I received this paddle. I found it to have an indentation on the black rubber due to the packaging. Looks like it will affect play. Is this normal? .
1978561
Probably not normal. The dhs I received looked fake. It was poorly glued together and was split from the handle all the way up. I've been playing for many years. Kept buying paddles on sale. But the best one I ever bought was Killersspin 800. Even if you don't get the super expensive ones you may find killerspin is excellent quality and well worth the money.
1978562
So long as it isn't on a "sweet spot" which is around the middle it will be fine, the indentation may also leave as time passes. This is a fantastic paddle for the price. Of course if it hinders you, do what you must.
1764395
Not every paddle is like this. Personally, for the most part I believe it is a design thing. In professional table tennis, the players can customize the amounts of padding on each side of the paddle. (If you don't know what I mean by padding, feel a nicer paddle as opposed to a cheap wooden one) Professional players alter the amount of padding so that they can vary the level of spin they put on the ball with each stroke. When the sides are different colors, it is easier for the player to differentiate which side to use. I hope that helps! But for 99% of people, it is largely just design I'm pretty sure Not every paddle is like this. Personally, for the most part I believe it is a design thing. In professional table tennis, the players can customize the amounts of padding on each side of the paddle. (If you don't know what I mean by padding, feel a nicer paddle as opposed to a cheap wooden one) Professional players alter the amount of padding so that they can vary the level of spin they put on the ball with each stroke. When the sides are different colors, it is easier for the player to differentiate which side to use. I hope that helps! But for 99% of people, it is largely just... » Read More Not every paddle is like this. Personally, for the most part I believe it is a design thing. In professional table tennis, the players can customize the amounts of padding on each side of the paddle. (If you don't know what I mean by padding, feel a nicer paddle as opposed to a cheap wooden one) Professional players alter the amount of padding so that they can vary the level of spin they put on the ball with each stroke. When the sides are different colors, it is easier for the player to differentiate which side to use. I hope that helps! But for 99% of people, it is largely just design I'm pretty sure « Show Less
1244286
Yes! I just started this summer as well, and this paddle works just fine. It isn't as fancy as my brother-in-law's more expensive paddle (~$100), but it is similar construction, similar features just not quite as pretty. Works perfectly fine, and very affordable.
2233760
If washed in the dishwasher, as the others have clearly stated, it will discolor and there will be a residue of some sort left on the metal (I'm guessing aluminum oxide). HOWEVER, THIS DOES NOT RUIN THE PADDLE. Just clean and polish the aluminum with a scotchbrite pad or other scrub pad (Mr Clean Magic Eraser might work well) and don't put it in the dishwasher again. Good as new, you don't have to buy a new one or replace it.
2064396
I am no pro at table tennis. But after the purchase of some decent paddles, it is well worth it. The paddles came tacky on the rubbers and the dirt/dust from playing transfers from the ball to your paddle. The cleaner will restore your paddle to it's original feel. This makes your shot more reliable to spin/hit the same way all the time. Hope that helps!
1792082
That sounds truly strange as these balls are very sturdy. Is it possible it was defective in some way? I did, however, purchase a bigger ball. So far, it has held up pretty well. Check how long you've had it to see if it is still covered under their warranty, and let Gaiam know about your experience.
1590427
I checked one on southwest from Kentucky to California this year no problem. I did have to order another paddle, also from amazon and send it ahead of me as even a 3 piece was too big to fit anywhere. It was cheap enough paddle, just over $20, it all worked great.
2042754
On a scale of 1-100 I would rate spin at 90 on red side, and 85 on black side -- very tacky Red side rubber with the Hurricane III that I got, however the sponge is fairly thin on that side, so it doesn't stay on the paddle too long to get extreme spin. The black side G555 side is not nearly as tacky but seems to have a slightly thicker sponge. Control 85 Red side, 80 black side. Power, 85 black side, and 80 red side. For me this paddle was good for playing a lot of spin and drive shots on offense, but not great for looping shots from below table level...well at least not with much power. Defensively the red side is decent for chopping and very good for blocking. The black side is the more offensive side.
1766018
I haven't tried to use a paddle, but I'm sure if you check the manufacturer's website you could either find the attachment, or at least a number to call them to find out.
2274061
If you order this set you should be able get the paddle color in black and blue. But there is no guarantee. I got this set as a gift so I really don't know where these were purchased. But black and red are the official colors for rubber. One side has to be black and the other side red. In any event as I mentioned it in my review, the paddles are really of poor quality and warped. The only reason to get this set is for the net which is really good. I would recommend you buy a decent set of paddles to complement this set. Keep the original paddles for very young children that way you won't have to worry about them being rough with the equipment. Save the good paddles for older players. In addition if you buy decent paddles at a local store you might be able to find some that come with different colors. They just won't meet regulation standards.
1961371
Honestly I do not know if it's a defect. I liked the board so much form the beginning that I decided to keep it, curved or not, and with time it i has actually become steadier. It's really a great board and if you treat it right, using some special oil once in a while it will keep looking as beautiful as when you unwrapped it!I hope this is helpful to you. Aloha from Britt
1574365
I am not entirely sure what this question is supposed to mean. The black plastic is hard and does not allow level putting. The green "grass" covering was not well glued on mine. I am unsure what else this questioner might be asking.
1500823
Make sure that the bowl is seated properly as well as the handle. There is a switch at the back, I sometimes forget to switch it on, then you will have the digital numbers come on, once that is done the paddle should turn. I know originally I had the same problem and though the item was defective, though it had been packaged badly, looked like a return. Amazon is so good about standing behind all they sell, so I did get a replacement. I love it.
1002901
The paddle has a light clear varnish. It would need to be sanded to remove the finish.
2194581
I've been using this setup since Dec 2011 playing 2x week for 3-4 hrs at a time and its held up fine. No separation of the top sheet from the sponge layer or any separation from the actual blade. The rubber isn't as tacky as when I first bought it but theres still plenty of tackiness. I wipe down the rubbers with a damp cloth in between points when playing and after each use to keep the rubbers tacky. I also wrap it in Saran Wrap when not playing because the rubber is a lint/dust magnet. Just a bit of care keeps this paddle working just fine.
344981
I have not experienced this issue to date. I am guessing you loosened the attachment past a specific point. Great idea about marking the extension arm.Good luck! Love the arm for scuba diving! Haven't used it yet for Boarding.
1872257
It is normal for the paddle to collapse easily. The maker spins the paddle both directions. In effect, it raises and lowers it as needed.