text:
While there are many options to choose from (from indoor and outdoor-specific tables to compact tables for small spaces, and more), not all tables are going to suit all needs and budgets – which is why we created this guide. In it, we plan to cover all the best table tennis table brands, types, and budgets to help you make an informed decision.
inding a quality ping pong table that not only suits your needs but also sits within your budget range may seem daunting, even if you know where and how to look. There are many options and factors to consider before making the final decision. In this guide we’ve composed customer reviews, player reviews, online and in person interviews, and days of research into a comprehensive guide that you won’t find a better version of online.
This guide compares and reviews 9 of our top picks ordered by rating to make browsing easy. You can jump directly to any table that interests you using the menu below. Finally, there’s a useful buyer’s guide at the bottom of the page that helps explain what to look for when buying a ping pong table.
The best overall table tennis table on the market is, undoubtedly, the STIGA Advantage. Despite its budget-friendly price, it’s competition-ready and fits all the tournament specifications. Even the net is far better quality than most of the others we’ve reviewed – including those which are USATT approved – proving that this table is exceptional value for the money.
As with our other STIGA table tennis table review, it is so quick and easy to set up the STIGA Advantage Table Tennis Table. It takes just a few minutes and can be done alone, but we would advise getting two people to pick up and turn over the table when you’re ready to play. At 190 pounds in total, it isn’t practical to turns over on your own.
From the moment this ping pong table is put together, its quality is obvious. It looks and feels like it’s been built to a far higher standard than the price tag would imply, offering strength and bounce like many expensive, professional tables. This table would suit an amateur or intermediate level player who is looking for a table which they can use to train, develop and improve their skills.
This is definitely possible with the STIGA Advantage. The 15mm thick playing surface tops high density MDF construction. It isn’t the thickest, but it is remarkably smooth and even, providing the perfect, highly responsive playing surface for super fast play.
Everything about this table tennis table is ready for competition, including the dimensions, materials and even the net. The tournament grade net is made from heavy duty cotton and measures 72 inches across, with the option to easily adjust the tension so that it fits perfectly. Having a ping pong table and net set that is already set up to a tournament standard is fantastic for anyone looking to compete at a high level.
We’ve chosen the STIGA XTR Outdoor Table Tennis Table as the best outdoor table tennis table on the market. Featuring exterior grade netting, top table construction that can withstand various weather conditions and a sturdy, galvanized steel construction, this design is durable and enjoyable for gameplay. However, with a top surface thickness of just 6mm, it simply doesn’t offer a professional level of performance or bounce.
The STIGA XTR Outdoor Table Tennis Table can be assembled in about 10 minutes. This is a dramatic improvement on the Kettler table.
This is a full size table, offering a playing surface that measures 9 feet long and 5 feet wide. This is perfect for getting in some serious practice or gathering round a few friends for some multiplayer fun. It can also be folded up for single player play or for very compact storage.
In fact, in terms of storage, this is one of the smallest full sized tables that we’ve come across. Like the JOOLA Midsize Compact Table Tennis Table, the two halves of the STIGA XTR can come apart to be used individually as free-standing tables. Alternatively, the two halves can nest into one another, creating a slimline profile which doesn’t need much storage space.
We found it very simple to switch between the main play, solo play and fold-down configurations. The legs might be made from galvanized steel, but they have been made with an automatic opening feature which makes it easier to open and close the table without worrying about supporting a heavy weight or pinching fingers. When it’s folded for storage, a latch can be used to lock the two halves in place, meaning safety at all times for the whole family.
If you do happen to setup the table on uneven ground, it’s not a problem. While the Kettler outdoor table was prone to bending (creating an uneven playing surface which could not be rectified easily), the STIGA XTR includes adjustable rubber levelers to ensure that you can always play on a level table. It also features wheels which can be locked into place to ensure that the table doesn’t move while you’re playing.
The quality and flexibility of this ping pong table is great, but we were disappointed by the thickness of the playing surface. At just 6mm thick it is thinner than most recreational household tables, and while it delivers a surprising amount of bounce, experts and professionals will find that it isn’t as responsive as thicker surfaces. That said, it still feels great to play on, and for fun, recreational, outdoor use, beginners are unlikely to notice a difference.
In terms of specs, the JOOLA Inside 15mm Table Tennis Table is very similar to the STIGA XTR. The difference is that here, the playing surface is almost three times as thick as the outdoor table, offering exceptional bounce and playability. It’s a great indoor table tennis training tool of better quality than the price suggests.
Like the STIGA XTR, assembly of this table tennis table was impressively quick. All it required was fitting and tightening about 8 bolts– unlike the hours of difficulty that come with the Kettler and MD Sports tables.
We were impressed with the durability of this ping pong table. The legs, which measure 1.5 inches wide, are made from strong steel, but they do fold away for compact storage. In addition, the quality feels like it can stand up to pretty aggressive, attack play without bending, breaking or becoming damaged.
The sturdy frame is finished with both rubber levelers for ensuring an always-level playing surface, as well as casters for rolling the table away for storage. Like the STIGA XTR, these can be locked to keep the table safe when not in use. Each half of the table (which can either be folded up for playback mode or kept for separate) features four wheels, so whether you move the two halves individually or together, the process is simple and smooth.
At 15mm thick, the playing surface gave some serious bounce. It responded well, stood up to some hard, attacking shots, and fired off some challenging spins. We found that the bounce was uniform across the whole table, thanks to a 1.5 inch wide apron.
Overall, we really like this table. It checks just about every box in terms of flexibility, performance and functionality, but it doesn’t quite have the really impressive specifications which would elevate it to the ranks of the professional, competitive table tennis tables. However, for a price of under $400, it makes a great buy and a fantastic investment for the ping pong enthusiast.
At over $1500, the Butterfly Centrefold 25 Rollaway Table Tennis Table is by far the most expensive table we’ve reviewed, but it’s also the best suited to top level use, making it our choice as the best professional table money can buy. This is the exact design that was used during the US ITTF Pro Tour Championships in 2004 and 2005. Thus you can get one of the top athletes’ preferred tables for your own personal use.
This ITTF approved table tennis table has been used in some top level tournaments, including the 2004 and 2005 US Open ITTF Pro Tour Championships, so we shouldn’t have been surprized at the quality. However, if you’ve only played on cheaper, recreational tables, you’ll notice a significant improvement.
The Butterfly Centrefold 25 Rollaway Table Tennis Table is tournament ready, including a net which is suitable for tournament use. The top playing surface measures 1 inch thick (25mm), making it by far the thickest surface of all our professional ping pong table reviews. This brought unrivalled bounce which we could use to lay down some powerful shots and tricky curve balls. You can definitely see why this model appeals to professional players, but the overall gameplay experience may be a little too challenging for beginners to handle.
Despite its high level performance, this isn’t a complicated table to use. It arrives fully assembled – great for getting started straight away – and it’s easy enough for one person to move on their own. This is down to the 4 lockable wheels which measure 5 inches in diameter: although these aren’t as numerous as the wheels that you’ll find on the Joola Inside table, they run smoothly and silently.
