I am thinking of buying something, but probably won't. Would some of you mugs mind doing the research into it and letting me know the result?

[Veronese68]

Calling @Pinno718

 

[Pinno718]

Calling @Pinno718

The Stiga is not an expensive bat but wot Sharky said.
Depends how serious the OP is.

Bat + rubbers. Rubbers to suit style of play from defensive minus to attack++ and sponge thickness is crucial to how the rubbers behave. I have a less aggressive backhand so I have 1.8mm sponge and 2mm on the forehand. But it's a learning curve. The OP may find they will have to experiment a little to get the balance and over time, your game changes (with the right coaching) and what you initially wanted out of a bat is not what you want in the future. One blade lasts years and the basic bat isn't pricey though rubbers don't last that long.
If you are beginner to intermediate player, choose control rating (rubbers + sponges) above everything else. Don't get ahead of yourself and choose something too fast or spinny. Step things up after developing dexterity and co-ordination. It's crucial to pick rubbers and sponges to suit your style of play.
Then there is flared or straight handle. I started with a flared handle and now I use a straight. I find it easier to assume the 3 grips. Yes, there are 3 hand positions in a shake hands grip but I can switch to pen hold.
FWIW - I have a Stiga blade with Yasaka MK5's. Love the Yasaka's.
For cheap and cheerful, the YHNE Moon range of rubbers offer great VFM whilst you discover what you want/grow into.
I would advise a 5 ply bat and some cheapish rubbers to muck around with and learn, without getting too obsessed with them (or sucked in by the marketing).

I got most of my stuff mainly from Tees sport. They're good to deal with. They do bundle offers.
If anyone wants to bend da roolz, I have bucket loads of speed glue. I'll send any orders in brown, unmarked paper.

 

[Sharky]

For the table tennis members, there is a new film about to hit the cinemas from 26th Dec, "Marty Supreme", based loosely on the legendary Marty Reisman.