I bring at least 4 rackets to each tournament. Sometimes I use one. Other times I may use up to 3. BTW, even supposedly the exact same model blade and rubbers may play different. As long as you keep the same racket per match (baring an equipment failure) you are ok. I have no idea about racket testing-never seen that at a local tournament.
Hi Van,
There is nothing in the ITTF laws of TT, the ITTF match officials guidebook, the ITTF FAQ, the ITTF Umpire prep book, the T9, or any other ITTF doc that states all rackets must be the same make/model with the same make/model rubbers identical to each other.
There is no USATT current Laws of TT or rules interpretations doc stating this either.
The ITTF laws (and usually the natl assn laws too that are usually copy/paste of ITTF laws) state (where racket control procedures are in place) that if a player's bat becomes damaged and cannot/should not be used further, that the player must show the umpire (if there is an umpire) the replacement bat before resuming play. The umpire check the bat for legality (rubber on LARC and 4mm and blade continuity, etc)
If there is racket control, players submit their bat(s) to control desk prior to match and the bat is delivered to the table by umpire before the match start. If only one bat was submitted (and successfully examined/delivered to table) and somehow becomes damaged requiring replacement... then player must have bat outside play area, but near it, and presents it to umpire for inspection... if umpire examined bat and gives it back to player to continue match, then after the match, the umpire retains the racket and brings it to racket control for testing.