Table Tennis Brands: What's in a name?

Butterfly, DMI, Double Happiness, Joola, Killerspin, Prince, Sportcraft, and Stiga are just a few of them. These may sound like the cast of characters from the latest action cartoon to the uninitiated, but these are some of the big names in table tennis.

What's the difference between any two of them? That can be difficult to say since much of it boils down to personal preference and brand loyalty. Each of these table tennis table and accessory manufactures produce a line of products from the economical up to the highest quality. Here's a little insight to help you decide.

Butterfly

Butterfly tables, nets, and balls have been chosen as the equipment for the European Championships, Asian Championships, ITTF Pro Tour Finals, and the World Championships. Butterfly is also the official equipment supplier of the U.S. Open and U.S. Nationals. Butterfly is one of the largest and complete lines in the world. They are located in Europe and Asia, where table tennis has its largest following.

DMI and Prince

DMI is an American company that began manufacturing professional dart equipment in 1976. They have since expanded to include dealing in Prince table tennis equipment. Prince may be better known as a tennis name, but they make table tennis tables and accessories for every caliber of player.

Double Happiness

This Chinese company makes tables, balls, and rackets, and they make them well. Double Happiness has recently been named the official supplier of table tennis equipment for the 2008 Olympic Games. Double Happiness also supplied the Olympics in 2004 and 2000, as well as seven World Championships.

Joola

Joola is the major German manufacturer of table tennis equipment. Joola has sponsored the Global Junior Program, the 2004 Olympics, the World Cup, and several European Championship Qualifying Tournaments.

Killerspin

Located in Chicago, Killerspin is probably the leading American table tennis equipment manufacturer. As a partner of ESPN, Killerspin works to promote table tennis television programming. They make equipment for players at all levels.

Sportcraft

Sportcraft is a New York based company that has been in business since 1926. They make a variety of game tables and sports equipment. Their table tennis line is not as complete as the others, but their products are a good value for beginners and intermediate players.

Stiga

The Swedish company Stiga makes a wide variety of table tennis tables and accessories for the beginner on up to the professional. They offer decent equipment at a good value for beginners and intermediate players, as well as top of the line equipment for professionals.

And Many More

There are more name brands in the world of ping pong than just these. If you still have questions, the International Table Tennis Federation has established standards and rating systems for balls, paddles, and tables. When in doubt, look for the ITTF seal.

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. If you're a recreational player, theres no need for professional equipment. On the flip side, if you take table tennis seriously, you should take your equipment seriously as well.