Browsing: Premium

The suggestion that the UK could raise significant sums by increasing the limit on premium bonds is not, unfortunately, mathematically sound (Letters, 17 September). If the money was moved from UK banks and building societies, then it would be moving from a taxed environment to an untaxed environment. So, in addition to paying 3.6% interest in prizes, the exchequer would lose between 20% and 40% tax on the cancelled deposit account. This is likely to take the effective cost beyond 4%, and above the rate the government pays on short-term gilts.
Steve Duffy
Chippenham, Wiltshire

Sue Leyland (Letters, 21 September) wonders if weâ€llbegiving up life on the Gordon Bennett. Donâ€t panic, Sue, we hope this is only a brief hiatus from bobbing about, but thereâ€s a couple of tumours that need dealing with. Weâ€ve called them Donald and JD and hope theyâ€ll be successfully removed by the new year.
Ian and Christine Grieve
Gordon Bennett, Llangollen canal

The headline on your interview with Noah Lyles(‘The future of sprinting is hazy right now. Nobody knows which direction to go inâ€, theguardian.com, 22 September) raises an obvious question.
Graham Whittington
Rochefort-en-Valdaine, France

Re your column (The one change that worked, 22 September), the one that worked for me was “get oldâ€. Retire, stay in bed with a cup of tea, read the Guardian, send an email if anything stirs you.
Michael Fuller
Ampthill, Bedfordshire

“Jus†for “gravy†(Cryptic crossword, 22 September)? How very Guardian.
Linda Mockett
Wokingham, Berkshire

Have an opinion on anything youâ€ve read in the Guardian today? Pleaseemail us your letter and it will be considered for publication in ourletters section.

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The Donic Waldner Premium 30 sits in an interesting spot in the table tennis market – promising tournament-grade specifications and German engineering at a price point well below flagship models. At around $1,500, it competes directly with popular mid-range options while offering premium features like a 30mm playing surface and professional-grade frame construction.

After extensive real-world testing and gathering feedback from competitive players, this review will dive deep into whether the Waldner Premium 30 delivers on its promises. We’ll examine everything from playing characteristics and build quality to storage solutions and long-term value, helping you decide if this ITTF-approved table is the right investment for your needs.

Whether you’re outfitting a club, upgrading your home setup, or searching for tournament-worthy equipment without the flagship price tag, our comprehensive analysis will guide your decision.

Donic Waldner Premium 30 REVIEW SUMMARY

The Donic Waldner Premium 30 delivers tournament-grade quality at a mid-range price point, offering exceptional value for serious players and clubs at around $1,500.

Its 30mm playing surface and professional-grade frame construction provide outstanding performance and durability, with consistent bounce and excellent spin response that will satisfy competitive players.

While the 280-pound weight and premium price tag may be overkill for casual players, the table’s German engineering, ITTF approval, and robust build quality make it an excellent long-term investment for clubs and dedicated enthusiasts seeking professional specifications without flagship model costs.

Playing Experience & Surface

Build Quality & Durability

Benefits

Professional-grade 30mm playing surface

Great value vs competitors

Large wheels roll smoothly

Splits into two halves

Auto-locking system works reliably

Extremely durable paint finish

Drawbacks

Very heavy at 280lbs

Net sold separately

Blue color only

Short 1 year warranty period

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Specifications

• Average RRP:  $ 1,545 USD
• Surface Thickness:13mm, 15mm, 18mm, or 25mm
• Top Material:Wood
• Stand-Alone Halves:Yes
• Wheels: Yes
• Weight: 313lbs
• Storage Dimensions:64″x 63″ x 26″
• Warranty:1 Year
• Location: Indoor Only
• ITTF Competition Approved:Yes

The Donic Waldner Premium 30 is a competition-grade table tennis table made in Germany. The table weighs 280 pounds and splits into two halves making it easier to move than connected halves.

The table’s construction centers around its 30mm playing surface, which is 5mm thicker than most standard competition tables. A thicker table normally results in a more even and predictable bounce, but I think youâ€d struggle to find many people who can spot the difference between a 25mm and a 30mm surface.

For mobility, the table comes equipped with 4-inch wheels featuring a braking system and safety locks. Additional safety features include a locking mechanism to keep the table secure during play. Our table didnâ€t come with a net & post set, so thatâ€s an additional cost on top of an already expensive table.

The table meets ITTF tournament specifications, making it suitable for both competitive play and serious training environments. Itâ€s definitely designed for clubs and tournament venues more than a home setup.

Playing Experience & Surface Quality

After several months of regular play and testing, we can absolutely confirm that the Donic Waldner Premium 30’s playing surface delivers exceptional performance that justifies its premium positioning.

This table is an absolute dream to play on.

