What are the Advantages/Disadvantages Between Large and Small Headed Table Tennis Blades?

What are the advantages/disadvantages between large and small head blades?

Answer by: Samson Dubina, Rated 2461, 2009 US Men’s National Finalist.

Generally, larger head table tennis blades are heavier and smaller head blades are lighter. The close-to-the-table attackers often use small blades because they are easy to maneuver for serve, serve return, and over the table pushes and attacks. Also, when swinging a small head blade, there will be less wind-resistance. Distance choppers and lobbers often use larger blades because they have a better chance to hitting the ball, and quick maneuvering isn’t an issue.

Another factor to consider is the amount of rubber that it takes to cover the racket. Smaller head blades will be lighter because they require less rubber to cover the surface. Large head blade will be much heavier and become slightly top heavy with the added weight near the end of the racket.

A small head blade is generally lighter
A small head blade is preferred for close-to-the-table attackers
A small head blade is less wind-resistance
A small head blade takes less rubber

Answer by: Tahl Leibovitz, USATT National Coach and Paralympic Gold Medalist
The larger the head of the racket the more air resistance it will have. It’s a matter of preference. Some companies make different designs to their rackets because they want less air resistance. I haven’t used any over sized rackets but I know some top players who do and they like it very much. You can try and oversized racket to see if you like it but, I would not recommend using a small head blade. They tend to be too light and your hand moves to fast using the blade. When you get a heavy under-spin ball for example and you want to put heavy topspin, it will be very difficult if the blade is too light and if your hand is moving too fast.