As you’d expect, this table tennis table can fold away when not in use. However, unlike most of the other options we’ve looked at, this is a one piece design. On the one hand this means that it doesn’t stow away in quite as narrow a space; but on the other hand, it means that there’s less room for error, gaps and misaligned sections – perfect for keeping up that professional standard at all times.
Thick playing surface gives an exceptional bounce.
The JOOLA Midsize Compact Table Tennis Table is our pick for the best midsize compact table tennis table. Measuring 72 inches long and 36 inches wide, it’s two thirds of the size of a full tournament sized table, but it’s still at the regulation height. This table is designed for easy storage.
When it came to assembling and setting up, the JOOLA Midsize Compact Table Tennis Table was by far the easiest of all our ping pong tables reviewed. It comes completely pre-assembled –saving hours on the set-up time of the Kettler and the MD Sports tables. All you need to do is unfold the legs and clamp on the net, all of which take a matter of seconds.
The table itself is made up of two halves. When it comes to storing the table away, it isn’t a case of folding down the sides like most tables. Instead, the two halves come apart and the legs fold up so that they can be stored separately. Each half is a square measuring 36 inches, only a few inches thick, it stows away easily in even the smallest living spaces. As they’re free-standing, the two ping pong table halves could be used as smaller tables, but we wouldn’t recommend this as it would risk damaging the playing surface.
The foldaway nature of this table does mean that it hasn’t been designed with rigid, industrial strength construction. The legs are flimsier than we’d expect from a professional table, but for a midsize table of this size and purpose, the legs and frame are more than adequate.
When it’s fully set up as a table tennis table, this design is at the correct height for tournaments. This makes it comfortable for both adults and children to use. However, in terms of overall playing size, its area is two thirds of the size that you’d get from a full-sized table making it ideal for kids or small living spaces. If you’re new to table tennis then you might find the small playing surface a challenge, but if you’re more experienced you should be able to easily place your shots.
This ping pong table is never going to compete against high quality, professional, tournament-ready table tennis tables, but for the low price (under $200), it makes a fantastic training table for recreational play.
For a table tennis table that costs over $600, we expect quality. Luckily, JOOLA is such a well-known, reputable brand name, that with the JOOLA Rally TL 300, they didn’t disappoint. It has similar specs to the JOOLA Inside table tennis table – offering the same playing surface thickness – but you get high quality workmanship, ball holders and abacus counters as added extras.
Assembly of the JOOLA Rally TL 300 was fairly straightforward, taking us around half an hour, but this is a short amount of time to spend putting together a piece of high quality sporting equipment which is so well built. One aspect of assembly which slowed us down was the mounting of the ball holders, which wasn’t clearly explained in the instructions.
However, once put together, the table offers a fantastic gameplay experience. The surface, which is made from professional grade MDF which is 15mm thick, gives a consistent amount of bounce across the whole surface of the table. We tried both offensive and defensive play, and we were impressed at how durable the surface seemed to be in holding up to some of our harder shots. We guess that’s why this table is USATT approved, having been the brand of choice by so many top-level professional players.
In terms of safety latches and storage options, the JOOLA Rally TL300 offers the same flexibility as other tables such as the JOOLA Inside table and the STIGA XTR. This is proof of its reliable design features and suitability for both match play and solo practice.
However, as touched upon earlier, this table comes with added bonuses not found in the other table tennis table reviews. These include corner ball holders at every corner and magnetic abacus scorers to make playing fun and easy. It seems to be a bit hit or miss as to whether these added extras are included in the box, so if your table arrives and they haven’t been added to the package, get in touch with the manufacturers. This is worth doing as they do enhance the table tennis experience, especially when practicing for tournaments or playing for fun with friends.
The JOOLA NOVA DX Indoor/Outdoor Table Tennis Table is the second most expensive of all those we’ve reviewed, so we had high expectations. The playing surface was a little disappointing, as was the ease of aligning the two table halves, but don’t let this detract from what is a great value purchase considering the table’s lifespan. It’s been designed for long-term outdoor use, so it’s rare to find an outdoor table of this quality that can withstand the elements so well, while still providing high level table tennis training.
As with most JOOLA tables, setup of the JOOLA NOVA DX was a breeze. The only exception was the installation of the net, where the instructions aren’t clear as to how it should fit into place. The net connection system does tend to work loose occasionally, but this is nothing that a quick tightening can’t remedy.
Although the leg levelers are fantastic for evening out the playing surface – especially on a table which can be used outdoors, potentially on uneven ground – adjusting them seemed to be quite difficult. The fact that the table is made up of two separate halves, like most of the ping pong tables we’ve reviewed, means that in the middle where the two sections meet (along the net line), the two halves of the table can become misaligned. It was more difficult to get the exact height the same on both halves than we’ve found with other similar designs, but the net mechanism was useful for hiding this minor inconvenience.
Despite this, both the table top and the frame are very well built. All elements of this table tennis table have been designed for constant outdoor use all year round. You might worry that some cheaper models will warp or delaminate after years’ of outdoor use, but that isn’t a concern with a table of this price and quality. This is because the top playing surface is made from a weather-resistant aluminium plastic composite, so it won’t warp over time. Although it might seem like this is a fairly big investment for your family, it works out as excellent value for money when you consider the long lifespan of this product.
The table might last for years, growing with your family, but if anyone wants to progress to a professional skill level, they might find the 6mm thick surface disappointing. Considering that the Kettler Outdoor table is almost four times as thick for a very similar price, it would be nice if this surface was slightly thicker.
However, this doesn’t detract from what is a well built table that still gives great bounce and performance, even after being used outdoors for years at a time.
Don’t be fooled by the fact that the Kettler Outdoor Table Tennis Table has been designed for outdoor use: this isn’t just a recreational table to use on vacation; this is a seriously impressive piece of sporting equipment. It fits tournament regulations and has a playing surface which is noticeably thicker than the MD Sports table tennis table, delivering far superior, professional levels of bounce, speed and gameplay.
We have been really impressed by the Kettler Outdoor Table Tennis Table. Outdoor tables are stereotyped as being flimsy, cheap toys to be used and abused by kids and adults alike, but we found this model to rival some of the more expensive professional indoor ping pong tables.
For example, the top playing surface is 22mm thick, which is exactly the kind of quality that we’d expect from a club table. It delivers great spin, a fact which is enhanced when you flip up one side to get in some solo practice.
The playing surface features UV-resistant, waterproof and anti-glare technology to make it suitable for outdoors use. The top surface can be used in changing weather conditions, and you needn’t worry about the rest of the table. Aluminium has been included in the design to prevent warping and to control expansion and/or contraction that occurs from different types of weather. A cover is also included for added protection against the elements – although bear in mind that, the net must be removed first. In addition, the legs have been fashioned from galvanized steel so they’ll never corrode.
The frame can stand up to the weather, but we were disappointed in its strength and stability. We have a feeling that if you handle your table roughly, the frame could be prone to bending and buckling, rendering it uneven and impractical to use.
We love the fact that Kettler has designed this table with safety in mind. It features a dual lever to prevent you from knocking the mechanism and closing the table accidentally . In addition, when you fold up one side to play solo, they have patented their design mechanism to eliminate all gaps between the horizontal side of the table and the vertical side. This means that no matter how aggressively you play, you can never lose your ball in the gap, and you can never pinch or trap your fingers or hands.