What really stands out is how the surface rewards good technique. When you execute a proper topspin drive, the ball grips and launches exactly as it should. The same goes for delicate touch shots and serves – the predictable response gives you complete confidence in shot placement. This level of consistency is exactly what you’d expect from a premium competition-grade table.

That said, I should note that while the 30mm thickness is impressive on paper, most players would be hard-pressed to notice a significant difference compared to a standard 25mm surface. Both provide excellent play characteristics at this quality level. But if you’re determined to have the ultimate competition table and budget isn’t a concern, the Waldner Premium 30 won’t disappoint.

Build Quality and Durability

The Donic Waldner Premium 30’s construction centers around a robust 60mm steel frame that has remained rock-solid through months of intensive play. During testing, we experienced zero wobbling or stability issues.

The paint quality and coating are top-tier, though this is expected at this price point. After months of heavy use, there’s no visible wear in high-impact areas, and the distinctive Donic blue color remains vibrant.

The wheels and braking system have also held up perfectly, making it easy to move and secure the table despite its substantial 280-pound weight.

Most importantly, the table feels just as solid now as it did when first assembled, suggesting this is a long-term investment that should hold up well over years of regular use.

Storage and Portability

Despite its substantial 280-pound weight, the Waldner Premium 30 manages to be surprisingly easy to transport. The table separates into two halves, which is a huge advantage when moving it through doorways or around tight corners. When folded, the table’s compact storage dimensions of 63″ x 26″ x 64″ make it reasonable to store pretty much anywhere.

The 4-inch wheels are a standout feature – they’re significantly larger than what you’ll find on many recreational tables, making movement smooth even on slightly uneven surfaces. During our testing, one person could maneuver each half confidently, though we’d recommend two people for safety given the weight.

The folding mechanism is well-engineered and operates smoothly. Each half folds independently with a secure locking system that engages automatically when fully opened or closed. This same mechanism enables the playback position for solo practice, although you should just buy a robot for that.

Value for Money

At $1,500, the Donic Waldner Premium 30 delivers exceptional value for a competition-grade table. This price point is significantly lower than comparable ITTF-approved tables like Butterflyâ€s Centrefold 25, which typically range from $2,300-2,700.

What makes this particularly impressive is the combination of premium features usually reserved for more expensive tables. You’re getting German manufacturing, a 30mm tournament-grade surface, and professional-grade frame construction at a mid-range price point. The only additional cost to consider is a net and post set ($60-100), which isn’t included.

With proper maintenance, you can expect 10-15 years of reliable service in a club setting, bringing the annual cost to around $100-150 which is very reasonable.

For clubs looking to outfit multiple tables or serious players wanting tournament-grade equipment, the Premium 30 represents an unusual opportunity to acquire professional specifications without the premium price tag typically associated with this level of quality.

However, itâ€s also worth considering mid-range 25mm tables for a few hundred dollars less like the Stiga Expert Roller or JOOLAâ€s Tour 2500.

Alternatives to the Waldner Premium 30

Check our tool to compare all table tennis tables if you’re looking for more inspiration.

Final Verdict

Donicâ€s premium table delivers professional-grade performance at a competitive price point, though it’s not without a few minor compromises.

The table excels in what matters most – playing experience. The 30mm surface provides consistent, tournament-quality bounce and excellent spin response. Combined with the rock-solid frame construction and precise engineering, it creates a playing experience that will satisfy even demanding competitors.

However, this table isn’t for everyone. At $1,500 plus the cost of a net set, it represents a significant investment. The 280-pound weight, while contributing to stability, also means you’ll need dedicated space and careful consideration of placement.

Who Should Buy This Table?

Buy this table if you:

• Run a table tennis club or training facility
• Are an advanced player wanting tournament-grade equipment
• Value long-term durability over initial cost savings

Consider alternatives if you:

• Need a table for casual recreational play
• Have limited space or frequently need to move the table
• Are working with a tighter budget

The Donic Waldner Premium 30 represents excellent value for serious players and clubs, offering near-flagship performance at a mid-range price point. While most recreational players might be better served by less expensive options, any seeking a table for their club will find the Waldner Premium 30 delivers exceptional quality and durability that justifies the investment.

This review was supported by contributions from Racket Insight community member, Stu. We thank them for making sure this is the most accurate and in-depth review of the JOOLA Inside table available anywhere.

David’s been playing Table Tennis since he was 12, earning his first coaching license in 2012. He’s played in national team & individual competitions, although he prefers the more relaxed nature of a local league match! After earning his umpiring qualification in England, David moved to Australia and started Racket Insight to share information about the sport he loves.

Blade: Stiga WRB Offensive Classic | Forehand: Calibra LT | Backhand: Xiom Musa
Playstyle: The All-Rounder

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