How to Choose Table Tennis Balls: 40+ Poly and Star Ratings Explained (India)
1-star or 3-star? Poly or celluloid? Here is what the numbers on a table tennis ball actually mean and which to buy for practice or matches.
How to choose table tennis balls: what the numbers mean
Table tennis balls look identical until you play with them — then the differences in bounce, durability and consistency become obvious. Buy the wrong ones and you get uneven bounce and balls that crack in a week; buy well and your practice and matches feel true. This guide on how to choose table tennis balls decodes the two things printed on every box: the "40+" size marking and the star rating.
What does "40+" mean?
Since the sport moved away from celluloid, modern balls are made from plastic (poly/ABS) and marked "40+". The "40" is the diameter in millimetres and the "+" signals the poly material and a very slightly larger size than the old 40mm celluloid balls. For any ball bought today, 40+ poly is the standard — the Stag supreme 40+ 3 star table tennis balls, pack of 3 is a typical example. Celluloid balls are effectively obsolete and best avoided.
Star ratings explained: 1, 2 and 3 star
The star rating measures a ball's quality and consistency, not simply how "expensive" it is:
- 1-star: Basic, less consistent balls for casual play, beginners and high-volume practice where you will lose or crack a few.
- 2-star: A step up in consistency — a good value pick for club practice and improving players. Balls like the Stag 2 Star suit regular training.
- 3-star: The highest grade, with tightly controlled roundness, weight and bounce. These are the match-standard balls used in tournaments. The Stiga Cup 40+ (₹240) is a good competition-grade choice.
| Rating | Best for | Consistency |
|---|---|---|
| 1-star | Casual, beginners, bulk practice | Basic |
| 2-star | Club practice, improvers | Good |
| 3-star | Matches, tournaments | Highest |
ABS vs standard poly
Most modern balls are "poly", and many premium ones are made from ABS plastic, which is more durable and cracks less than earlier seamless poly. If you find balls breaking quickly, an ABS 3-star ball will last noticeably longer. Seamless designs also tend to bounce more consistently.
White or orange?
Colour is about visibility, not quality. Choose white or orange based on your table colour and the room's background and lighting — orange can be easier to track against a light or busy backdrop. Both are legal; pick whatever you see best.
Which should you buy?
For everyday practice, buy 1- or 2-star balls in bulk so you are not precious about losing them. Keep a box of 3-star balls, such as the Stag supreme 40+ 3 star table tennis balls, pack of 3 (₹399 ₹699), for matches and serious training where true bounce matters. That two-tier approach gives you the best mix of economy and quality.
Shop the gear
- Stag supreme 40+ 3 star table tennis balls, pack of 3 — ₹399
₹699 - Stiga Cup 40+ — ₹240
- Stag 2 Star Orange TT Ball 40+ (Pack of 6) — ₹300
Related reading
- How to Choose a Table Tennis Bat
- Table Tennis Rubber Guide: Spin, Speed and Control
- Stag Aspire 25 Table Tennis Table Review (India)
Frequently asked questions
What does 40+ mean on a table tennis ball?
The '40' is the ball's diameter in millimetres and the '+' indicates it is made of modern plastic (poly/ABS) and is very slightly larger than the old 40mm celluloid balls. All current balls are 40+ poly; celluloid balls are obsolete.
What is the difference between 1-star, 2-star and 3-star balls?
The star rating reflects quality and consistency. 1-star balls suit casual play and bulk practice, 2-star balls are a good value step up for club practice, and 3-star balls are the highest, match-standard grade with the most consistent bounce and roundness.
Should I buy white or orange table tennis balls?
Colour affects visibility, not quality. Choose whichever you can see best against your table and room lighting. Orange can be easier to track against a light or busy background; both colours are competition-legal.