The MD Sports ping pong table is sized up for tournament play, but if you’d rather get in some solo practice or store it away, it can be easily folded away. Once you move past the fact that assembly takes a few hours, this is a great table for recreational and leisure use.
Measuring nine feet long and five feet wide, this table is perfect for practicing your ping pong skills on the same size table that you’d find in tournaments and competitions. The 15mm thick playing surface has just the right amount of bounce for everyday home use, although clubs and professional players might find that it’s a little too thin. However, we were impressed at how well it responded to our spins and powerful, offensive shots.
This table does come with everything you need to get started, especially useful if it’s your first table. The posts which hold the net in place are so easy to fit that they can be clamped onto the table in a matter of seconds. Two paddles and two balls are included with the set, but they are of cheap quality. If you’re going to invest in a good ping pong table such as this one, we would definitely recommend getting hold of some professional ping pong rackets to match – especially if you intend to take your gameplay to anything more than recreational level.
When not being used by multiple players, you can fold one side of the table up for single person play or practice, or fold both sides down for storage. It’s easy to fold the table in this way – you don’t need any tools – but assembly is a different story. Before you can play for the first time, you’ll need to spend a few hours putting the table together, preferably with the help of a friend and some power tools.
What Is The Difference Between An Indoor Ping Pong Table And An Outdoor Ping Pong Table?
What Is The Correct Size For Ping Pong Table Wheels?
How Long Is A Ping Pong Table?
How Wide Is A Ping Pong Table?
How Tall Is A Ping Pong Table?
Where Do You Want To Keep The Table?
What Type Of Play/use Are You Planning?
How Does It Fit Within The Three Key Principles?
How Long Are Ping Pong Tables?
What Are The Best Ping Pong Table Brands?
While professional ping pong tables are made to be used indoors, the best ping pong tables will provide you with an ideal playing surface, regardless of how or where you play. As a result, the same principles apply to both indoor and outdoor ping pong tables. In both cases, you’ll be looking at the playing surface, the durability and the ease of storage.
Putting these features to one side, one of the biggest differences between ping pong tables is that folding table tennis tables are usually – but not exclusively – built for indoor use. If you intend to play outdoors but need to store your table folded, you might want to look into buying a folding indoor table and taking it outside to play in good weather.
Just as no two ping pong paddles give the same performance or bounce, ping pong tables with different surfaces will give completely different gameplay experiences.
Most professional tables have top surfaces made from plywood, plastic, or even fiberglass. You’ll notice the difference in the amount of bounce you can achieve: In general, thinning layers of wood provide less bounce than thicker surfaces, so thicker is almost always better. Look for a table where the playing surface measures 18 to 20mm (0.7 to 0.8 inches) thick for optimum performance.
When comparing table tennis tables, the thickness of the top layer should be your primary concern since this is what gives your ball its bounce. The bottom layer just acts as the skirting, so its thickness should not be an influential factor in your decision-making process.
Most home tables should sit firmly around the 19mm (0.75 inch) mark, but if you can’t afford the $300-400 price tag, you can find cheaper options. A table measuring between 15 and 19mm (0.6 and 0.75 inches) thick will be decent enough to play on, but aim for something better if you intend to play regularly. Don’t even think about choosing a table with a playing surface that’s any thinner than this as you simply won’t be getting enough bounce for your money.
At the professional end of the spectrum, competition level tables tend to be 25mm (1 inch) thick. These are the most expensive tables on the market, but you’re guaranteed quality and a fantastic gameplay experience. For a decent bridge between home use and competition standard, look for a table measuring 22mm (0.9 inches) thick as this is the standard commonly used by clubs.
Needless to say, you’re going to want a good quality, sturdy frame that can withstand rigorous use – especially if you intend to reach a professional playing standard.
Fixed, non-folding tables provide a more stable frame than folding tables. Due to the rigid construction. However, the drawback with these tables is that they have to stay open all the time.
Some cheaper models have lightweight frames made from wood, but most tables have stainless steel frames for unrivaled strength. These are heavy in weight, but also heavy duty.
Look for stability, rigidity, the ability to move the table and the possibility of adjusting the feet on uneven playing surfaces. Of course, if you’re particularly tall or you intend to play with children, you should look for a table which can be raised or lowered to a comfortable height.
While you’re comparing the strength of ping pong table frames, you should remember that tournaments set strict guidelines on table sizes, so make sure the frame you choose fits within the rules. You are probably asking yourself: how big is a ping pong table?
A good value ping pong table offers not only stability but an even playing surface and a net. For the best overall experience, flexibility, convenience and safety are other key features.
Professional table tennis nets allow you to adjust the height, needed to enter tournaments. Cheap, flimsy, clip-on nets don’t tend to offer much adjustment – or accuracy. You might also see retractable nets on the market. While these are great at being adjustable to fit in different sized tables, they aren’t usually stable enough to be used in serious matches.
Remember that tournament ping pong tables state that the net (as well as the posts securing it at each side of the table) should be 15.25 cm (6 inches) above the top of the table, with the bottom of the net as close to the playing surface as possible. The net can be made from any spun fibre, as long as it’s soft and dark with a light yellow or white tape across the top. There are also regulations about the size and type of knots, as well as the size of the holes making up the mesh.
Convenience is the name of the game in so many aspects of modern life, and ping pong is no exception. That’s why so many tables are designed to fold away – some even come with wheels or casters – meaning that the table can be stored easily and simply rolled out for use.
If you’re buying a table for domestic use or for a commercial space with lots of kids, safety should be a priority. When it comes to ping pong tables, there is always a risk of trapping fingers when putting away or folding out a foldable ping pong table. Look for a table which comes with a lever for easy, smooth folding and unfolding – and even a lock to stop the table from coming apart when in place. In addition, choose a table with padded corners to prevent injuries to children.
If you play table tennis regularly or if you’re training professionally, it’s probably worth keeping your table and net up all the time. However, if that isn’t possible, you do have a few different options.
We’ve already established that retractable nets offer the most ease and convenience when fitting to different tables. Clip on nets offer slightly more permanence, although the loaded springs which are used to hold them in place can be quite heavy. This makes taking them off and putting them on regularly much less convenient than some other designs. The professional nets which offer the ideal solution come with clamps to fasten them in place (and which also make them adjustable), so they can be removed without too much hassle.
The wheels which let you move your ping pong table easily come in different sizes depending upon the size of the table. 125mm is a common diameter for ping pong table wheels, but junior tables are usually smaller.
Some tables are fitted with adjustable feet instead of wheels to ensure that you’re playing on a level surface.
It goes without saying that full size tables which don’t fold need much more space. In these cases, storage can be an issue, especially as you need extra room around the table to play. Don’t be tempted to double up your ping pong table as a regular table as this will damage the playing surface and hinder your gameplay experience.
Folding tables are much easier to store. Typically folding in half, they can end up needing a space no more than a few inches wide. These tables often have wheels, so it’s easy to slide them into a closet or into a corner in most average living spaces.
