The Best Table Sports Reviews
Discover everything you need to know and the best reviews about table sports such as air hockey, foosball and table tennis
Welcome to Table Sports Guru
We do all the research, reviews and comparisons so you don't have to
When you visit Table Sports Guru, you can expect well-researched, transparent and helpful information, buyers guides, reviews and comparisons for table sports such as air hockey, foosball and table tennis. We are table sports enthusiasts with many years of experience and our aim is to provide you with everything you need to know and bring you easy to read summaries so you can fully understand the products and make smart buying decisions to save yourself time and money.
Our Top Category Picks
No games room is complete without a good air hockey table. A good table provides players of all ages and skill levels with hours of entertainment.
Air hockey pucks come in various sizes, weights, and colors. When choosing a puck, you’ll want to consider the size of the table you’re using.
There are different types of air hockey tables to consider. The kind you buy will depend on your needs, space, budget, and the skill level of players
The ESPN Air Hockey Table is the best purchase you can ever make if you want to add some arcade-style gaming experience to your game room or mancave
How We Compare & Choose
Expert knowledge to help you buy smart
We provide expert knowledge about table sports such as air hockey, foosball, table tennis, and darts. We include ratings and data about how each measures up in various categories of performance. We explain what sets a product apart from its competitors, and suggest other comparable products based on price or use. We also look at how the air hockey tables, foosball tables, table tennis tables and dart boards have been designed, and what type of player they are targeted to – so you can make your decision based on what is right for you and your skill level.
Our Buyer's Guide to Table Sports
Engaging in table sports is a better way to keep fit and enjoy your friend’s company at home. But before buying any of these tables, you have to consider some crucial factors like the size and where you intend to use them. Common table sports to play at home include air hockey, foosball, and table tennis.
Air Hockey Tables
Air hockey tables have existed since 1969 after a team of hockey enthusiasts worked with an engineer to build their concept for this game. This game helps you improve your thinking capacity and is a better way of staying off-screen. Air hockey tables have a smooth plastic surface with raised edges that prevent the puck from falling. The tables have holes fixed with blowers that keep your puck floating.
Air Hockey Tables
When you want to buy any air table, you’ve got to consider;
- Its size; depends on the available space indoors.
- The type of air hockey table like arcade or tabletop air hockey tables.
- The air tables’ material, will determine how long they serve you.
Foosball
Harold Searles Thornton invented foosball tables in 1921, an inspiration he got from his favorite football team Tottenham. It’s a game that will keep you engaged and is ideal for improving your productivity and relationship as you play as a team and converse while at it. It requires 2-4 players, and anyone can play it. Each player should use 2 -4 rods to control 13 players per team.
How To Choose A Foosball Table
When buying any foosball tables, consider;
- The table surface. A laminate design is smooth and hard to enable your ball to move faster.
- Where you’ll be using the foosball table, as it will help you determine the type to buy.
- The cost of the table and its value in terms of durability.
Table Tennis Tables
Table tennis was invented in the early 20th century in England. It’s a game you can play with your friend or kid anytime as long as you’re on the same level and know how to hold the paddle. You should also know how to serve the ball from behind the end line. You can play table tennis to relax your mind after a long day at work.
How To Choose Table Tennis Table
Before buying any of the best table tennis tables, look at;
- The type you want to buy in regards to who’ll use it.
- Consider the table’s thickness and size.
- Your budget.
Factors In Choosing Your Air Hockey Table
Before buying an air hockey table, it’s essential to do in-depth research to get the best that meets your demands. The factors you need to consider when purchasing include;
Size Of the Air Hockey Table
Consider the size if you plan to invest in an air hockey table. Air hockey tables come in different sizes requiring you to pick on one that’s ideal for you. To determine the right size for you, consider your house’s available space.
The best air hockey table should fit in your game room well and leave some space for moving around. But don’t buy a small table which will prevent you from enjoying the game.
Price
You need to buy an air hockey table within your budget range. You can compare prices from different shops before deciding on the best you can afford without feeling a pinch in the pocket. But don’t forget to stick to quality as this will give you value for your money.
The Pucks
You also need to consider the size of pucks you’ll use on your air hockey table. The size of the pucks will depend on the size of the table you’ve settled on. For example, if you’re buying an air hockey table for kids, you should purchase smaller pucks. Having the right size of pucks will not give you challenges as the blowers will float it easily.
Material
You also need to consider the material the air hockey table you want to buy is made of. Different air hockey tables are made of different materials, determining how long they’ll last. Some are made of wood, plastic, laminate, or wood with plastic. If you want a durable table, look for one made of water-resistant laminate.
The rink walls should also comprise high-density nylon or aluminum to withstand adverse conditions. The materials should also be safer, eco-friendly, and stronger to have them serve you longer.
Lighting
A good air hockey table should have overhead lighting, allowing you to play in a darker room without straining. A well-lit table will also make the game enjoyable and beautify the playing surface.
Durability
You need to invest in an air hockey table that will last longer and not cut the fun before seeing its worth. A durable table should comprise high-quality materials. You can check on customers’ reviews to know the product’s rating before deciding on the one to take home.
