By Amelie · Updated October 27, 2026
If you’ve ever searched for “table tennis handle types,” you’ve probably run into a wall of letters: FL, ST, AN, CO. They look like codes, but they describe something very physical — the shape of the part you hold every second you play. Handle shape affects how securely the paddle sits in your hand, how relaxed your grip can be, and whether your forearm fatigues before the end of a session.
This guide does two things. First, it explains the four main shakehand handle shapes in plain language, using the terminology the equipment industry actually uses. Second, it shows you why the FL (Flared) handle is the most common choice among amateurs, and how the SANWEI BravoBee Carbon implements that shape with a specific set of beginner-friendly trade-offs.
The Terminology First: FL, ST, AN, CO — What They Actually Mean
Before going further, a quick note on language. You may see handle shapes described informally as “F handle” or with other shorthand. In equipment documentation and manufacturer specifications, the standard abbreviations are FL (Flared), ST (Straight), AN (Anatomic), and CO (Conic). This guide uses those standard terms throughout, because they are what you will find on product pages, in blade selection guides, and in coaching material.
| Abbreviation | Full name | Shape in one sentence | Who it tends to suit |
|---|---|---|---|
| FL | Flared | Narrower near the blade, widening toward the base into a subtle flare | Most amateurs; players who want a natural stop against slipping |
| ST | Straight | Uniform width from top to bottom, no flare | Players who adjust grip angle mid-rally or twiddle |
| AN | Anatomic | Rounded, hourglass-like contour that follows the palm | Players who want a locked-in, palm-cradled feel |
| CO | Conic | Tapered design, less common than FL or ST | Niche preference; not a standard beginner default |
Why FL (Flared) Is the Default Recommendation for Most Beginners
The flare is not decoration — it is a stopping point
An FL handle widens slightly at the base. That widening creates a natural stop against the lower part of your hand. When you swing hard — a forehand loop, a fast serve, a counter-drive — your grip naturally wants to open up. The flare catches your hand and keeps the paddle from sliding forward or twisting out of position.
For a beginner, this matters more than it sounds. If you are constantly worried about the paddle slipping, you instinctively grip harder than necessary. A tight grip tenses the forearm, reduces wrist flexibility, and kills feel for the ball. An FL handle lets you keep a relaxed grip without sacrificing security — and a relaxed grip is the precondition for learning spin, touch, and controlled placement.
Why the other shapes are not the default
ST handles are genuinely useful for players who slide their grip up and down during rallies, but the trade-off is a less secure hold without the flare — beginners often compensate by squeezing tighter. AN handles can feel excellent if the contour matches your hand, but they are less forgiving when it does not. CO handles are uncommon enough that most beginners will never encounter one in a retail setting. For the vast majority of new players, FL is the shape that reduces the most common failure mode: the paddle moving in your hand when you swing.
From “Understanding Handles” to “Your Handle Is Costing You Points”
Here is where the knowledge becomes practical. If you have ever noticed any of these three things during a session, the problem may not be your technique — it may be your handle:
- Your paddle feels slippery when your hand sweats. A handle without a flare gives your hand nothing to push against.
- You catch yourself gripping harder and harder as the rally goes on. That is a compensation pattern, not a technique choice.
- Your forearm feels tired before your legs do. Excessive grip tension drains the forearm faster than footwork drains the legs.
You now understand why FL handles exist and why they are the default for most beginners. The next question is whether your current paddle actually gives you that shape — and if it does not, whether the cost of switching is worth it. The BravoBee Carbon is built around exactly this problem: an FL handle with a slight flare at the base, paired with a ≤175g weight and three impact-reduction slots that make the feedback from the handle clearer rather than mushier. It is not a random recommendation bolted onto a knowledge article; it is the specific implementation of the shape this article has just explained.