Tables should be 274 cm (9 feet) long.
Tables should be 152.5 cm (5 feet) wide.
The playing surface should be 76 cm (2 feet 6 inches) above the ground.
In order not to feel cramped or claustrophobic, you will want an extra 5 feet of empty space at each end of the ping pong table. You will also be moving from side to side, so you should clear an extra few feet on each side. In total, you should plan to have a space measuring 19 feet long by 11 feet wide; as a bare minimum.
Here, you’ll mainly be choosing between indoor and outdoor use. As we’ve already seen, the difference between indoor and outdoor tables is not great. You’ll also need to think about where you want to store the table when not in use, as a folding table might be your only realistic option.
If you see table tennis as a hobby or leisure activity to enjoy at home with your family, you can probably get away with a slightly less expensive, lower spec ping pong table. Provided that the table meets your basic requirements, there’s no need to spend more money on extra features which are superfluous if you will only be playing occasionally. As we explored earlier, these basic requirements include an adequate playing surface thickness, a strong frame with plenty of room to move around, a good quality net, a table that’s easily stored and extra safe design features.
However, if you take ping pong seriously and if you intend to play professionally, you will need to invest in a good quality table. Stability, a good quality surface, safety features, durability and flexibility will all boost your performance.
Ping pong tables designed for tournament use should be 2.74m (9 feet) long and 1.52m (5 feet) wide – but if you’re trying to see whether you have enough room at home to keep one, don’t forget to factor in extra space around the table for you to move! You should add an extra five feet at each end of the table and 2-3 extra feet to each side.
Remember to keep the top surface thickness, the strength of the frame, the convenience, the ease of storage and the net height at the forefront of your mind when comparing the best table tennis tables. If you’re considering a table that doesn’t check one of these boxes, it isn’t going to deliver in terms of performance.
You should always buy within your means. If you have big ambitions but a small budget, start off with a smaller, cheaper, entry-level model and work your way up. By then your skills have improved enough to benefit from a better quality table.
Junior or hobby ping pong tables can be as cheap as $40, but you get what you pay for. For a price this low, you can’t expect good quality, durability or a table that will stand up to hours of constant use.
At the other end of the scale, the best professional ping pong tables can cost 100 times as much: it’s not uncommon to see tables costing $3000-4000. Buying one of these tables is an investment, usually accessible to the most successful, skilled and ambitious players only.
For an average, middle of the range, family ping pong table, you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars.
Ping pong tables designed for tournament use should be 2.74m (9 feet) long and 1.52m (5 feet) wide – but if you’re trying to see whether you have enough room at home to keep one, don’t forget to factor in extra space around the table for you to move!
Tables for unofficial play can be different sizes. For example, junior tables are typically about three-quarters of the full size.
Deciding which ping pong table brands are the “best” is a subjective matter. However, some of the most popular brand names which you’re likely to come across during your research are Killerspin, JOOLA, Cornilleau, STIGA and Butterfly.
A ping pong table is not like any other table. It’s a piece of sporting equipment, so you need to take good care of it if you want the best performance.
You should keep the top surface clean and free from debris, but don’t be tempted to use any harsh chemicals that you might find underneath your kitchen sink. A simple mix of water and vinegar should be used to clean the table. Use a soft cloth, gentle, circular movements, and don’t forget to remove the net before you clean.
When not in use, you should take care as to how and where you store your table. Protective covers can be bought to guard against dust and spillages.

lowercased:
while there are many options to choose from (from indoor and outdoor-specific tables to compact tables for small spaces, and more), not all tables are going to suit all needs and budgets – which is why we created this guide. in it, we plan to cover all the best table tennis table brands, types, and budgets to help you make an informed decision.
inding a quality ping pong table that not only suits your needs but also sits within your budget range may seem daunting, even if you know where and how to look. there are many options and factors to consider before making the final decision. in this guide we’ve composed customer reviews, player reviews, online and in person interviews, and days of research into a comprehensive guide that you won’t find a better version of online.
this guide compares and reviews 9 of our top picks ordered by rating to make browsing easy. you can jump directly to any table that interests you using the menu below. finally, there’s a useful buyer’s guide at the bottom of the page that helps explain what to look for when buying a ping pong table.
the best overall table tennis table on the market is, undoubtedly, the stiga advantage. despite its budget-friendly price, it’s competition-ready and fits all the tournament specifications. even the net is far better quality than most of the others we’ve reviewed – including those which are usatt approved – proving that this table is exceptional value for the money.
as with our other stiga table tennis table review, it is so quick and easy to set up the stiga advantage table tennis table. it takes just a few minutes and can be done alone, but we would advise getting two people to pick up and turn over the table when you’re ready to play. at 190 pounds in total, it isn’t practical to turns over on your own.
from the moment this ping pong table is put together, its quality is obvious. it looks and feels like it’s been built to a far higher standard than the price tag would imply, offering strength and bounce like many expensive, professional tables. this table would suit an amateur or intermediate level player who is looking for a table which they can use to train, develop and improve their skills.
this is definitely possible with the stiga advantage. the 15mm thick playing surface tops high density mdf construction. it isn’t the thickest, but it is remarkably smooth and even, providing the perfect, highly responsive playing surface for super fast play.
everything about this table tennis table is ready for competition, including the dimensions, materials and even the net. the tournament grade net is made from heavy duty cotton and measures 72 inches across, with the option to easily adjust the tension so that it fits perfectly. having a ping pong table and net set that is already set up to a tournament standard is fantastic for anyone looking to compete at a high level.
we’ve chosen the stiga xtr outdoor table tennis table as the best outdoor table tennis table on the market. featuring exterior grade netting, top table construction that can withstand various weather conditions and a sturdy, galvanized steel construction, this design is durable and enjoyable for gameplay. however, with a top surface thickness of just 6mm, it simply doesn’t offer a professional level of performance or bounce.
the stiga xtr outdoor table tennis table can be assembled in about 10 minutes. this is a dramatic improvement on the kettler table.
this is a full size table, offering a playing surface that measures 9 feet long and 5 feet wide. this is perfect for getting in some serious practice or gathering round a few friends for some multiplayer fun. it can also be folded up for single player play or for very compact storage.
in fact, in terms of storage, this is one of the smallest full sized tables that we’ve come across. like the joola midsize compact table tennis table, the two halves of the stiga xtr can come apart to be used individually as free-standing tables. alternatively, the two halves can nest into one another, creating a slimline profile which doesn’t need much storage space.
we found it very simple to switch between the main play, solo play and fold-down configurations. the legs might be made from galvanized steel, but they have been made with an automatic opening feature which makes it easier to open and close the table without worrying about supporting a heavy weight or pinching fingers. when it’s folded for storage, a latch can be used to lock the two halves in place, meaning safety at all times for the whole family.
if you do happen to setup the table on uneven ground, it’s not a problem. while the kettler outdoor table was prone to bending (creating an uneven playing surface which could not be rectified easily), the stiga xtr includes adjustable rubber levelers to ensure that you can always play on a level table. it also features wheels which can be locked into place to ensure that the table doesn’t move while you’re playing.
