JOOLA Nova DX Review

The JOOLA Nova DX and the JOOLA Nova Pro Plus are an outdoor table tennis table that is designed with longevity and fun play in mind. It has a more than acceptable (for an outdoor table) 6mm aluminum plastic composite table-top which makes it rust resistant and prevents it from warping out of shape in humidity and moisture. It gets very good reviews from customers and is one of our favorite outdoor tables. Let’s take a look at some of its features.

Specifications

• Dimensions – 9 ft x 5 ft (Regulation size)
• Weight – 144 lbs
• Assembly time – 15 minutes (Arrives 95% preassembled)
• Surface thickness – 6mm aluminum plastic composite top
• Price – $$ (Check Price)
• Our rating – 9.5/10

Overview of the JOOLA Nova DX

The JOOLA Nova DX is a well designed outdoor table and comes with some great extra features that make this table definitely one to consider when looking at some of the options available. Let’s take a look at some of its features that make this table so good that we included it in our best outdoor ping pong table round-up.

6mm Aluminum plastic composite table surface

Indoor tables will typically have a surface thickness of between 15mm and 25mm depending on their quality. Outdoor tables are a bit different and will typically have 5 – 7 mm thick table tops. This is because they’re usually built with different (weather resistant) materials that mean they don’t need to be as thick.

The NOVA DX comes with a 6mm surface which is more than enough to give a good bounce and speed of play for casual games. It’s built to be able to weather resistant (moisture is the enemy of indoor tables) so that it won’t warp out of shape when exposed to the elements. Having played on a lot of different tables over the years we really liked the bounce which was consistent across the whole surface.

Sturdy rust-resistant undercarriage

A key feature of outdoor tables is that they have a strong, rust-proof undercarriage. The last thing you want is your brand new table to start rusting and warping after a few months. The Nova thankfully has a 30mm x 30mm rust-resistant, powder-coated undercarriage making it very durable and able to withstand mother nature’s worst. We still always recommend that you pick up a table cover though and try to store your table in a covered area when not in use.

Each of the end legs has leg levellers that are very easy to use. You just spin them to increase or decrease the height to ensure the table top is completely flat.

Foldable and easy to move around

A very useful feature for a table is to be able to fold it up when you’re done with it to store it safely and out of the way. It also means you can fold up only one half so that you can practice in the personal playback position. Very handy to be able to play solo.

Each half of the table has four wheels on it so that you can move them separately (table tennis tables can get quite heavy when they don’t split into two pieces). The wheels are 3″ casters that should be able to cross most terrain. You can then lock them in place once you’re in position to prevent the table from moving unexpectedly. They aren’t the strongest wheels we’ve seen but if you take care when moving it they should be fine and if they do break won’t be hard to replace.

When the table is in the storage position it takes up a lot less space. The two halves nest comfortably into each other and so once nested its dimensions are H68″ L60″ W30″.

Weatherproof net and posts set

Included with the table is the JOOLA Weatherproof net and posts set. It’s a 72″ weather resistant net and post set that is very easy to set up (It’s a screw on style post which can be set up in seconds). You can adjust the tension too so you can keep it as taut as you like.

Easy to assemble (around 15 minutes)

As far as table assembly goes, the NOVA is pretty easy to set up. With two people it should take around 15 minutes. All you have to do is to attach the wheels and the legs. There are only 8 bolts to screw in so it’s relatively painless. Here’s a link to the official assembly instructions but we’re visual learners so here’s the video of how to set it up.

About the manufacturer: JOOLA

JOOLA are one of the most popular and well-known brands in table tennis. They starting constructing tables in Germany back in 1952 and since then have been the official table of the Olympics three times in the 1994 Atlanta games, Sydney 200 games and then 2004 Athens games. They are committed to making quality products for professionals and amateurs and it’s from reading the reviews of their products you’ll see they’re accomplishing this!

NOVA DX Vs NOVA Pro Plus

The Nova DX is the standard model and for most people is more than fine but it also comes in another model the JOOLA Nova Pro Plus. The main difference between the two models is the wheels. The JOOLA Nova Pro Plus has extra large, very heavy duty 6″ caster wheels vs the Nova DX which only has 3″ casters. They are literally double the size and are built to deal with more rough terrain.

Pros

• 6mm thick weather resistant surface – The 9 ft x 5 ft playing surface provides a good and even bounce all over. It’s made from an aluminum/plastic composite to prevent moisture from warping it
• Durable rust-resistant undercarriage – The table’s frame is powder coated to keep out the moisture and prevent rusting
• Easy to assemble – Only 8 bolts to screw on you’ll be up and running in 15 minutes or less
• Weatherproof net and posts included – It comes with a weather resistant net and post set that is very easy to use and can withstand the elements
• Height adjusters – Each leg has adjustable levellers to ensure you’re playing surface is completely even
• 1 Year Warranty – JOOLA have a one year warranty on this table in case there are any manufacturing defective parts

Cons

• Not the thickest surface – 6mm is fine for casual play but if you’re taking your game more seriously you’ll want to go thicker
• The wheels aren’t the best – Some customers have reported they’ve broken (but you can order replacement ones)

Conclusion: What do we think?

The JOOLA Nova DX is a very good, affordable outdoor table tennis table. It has all the features that you need in a table that’s going to be used in a garden or garage and it gets great reviews on Amazon. It’s very durable and can withstand the elements (although we always recommend you cover it when not in use). It’s easy to move around so you can even bring it inside during the colder months and because it folds up and packs down small it won’t get in the way.

Read also: Top Ping Pong Tables