Last Updated on May 18, 2023
Ping pong is all about the playing style, strategies, and serves.
It’s all about getting the ball over the net, making it the opponent’s turn – with the purpose of scoring a point, no matter how you do it.
While most players go straight after the offensive playing style – it’s not all about attacking the opponent.
In fact, most mistakes are done by offensive players who are losing points in scenarios when defensive players don’t.
Of course, it’s a vice-versa situation, and if you’re going to play defensive ping pong style – you better get the best defensive ping pong paddle to match your skills.
Best Defensive Ping Pong Paddle – Reviews & Buying guide
Butterfly 401 Shakehand Table Tennis Racket
The butterfly is one of the well-known brands, and their 401 Shakehand paddle is made for people who use “shakehand” grip type.
This paddle has a thin rubber sponge which makes the paddle good for defensive players as it doesn’t make the ball bounce a lot.
Butterfly 401 offers “grippy” rubber which still offers a lot of spins. It’s great for low chops and it’s great to handle the spin balls from opponents.
Thicker handle offers a better grip for more control, however, it might be a little bit on the heavy side which shouldn’t be a problem for most players.
It’s very durable, and as the rubber is very quality, it’s sticky so it might collect dust when you leave the paddle around. The good thing is that you get the paddle case with the purchase as well. It’s really well made for the price.
Killerspin JET400 Ping Pong Racket
Killerspin JET400 is a way to step up your level of play since it’s a racket that features ITTF-approved competitive rubbers and a premium wood blade that is suitable for competitive play.
Even though this paddle has been engineered for an all-around play, it offers a dynamic play style which is very ideal for defensive players.
It’s built using 5 layers of wood and it has Nitrx-4Z rubbers that offer a great amount of speed and control, with a little bit less of spin.
What we liked the most is the flared handle that provides the most comfort even in the toughest situations.
Butterfly Timo Boll Racket
Is there a better way to play defense than using Timo Boll’s signature racket which contains aggressive rubber yet are a great fit for a defensive play.
This Pan Asia table tennis racket features a great balance between speed and spin when striking the balls, but also blocking them.
What’s even better is that even though this is Timo Boll’s signature racket – you get to choose between 3 different final versions that come with different sponge & rubber thickness.
However, all versions offer the same speed, spin, and control ratings – which are 80, 70, 80.
DHS Professional 4002C Racket
DHS X series 4 features a ping pong paddle ideal for defensive players because of a long handle/shakehand racket style combination that is updated completely with a carbon material.
This paddle was made from specially selected wood, equipped with carbon fiber at specific places, and even features classic rubber.
Bigger size design moves sweet spots for players to have more control and freedom over the ball. That’s very useful for blocking opponent’s balls.
We have also noticed that elasticity and tenacity added to the racket help improve the speed.
Gambler Custom Professional Table Tennis Paddle
Gambler Double Carbon Silver blade has been designed with 5 ply Limba and Ayous wood in combination with a soft carbon touch.
Therefore, this paddle offers great speed and yet is very stable, allowing the players total control over the match no matter how much spin the opponent adds to the ball.
It comes with professionally glued rubbers that can be easily replaced when worn out – and another good thing is that it is ITTF approved so you can use it in any tournament.
Therefore, you are able to get speed – 89, control – 94, and spin – 88 ratings out of this professional paddle.
Killerspin JET600 Table Tennis Paddle
If you’re an intermediate or advanced player who’s looking for the best paddle for defensive playing style – Killerspin JET600 is the ideal choice, especially since it’s ITTF approved.
It features Nitrx-4Z rubber that features a lot of control and speed and yet a 5-plywood blade makes it very lightweight yet easy and comfortable to hold.
This paddle is ideal for balanced defense play but also is great for counter-attacking when the right opportunity comes.
Killerspin JET200 Table Tennis Paddle
Another Killerspin paddle, however, JET200 is optimized for more control with less power.
It’s a better choice for defensive players than the previous models from the Killerspin lineup. Also, the unique thing about the JET200 are the colors which are available. You’ll be able to choose from the green, red or blue rubber colors.
While it has the same amount of spin like on other models, the only difference is less power and a lot more control.
It’s great for beginners to easily adjust to the paddle which isn’t too powerful for them, but it can also be great for intermediate players.
You will notice a big difference between this and cheaper paddles that come from not so popular brands. It will take your skill to another level, and let you improve your play more easily.
It’s really worth the price, and you won’t be able to find a better deal from a brand such as Killerspin.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a beginner or you’re looking for your second or even third paddle – defensive playing style requires a specific defensive ping pong paddle that will allow you to keep the balance of the game and even regain points when it’s close to impossible.
Of course, the quality defensive ping pong paddle will offer a lot and you will even be able to fully utilize your skillset.
It might not make you a better player immediately, but it will take some time to get adjusted to it.
Once you do – you will be able to fully utilize the skills you possess.