the quality and flexibility of this ping pong table is great, but we were disappointed by the thickness of the playing surface. at just 6mm thick it is thinner than most recreational household tables, and while it delivers a surprising amount of bounce, experts and professionals will find that it isn’t as responsive as thicker surfaces. that said, it still feels great to play on, and for fun, recreational, outdoor use, beginners are unlikely to notice a difference.
in terms of specs, the joola inside 15mm table tennis table is very similar to the stiga xtr. the difference is that here, the playing surface is almost three times as thick as the outdoor table, offering exceptional bounce and playability. it’s a great indoor table tennis training tool of better quality than the price suggests.
like the stiga xtr, assembly of this table tennis table was impressively quick. all it required was fitting and tightening about 8 bolts– unlike the hours of difficulty that come with the kettler and md sports tables.
we were impressed with the durability of this ping pong table. the legs, which measure 1.5 inches wide, are made from strong steel, but they do fold away for compact storage. in addition, the quality feels like it can stand up to pretty aggressive, attack play without bending, breaking or becoming damaged.
the sturdy frame is finished with both rubber levelers for ensuring an always-level playing surface, as well as casters for rolling the table away for storage. like the stiga xtr, these can be locked to keep the table safe when not in use. each half of the table (which can either be folded up for playback mode or kept for separate) features four wheels, so whether you move the two halves individually or together, the process is simple and smooth.
at 15mm thick, the playing surface gave some serious bounce. it responded well, stood up to some hard, attacking shots, and fired off some challenging spins. we found that the bounce was uniform across the whole table, thanks to a 1.5 inch wide apron.
overall, we really like this table. it checks just about every box in terms of flexibility, performance and functionality, but it doesn’t quite have the really impressive specifications which would elevate it to the ranks of the professional, competitive table tennis tables. however, for a price of under $400, it makes a great buy and a fantastic investment for the ping pong enthusiast.
at over $1500, the butterfly centrefold 25 rollaway table tennis table is by far the most expensive table we’ve reviewed, but it’s also the best suited to top level use, making it our choice as the best professional table money can buy. this is the exact design that was used during the us ittf pro tour championships in 2004 and 2005. thus you can get one of the top athletes’ preferred tables for your own personal use.
this ittf approved table tennis table has been used in some top level tournaments, including the 2004 and 2005 us open ittf pro tour championships, so we shouldn’t have been surprized at the quality. however, if you’ve only played on cheaper, recreational tables, you’ll notice a significant improvement.
the butterfly centrefold 25 rollaway table tennis table is tournament ready, including a net which is suitable for tournament use. the top playing surface measures 1 inch thick (25mm), making it by far the thickest surface of all our professional ping pong table reviews. this brought unrivalled bounce which we could use to lay down some powerful shots and tricky curve balls. you can definitely see why this model appeals to professional players, but the overall gameplay experience may be a little too challenging for beginners to handle.
despite its high level performance, this isn’t a complicated table to use. it arrives fully assembled – great for getting started straight away – and it’s easy enough for one person to move on their own. this is down to the 4 lockable wheels which measure 5 inches in diameter: although these aren’t as numerous as the wheels that you’ll find on the joola inside table, they run smoothly and silently.
as you’d expect, this table tennis table can fold away when not in use. however, unlike most of the other options we’ve looked at, this is a one piece design. on the one hand this means that it doesn’t stow away in quite as narrow a space; but on the other hand, it means that there’s less room for error, gaps and misaligned sections – perfect for keeping up that professional standard at all times.
thick playing surface gives an exceptional bounce.
the joola midsize compact table tennis table is our pick for the best midsize compact table tennis table. measuring 72 inches long and 36 inches wide, it’s two thirds of the size of a full tournament sized table, but it’s still at the regulation height. this table is designed for easy storage.
when it came to assembling and setting up, the joola midsize compact table tennis table was by far the easiest of all our ping pong tables reviewed. it comes completely pre-assembled –saving hours on the set-up time of the kettler and the md sports tables. all you need to do is unfold the legs and clamp on the net, all of which take a matter of seconds.
the table itself is made up of two halves. when it comes to storing the table away, it isn’t a case of folding down the sides like most tables. instead, the two halves come apart and the legs fold up so that they can be stored separately. each half is a square measuring 36 inches, only a few inches thick, it stows away easily in even the smallest living spaces. as they’re free-standing, the two ping pong table halves could be used as smaller tables, but we wouldn’t recommend this as it would risk damaging the playing surface.
the foldaway nature of this table does mean that it hasn’t been designed with rigid, industrial strength construction. the legs are flimsier than we’d expect from a professional table, but for a midsize table of this size and purpose, the legs and frame are more than adequate.
when it’s fully set up as a table tennis table, this design is at the correct height for tournaments. this makes it comfortable for both adults and children to use. however, in terms of overall playing size, its area is two thirds of the size that you’d get from a full-sized table making it ideal for kids or small living spaces. if you’re new to table tennis then you might find the small playing surface a challenge, but if you’re more experienced you should be able to easily place your shots.
this ping pong table is never going to compete against high quality, professional, tournament-ready table tennis tables, but for the low price (under $200), it makes a fantastic training table for recreational play.
for a table tennis table that costs over $600, we expect quality. luckily, joola is such a well-known, reputable brand name, that with the joola rally tl 300, they didn’t disappoint. it has similar specs to the joola inside table tennis table – offering the same playing surface thickness – but you get high quality workmanship, ball holders and abacus counters as added extras.
assembly of the joola rally tl 300 was fairly straightforward, taking us around half an hour, but this is a short amount of time to spend putting together a piece of high quality sporting equipment which is so well built. one aspect of assembly which slowed us down was the mounting of the ball holders, which wasn’t clearly explained in the instructions.
however, once put together, the table offers a fantastic gameplay experience. the surface, which is made from professional grade mdf which is 15mm thick, gives a consistent amount of bounce across the whole surface of the table. we tried both offensive and defensive play, and we were impressed at how durable the surface seemed to be in holding up to some of our harder shots. we guess that’s why this table is usatt approved, having been the brand of choice by so many top-level professional players.
in terms of safety latches and storage options, the joola rally tl300 offers the same flexibility as other tables such as the joola inside table and the stiga xtr. this is proof of its reliable design features and suitability for both match play and solo practice.
however, as touched upon earlier, this table comes with added bonuses not found in the other table tennis table reviews. these include corner ball holders at every corner and magnetic abacus scorers to make playing fun and easy. it seems to be a bit hit or miss as to whether these added extras are included in the box, so if your table arrives and they haven’t been added to the package, get in touch with the manufacturers. this is worth doing as they do enhance the table tennis experience, especially when practicing for tournaments or playing for fun with friends.
the joola nova dx indoor/outdoor table tennis table is the second most expensive of all those we’ve reviewed, so we had high expectations. the playing surface was a little disappointing, as was the ease of aligning the two table halves, but don’t let this detract from what is a great value purchase considering the table’s lifespan. it’s been designed for long-term outdoor use, so it’s rare to find an outdoor table of this quality that can withstand the elements so well, while still providing high level table tennis training.
