Although the shaping process often begins with machine processing, the final contour is always refined by hand. This ensures a natural grip that positions the blade for optimal forehand and backhand angles.

Handcrafted handles allow for fine-tuning the blade’s characteristics in terms of balance, speed, ergonomics, and feedback. In contrast, mass-produced handles often prioritize visual appeal over performance optimization.

The material of the handle plays an essential role in shaping the blade's characteristics. It directly affects the blade’s weight, balance, speed, and vibration feedback, ultimately influencing the player's style and overall feel.

• Harder and heavier materials:
• • Firmly secure the blade face, enhancing its stability and increasing overall speed.
  • Shift the balance toward the handle, supporting a more controlled, tactical playing style.

​For topspin-oriented offensive play, hollowing out inside the handle reduces its weight, shifting the balance toward the blade’s head.​

Example:
The legendary Stiga Ehrlich handle design featured a hard wood handle combined with an all-round blade. Its weight was purposefully  ​reduced through drilled holes in the handle and internal hollowing, along with beveled edges at the handle's end, shifting the balance  ​toward the blade’s head. This design not only provided functional advantages but also became iconic for its unique aesthetic.

• Softer and lighter materials:
• • Slightly reduce blade speed while increasing control.
  • Shift the balance toward the blade’s head, enhancing spin-oriented, offensive play.

​If a more centered or handle balance is desired, this can be achieved by reducing blade weight or adjusting the head shape.

We’re committed to providing prompt and effective solutions to ensure your satisfaction.

• Matte finishes: Provide a secure grip, especially during intense play.
• Polished finishes: While visually striking, they can become slippery during matches, making them less practical.

Precise and secure attachment of the handle is key to ensure:

• Minimal vibration.
• Effective energy transfer.
• Maximum spin generation and stability.

The thumb area is a critical feature in the ergonomics of shakehand handles, significantly influencing grip stability and control.

• Shorter, flatter designs: Offer a more stable grip closer to the neck, supporting stronger hits and precise placements.
• Longer, sharper designs: Allow for a looser grip, favoring spin-oriented play and generating higher levels of rotation.

Choosing the right handle shape is one of the most important steps in optimizing a table tennis blade. It’s a deeply personal decision that should consider the player’s physical attributes, playing style, and long-term goals.

• Empirical method: trial and experience
• • Comfort: The handle should allow both a firm and relaxed grip.
  • Smooth transitions: The handle should facilitate seamless switching between forehand and backhand strokes.
  • Ease of recovery: The handle should allow for quick and smooth grip adjustments after serves.
• Coach’s guidance: ​An experienced coach with knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics can provide valuable insights, taking into account the player’s hand size, grip strength, and both current and future playing styles.
• Personal expertise and customization​: With over 20 years of experience, I can offer:
• • Statistical insights: FL handles dominate my orders, comprising around 70%. SQst handles make up 15%, with the remaining 15% distributed among other types
  • Fine-tuning: If you have an established grip, I can work with you to refine your handle for your specific goals.
    
    
• Mentor's wisdom​: My mentor, István Szabó, who had over 50 years of coaching experience, offered valuable advice on handle selection:
• • For beginners: SQst handles are versatile and offer excellent stability.
  • For backhand-oriented players: ELcon handles enhance wrist flexibility, making them ideal for backhand-initiated spin and counterplay.
  • For defensive players: Rst handles provide a loose grip and suitable angles for defensive strokes, especially for those who twiddle their paddle.

Our standard handle designs have evolved over the years based on extensive player feedback. Each handle offers unique advantages:

• OSP-FL (Flared): Features a wider base to prevent slipping and fits a wide range of playing styles. 
• P-FL (Palatinus FL): A less curved, more streamlined version of the standard OSP FL shape. It features a slightly narrower taper and a subtly flattened contour.
• SQst (Square Straight): Features defined edges for a solid and precise hold.
• Rst (Rounded Straight): Supports smooth transitions between forehand and backhand.
• P-st (Palatinus Straight): Seamlessly bridging the gap between our Rst and SQst profiles, the P-St offers a harmonious balance of rounded comfort and squared stability.
• UTCan (Anatomical): Ergonomic design ensures comfort during extended play.
• ELcon (Conical): Improves wrist flexibility and adds extra power to backhand strokes.
  
• Cpen (Penhold): Designed for the traditional penhold grip rooted in East Asian playing styles. Thanks to Félix Lebrun’s recent success, penhold is gaining popularity beyond Asia.

If our standard handles don’t meet your specific needs, we also offer custom handle options tailored to your preferences.