If you are researching mid-tier indoor ping pong tables, you have undoubtedly realized that there is a massive turf war happening between two specific models: The JOOLA Inside and the STIGA Advantage.
They sit at the exact same price point, they target the exact same demographic, and frankly, they play almost identically. The STIGA utilizes a 5/8-inch (15mm) medium-density fiberboard (MDF) top, which provides a highly consistent, if slightly muted, bounce that is perfect for 99% of amateur rallies.
So how do you choose? It comes down to aesthetics and safety hardware.
Compare the Heavyweights
Not sure if the STIGA is right for your basement? See how it compares to JOOLA in our head-to-head rankings.
Read the Tables Under $500 GuideThe Safety Latch Lure
While the JOOLA Inside relies on a standard dual-locking device to keep the table upright when folded for storage, STIGA engineered a proprietary spring-loaded safety latch system.
When you fold the table half up, the spring-loaded latch aggressively snaps shut over the steel apron, effectively locking it in a vertical stance. You physically have to pull the latch back to lower the table. For parents with toddlers or large dogs who might accidentally bump into a stored table in the garage, this aggressive latch provides a tremendous amount of peace of mind.
Pros and Cons
✓ The Good
- • Arrives 95% assembled (simply bolt on the legs)
- • Excellent spring-loaded safety latch for secure storage
- • Includes tournament-grade 72-inch clamp style net
- • Split-half design allows for easy solo playback mode
✗ The Bad
- • The MDF top will warp if exposed to intense humidity
- • The 1.2-inch steel apron is slightly thinner than some competitors
QuickPlay Assembly
STIGA did not ignore the assembly revolution that JOOLA started. The STIGA Advantage utilizes the “QuickPlay” design format, meaning the incredibly heavy MDF table top is already attached to the steel apron and folding leg hinges.
You simply slide it out of the box, unfold the legs, and use a wrench to attach the final base wheels. The entire process takes one person roughly 15 minutes, which is a massive relief compared to older tables that required hours characterizing complex hinge schematics.
Ultimately, the STIGA Advantage is a visually stunning, incredibly well-built table for under $500. It is a toss-up between this and the JOOLA Inside for basement superiority.
If you are completely limited on space and a full 9-foot table is out of the question, check out our review of the GoSports Mid-Size folding table.