How to Check If Your Table Tennis Paddle Is ITTF-Approved: Our 5 Top Picks in 2025

If you're serious about the game of table tennis—whether you're preparing for your first tournament or willing to play with pro-level gear—the first thing to ensure is if your paddle is ITTF-approved. But what is ITTF? And is there a way to determine if your paddle meets the International Table Tennis Federation’s standards?

In this article, we'll guide you with step by step procedure on how to verify if your racket is ITTF-approved and along with this we will share our top 5 recommendations for 2025.

Why ITTF Approval Matters

The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) is a kind of regulating body that oversees competitive table tennis worldwide. If you wish to use a racket in any sanctioned tournament, the rubber sheets used must be ITTF-approved. Due to lack of knowledge many players practice with non-approved rackets unknowingly ending up disqualified or forced to switch gear last-minute during the tournament. If you're investing in a paddle, it’s wise to ensure it’s compliant from the start.

How to Check If Your Paddle Is ITTF-Approved

Gaining knowledge on how to check your TT paddle is easier than you think. Here are the three important checks to verify ITTF approval:

1. Look for the ITTF Logo on the Rubber

Every ITTF-approved rubber has the ITTF logo stamped directly on the rubber’s surface—usually near the handle or edge. If your paddle doesn’t show this mark, it’s likely not legal for tournament play.

Pro tip: Some pre-assembled rackets may have one approved rubber and one non-approved. Always check both sides.

2. Check the ITTF LARC List

The LARC (List of Authorized Racket Coverings) is updated regularly by the ITTF and contains every approved rubber. You can search by rubber name and manufacturer to confirm compliance.

Download the latest LARC from the ITTF website.

3. Review Retailer & Manufacturer Listings

Reputable table tennis stores and brand websites usually indicate “ITTF-approved” in their product listings. If you’re buying from a trustworthy site like worldoftabletennis.com, product pages often make this distinction clear.

Our 5 Top ITTF-Approved Paddles in 2025

1. Butterfly Wakaba 3000

• Pre-assembled racket featuring Butterfly’s popular Wakaba rubber.
  

• Wakaba is ITTF-approved and offers a great balance of spin and speed.
  

• Designed for intermediate players looking to develop aggressive play.
  

• High-quality build with a comfortable shakehand grip.
  

Why we recommend it: This Butterfly wakaba 3000 is a budget friendly tournament-legal racket, ideal for school, club, or beginner league play.

Order Butterfly Wakaba 3000 Online

2. Stiga Defensive Pro Blade

• A blade-only setup, perfect for custom paddle builds.
  

• Made for defensive players seeking high control and spin.
  

• Pair it with ITTF-approved rubbers like Stiga Chop & Drive or Butterfly Feint Long.
  

Why we recommend it: Being a naked TT blade which isn’t subject to ITTF approval, you can pair it with approved rubbers to create a legal setup tailored to your style.

Order Stiga Defensive Pro blade online.

3. Butterfly RDJ S2

• Pre-assembled racket with dual Wakaba ITTF-approved rubbers.
  

• High-quality 5-ply blade with excellent balance of speed and control.
  

• Ideal for intermediate players working on looping and counterplay.
  

Why we recommend it: One of the best ITTF-approved ready-to-play rackets on the market under a mid-range budget.

Order Butterfly RDJ S2 online.

4.Tibhar Samsonov Powergrip Bat

• Developed in collaboration with table tennis legend Vladimir Samsonov.
  

• Comes with ITTF-approved rubbers (commonly Tibhar Evolution series).
  

• All-round offensive blade great for topspin play and counterattacks
  

Why we recommend it: This paddle from Tibhar is known for its professional grade performance in a pre-assembled format. Ideal for league and tournament players.

Order Tibhar Samsonov Powergrip Bat online.

5.Yinhe 01B

• Budget-friendly paddle from Galaxy/Yinhe with ITTF-approved rubbers.
  

• Surprising spin and speed for the price range.
  

• Balanced blade, suitable for beginners to lower-intermediate players.
  

Why we recommend it: Possibly the best value ITTF-legal racket within budget—great for training or as a backup tournament paddle.

Order Yinhe 01B online

Final Thoughts: Don’t Get Caught With the Wrong Paddle

It only takes a few seconds to check whether your racket is legal for competition. Always look for:

• The ITTF stamp on both rubber sheets
  

• A listing in the official LARC document
  

• Clear labeling from trusted retailers
  

Whether you're competing in a local club match or a national event, using ITTF-approved equipment gives you peace of mind and ensures a level playing field.