The Champ 5.0 is a large, durable, pro-quality table tennis table by Kettler. This is an outdoor model that offers many benefits over a traditional indoor model, and it comes with some great design features, extras, and safety features that make it very family-friendly.
Our Verdict: This is a leading outdoor table tennis table for a reason. Durable, easy to store and maintain, the Champ is a good fit for homes that are tight on interior space but have plenty of room to work with in the backyard. Additionally, the table’s foldable design also allows you to fold it up and store it out of the way for the winter or when not in use. However, if you’re looking for a table tennis table that features the regulation one-inch playing surface, then you’ll need to pass this model by.
Table of Contents
Overview and Features
If you don’t have a large family rec room or finished basement, you can still enjoy a game of ping pong at home, with the right outdoor table. Kettle offers such a table, and one that’s not only foldable and easy to store, but the Champ 5.0 is also a model that’s both durable and stable, so you and the entire family can enjoy a great game right in your own backyard.
If you’re looking for a smaller table tennis table, one that you can add to your family rec room, the JOOLA inside table tennis table is a better fit and one that offers even better storage options.
Product Rating:
- Foldable design
- Includes cover
- Built-in ball and racquet storage
- Weatherproof durable playing surface
- Corrosion resistant frame
If you’re looking for a versatile indoor table tennis table, you can also click here to check out our buyer’s guide which compares the top five models on the market.
Protection From the Elements
The table’s waterproof design allows you to leave the table outdoors, without the fear of the table becoming damaged due to rain or snow. The top of the table is covered in glare-proof aluminum, that also adds to the table’s durability.
Dimensions
The table weighs two hundred pounds and measures in at one hundred and eight inches long, sixty inches wide, and thirty inches tall.
Design
This table is one of the most durable outdoor models on the market. It’s equipped with galvanized stainless steel legs that feature a two-inch thick powder coating. The legs are corrosion resistant. To prevent warping, the table also features a 2.25-inch resin apron. The apron is designed to resist warping and fading caused by harmful UV rays. This table is built tough. Each of the tubes has been welded using circular welds, ensuring maximum durability.
Playing Surface Thickness
The playing surface is 7/8 of an inch thick. While it doesn’t meet the one-inch regulation thickness that’s required for a competition, this thickness level is perfect for outdoor use. The table’s playing surface is very responsive, so you probably won’t even notice that it’s just under an inch thick.
Storage and Portability
If you don’t have space in your yard to leave your table out all the time, or you want to store the table during the winter, then you’ll love the foldable design. The foldable design allows you to easily collapse the table for storage. When in the folded position you can engage the safety lock, which prevents the table from accidentally opening. This is a great safety feature to have in homes with small children.
Playback
The table also features the popular playback option. Don’t have anyone to play with or want to practice your ping pong skills? No problem! Pull up half of the table’s surface to create a stable backboard that you can use to hit some balls and practice your serves. This is a great feature that isn’t commonly offered on many indoor and outdoor models, so this is a huge plus for any buyer.
To learn more about the best techniques to practice to get an edge over your opponent, click here to read our top table tennis tips.
Casters
The table has large six-inch dual casters complete with a rubberized surface. These casters will allow you to easily and smoothly roll the table to a new spot or to its designated storage space.
Leg Levelers
Leg levelers are an important feature to have on any table tennis table, but even more so on an outdoor model. The leg levelers allow you to adjust the height of each of the table legs in order to improve stability. This way, if you have to play on an uneven surface in the backyard, you’ll still enjoy a table that will remain solidly in place. A table that doesn’t come with this feature can rock and wobble, negatively impacting a game.
Package Extras
The table comes with a couple of outdoor rackets, three ping pong balls, and an outdoor cover. The table is also equipped with a built-in racquet and ball holder, which allows you to keep all of your table tennis gear stored in one spot and organized.
Typically, the manufacturer doesn’t include the cover and most outdoor ping pong table owners mistakenly believe that a cover isn’t needed. However, if you live in a part of the country that experiences snow or heavy rainfall during the winter, this type of added protection is necessary. While the table features weatherproofing, it isn’t designed to withstand severe inclement weather conditions.
Warranty
The table is covered by a five-year product warranty for residential use and a one-year commercial warranty. The manufacturer also offers a money back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the table’s quality.
Advantages And Disadvantages
Pros
- Foldable design
- Includes cover
- Built-in ball and racquet storage
- Weatherproof durable playing surface
- Corrosion resistant frame
Cons
- Playing surface is under an inch thick
Conclusion and Rating
DDplan .com Product Rating:
The Champ 5.0 outdoor ping pong table is everything you could ever want in an outdoor model and then some. Versatile, durable, easy to fold up and store, it’s clear that the manufacturer really thought about the user’s experience when designing this model. We gave this table a rating of four and a half stars out of five stars.
