Stiga Optimum 30 Review

The Stiga Optimum 30 is a professional grade table tennis table that is aimed at intermediate to advanced level players that want a table that offers a tournament quality playing experience. The highlight of the Stiga Optimum 30 is the 30mm or nearly 1.2-inch thick MDF top that is one of thickest tops available for consumer table tennis tables.

The thickness of the MDF top in addition to the pre-treated and specially formulated outer coating give the Stiga Optimum 30 an unbelievingly consistent bounce response and spin dynamic. The Stiga Optimum 30 offers one of the best playing experiences among all the available consumer ping pong tables.

Specifications

• Optimum Bounce Technology- 30mm Thick Top
• ITTF Approved, Ultra-Premium Indoor Tournament Table
• Official Table of SPiN Ping-Pong Social Club
• 4” Machine-Grade Casters and Leg Levelers
• Massive Chassis Construction for Unmatched Stability
• STIGA VM Net and Post Set Included

Construction

The Stiga Optimum 30 offers a super heavy duty steel frame that is supported by extra-rigid and self-opening 2 2/5 x 1 3/5-inch steel legs. These heavy duty legs have built-in leg levelers that can easily be adjusted for a level playing surface that is tournament quality even when the floor is not. The steel legs fit into the 2-2/5 inch steel apron which supports the MDF top and provides a stable foundation for even the most aggressive rallies.

The table can be rolled into place with its massive 4-inch machine-grade caster wheels. These wheels can glide easily over pretty much any indoor surface and come complete with locking mechanisms that will keep the table solid and in place during play.

The table is made up of two completely independent folding table halves that can be folded up and stored separately. The storage dimensions are 60 inches wide by 25 deep by 62 inches tall. The good thing about the table being two separate halves is that each half can be moved separately making the table much easier to maneuver into place or to store after playing a game. Another benefit of the two separate halves is that one-half can be folded up into “Playback” mode so players can practice against themselves.

The Stiga Optimum 30 comes with an ITTF-approved adjustable STIGA Premium VM net and post set. The net tension can easily be adjusted and definitely has a tournament quality feel to it.

Playing Experience

Playing on the Stiga Optimum 30 feels really really good. The table is extremely solid and the consistent bounce is immediately noticeable. Whether shots are landing on the back line, the edges or dead center on each table half, the bounce has that same solid sound and a predictable trajectory that makes for fantastic competitive play. The net feels perfectly aligned across the top of the table and each table half meets together for an almost seamless connection. Oddly, however, the two pieces that connect both table halves together are made of plastic. While it doesn’t seem to be super thin or cheap, we expected higher grade materials for such an important piece of the tables construction.

Conclusion

The Stiga Optimum 30 is a tournament quality table that is light on convenience features but has one of the best table tops of any consumer ping pong table. With a few exceptions, pretty much all the components are made of high-end materials. The steel frame is extremely sturdy and the table has a professional feel to it that few tables can match. It’s very clear that this table is ITTF approved and of the highest quality. The table has been used in many World Championships and even in some Olympic games and is certainly good enough to satisfy the intermediate or advanced player.