paddle/racket is one of the important equipment that is needed in table tennis. what do you call the wooden part of the paddle/ racket?

The wooden part of a table tennis paddle (or racket) is called the blade.

This core component forms the hitting surface's foundation, typically layered with natural wood (at least 85% per ITTF rules) and sometimes fibers like carbon for enhanced performance. Blades vary in ply (e.g., 5-7 layers) to suit control-oriented or speed-focused playstyles, influencing spin, power, and feel during rallies.

Blade Breakdown

• Materials : Primarily compressed wood plies (e.g., Limba, Koto, Ayous); optional composites like carbon fiber or Kevlar for pros.

• Thickness : Ranges 5.5-8mm; thinner for control, thicker for offense.

• Handle Types : Straight, flared (anatomic), or flared-straight hybrids for grip preference.

Imagine assembling your first custom racket: Start with a 7-ply all-wood blade like the Stiga Allround Classic, glue on inverted rubbers (red/black per ITTF), and edge-tape for durability—transforming a basic paddle into a personalized weapon that hugs the ball for wicked topspin.

Why "Blade" Over Other Terms?

Table tennis evolved terminology from "bat" (UK casual) to official ITTF "racket," but "blade" specifically denotes the wooden core sans rubbers. Forums like Reddit echo this: Players debating "paddle vs. racket" universally call the wood the blade, avoiding confusion with full assemblies.

TL;DR : Blade is the standard term for the wooden heart of your table tennis paddle—essential for every smash and loop.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.