Why Your Next Table Tennis Racket Should Have a Straight Handle

[@KenNakajima07]

Always played flared because the market´s flooded, but your vid has itched my curiosity to try the straight handle.

[@TheDhauladhar]

I fully agree - I used to play with a straight handle Nittaku long ago and remember that the handle’s heft gave me great confidence.

[@dazstuff1875]

you can hold the flared handle more loosely which gives you many advantages. but yes it's very personal

[@Waingro808]

I agree. ST handle allows me to cock my wrist back more on backhand shots.

[@tabletennisphilosophy7786]

Not surprised! I just like the feel.

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

Nice, Eid Mubarak to everyone 🤣

[@willwoo9263]

Almost all Chinese shakehand players, both pros and amateurs, use flared handles. It’s just a matter of habit or tradition. No matter what handle you use, what matters most is your skill which is developed based on using that type of handle. Players using different handles can be equally good at applying the same type of techniques in their playing.

[@tabletennisphilosophy7786]

Absolutely! Thanks for the comment. Obviously, I like straight handles, but what matters most is skill.

[@hsf7095]

FL handle simply allows them to hold their racket loosely for their loop kill technique which explains the explosiveness..usually forehand dominant player prefer FL..as for tradition purpose, they'll make sure at least one Cpen holder in their national team..as for me personally, i've been playing with FL handle for almost 13 years only because of its availability, so much options to choose from..but now i change to ST as i find the transition (forehand - backhand) is easier and faster..to do backhand stroke also easier and more comfortable.. i just add grip to the handle so that i can still hold it loosely..

[@Jeeva-Tiwari]

@@hsf7095 how to add grip to handle?

[@chimyshark]

I'm pretty sure the handle doesn't matter, same with the blade shape. I still haven't found any convincing arguments about square J-pen vs round blades. And if the STIGA cybershape were so good, then everyone would be using it. It's just a gimmick. The only differences will be seen if the blade or handle are drastically different - for example, the practical short handle for penbats that reduce weight, and are impossible to play effectively with shakehand, and novelty bats the size of tennis rackets are way too slow due to drag and weight.

[@AndyK665]

Based on a sample of people in my club and in tournaments, flared handles seem to be more popular than straight handles. Would you agree? If yes, why do think flared handles are more popular?

[@tabletennisphilosophy7786]

Hey. Just curious, where is your club? I'm not really sure why flared are more popular, other than, all of the recreational paddles seem to be flared. If that's what people grew up with, they might have just gotten used to flared.

[@leecherlarry]

which handle does Darko jogic and Timo boll use?

[@joyipao]

Darko jogic and Timo boll use STRAIGHT handle

[@Jeeva-Tiwari]

Dear sir,can I contact you..I just want to know what will be the grip for ST handle..Same as FL or different..I am feeling problem with grip in ST handle

[@tabletennisphilosophy7786]

The grip should not be very different. The straight handle just allows for small adjustments to be made easily

[@darwell9563]

I have a flared handle Primorac carbon and would love to change it to a ST handle. How do I remove the handle?

[@tabletennisphilosophy7786]

I don’t think that would work.

[@tabletennisphilosophy7786]

You would need to purchase a new one.