A buying guide from your local club
Table tennis bats Maitland: where to buy
Looking for table tennis bats in Maitland? Recreational bats are easy to find at rebel in East Maitland, Kmart and Big W, but there is no specialist table tennis shop in the Hunter that we know of. Before you spend anything, come and try a few bats for free at Maitland Social Table Tennis Club in Thornton. Club bats are provided at every session.
Try club bats before you buy one
The most common mistake new players make is buying a fast, expensive bat too early. A fast bat sends the ball long and makes the basics harder to learn.
At our sessions at Pat Hughes Community Hall, 1B Taylor Avenue, Thornton, club bats are there for anyone to use, and regulars are usually happy to let you have a hit with theirs. Play a few sessions, notice what feels comfortable, then buy.
Where to buy table tennis bats in Maitland
rebel at 23 Mitchell Drive, East Maitland, carries recreational and entry-level club bats. The range changes from store to store, so check stock on rebel's website before you go.
Kmart and Big W at Stockland Green Hills sell bat and ball sets for the garage or the backyard. In October 2026 Kmart's table tennis set, with two bats, three balls and a clip-on net, was $15, and a single Performance Series bat was also $15.
For a proper club bat, most players buy online from Australian table tennis specialists, who stock ready-made bats from brands such as Butterfly, Stiga and DHS and can glue rubbers to a blade for you. Table Tennis World in Caringbah, Sydney, is one of the specialists listed as a Table Tennis NSW sponsor.
Check opening hours and stock for the East Maitland store on the rebel Maitland store page.
Second-hand table tennis bats and tables
Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace usually have used table tennis bats and tables listed around Maitland and Newcastle. A second-hand club bat can be good value, but check the rubbers first. If they look shiny, peel at the edges or no longer grip the ball, budget for new rubbers on top of the price.
Bunnings also has a table tennis and ping pong range, mostly tables, nets and bat sets for home play. It is handy if you are setting up a table in the garage at the same time.
How much to spend on a table tennis bat
Prices change often, so treat these as a rough guide.
The step that makes the biggest difference is moving from a recreational bat with thin rubber to one with proper sponge rubbers. That is when spin and control start to feel different.
- Backyard and garage play: a recreational bat for about $10 to $20 from Kmart or Big W
- New social or club player: a ready-made bat with sponge rubbers for about $50 to $100
- Regular club player: a custom blade with two chosen rubbers from about $150, bought online
What to look for in your first proper bat
Choose control over speed. Bats sold as "allround" or "control" keep the ball on the table while you learn.
Look for one red and one black rubber with the ITTF approval mark. That bat is legal for any club or competition.
Hold it the way you would shake hands. Most players use a flared handle. Keep it in a case and out of hot cars, because sun and dust ruin rubbers quickly.
Do not forget the table tennis balls
Since 2014 competition balls have been made of plastic and marked "40+". Club players use 3-star balls, which bounce evenly and last longer. Cheap 1-star or unmarked balls are fine in the backyard, but they crack quickly.
At our sessions in Thornton, club balls are provided, so new players do not need to buy any to start.
Common questions
Is there a table tennis shop in Maitland?
Not a specialist one that we know of. rebel in East Maitland, Kmart and Big W sell recreational bats, and club-level bats are bought online from Australian table tennis specialists.
Do I need my own bat to play at the club?
No. Club bats are provided at every session at Pat Hughes Community Hall in Thornton. Bring your own if you have one.
How much should a beginner spend on a bat?
For social play, a ready-made bat around $50 to $100 with sponge rubbers is plenty. Most beginners do not need a custom bat in their first year.
Is a ping pong paddle the same as a table tennis bat?
Yes. Paddle, racket and bat all mean the same thing. Australians usually say bat.
Come and play table tennis in Thornton
Just turn up to a session, no booking needed. $5 per session, bats provided, all ages and levels welcome.