Is a custom bat better than a ready-made one?
For anyone playing regularly at a club, yes. A custom bat lets you choose the blade and both rubbers to suit your game, uses better-quality, replaceable rubbers, and can be re-rubbered when they wear out. A ready-made bat is fine for casual play, but most players outgrow it quickly once they join a club.
Ready-made bats: pros and cons
A ready-made (pre-assembled) bat comes with rubbers already glued to the blade. They are what most people start with at home, at school or on holiday.
Pros
- Ready to play straight away, with no choices to make.
- Often cheap, which suits casual or occasional players.
- Good for a family table or a garage set.
Cons
- Rubbers are often unbranded or basic sheets, with less grip and spin.
- Rubbers are usually glued permanently, so you cannot replace them when they wear.
- Many ready-made rubbers are not ITTF-authorised, so they may not be legal in competition.
- You cannot match the speed or feel to your style.
Spinfinity sells blades and rubbers separately rather than ready-made bats, because once you play regularly, a custom bat is simply better value.
Custom bats: blade, two rubbers and glue
A custom bat has three main parts:
- A blade, the wooden frame. It sets the base speed and feel. Most new club players should start with an allround blade; our beginner blade guide explains why.
- Two rubbers, one black and one in a bright colour such as red. Each rubber is chosen for its side. Our first rubber guide covers thickness, hardness and colour rules.
- Glue and edge tape, to fix the rubbers and protect the blade's edge.
The big advantage is flexibility. You can change one rubber without changing the blade, try a softer backhand, or move to a faster blade while keeping rubbers you like. When rubbers wear out, you replace just the rubbers, and the blade can last for years. Our guide to how long rubbers last explains when to replace them.
The rules: authorised rubbers for competition
If you play league or tournament table tennis, your rubbers must be ITTF-authorised. Regulation 3.2.1.3 of the ITTF Regulations says any rubber covering the racket "shall be currently authorised by the ITTF and shall be attached to the blade so that the ITTF logo, the ITTF number (when present), the supplier and brand names are clearly visible nearest the handle" (ITTF Statutes 2026). Branded rubbers from recognised manufacturers carry the ITTF logo; many ready-made bats do not. Our equipment rules guide covers the details.
Build-a-bat starter combinations
Here are three starting points, all from products in stock at Spinfinity. Totals use the prices on spinfinity.uk on 20 October 2026 and simply add the items together; we do not run bundle discounts, and prices can change, so check each product page before you order.
1. Classic control: Stiga Allround Classic + 2 x Yasaka Mark V
- Stiga Allround Classic: £39.99. A light five-ply blade and one of the best-selling allround blades of all time.
- Yasaka Mark V x 2: £29.99 each, £59.98. A classic rubber refined since 1969.
- Total: £99.97
2. Modern tensor: Tibhar Felix Lebrun ALL + 2 x Xiom Vega Intro
- Tibhar Felix Lebrun ALL: £38.99. Seven veneers, soft touch and good control.
- Xiom Vega Intro x 2: £32.99 each, £65.98. The introductory Vega tensor, focused on accuracy.
- Total: £104.97
3. Spin and feel: Stiga Allround Classic + 2 x Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft
- Stiga Allround Classic: £39.99.
- Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft x 2: £39.99 each, £79.98. Mainly natural rubber for grip, with a softer feel.
- Total: £119.97
Gluing it yourself
We offer a free gluing service when you order rubbers with a blade, so your bat can arrive ready to play. If you would rather do it yourself, add Tibhar Power Clue - Glue 100ml (£16.99) and Andro Edge Tape Colours 5m (£7.99), which adds £24.98 to any of the totals above. Our step-by-step gluing guide shows how.
Finally, protect your new bat with a case from our bat cases range.
When is a custom bat worth it?
- You play weekly or more. Better rubbers make a noticeable difference to spin and control.
- You have joined a club or league. You will need authorised rubbers anyway.
- Your ready-made bat has worn out. A custom bat lets you replace just the rubbers next time.
- You want to develop technique. A controllable allround set-up helps you learn proper strokes.
If you only play a few times a year on holiday, a ready-made bat is fine.
Looking after a custom bat
A custom bat lasts much longer if you look after it. Clean the rubbers after each session with a rubber cleaner and a soft sponge, cover them with a protective sheet, and keep the bat in a case away from heat and sunlight. The blade itself can last for years; only the rubbers need replacing as they wear. Our rubber cleaning and care guide explains the routine.
FAQ
Is a custom bat better than a ready-made one?
For regular players, yes. You choose the blade and rubbers to suit your style, the rubbers are better quality, and you can replace them when they wear. Ready-made bats suit casual play.
How much does a custom bat cost?
Our three starter combinations above came to between £99.97 and £119.97 on 20 October 2026, before glue and tape. You can spend less with budget blades and rubbers, or much more on premium models.
Can I use a ready-made bat in a league?
Only if its rubbers are ITTF-authorised and carry the ITTF logo near the handle. Many ready-made bats do not meet this requirement, so check with your league.
How do I put a custom bat together?
Apply thin coats of water-based glue to the blade and the rubbers, let them dry, lay the rubbers on from the handle, roll them flat, trim, and add edge tape. Or use our free gluing service when you order with a blade.
What is a good first combination?
An allround blade with two control rubbers in 1.8 or 2.0 mm. For example, a Stiga Allround Classic with two Yasaka Mark V, or a Tibhar Felix Lebrun ALL with two Xiom Vega Intro.
Build your own bat
Blade, rubbers and glue, all from one UK shop. Browse blades, rubbers and glue.