Following three years of research and development with Michelin engineers, Cornilleau has launched a range of composite bi-injection bats. The Tacteo series consists of two models designed for leisure use – the Tacteo 50 and 60 – a duo pack of two bats and three balls, and the Tacteo 30, intended for schools and clubs. Cornilleau says the bats are shock resistant, durable and waterproof, and ergonomic for good grip and comfort during play.

adidas has launched into the table tennis market with a complete range of tables, bats, balls and accessories. Four bats for home use have been introduced – Rookie, Club, Tour Core and the premium Tour Carbon. This model features a carbon tube inside the handle, which is designed to reduce weight and absorb vibrations. The bat comes with a surface approved by the International Table Tennis Federation.

Ransome Sporting Goods has introduced a new range of Practice Partner table tennis robots. The line of seven robots includes models aimed at all levels of player, from kids just taking up the game to professional players. The Practice Partner 20 is the entry-level robot. The robot is designed to be positioned on the table-top, to fire balls with up to eight spin variations. A collection net is available.

Available in indoor and weatherproof versions, the Classic Pro has a 22mm aluminium compound top in dazzle-free green, metal framework, folding mechanism with double safety lock to save space in storage, and tilt-proof transport carriage with two guided, double wheels for ease of movement. For solo practice, one half of the table can be folded up. With a five-year guarantee, the table comes complete with bats and Vario net set.

Cornilleau says it is continuing to push back design boundaries with the introduction of the 2010 Sport range of tables. Built with a patented locking mechanism, the latest tables incorporate corner protection pads for child safety, wheels with brakes for improved ease and safety of play, a retractable net which helps optimise storage space and reduces damage, as well as adjustable leg height for a level playing surface on uneven ground.

The Stockholm Weatherproof has a green dazzle-free surface, 22mm aluminium weatherproof compound top, a permanently installed net and a tilt-proof transport carriage with four guided double wheels, two with safety brakes. The table folds up to only 49cms wide, and Kettler promises it is easy to assemble. One half of the table can be folded up for solo practice.

Ransome Sporting Goods has launched a range of Butterfly concrete tables for use in outdoor recreation areas. Made from a mix of polymer and concrete, there are seven tables in the range to include standard size, a ‘Figure 8’ and a round table allowing four players to play singles at any one time.

The revolutionary weatherproof table tennis tables from Kettler are technologically way ahead of the competition - weatherproof tables offer versatility as they can be used both indoors and out all year round. Developed and manufactured entirely in Germany to the highest standards they are built based on years of innovation and expertise. The playing surface is made from an aluminium compound, "ALU-TEC", synonymous with toughness and endurance with its maintenance free and corrosion resistant properties. Its special coating is both anti-dazzle and ultra-violet resistant for long-life and excellent ball control for this increasingly popular game.

With the combination of the Butterfly and Schildkrot distributorships, Ransome Sporting Goods are able to provide the widest and most comprehensive range of table tennis equipment available in the United Kingdom. One of the latest products to be added to the Butterfly selection is a range of concrete tables (see opposite) designed for use in parks, schools and seaside resorts. Manufactured from a mix of concrete and polymer, which means that the playability of the table will not deteriorate from exposure to weather, the range includes tables with concrete bases, steel bases and special fun models with a round and figure-of-eight shape.

Cornilleau pride themselves on being the most innovative company and have won design awards for table tennis tables and the Tacteo range of bats. Whilst its range of competition tables is long-established the company has now moved into the competition market in earnest and with the expertise of former World Champion Jean-Philippe Gatien this new range is sure to be a success.