When you pick up a ping pong paddle, what’s the first thing you notice? The weight? The rubber? The feel of the ball? For most of us, it’s the handle. It’s the only part of the paddle you’re constantly touching. It affects how you swing, how you grip, how long you can play before fatigue sets in.
But here’s the thing: not all handles are the same. If you’ve shopped for paddles, you’ve seen the letters: FL, ST, AN. They look like cryptic codes, but they actually describe the shape of the handle—and choosing the right one can make or break your game.
The SANWEI BravoBee Carbon comes with an FL (Flared) handle, and for good reason. It’s the most popular choice among amateurs and pros alike. Let’s break down why, and why it’s the perfect fit for your game.
Handle Types: FL, ST, AN – What’s the Difference?
First, a quick glossary. The three main shakehand handle shapes are:
- FL (Flared): The handle is narrower near the blade, then flares outward at the end. Think of a flared skirt—it widens at the bottom. This creates a natural stop that prevents the paddle from slipping out of your hand.
- ST (Straight): The handle has a uniform width from blade to end. No flare, no contour—just a straight, consistent shape.
- AN (Anatomical): The handle is shaped to fit the natural curve of your hand, with a slight hourglass contour that cradles your palm.
Each has its fans. But for the vast majority of amateur players, FL is the way to go.
FL (Flared): Widens at End – Prevents Slipping
The flare at the end of an FL handle does one crucial thing: it stops the paddle from flying out of your hand when you swing hard. That’s not just a convenience—it’s a safety feature. When you’re going for a big forehand loop or a fast serve, your grip naturally wants to open up. The flare catches your hand, keeping the paddle securely in place.
For beginners, this is invaluable. You can focus on your stroke without worrying about dropping your paddle. You’ll develop better habits because you’re not gripping tighter than necessary to compensate for a slippery handle.
For experienced players, the FL handle offers a secure base for relaxed grip. A loose, relaxed hand is essential for generating spin and feel. Knowing the paddle won’t slip lets you stay loose and confident.
ST (Straight): Uniform Width – For Players Who Move Their Grip
Straight handles have their place. They’re often preferred by players who frequently change their grip during rallies—for example, moving between a traditional shakehand and a more extreme backhand grip. Because there’s no flare, you can slide your hand up and down the handle freely.
But for most amateurs, that flexibility isn’t necessary. And the trade‑off is a less secure grip. Without the flare, you have to grip tighter to prevent slipping, which can lead to tension in your forearm and a loss of feel.
AN (Anatomical): Shaped for Fingers – A Niche Choice
Anatomical handles are designed to fit the natural curve of your hand. They have an hourglass shape that cups your palm. Some players love the locked‑in feeling. But it’s a more specialized choice. If your hand size or shape doesn’t match the contour perfectly, it can be uncomfortable. AN handles are less common, and for many players, the FL is a safer, more universally comfortable option.
Why FL Is Best for Amateurs: Secure Grip, Easy to Learn
When you’re developing your game, you want equipment that supports you without getting in the way. The FL handle does exactly that:
- Security: You never have to worry about the paddle flying out of your hand, even on powerful swings.
- Consistency: The flare provides a consistent reference point. Your hand ends up in the same place every time, which builds muscle memory.
- Comfort: The shape distributes pressure evenly across your palm, reducing fatigue during long sessions.
- Versatility: FL handles work for a wide range of hand sizes and grip preferences.
That’s why FL is the default for most pre‑assembled paddles, and why it’s the first choice for players who aren’t yet sure what they prefer. It’s the safe bet—and it’s also the best bet.
BravoBee’s FL Handle: Natural Glue, Comfortable Contour
The BravoBee doesn’t just have an FL shape—it’s an excellent FL shape. SANWEI designed it with the amateur player in mind, adding details that make a real difference.
Natural glue adhesive: The handle is secured with strong natural adhesive, so it won’t loosen or creak over time. You’ll have the same solid feel years from now as you did on day one.
Comfortable contour: The flare is pronounced enough to be secure, but not so extreme that it feels bulky. The edges are rounded and smooth, so there are no pressure points digging into your hand.
Optimized for the BravoBee’s weight: At ≤175g, the BravoBee is light, and the handle is balanced so the paddle sits neutrally in your hand. You’re not fighting a head‑heavy or handle‑heavy feel—it’s just right.
Vibration reduction slots: Those three slots on each side of the handle aren’t just for dampening vibrations. They also add a subtle texture that gives you extra grip security, especially if your hands get sweaty during long matches.
Together, these features create a handle that feels like an extension of your hand. You’re not thinking about how to hold the paddle—you’re just playing.
Choosing Your First Handle: Start with FL
If you’re a beginner, don’t overthink it. Start with FL. It’s the most common shape for a reason—it works for the widest range of players. You can always experiment later as your game evolves. But for building a solid foundation, the security and consistency of an FL handle are hard to beat.
And if you’re an intermediate or advanced player who’s been using something else? Try an FL. Many players switch to FL and never look back, appreciating the extra security and the way it encourages a relaxed grip.
Start with FL, Master the Basics
Your handle is the only part of the paddle you touch on every shot. It deserves your attention. The FL shape gives you a secure, comfortable grip that lets you focus on what matters: your strokes, your spin, your game.
The SANWEI BravoBee Carbon comes with an FL handle that’s thoughtfully designed for amateurs—secure, comfortable, and built to last. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade, it’s the handle that will support you for years to come.
👉 Get your BravoBee here and experience the difference a great handle makes. Your grip—and your game—will thank you.
What handle shape do you prefer? Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear what works for you!
BravoBee Carbon Ping Pong Paddles
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