SANWEI BravoBee Carbon — FL (Flared) Handle
$29.90 · Free worldwide shipping · Free waterdrop bat case
FL handle · ≤175g · 5+2 carbon · Control 100 · Spin 95 · Speed 90
If your current paddle slips, twists, or forces you to squeeze tighter than you should, this is the lowest-risk way to try a properly flared handle at the entry price point.
Get the BravoBee Carbon — $29.90, free worldwide shipping
Want to see how the FL shape compares to ST and AN first? Jump to the full handle-shape comparison below →
What Makes the BravoBee’s FL Handle Different from a Generic FL Handle
FL is a category, not a single shape. Two paddles can both be labeled “FL” and feel noticeably different depending on how pronounced the flare is, how thick the handle sits in the palm, and how the weight is distributed. The BravoBee’s implementation adds three specific details on top of the standard flared geometry.
1. A slight flare calibrated for beginner grip pressure
The flare at the base is present but not exaggerated. It gives your hand a clear stopping point without forcing your fingers into an awkward position. For a player still learning to relax the grip, this is the relevant balance: enough security that you are not thinking about the paddle, not so much contour that the handle dictates your hand position.
2. Three impact-reduction slots on each side
Look closely where the handle meets the blade and you will see three cuts on each side. These are not decorative. They are designed to soften the harsh vibration that carbon blades can transmit into the hand, while preserving enough tactile signal that you can still feel where on the rubber you made contact. If the grooves feel rough on arrival, SANWEI’s official store offers free replacement for quality issues, so that is a low-risk variable rather than a structural flaw.
3. Weight and balance that keep the handle doing its job
The paddle sits at ≤175g, which is light enough that your hand is not fighting the paddle’s mass, but not so light that you lose the feedback of a real blade. An FL handle only helps if the overall balance lets you keep a relaxed grip; a head-heavy paddle forces you to squeeze regardless of handle shape. The BravoBee’s weight reduction system is part of why the FL geometry actually translates into a looser, more sustainable grip in practice.
Still Not Sure Which Handle Shape Fits Your Game?
Handle choice is personal — the best shape is the one that feels secure and natural in your hand. If you have read this far and you are still weighing FL against ST or AN, do not guess from a single article. The full BravoBee spec sheet and handle breakdown are in one place, and the next step is low-friction:
→ Read the full BravoBee Carbon handle and spec breakdown before you decide
If you are already leaning toward a first serious paddle, we have also put the BravoBee head-to-head against the usual beginner suspects — so you can see how the FL handle and overall specs compare side by side:
- BravoBee Carbon vs Pro Spin Carbon: the beginner battle, handle to handle →
- Why BravoBee’s FL handle and control 100 make it the all-round amateur pick →
FAQ: Table Tennis Handle Shapes and the FL (Flared) Grip
What does FL mean on a table tennis paddle?
FL stands for Flared. It is a shakehand handle shape that is narrower near the blade and widens toward the base, creating a natural stop that helps prevent the paddle from slipping during swings. It is the most common handle shape among both amateur and professional players.
Is FL (Flared) better than ST (Straight) for beginners?
For most beginners, yes — not because ST is “bad,” but because FL reduces the most common beginner problem: the paddle moving or slipping in the hand during a swing. ST handles are preferred by players who deliberately change grip angle mid-rally, a technique most beginners are not yet using. If you want a secure default that lets you keep a relaxed grip, FL is the safer starting point.
What handle shape does the BravoBee Carbon use?
The BravoBee Carbon uses an FL (Flared) shakehand handle, with a slight flare at the base and three impact-reduction slots on each side. It is priced at $29.90 with free worldwide shipping and a free waterdrop-shaped bat case.
What does “GNPS” mean in table tennis?
“GNPS” is not a standard term in table tennis equipment terminology. The standard abbreviations for shakehand handle shapes are FL (Flared), ST (Straight), AN (Anatomic), and CO (Conic). If you have seen “GNPS” used elsewhere, it likely refers to something outside the standard handle-shape classification system. For handle selection, use FL/ST/AN/CO as your reference vocabulary.
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