as with most joola tables, setup of the joola nova dx was a breeze. the only exception was the installation of the net, where the instructions aren’t clear as to how it should fit into place. the net connection system does tend to work loose occasionally, but this is nothing that a quick tightening can’t remedy.
although the leg levelers are fantastic for evening out the playing surface – especially on a table which can be used outdoors, potentially on uneven ground – adjusting them seemed to be quite difficult. the fact that the table is made up of two separate halves, like most of the ping pong tables we’ve reviewed, means that in the middle where the two sections meet (along the net line), the two halves of the table can become misaligned. it was more difficult to get the exact height the same on both halves than we’ve found with other similar designs, but the net mechanism was useful for hiding this minor inconvenience.
despite this, both the table top and the frame are very well built. all elements of this table tennis table have been designed for constant outdoor use all year round. you might worry that some cheaper models will warp or delaminate after years’ of outdoor use, but that isn’t a concern with a table of this price and quality. this is because the top playing surface is made from a weather-resistant aluminium plastic composite, so it won’t warp over time. although it might seem like this is a fairly big investment for your family, it works out as excellent value for money when you consider the long lifespan of this product.
the table might last for years, growing with your family, but if anyone wants to progress to a professional skill level, they might find the 6mm thick surface disappointing. considering that the kettler outdoor table is almost four times as thick for a very similar price, it would be nice if this surface was slightly thicker.
however, this doesn’t detract from what is a well built table that still gives great bounce and performance, even after being used outdoors for years at a time.
don’t be fooled by the fact that the kettler outdoor table tennis table has been designed for outdoor use: this isn’t just a recreational table to use on vacation; this is a seriously impressive piece of sporting equipment. it fits tournament regulations and has a playing surface which is noticeably thicker than the md sports table tennis table, delivering far superior, professional levels of bounce, speed and gameplay.
we have been really impressed by the kettler outdoor table tennis table. outdoor tables are stereotyped as being flimsy, cheap toys to be used and abused by kids and adults alike, but we found this model to rival some of the more expensive professional indoor ping pong tables.
for example, the top playing surface is 22mm thick, which is exactly the kind of quality that we’d expect from a club table. it delivers great spin, a fact which is enhanced when you flip up one side to get in some solo practice.
the playing surface features uv-resistant, waterproof and anti-glare technology to make it suitable for outdoors use. the top surface can be used in changing weather conditions, and you needn’t worry about the rest of the table. aluminium has been included in the design to prevent warping and to control expansion and/or contraction that occurs from different types of weather. a cover is also included for added protection against the elements – although bear in mind that, the net must be removed first. in addition, the legs have been fashioned from galvanized steel so they’ll never corrode.
the frame can stand up to the weather, but we were disappointed in its strength and stability. we have a feeling that if you handle your table roughly, the frame could be prone to bending and buckling, rendering it uneven and impractical to use.
we love the fact that kettler has designed this table with safety in mind. it features a dual lever to prevent you from knocking the mechanism and closing the table accidentally . in addition, when you fold up one side to play solo, they have patented their design mechanism to eliminate all gaps between the horizontal side of the table and the vertical side. this means that no matter how aggressively you play, you can never lose your ball in the gap, and you can never pinch or trap your fingers or hands.
the md sports ping pong table is sized up for tournament play, but if you’d rather get in some solo practice or store it away, it can be easily folded away. once you move past the fact that assembly takes a few hours, this is a great table for recreational and leisure use.
measuring nine feet long and five feet wide, this table is perfect for practicing your ping pong skills on the same size table that you’d find in tournaments and competitions. the 15mm thick playing surface has just the right amount of bounce for everyday home use, although clubs and professional players might find that it’s a little too thin. however, we were impressed at how well it responded to our spins and powerful, offensive shots.
this table does come with everything you need to get started, especially useful if it’s your first table. the posts which hold the net in place are so easy to fit that they can be clamped onto the table in a matter of seconds. two paddles and two balls are included with the set, but they are of cheap quality. if you’re going to invest in a good ping pong table such as this one, we would definitely recommend getting hold of some professional ping pong rackets to match – especially if you intend to take your gameplay to anything more than recreational level.
when not being used by multiple players, you can fold one side of the table up for single person play or practice, or fold both sides down for storage. it’s easy to fold the table in this way – you don’t need any tools – but assembly is a different story. before you can play for the first time, you’ll need to spend a few hours putting the table together, preferably with the help of a friend and some power tools.
what is the difference between an indoor ping pong table and an outdoor ping pong table?
what is the correct size for ping pong table wheels?
how long is a ping pong table?
how wide is a ping pong table?
how tall is a ping pong table?
where do you want to keep the table?
what type of play/use are you planning?
how does it fit within the three key principles?
how long are ping pong tables?
what are the best ping pong table brands?
while professional ping pong tables are made to be used indoors, the best ping pong tables will provide you with an ideal playing surface, regardless of how or where you play. as a result, the same principles apply to both indoor and outdoor ping pong tables. in both cases, you’ll be looking at the playing surface, the durability and the ease of storage.
putting these features to one side, one of the biggest differences between ping pong tables is that folding table tennis tables are usually – but not exclusively – built for indoor use. if you intend to play outdoors but need to store your table folded, you might want to look into buying a folding indoor table and taking it outside to play in good weather.
just as no two ping pong paddles give the same performance or bounce, ping pong tables with different surfaces will give completely different gameplay experiences.
most professional tables have top surfaces made from plywood, plastic, or even fiberglass. you’ll notice the difference in the amount of bounce you can achieve: in general, thinning layers of wood provide less bounce than thicker surfaces, so thicker is almost always better. look for a table where the playing surface measures 18 to 20mm (0.7 to 0.8 inches) thick for optimum performance.
when comparing table tennis tables, the thickness of the top layer should be your primary concern since this is what gives your ball its bounce. the bottom layer just acts as the skirting, so its thickness should not be an influential factor in your decision-making process.
most home tables should sit firmly around the 19mm (0.75 inch) mark, but if you can’t afford the $300-400 price tag, you can find cheaper options. a table measuring between 15 and 19mm (0.6 and 0.75 inches) thick will be decent enough to play on, but aim for something better if you intend to play regularly. don’t even think about choosing a table with a playing surface that’s any thinner than this as you simply won’t be getting enough bounce for your money.
at the professional end of the spectrum, competition level tables tend to be 25mm (1 inch) thick. these are the most expensive tables on the market, but you’re guaranteed quality and a fantastic gameplay experience. for a decent bridge between home use and competition standard, look for a table measuring 22mm (0.9 inches) thick as this is the standard commonly used by clubs.
needless to say, you’re going to want a good quality, sturdy frame that can withstand rigorous use – especially if you intend to reach a professional playing standard.
fixed, non-folding tables provide a more stable frame than folding tables. due to the rigid construction. however, the drawback with these tables is that they have to stay open all the time.
some cheaper models have lightweight frames made from wood, but most tables have stainless steel frames for unrivaled strength. these are heavy in weight, but also heavy duty.
look for stability, rigidity, the ability to move the table and the possibility of adjusting the feet on uneven playing surfaces. of course, if you’re particularly tall or you intend to play with children, you should look for a table which can be raised or lowered to a comfortable height.
