Good ping-pong tables aren’t cheap – so you want to be sure that you are getting what you pay for! In this article I’m going to take a comprehensive look at the Stiga Elite Roller table tennis table, to give you a better idea of whether it is the right table for you.
Full View
© Greg Letts
I was first introduced to the Stiga Elite Roller table tennis table way back in 1994, when my local association purchased a number of tables to use in the Australian Veterans Championships, and then kept them to use at our main center. When it came time to purchase a high quality table of my own, it made sense for me to purchase the same type of table. Since then I’ve had a number of years use out of my own Stiga Elite Roller table (which is the table in the photos), and I have to say that I’m still very happy with it.
If you’ve read my review on the Stiga Expert table, you’ll notice a number of similarities between the two tables. This is because the Stiga Elite Roller can be considered as the next model down from the Expert, and as such it shares many features. In fact, I consider the Elite Roller to be the better value for money of the two tables.
As you can see in the photograph, my Stiga Elite Roller table tennis table is blue in color. They come with a 1 inch (25mm) thick fibreboard playing surface, which is what is used in international standard tables (the thicker the better). Thicker playing surfaces resist warping much better than thinner table tops, and some players also believe the bounce is better on thicker table tops.
You can also see the side support apron on which the playing surface rests, which is 2 inches thick. A good support system is important if you want a table that can take some punishment along the way.
Finally, the undercarriage is shown in the photograph. Each half of the table is supported by 1¼ inch steel legs, and 4 inch ball bearing wheels (or casters). Given that sooner or later you can guarantee that people are going to sit on the sides of the table, a strong undercarriage is definitely a good idea (although I still don’t recommend allowing players to sit on the table). You can also see from the photo that my own Elite Roller is a Compact Storage System (CSS) version, which allows you to fold each half of the table separately and nest them within each other, to minimize the space they take up when being stored. There is also a one piece model, which stores both halves together, and can also be used with one half raised for solo play.
Overall Conclusion
The Stiga Elite Roller is a good value for money table. If you are looking for a high quality table that won’t break the bank, this table is worth serious consideration.
| Interested in Purchasing a Stiga Table Tennis Table? | Buy Online |
Front View
© Greg Letts
This is the front view of the Stiga Elite Roller table tennis table. It is possible to see the finish of the playing surface, which is a nice even blue color, without being too glossy (which can cause unwanted reflections and glare). The white painted lines have been done so that the overlap between them and the rest of the playing surface is virtually unnoticeable. You certainly won’t get a bad bounce from hitting the edge of the white lines – I can’t vouch for hitting the edge of the table though!
This photograph also shows the undercarriage of the Stiga Elite Roller table clearly. The undercarriage is pretty strong, with welded joins, bolts and crossbraces. The metal tubing is not quite as thick as the tubing used in the Stiga Expert table, but it’s still more than thick enough to do the job of supporting the playing surface well. And although I don’t recommend sitting on the edges of the table, I must admit I’ve been guilty of doing just that on my own table, and it has survived intact!
It is hard to see the height adjusters at the bottom of the legs closest to the camera, which allow you to get a level playing surface even if the floor is not quite even. But they are there – take my word for it.
Folded For Storage (Side View)
© Greg Letts
Here’s the side view of the Stiga Elite Roller table tennis table, folded up and ready to put away. When folded up its dimensions are 60 inches (152.5cm) wide by 26 inches (66.5cm) deep by 60.6 inches (154cm) high. Multiple table halves can be stored together, by simply placing the rollers side by side, giving very compact storage when you have a lot of tables to put away.
Folded For Storage (Front View)
© Greg Letts
Here is the front view of when the Stiga Elite Roller table tennis table is folded for storage. Notice the orange arrow and yellow clip mechanism underneath it, which is used lock the table into position when folded up. I’ll show you a closeup of the locking clip in the next photograph. A very good safety idea considering each table half weighs 60kg, so you definitely don’t want the table accidentally unfolding onto an unsuspecting person!
You can also see the supporting apron running along the inside edges of the playing surface, and the safety instructions which have been put on underside of the table.
Finally, note how the table legs have been positioned a long way inside the endline. This is a good idea so that players can step in under the table to reach short balls, and it also allows wheelchair players to get their chairs under the table comfortably.
Locking System
© Greg Letts
This is a close up view of the locking mechanism. To release the lock and allow the playing surface to be brought down for play, you need to lift the bottom of the yellow flange up, and then push the lever (which is hidden underneath the flange to prevent accidental release).
Undercarriage Close Up
© Greg Letts
Here’s a close-up view of the undercarriage of the Stiga Elite roller table tennis table. In this photo you can see the bolting and welding used to hold the table undercarriage together – it’s pretty solid, just like the Stiga Expert table.
Wheel And Brake
© Greg Letts
The wheels are heavy duty, and attached to the undercarriage sturdily, as you would expect. Note also the small black wheel brake, which can be locked down by your foot when you want play on the table and don’t want it to move, and can be flicked up with a toe to release it when you need to move the table around.
| Interested in Purchasing a Stiga Table Tennis Table? | Buy Online |
