perllog

I'm looking for a good ping pong table to play in my garage. After
trying the outdoor models Kettler Topstar XL and Butterfly Home
Outdoor rollaway for fear of warpage of the top due to the seasonal
hot/cold temperature in my garage ie 110F in Summer-40F in Winter, I
decided that the outdoor model's don't give the bounce as satisfying
as a wooden top so I've moved over to the indoor category. Since then
I've narrowed down to two tables, the BTY rollaway 25 and Joola
Atlanta Olympic and since there I have no way of trying these two out
where I live, I'd appreciate your comments on the following:

0- The BTY centrefold 25 spec says it has "sealed back" to prevent
warpage. I'm hoping this to help prevent the warpage that may cause by
the temperature swing in my garage. How about the Joola ? Does it have
this warpage prevention "sealed back" or equivalent ?

1- Handling by one person : fold down to play and for an hour or two
daily and fold it up for storage, is it practical with these two
models and which model is better for it in term of ease of handling ?

2- Reliability : Which model design is better for frequent fold
up/down daily without breaking down after a year or two ?

3- Feel: Which one has better bounce ?

4-General: Which one you like better and why ?

5-Post&net: Are these in ready position even when table folded up for
storage ?

6-For buying online for these two models, which retailer you would
recommend for price/service ? Robinstabletennis has the Joola for
949USD and BTY for 1099USD. WHich one would you choose ?

7-I'd appreciate any other comments and recommendation that y'all
have.

Thanks

perllog

ward

I'm not too sure about wooden TT tables. But I do know that for piano
soundboards (also wood), swings in relative humidity and high relative
humidity are much worse than swings in temperature. Your local piano
tuner will verify this.

Unfortunately, controlling high relative humidity is
difficult/expensive/noisy.

You can buy an electronic relative humidity gauge from Radio Shack.
If you shop around on-line (Jameco or Edmund Scientifics) you might be
able to save money. I got a bare-bones model from Edmund Scientifics
a few months ago for around $25.

ward

There is a company named "Dampp-Chaser" (two p's). They make humidity
control systems for pianos.

These systems work well, and are much more practical than
dehumidifying a garage. Even the discriminating Steinway company
speaks well of them. A piano will stay tuned much longer with one,
and will have better longevity.

The best models have an electronic humidostat, with separate
humidifying and dehumidifying subsystems. Here is Austin I cut out
the humidifying subsystem with a switch.

For a TT table, you'd want a grand-piano model (as opposed to an
upright piano model).

It might be worth paying a piano tech a few bucks to get his input,
even if you do the installation yourself.

You'll need to add a "skirt" around the table (say 16" long) to
concentrate the system's effect. Sheet plastic would be fine, a
cut-up blanket would be better. It would also be good to seal the
crack (if any) under the net.