Table Tennis Blade Handles Explained: FL, ST, AN and CS (India Buying Guide)
FL, ST, AN, CS — the two letters at the end of every blade name that most Indian buyers ignore. Here is what they change about your game.
Table tennis blade handles explained: FL, ST, AN and CS
Every serious blade listing ends in two letters — Korbel FL, Diode V FL, Hurricane Long 5 ST. Most Indian buyers scroll past them, pick whatever is in stock, and then spend a year wondering why their backhand feels loose. Those two letters are the handle shape, and they change how your hand sits on the blade on every single stroke.
There are four. Here is what each one does, and who it suits.
What do FL, ST, AN and CS mean on a table tennis blade?
| Code | Handle | Shape | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| FL | Flared | Narrow at the blade, widens toward the butt | Most players; shakehand default |
| ST | Straight | Uniform width top to bottom | Players who rotate the blade between forehand and backhand |
| AN | Anatomic | Contoured, bulges in the middle | Players wanting a locked-in, moulded feel |
| CS | Chinese penhold | Short stub handle | Penhold grip only |
FL (flared) — the safe default, and usually the right one
Flared handles widen toward the base, so the hand naturally seats itself and stops sliding out during hard loops. If you play shakehand and you are not sure what you want, this is the answer — it is the most-sold shape worldwide for a reason. The Butterfly Korbel FL Table Tennis Ply at ₹7,350 is the textbook example: a five-ply all-wood offensive blade with the classic flare, and one of the most widely recommended blades for a player moving past a pre-made bat.
The Butterfly Diode V FL Table Tennis Ply at ₹6,440 offers the same handle philosophy at a slightly lower price.
ST (straight) — for players who move the blade in their hand
Straight handles are uniform in width. There is no flare to stop your hand sliding, which is precisely the point: some players — particularly those with a strong backhand or who subtly rotate the blade between wings — want the freedom to shift grip mid-rally. If you have never consciously done this, you do not need ST. Choosing ST because it looks "professional" is the most common handle mistake we see.
AN (anatomic) — the contoured middle ground
Anatomic handles bulge in the middle and taper at both ends, moulding to the palm. Players with larger hands or who want maximum blade feedback often like them. They are less common in India, so trying before buying is harder — and an AN handle you dislike is a blade you will not use.
CS (Chinese penhold) — a different sport, almost
CS is a short stub, used only for the penhold grip. If you hold your bat like a pen, this is your category; if you do not, ignore it entirely.
How to choose your handle in practice
- Shakehand, unsure → FL. It is the default because it works for most hands.
- You already rotate the blade between forehand and backhand → try ST.
- Large hands, want a moulded feel → AN, but try to hold one first.
- Penhold → CS.
- Hand size matters more than the code. A junior with small hands on a senior FL handle will grip badly regardless of what the letters say.
Blades under ₹3,500 like the Yinhe Galaxy N9S at ₹1,099 or the DHS PG15 Blade at ₹3,349 are the sensible place to test a handle preference before committing serious money. Buying a ₹12,000 blade in a handle shape you have never held is a gamble, not an upgrade.
One thing the handle cannot fix
Handle shape affects comfort and grip security. It does not affect speed, spin or control in any meaningful way — those come from the plies and the rubber. If your shots are inconsistent, the handle is almost never the culprit. Look at your rubber first.
Shop the gear
- Yinhe Galaxy N9S — ₹1,099
- Friendship 729 Z-2 Table Tennis Ply — ₹2,399
- DHS PG15 Blade — ₹3,349
- Butterfly Diode V FL Table Tennis Ply — ₹6,440
- Butterfly Korbel FL Table Tennis Ply — ₹7,350
Related reading
- How to Choose a Table Tennis Blade: A Buying Guide for India
- Table Tennis Rubber Guide: Spin, Speed and Control Explained
- Table Tennis Bat Care and Cleaning: A Buying Guide for India
Frequently asked questions
What does FL mean on a table tennis blade?
FL stands for flared. The handle is narrow near the blade and widens toward the base, which seats the hand securely and stops it sliding during hard strokes. It is the most popular handle shape for shakehand players.
Should a beginner choose FL or ST?
FL, in almost all cases. Flared handles give a more secure, self-locating grip, which helps while you are still building technique. ST suits players who deliberately rotate the blade in their hand between forehand and backhand.
Does handle shape affect spin or speed?
No. Handle shape affects comfort and grip security only. Speed, spin and control come from the blade's plies and the rubber you fit to it.