Factors In Choosing Your Foosball Table
If you want to get the best foosball table that will give you a memorable experience, consider;
Type Of Foosball Table
You need to check several types of foosball tables in the market to get the best. You can buy a stand-alone foosball table that is the most popular and requires you to assemble. You can also opt for a tabletop foosball table which is smaller and ideal for the kids. Adults with squeezed spaces indoors can also use it.
Your Budget
It’s best to buy the best foosball table within your budget range. Don’t buy an expensive table if you don’t intend to use it regularly as that will be a waste. A foosball table for a casual player should range between $100-and $500.
Material Composition
You should select the table’s material carefully to get a long-lasting table. Go for a foosball made of high-quality plastic, which will be durable. Such a table will allow you and your friends to play a bit rough without damage. A wooden table is prone to get scratches easily. It’s not stronger and expands and contracts due to humidity, while a chipboard foosball table breaks faster.
Size
The size of the foosball table you settle for will determine the people who use it. If you want to play without straining, go for a full standard foosball table with the right height and width. Since these tables come in different sizes, buy one that will fit the available space easily.
The size of the table will also determine where you’ll use it. Depending on the available space and your preferred gaming location, you can place it in your game room, backyard, or garage.
Goalie Configurations
When buying any of these foosball tables, look at the goalie configurations. You can opt for a one-person or three-person goalie system configuration, depending on your game knowledge.
Players with much experience will enjoy using the three-person goalie system as it’s played at high speed. A single goalie is the best if you’re buying the table for your kids or a beginner.
Player Rods
The type of player rod you’ve got will determine how fast you control the men on the playfield. There are the hollowed-out, telescoping and solid rods. The hollowed-out rods will enable you to play more quickly as they’re lightweight. The solid rods are heavier and slow, while telescoping roads are for safety, making them a good choice for kids.
Factors In Choosing Your Table Tennis Table
If you want to get the best table tennis table that meets your demands consider the following factors;
The Play Surface Thickness
You should pay keen attention to the thickness of the table tennis table you intend to buy. The thickness of these tops ranges between ½ inch and 1 inch. The play surface should be around ¾ inch thick to prevent warping faster and give consistent ball bounce.
When selecting the right thickness, consider the top surface’s material. A particle board with medium density and perfect finishing will improve the bounce rate and not fade faster. Remember, the thicker the table, the higher the price. When looking at the thickness of the top surface, don’t confuse it with the vertical thickness of the table frame.
Where You'll Use the Table
The place where you’ll install your table tennis table will determine the kind of table to buy. If you’re going to use your table tennis table indoors in a lounge or clubhouse, it will have different features from one for outdoor use.
The outdoor table should withstand rain, sun, and wind, meaning it should be durable with high-quality materials. An indoor table should be portable and foldable to store and transport to different rooms easily.
Cost
Different types of table tennis tables require you to part with a varying amount of money. For example, if you buy a smaller table tennis table, you’ll not pay the same amount when taking the bigger one. Stick within your budget range and buy a quality table that you’ll love using every time. But don’t forget to look at the table’s features plus the quality when considering the price to avoid regrets.
Who Will Use It
Before buying any table tennis, consider the person who will use it. The best table tennis table should be according to the player’s skill level, age, and the number of people who will use it. If table tennis is for your kids, it should be more robust and capable of withstanding tears and wear daily. It should also withstand rough handling by beginners who don’t have the right skills to use it.
When buying the table for such users, don’t spend too much as you might be disappointed after they spoil it before realizing it’s worth it. A stationary table is a good pick for such users as they’re thicker and stronger than portable tables.
Air Hockey Tables For Kids
If you want to help your children grow mentally and physically, buy them air hockey tables for kids. The table’s legs should be stronger, stable, and made of quality materials to offer enough support for your kids. Most kids’ air hockey tables have durable wooden legs that can withstand rough plays.
The side walls should also be strong. Stronger sidewalls will not wear faster even if the pucks hit them. Aluminum walls are a good choice for kids as they’ll not get spoiled faster. Cheaper air hockey tables for kids have laminate walls.
It should also have a good blower motor to keep the pucks floating. Check on how strong the air blower is before buying the table to have it serve you for years. It should ensure an even air distribution on the table’s surface, giving your kid an easy time controlling the pucks.
The size of the table is also crucial as you don’t want your baby to strain to reach the top surface. These tables’ heights range from 4 to 9 feet long, so consider your child’s height when buying the table. Buy smaller pucks that will allow your kid to control it with ease.
Air Hockey Tables For Teenagers
As your kids grow, you need to upgrade to air hockey tables for teenagers. Since these are young adults, they’ll not require much support from the table while playing, but you’ve got to buy a stronger one that will last longer.
The table’s height should also increase as teenagers are a bit taller. But this will depend on their growth rate as some don’t grow faster. It should allow the teenager to extend their hands freely without straining.
