Allround Table Tennis Paddle Buying Guide (2025): How to Choose the Right Paddle for a Balanced Game

In the game of Table Tennis, not every player is an “aggressive attacker” or “defensive chopper”. Most players fall into this mid category—a strategic, adaptable space where you combine offense and defense shots based on the situation. If that sounds like you, you’re what the sport calls an allround player.

This blog is your complete guide to choosing an allround table tennis paddle in 2025. Whether you're a beginner upgrading your first paddle or an intermediate player refining your setup, this guide will walk you through everything—from blade types and rubbers to a practical buying checklist.

Who Is an Allround Player?

Instead of depending on smashing and chopping shots, generally allround player is someone who plays a balanced game. If you are an allround table tennis player you will:-

• Mix in blocks, counter-drives, pushes, and light loops

• Prefer control over raw power

• Play close to the table but occasionally step mid-distance

• Adapt your shots depending on your opponent

This versatile style calls for a control-oriented paddle that gives you good feedback and allows you to switch between strategies without sacrificing stability.

What Makes a Paddle “Allround”

Let’s break down the defining features of an allround table tennis paddle: Speed, Control and Spin are the three features that makes allround paddle a best choice.

Moderate Speed: ALL or ALL+ Rating

All round table tennis Paddles are marked with ALL (Allround) or ALL+. These ratings offer a moderate speed level—which is faster than defensive paddles but more controlled than offensive ones.

Such blades are ideal for:

• Developing players

• Those who want a safe middle ground

• Players who vary between attack and defense

High Control and Touch

The best allround paddles provides excellent control. This allows you to:

• Block with precision

• Push with confidence

• Place the ball exactly where you want it

High control gameplay is important if you’re working on technique, consistency, and rallying.

 Balanced Spin & Speed Rubbers

Allround players appreciate rubbers that offer moderate spin and speed. All you need is just grip for looping and pushing, but not as much you lose control during serve returns or fast exchanges.

Look for rubbers that:

• Are medium-soft to medium in hardness
  

• Have sponge thickness between 1.7–2.0 mm
  

• Rubbers offering balanced offensive and defensive capability

Allround Players Blade Design 

An average allround blade consists of the following:

• 5 or 7 plies of all-wood layers

• Sometimes includes soft carbon for a bit more punch

• Weight range: 80–90 grams

Wooden blades tend to offer a softer feel and better touch, which is important for controlled gameplay.

Pre-Assembled vs Custom All-Round Paddle

Pre-Assembled Allround Paddles:

• Great for beginners to early intermediates
  

• Convenient, budget-friendly
  

• Often feature mid-range rubbers and an ALL-rated blade

Custom Allround Paddle Setup:

• Allows you to choose the exact blade and rubbers
  

• Best for long-term progression
  

• Lets you customise your setup based on performance

Top Allround Paddles to Consider in 2025

Here are some tried-and-tested options for the best allround paddle this year (2025). The list includes various all-around TT blades from top brands like Yasaka, Xiom, Stiga, etc. Check out our list of top 5 allround paddles recommended after testing. The listed paddles are mostly for players who are learning and developing consistent strokes.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Allround Paddle

For allround players, the paddle should be very moderate in speed, never too fast or too slow. It should give you the freedom to block, push, loop, and make counterattacks with ease.

If you’re not sure about choosing, start with a control-first setup and upgrade rubbers or blades as you grow. Try experimenting with:

• Rubber sponge thickness

• Handle types

• Slightly faster blades (like ALL+ or OFF-)

Remember, your paddle should feel like an extension of your hand—not something you're fighting to control.