while you’re comparing the strength of ping pong table frames, you should remember that tournaments set strict guidelines on table sizes, so make sure the frame you choose fits within the rules. you are probably asking yourself: how big is a ping pong table?
a good value ping pong table offers not only stability but an even playing surface and a net. for the best overall experience, flexibility, convenience and safety are other key features.
professional table tennis nets allow you to adjust the height, needed to enter tournaments. cheap, flimsy, clip-on nets don’t tend to offer much adjustment – or accuracy. you might also see retractable nets on the market. while these are great at being adjustable to fit in different sized tables, they aren’t usually stable enough to be used in serious matches.
remember that tournament ping pong tables state that the net (as well as the posts securing it at each side of the table) should be 15.25 cm (6 inches) above the top of the table, with the bottom of the net as close to the playing surface as possible. the net can be made from any spun fibre, as long as it’s soft and dark with a light yellow or white tape across the top. there are also regulations about the size and type of knots, as well as the size of the holes making up the mesh.
convenience is the name of the game in so many aspects of modern life, and ping pong is no exception. that’s why so many tables are designed to fold away – some even come with wheels or casters – meaning that the table can be stored easily and simply rolled out for use.
if you’re buying a table for domestic use or for a commercial space with lots of kids, safety should be a priority. when it comes to ping pong tables, there is always a risk of trapping fingers when putting away or folding out a foldable ping pong table. look for a table which comes with a lever for easy, smooth folding and unfolding – and even a lock to stop the table from coming apart when in place. in addition, choose a table with padded corners to prevent injuries to children.
if you play table tennis regularly or if you’re training professionally, it’s probably worth keeping your table and net up all the time. however, if that isn’t possible, you do have a few different options.
we’ve already established that retractable nets offer the most ease and convenience when fitting to different tables. clip on nets offer slightly more permanence, although the loaded springs which are used to hold them in place can be quite heavy. this makes taking them off and putting them on regularly much less convenient than some other designs. the professional nets which offer the ideal solution come with clamps to fasten them in place (and which also make them adjustable), so they can be removed without too much hassle.
the wheels which let you move your ping pong table easily come in different sizes depending upon the size of the table. 125mm is a common diameter for ping pong table wheels, but junior tables are usually smaller.
some tables are fitted with adjustable feet instead of wheels to ensure that you’re playing on a level surface.
it goes without saying that full size tables which don’t fold need much more space. in these cases, storage can be an issue, especially as you need extra room around the table to play. don’t be tempted to double up your ping pong table as a regular table as this will damage the playing surface and hinder your gameplay experience.
folding tables are much easier to store. typically folding in half, they can end up needing a space no more than a few inches wide. these tables often have wheels, so it’s easy to slide them into a closet or into a corner in most average living spaces.
tables should be 274 cm (9 feet) long.
tables should be 152.5 cm (5 feet) wide.
the playing surface should be 76 cm (2 feet 6 inches) above the ground.
in order not to feel cramped or claustrophobic, you will want an extra 5 feet of empty space at each end of the ping pong table. you will also be moving from side to side, so you should clear an extra few feet on each side. in total, you should plan to have a space measuring 19 feet long by 11 feet wide; as a bare minimum.
here, you’ll mainly be choosing between indoor and outdoor use. as we’ve already seen, the difference between indoor and outdoor tables is not great. you’ll also need to think about where you want to store the table when not in use, as a folding table might be your only realistic option.
if you see table tennis as a hobby or leisure activity to enjoy at home with your family, you can probably get away with a slightly less expensive, lower spec ping pong table. provided that the table meets your basic requirements, there’s no need to spend more money on extra features which are superfluous if you will only be playing occasionally. as we explored earlier, these basic requirements include an adequate playing surface thickness, a strong frame with plenty of room to move around, a good quality net, a table that’s easily stored and extra safe design features.
however, if you take ping pong seriously and if you intend to play professionally, you will need to invest in a good quality table. stability, a good quality surface, safety features, durability and flexibility will all boost your performance.
ping pong tables designed for tournament use should be 2.74m (9 feet) long and 1.52m (5 feet) wide – but if you’re trying to see whether you have enough room at home to keep one, don’t forget to factor in extra space around the table for you to move! you should add an extra five feet at each end of the table and 2-3 extra feet to each side.
remember to keep the top surface thickness, the strength of the frame, the convenience, the ease of storage and the net height at the forefront of your mind when comparing the best table tennis tables. if you’re considering a table that doesn’t check one of these boxes, it isn’t going to deliver in terms of performance.
you should always buy within your means. if you have big ambitions but a small budget, start off with a smaller, cheaper, entry-level model and work your way up. by then your skills have improved enough to benefit from a better quality table.
junior or hobby ping pong tables can be as cheap as $40, but you get what you pay for. for a price this low, you can’t expect good quality, durability or a table that will stand up to hours of constant use.
at the other end of the scale, the best professional ping pong tables can cost 100 times as much: it’s not uncommon to see tables costing $3000-4000. buying one of these tables is an investment, usually accessible to the most successful, skilled and ambitious players only.
for an average, middle of the range, family ping pong table, you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars.
ping pong tables designed for tournament use should be 2.74m (9 feet) long and 1.52m (5 feet) wide – but if you’re trying to see whether you have enough room at home to keep one, don’t forget to factor in extra space around the table for you to move!
tables for unofficial play can be different sizes. for example, junior tables are typically about three-quarters of the full size.
deciding which ping pong table brands are the “best” is a subjective matter. however, some of the most popular brand names which you’re likely to come across during your research are killerspin, joola, cornilleau, stiga and butterfly.
a ping pong table is not like any other table. it’s a piece of sporting equipment, so you need to take good care of it if you want the best performance.
you should keep the top surface clean and free from debris, but don’t be tempted to use any harsh chemicals that you might find underneath your kitchen sink. a simple mix of water and vinegar should be used to clean the table. use a soft cloth, gentle, circular movements, and don’t forget to remove the net before you clean.
when not in use, you should take care as to how and where you store your table. protective covers can be bought to guard against dust and spillages.


text:
Millions of patients suffer from Interstitial Cystitis /painful bladder syndrome. This severe and debilitating condition has historically been confused with other bladder pathology which must be ruled out, making IC difficult to diagnose. Currently, Interstitial Cystitis/PBS is defined as “an unpleasant sensation (pain, pressure, discomfort) perceived to be related to the urinary bladder, associated with lower urinary tract symptoms of more than 6 weeks duration, in the absence of infection or other identifiable causes.” (2009 new American IC/BPS Guidelines). Although there are several theories to explain IC, the exact cause remains unclear. Many patients with IC have the biomarker APF (antiproliferative factor) in their urine which inhibits bladder cell proliferation, making healing of the bladder lining much more difficult (1). Recent research indicates IC may be related to systemic neurosensitization and neuroinflammation that occurs within the bladder and also some other organ systems (2). Regardless of the cause, the end result of IC is damage to urothelium and bladder muscle that can run the spectrum from mild mucosal irritation to deep Hunner’s ulcers.
