Stiga STS 385 Review

The Stiga STS 385 is a mid-level table tennis table that’s part of the Stiga Tournament Series (STS) line of tables. The STS models combine the quality materials and craftsmanship of other Stiga products with a unique set of convenience features that appeals to beginners as well as more experienced table tennis players. The STS tables also have a distinct look that stands out from other tables with sharp lines, white accents and good contrast that makes these tables stand out from the crowd.

The STS 385 sits right in the middle when compared to other STS tables. It comes with some high-end features like large 5-inch maglock locking wheels, 2-1/2-inch leg levelers, a 2-inch apron and integrated ball storage. But also some pretty mid-level features like a no-frills 3/4-inch top thickness and a standard assembly process.

Specifications:

• Competition-Ready Table with Exceptional Playability and Durability
• 3/4” Thick Table Top with Silk-Screened Striping
• 2” Legs with Leg Levelers and 5” Mag Wheels with Locks
• 2” Powder-Coated Steel Apron with Patented Full-Length Ball Storage
• 72” Premium Clipper Net and Post System Included
• For Indoor Use Only

Construction

The STS 385 features a decently thick 3/4-inch top that goes through a special sanding and UV filling process to make sure the surface is smooth and uniform. The top is coated with multiple layers of a specialty blue paint to maximize durability and is printed with a silk screen striping to keep the surface consistent. The 3/4-inch thickness is pretty average for a mid-level table but it certainly is not the ITTF-approved tournament standard of 1-inch thick. This table is probably not ideal for advanced or more seasoned players but should be a good fit for beginner to intermediate players.

The frame of the Stiga STS 385 is a classic H-frame style chassis with pretty heavy-duty welded steel cross beams that connect together the 2” thick steel legs. The base of the table consists of two caster beams connected with a wooden cross-brace support for added weight and stability. Each caster beam is held up with two 5-inch ball bearing caster wheels that allow the table to be pretty easy to maneuver despite weighing in at over 200 pounds. The frame is connected to a 2-inch full wraparound steel apron to give the table top extra support and make sure the bounce is as consistent as possible. The white apron is treated with a powder coating process to make sure it has a durable finish that does not scratch easily.

Integrated Ball Storage

One of the highlights of the STS 385 is the integrated ball storage that is built right into the white powder-coated apron of the table. At each end of the table, there is room for nearly 40 balls for a total of roughly 80 balls that can be stored inside the table! Having this kind of storage at each end of the table is a huge convenience. Also, the fact that it’s both easily accessible but out of the way enough to not affect gameplay makes it an ideal convenience feature that you wish every table had. In addition to the ball storage, there are 3D molded plastic corner protectors at each corner of the table to reduce the damage caused to the corners that can often crack the playing surface.

Playback Mode

The STS 385 supports playback mode where you can fold up one side of the table and play against it for practice or solo play. The self-opening and self-closing legs make it easier to fold the table halves up and down because you don’t have to worry about folding the legs in. As you lift up the table half, the legs will automatically fold into place making the transition from play position to playback or storage position that much easier.

Conclusion

The Stiga STS 385 is a solid mid-level table that is well suited for beginner to intermediate players who value affordability and convenience features over a tournament-level playing experience. While the playing experience on the STS 385 is good, it certainly is not intended for tournament-level or expert-level play. However, the build quality and convenience features offered with this table make it a very good choice for those looking for a durable, fun-to-play-on table that is also very affordable.