This Cornilleau Impulse 1000 has been my first bat after the cheap ones, so bear that in mind. I play for fun. After a few months I wanted to know what the difference would be if I bought a "decent" bat. I went for a ready made one because I don't have the skills to put a bat together myself. I chose this racket because the supplier could guarantee a bat made this year (2009) so I knew I wasn't buying old-rubber stock. Also I wanted a bat with ITTF-approved rubber, straight handle and "all round" game style, and "fast" enough for me to tell the difference with the cheap ones. I paid 24.50 with delivery on Ebay. I couldn't be happier with my choice. The difference to the game is massive. My mate also bought one and the game has become so much better (if much harder to return serves). I used to be more of an attacker and bad at defending but things have leveled out now. Same goes for my mate that used to defend more than attack but his forehand strokes have become surprisingly fast and accurate.