Adipose derived adult (non-embryonic) mesenchymal stem cells are currently being investigated for use in degenerative conditions that result in damage to various organs and systems. These cells have the ability to seek out areas of injury and regeneration and assist in the repair of nerves, blood vessels, muscle, fat, cartilage, bone, and many other structures. These cells are naturally recruited by cytokines (SDF-1 stromal derived factor one, HGF hepatocyte growth factor, and platelets), to sites of inflammation, ischemia, hypoxia, or injury and they assist in the healing process either by directly forming needed cells or secreting chemical messengers that promote healing. Stem cells are mobilized naturally from bone marrow when the body is healing but they are also found dormant but available in human adipose tissue. These stem cells from fat are abundant in levels up to 2500 times greater than those found in bone marrow and research indicates that the fat derived stem cells have equivalent regeneration potential to the bone marrow cells (3). Also, stem cell treatment success appears to relate to the number of cells used and this gives adipose cells a significant potential advantage to regenerate human tissues. Mesenchymal stem cells have been used extensively around the world in the successful treatment of orthopedic, cardiac, pulmonary, and neurologic disease in both humans and veterinary models. We have evidence that adipose derived stem cells can differentiate into functional smooth muscle cells (4,5) and we think therefore, that bladder repair by stem cells may be possible in IC patients. A recent study in mice with bladder outlet obstruction demonstrated that florescent protein labeled MSC’s (mesenchymal stem cells) injected intravenously into test subjects incorporated into bladder muscle resulting in decreased hypoxia, hypertrophy, and fibrosis and increased blood flow. Nine out of ten mice who received MSC’s had improved bladder compliance (6).
We know that patients with IC demonstrate abnormal cell signaling and cytokine release (7). For this reason, we believe that stem cell treatment may be helpful for interstitial cystitis patients who exhibit mucosal and smooth muscular damage. We have developed a protocol to treat patients with IC of various stages with adipose derived stem cells. Our protocol uses high doses of stem cells injected intravenously and also intra-vesically (directly into the bladder lumen) and in some cases directly into trigger points in the pelvic floor. We have evidence that intravesical instillation of adipose derived stem cells into mice effectively shows morphological and phenotypic evidence of smooth muscle incorporation into the bladder wall three months after instillation (8).
Cell Surgical Network Center is using high dose autologous adipose derived stem cells for the investigational treatment of various degenerative diseases. The use of autologous cells ensures that the patients receive cells from only their own bodies. The technology to isolate the adipose derived stem cells has been obtained from Korea and is state of the art. All studies are patient funded and not approved by the FDA. We have initiated a pilot study to investigate the effectiveness of high dose adipose derived stem cells on interstitial cystitis. Only adult adipose derived stem cells are used at the Cell Surgical Network since embryonic stem cells have the potential to form rare tumors and have ethical considerations. At Cell Surgical Network, the stem cells are obtained from a “mini” liposuction-like procedure performed under local anesthetic. Stem cells are isolated on site from the patient’s own fat and then deployed in our facility within 90 minutes. Regenerative healing naturally takes time and we do not expect immediate improvement in symptoms. Patients will be followed closely through our research registry and data collected carefully to help establish effectiveness of our treatment protocols.

lowercased:
millions of patients suffer from interstitial cystitis /painful bladder syndrome. this severe and debilitating condition has historically been confused with other bladder pathology which must be ruled out, making ic difficult to diagnose. currently, interstitial cystitis/pbs is defined as “an unpleasant sensation (pain, pressure, discomfort) perceived to be related to the urinary bladder, associated with lower urinary tract symptoms of more than 6 weeks duration, in the absence of infection or other identifiable causes.” (2009 new american ic/bps guidelines). although there are several theories to explain ic, the exact cause remains unclear. many patients with ic have the biomarker apf (antiproliferative factor) in their urine which inhibits bladder cell proliferation, making healing of the bladder lining much more difficult (1). recent research indicates ic may be related to systemic neurosensitization and neuroinflammation that occurs within the bladder and also some other organ systems (2). regardless of the cause, the end result of ic is damage to urothelium and bladder muscle that can run the spectrum from mild mucosal irritation to deep hunner’s ulcers.
adipose derived adult (non-embryonic) mesenchymal stem cells are currently being investigated for use in degenerative conditions that result in damage to various organs and systems. these cells have the ability to seek out areas of injury and regeneration and assist in the repair of nerves, blood vessels, muscle, fat, cartilage, bone, and many other structures. these cells are naturally recruited by cytokines (sdf-1 stromal derived factor one, hgf hepatocyte growth factor, and platelets), to sites of inflammation, ischemia, hypoxia, or injury and they assist in the healing process either by directly forming needed cells or secreting chemical messengers that promote healing. stem cells are mobilized naturally from bone marrow when the body is healing but they are also found dormant but available in human adipose tissue. these stem cells from fat are abundant in levels up to 2500 times greater than those found in bone marrow and research indicates that the fat derived stem cells have equivalent regeneration potential to the bone marrow cells (3). also, stem cell treatment success appears to relate to the number of cells used and this gives adipose cells a significant potential advantage to regenerate human tissues. mesenchymal stem cells have been used extensively around the world in the successful treatment of orthopedic, cardiac, pulmonary, and neurologic disease in both humans and veterinary models. we have evidence that adipose derived stem cells can differentiate into functional smooth muscle cells (4,5) and we think therefore, that bladder repair by stem cells may be possible in ic patients. a recent study in mice with bladder outlet obstruction demonstrated that florescent protein labeled msc’s (mesenchymal stem cells) injected intravenously into test subjects incorporated into bladder muscle resulting in decreased hypoxia, hypertrophy, and fibrosis and increased blood flow. nine out of ten mice who received msc’s had improved bladder compliance (6).
we know that patients with ic demonstrate abnormal cell signaling and cytokine release (7). for this reason, we believe that stem cell treatment may be helpful for interstitial cystitis patients who exhibit mucosal and smooth muscular damage. we have developed a protocol to treat patients with ic of various stages with adipose derived stem cells. our protocol uses high doses of stem cells injected intravenously and also intra-vesically (directly into the bladder lumen) and in some cases directly into trigger points in the pelvic floor. we have evidence that intravesical instillation of adipose derived stem cells into mice effectively shows morphological and phenotypic evidence of smooth muscle incorporation into the bladder wall three months after instillation (8).
cell surgical network center is using high dose autologous adipose derived stem cells for the investigational treatment of various degenerative diseases. the use of autologous cells ensures that the patients receive cells from only their own bodies. the technology to isolate the adipose derived stem cells has been obtained from korea and is state of the art. all studies are patient funded and not approved by the fda. we have initiated a pilot study to investigate the effectiveness of high dose adipose derived stem cells on interstitial cystitis. only adult adipose derived stem cells are used at the cell surgical network since embryonic stem cells have the potential to form rare tumors and have ethical considerations. at cell surgical network, the stem cells are obtained from a “mini” liposuction-like procedure performed under local anesthetic. stem cells are isolated on site from the patient’s own fat and then deployed in our facility within 90 minutes. regenerative healing naturally takes time and we do not expect immediate improvement in symptoms. patients will be followed closely through our research registry and data collected carefully to help establish effectiveness of our treatment protocols.