Stiga InstaPlay Table Tennis Table – Best Ping Pong Table?

by Alex Thorbens

Are you looking for an easy entry into the world of ping pong? Then the Stiga Insta Play Table Tennis Table might be a great place for you to start. It has everything needed for the beginning player. It’s also is extremely durable to handle a more advanced game.

One of the many benefits of this table is that you can literally play ping pong the moment you take it out of the box. There is no complicated assembly or set up. It is complete and ready to serve. You will, of course, need to attach the net.

The Stiga Insta Play Table Tennis Table is a favorite among ping pong players because of its quality, durability and affordability.

This model is very affordable. However, this doesn’t mean you are sacrificing quality, workmanship or durability. In fact, the design can stand up to most of the higher priced models.

The hallmark feature of this table is its “InstaPlay”. It takes longer to get it out of the box and decide where you’re going to put it than it does to set it up. It comes complete and ready to use. This comes in pretty handy if you’re not married to a handyman (or woman).

A word of caution: This is a full size table tennis table. As such, it’s kind of heavy. The advertised weight is over 250 pounds. I mention this because in several reviews people have commented that the package (box) was delivered when they weren’t home and it was left in the driveway or on the porch. This could be a problem moving it by yourself to where you want to use it (for example, into the basement) alone., especially if you are on the smallish size. Is this a negative? I don’t know. I think I like the idea of a heavy, sturdy, well made ping pong table that will last for years to come and stand up to occasional rough play. What do you think?

To see more about the Stiga Instaplay and our other top picks for Best Rated Table Tennis Tables, click here.

A Word About Stiga

Stiga is one of strongest brands in the table table tennis world. They are originally from Sweden and have been providing the table tennis market with superior products for over 70 years. They started producing paddles, blades, rubbers by working closely with world-class table tennis players. This means that they have had first-hand experience of the game to improve, develop and evolve their products.

They have sponsored the Swedish National Table Tennis Team and the Chinese National Team. With Stiga you are in very safe hands.

As easy as it is to set up, it’s just that simple to fold up and push away when not in use. This benefit becomes apparent if you are using this table in the garage, for example. Another example is if you or the kids wheel it out into the driveway or back yard.

While the design and function of this table work best as an indoor model, it can also be used to play table tennis outside. We recommend that you not leave this table outside for any prolonged period of time. Extended exposure to rain or humidity may result in the table warping or the paint cracking. And it takes only moments to fold it up and wheel it into a storage area and out of the weather.

How is it held together?

The two halve of the table are held together with “L” shaped brackets at each corner. The net brackets attach to these. Both sides of the table are held together securely by this design.

Specifications

No Assembly Required with InstaPlay Technology
3/4″ Thick Black Table Top with Silk Screen Striping
2″ Legs and 3″ Mag Ball Bearing Wheels with Locks
2″ Steel Aprons with Corner Protectors
66″ Net and Post Set Included

Pros

It arrives almost completely assembled. You just need to attach the net.
The legs and the apron are made with two inches of steel. and there are 3″ ball bearing wheel casters that provide added support and increase mobility.
The top of the table is made of 3/4 inch quality black wood designed for both indoor and outdoor use.
Super easy storage. The table folds up and moves on the rollers.
The table folds up for single rebound play.
Thick 2″ square steel legs and a 2″ steel support apron for added support.
You can use this table both indoors as well as outdoors.
The table is made with quality materials that will stand the test of time, and children.
There are pads on the corners for extra safety.
Comes with a professional quality 66 inch net and posts.
A very stylish design.
The table can be divided into two free standing tables, perfect for yard sales or party events.
Very reasonably priced for the quality and workmanship.

Cons

There are some reviews that point out the top of the net is elastic and not rope. These reviewers expressed worry about the durability of this one item over continuous rough play. However, just as many buyers left positive reviews about the net, and they’ve been using it for a long time.

Other reviewers commented on the weight. It arrives almost completely set up, therefore the table weighs 263 pounds from the get-go, so it might require some extra help to get it to its final resting place.

It is advertised as an indoor table. You can use it outside, but if left outdoors for long periods of time, some have reported warping in areas that experience high levels of continuous humidity. If this is a concern for you and you need a table that can be left outside, check out our reviews of outdoor ping pong tables here.

Verdict

Choose your Table Tennis table based on the type of table you want, your expectations of how it will be used and then what you are willing to pay. If you are looking for a durable regulation sized Table Tennis table that is quick and easy to store and set up, that won’t break the bank, and is safe for children, this table is for you. We heartily recommend the Stiga InstaPlay Table Tennis Table.