Some table tennis balls are of higher quality and durability than others.

When it comes to the game of ping pong, also known around the world as “table tennis,” there are different types of ping pong balls that players can choose to use during games. Durability, elasticity, balance of the ball, and the visibility of the seam on the ball are all factors that differentiate different types of ping pong balls. Therefore, ping pong balls can be categorized into four different types: 

1-Star Ping Pong Balls

2-Star Ping Pong Balls

3-Star Ping Pong Balls

4-Star Ping Pong Balls

1-Star and 2-Star Ping Pong Balls

These ping pong balls are generally purchased in bulk, such as a pack of 50, 100, or even 200 ping pong balls at a time, and are typically the discarded balls that failed to meet the high standard set by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), the governing body of international table tennis associations.

Since durability, elasticity, balance of the ball, and the visibility of the seam on the ball are all factors that determine a ball’s rating, those that rate 1-star or 2-star are generally lacking in one or more of the factors.  Since the table tennis balls are generally lacking in some area, they tend to be less expensive, but since their durability isn’t the greatest, they may only last for a relatively short period of time before a new table tennis ball must be used. Although some top brands manufacture 1-star and 2-star ping pong balls, the majority of 1-star and 2-star ping pong balls are often manufactured by lesser known companies.  Here are some quality recommendations for 1-star or 2-star ping pong balls: Butterfly 40+ Training Table Tennis Balls, Martin Kilpatrick 2-Star White Table Tennis Balls. 

3-Star and 4-Star Ping Pong Balls

These ping pong balls are generally purchased in packs of six or twelve and meet or exceed the standard set by the International Table Tennis Federation. These ping pong balls tend to have superb durability and elasticity and hold up for a much longer time period than the 1-star and 2-star ping pong balls.  

Also, while the 1-star and 2-star ping pong balls tend to be made by a generic manufacturer, the 3-star and 4-star ping pong balls are usually made by internationally-known and respected table tennis brands who are known for developing high-quality table tennis products.  Here are some quality recommendations for 3-star or 4-star ping pong balls: Butterfly S40+ 3-Star Table Tennis Balls, Killerspin 4-Star Ping Pong Balls.

Hopefully, we at eTableTennis.com have given you a better understanding of the difference between ping pong balls so that you can decide which type you would prefer to use while playing against someone, or while practicing. In addition to table tennis tables and table tennis rackets, we also carry a wide selection of ping pong balls.  Please view our collections: Ping Pong Balls, Table Tennis Tables, Table Tennis Rackets.

As always, if you need help finding the ping pong balls that best meet your needs, feel free to contact an eTableTennis.com team member via Click-to-Chat or by phone.