewhere

    Every wood has an identity: some are lighter, others denser, some livelier, others more flexible. To meet all the expectations of table tennis players, we incorporate foreign species into our assemblies. Take balsa, the lightest wood in the world, which comes from the Americas, or hinoki, light and precise, which comes from Japan.

    Far from being a compromise, this is a deliberate technical choice: it allows us to design models that remain consistent, balanced and enjoyable to play. At PKB, the origin of the wood is never a coincidence — it serves the performance and pleasure of every player.

    French craftsmanship at the heart of it all

    Regardless of where the species come from, all the manufacturing and assembly work is carried out in France.

    • Fibre control and meticulous selection of plies
    • Precise assembly and bonding
    • Hand finishing and sanding

    It is this artisan craftsmanship that transforms a simple piece of wood into a living, responsive blade, capable of adapting to your game and expressing your style. Made in France is not just a label — it is the guarantee of a durable object crafted with care.

    Concrete examples: the Jungle Collection

    Our models perfectly illustrate this balance between local species and French craftsmanship:

    • Mist : an allround blade, smooth and fluid, ideal for players seeking control and consistency.
    • Canopy Drive : versatile, for those who love to vary their game while remaining precise.
    • Wild Strike & Kong Fury : stiff and powerful, for fast attacks and incisive topspin shots, while remaining balanced thanks to French assembly.

    These models show that performance does not depend solely on the origin of the wood, but on the care taken at every stage of manufacture.

    The benefits for the player

    • Consistent quality: every blade is tested and verified.
    • Unique feel: touch, vibration and balance are optimised for your game.
    • Durability: PKB blades age well and remain enjoyable to play with over time.

    By choosing PKB, you opt for a blade that combines the best materials from around the world with French expertise, offering an authentic feel with every exchange.

    Conclusion

    At PKB, the origin of the woods is only part of the story. The real value lies in French craftsmanship: the assembly, the finishing and the quality control of every piece, which make the difference at the table.

    Whether you play for pleasure or competition, our models offer unique sensations, perfectly suited to your style.

    Discover them and choose your blade at pingkong.fr – natural, precise and slightly wild.

    All images and visuals are the property of PKB – Ping Kong Blades. Any reproduction is prohibited without authorisation.