I'm starting to get serious about table tennis and was hoping to set up a catcher net and a robot for practice. Can anyone recommend one? I've read reviews and seen aussie online stores but was hoping to hear personal experiences as well. The budget is ideally under $500 but can stretch a bit if needed. Thanks.
Table Tennis Robot and Catcher Net Recommendations
soan papdi on 19/01/2023 - 15:57
Comments
The good ones cost thousands of dollars. I'm just looking for an entry level one. Reviews are mixed about iPong, good for Newgy, etc. Doesn't hurt to ask first I guess.
Googled some of the cheap ones. Any benefit over a table that folds in half doesn't appear obvious to me.
For a start you are hitting the ball at twice the frequency compared to a full table and opponent, plus you can't practice the same shot over and over again - you need to alternate (unless straight down the center line) - a bit hard if you want to practice hitting winners.
The robot can do speed and spin variations and randomise. These are hard to replicate with a half table or a reflecting board.
did not know they existed, do pros use it?
I guess pros would have a coach and peers to practice with on a daily basis. I only have young kids and my friends can only come around once in a few weeks. A robot is definitely good to build muscle memory for the basics. Right now I'm being thrashed by literally everyone.
Had XuShaoFa Robot years ago but haven't used it for a long time with young kids.
What was your model? I ran a search but it looks unavailable for purchase at Australian retailers.
I bought it at Table Tennis World but they don't seem to stock it anymore. More info here: https://gregsttpages.com/archives/equipment/xushaofa-table-t…
Thanks. The price definitely looks to be way over my budget. Right now I'm tossing between Newgy and HUI Pang.
@soan papdi: It was 1k,not 1.5, and probably lower now if available. Best to try out any robot in person before buying if possible.
Hmm… table tennis robot.
Surprised this thread hasn't already been flooded with replies re others' experiences with their robots ;p
I’d like nothing more than visiting a club every evening and play for hours. Alas, won’t happen for the next decade at least.
replies re others' experiences with their robots
Have you watched RoboCop ?
Purchased a HUI Pang S8 table tennis robot for about $800 from Sports Leisure/TR Sports last September. Live in regional Victoria with few opportunities to play against people. Been using it regularly in the garage. Happy to share my personal experience…This is my first OzBargain post, but have been reading the forum for years.
Thanks for signing up just to respond here. Does the automatic feed of played balls work correctly all the time? How does it compare with playing with a beginner/intermediate player?
95% of the time the balls are fed correctly (keep the robot clean). For me, an experienced advanced player who does not play competition, it can be very challenging. Use it mainly for practice and fitness, and with friends. Happy to discuss further if you send me your phone number?
Please enable direct messages in your profile, I can send you my number. Or you can send me yours and I can call.
@rdahni: I think comments can’t be edited once someone replies. I’ve “reported” your comment and the mods should be able to update it
This thread is genuinely fascinating!
Why?
Because I enjoy reading about people who are working on getting better at some technical endeavour. I never would have known that there was this highly developed community that works on getting better at this sport - it's my first view into this community and I'm really enjoying reading about it.
For me, I've tried playing table tennis before and I'm not good at it, and I don't aspire to be good at it. So this discussion is really interesting for me.
To be good at a sport you need a minimum of two things: muscle memory and fitness - this provides both. In China kids start training before their heads are above a standard table; they've got coaches, etc. that feed them balls, like a robot.
That's assuming you've got the technique, strategy, tactics and lots of game time.
That's assuming you've got the technique, strategy, tactics and lots of game time.
So much to learn but I feel muscle memory comes first. Once I can control the returns, I can decide on tactics. Or so I think.
@soan papdi: Agree. That's what I meant. Anyone who wants to be a good player will also need the last sentence but need fundamentals first.
Make sure when practicing against the robot you use correct technique all the time. It tires you out very quickly at the start.
TIL Table tennis robots exist