The appearance of the teen’s air hockey table also matters as these are sensitive young adults who are more into fashion and design. Teenagers will love a bright, vibrant table with outstanding graphic designs like those of an arcade.
Your teenager will also like a smart scoring table that they feel is up to date and their age. The pucks should also be bigger to enable them to enjoy the game with their peers.
Ask your teenager how many rink markings they would like on their air hockey table. If possible, go with them to the shop to allow them to choose what suits them and meets their demands. Also, ensure the table is high quality and durable to give you your value for money.
Air Hockey Tables For Beginners
Beginners may not know much about air hockey, a reason you should get them one that matches their skill levels. When buying this table for them, its features are not too complicated to understand.
Let it be strong enough and stable to allow the player to learn different tactics without spoiling any part. The rink walls should also be strong as the beginner will unknowingly hit them while trying to score. A table with stable legs will also not frustrate a beginner.
Air hockey tables for beginners should also be easy to install and repair. This will not give the user headache in case of a challenge. It’s best not to buy an expensive table that will go to waste, but its quality has to be good to last longer. A cheaper table will allow you to upgrade after becoming a pro.
The pucks should also be the right size, giving the player easy time controlling. Remember, beginners tend to strike the puck wildly whenever it’s on their side. If it’s a smaller and lighter puck, it will keep falling from the table, exhausting the game.
Also, ensure it’s the right size according to the available space and where you’ll use it. A seven-foot table is suitable for any beginner.
Air Hockey Tables For Advanced Players
Advanced players understand the game and are always ready for tough competition. When buying air hockey tables for advanced players, you need to look for one with better features that will match their pro levels.
A pro player should have a bigger table size of around 8 feet long. The weight of the table should also be considered if you intend to use the table anywhere. A portable air hockey table will allow you to play anywhere, honing your skills. You can go for a table with the right size wheel to allow you to compete with your friends at your convenience.
Also, pick the right size and high-quality materials to enable you to use this table for a long time. The pucks and table size should be bigger for a fast and enjoyable game. An arcade-style is the most advanced air hockey table for professionals.
The table’s surface needs to be strong, durable, thick, flat, and smooth to withstand regular use. The motor should also be powerful to keep the player on their toes.
When buying air hockey tables for advanced players, be ready to dig deeper into your pocket as they’re much more expensive than the rest. You should also be prepared to do regular maintenance as advanced players love using the table often.
What Makes A Great Air Hockey Table?
- It has strong and stable legs and a base that will last longer. Wood laminate or steel legs will serve you for years.
- A table with solid aluminum or nylon rink walls is durable. So, if you don’t want to spend more money on repairs, look for such walls.
- A table with great design and alignment with your interior décor to bring out your unique styles is worth investing in.
- An eco-friendly and safe table is also a great pick as you’ll not get harmed during the game.
- A great table should also meet your game expectations and be easy to use and install to avoid frustrations.
- It should be the right size to fit in the available space.
- It should have adequate lighting to allow you to play in a darker room. The lights also improve the look of your table. The backlight will make the pucks and paddles glow in the dark.
- An excellent air hockey table should also comprise high-quality materials that will see it serve you for long. The top surface should have a water-resistant laminate for better performance.
- The shape of the table also matters. The boomerang table is beautiful with a unique design.
What Makes a Great Foosball Table?
- A great foosball table should be stable with adequate weight. If the table is too light, it might turn when the game is aggressive. A 200 pounds foosball table is an ideal pick for aggressive players.
- A versatile table will allow you to play anywhere, anytime. Such a table also allows users to play on it without major challenges.
- A good foosball match will be great if it allows the players to play depending on their skill levels. Those playing for fun will love using an entry-level table, while advanced players require one with premium features.
- A durable table will also make you see value for your money as it will not wear or scratch easily. Look for the materials the table is made of to determine how durable it is.
- The material composition also affects the game experience. A hard and slippery play surface like plexiglass will make the ball roll and bounce faster.
- The size of the table will also improve the gaming experience. Smaller tables of 54 inches are ideal for shorter people below 5 feet long.
- A great table should be available in different types. You can get a tabletop, standard, or combination game, each giving you a different experience.
What Makes a Great Table Tennis Table?
- A great table tennis table should have the right thickness. A playing surface with ½ and inch or 1-inch thickness will stay strong regardless of the conditions.
- It should also comprise of the right materials which will last longer. Aluminum surfaces are ideal as they can withstand adverse weather. You can have wooden table surfaces for indoor use.
- A strong frame and chassis will allow you to play table tennis for years without doing repairs. The best tables have heavy steel tubing and oval/square legs to improve stability and strength.
- It should have a playback feature that allows for solo plays whenever your friends are not around for a game.
- It should also be foldable and easy to store to allow you to utilize the small space indoors. The wheels are an added advantage that will allow you to transport the table anywhere for more fun.
- A foosball table should also be within your price target. It shouldn’t be too expensive or cheap to avoid compromising on quality.
- A table with adjustable height with legs you can lower or raise at will is a great pick.
- Also, it should come in different styles, sizes, and designs to allow you to choose what meets your needs.
