What You Should Consider When Buying an Air Hockey Table
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. But with so many different models on the market, how do you choose the right one for your game room? Here are a few factors to consider when shopping for an air hockey table:
Size
Air hockey tables come in various sizes, from small tabletop models to large professional-grade tables. Think of the experience level of players and whether you’re buying a home-use or commercial-purpose table. A regulation size table should be around 8 feet long and 4 feet wide. With this size, you can have four players around the table at one time.
But if you’re looking for a smaller model, consider a tabletop or a mini air hockey table. These are usually about half the size of a regulation table and can be easily stored away when not in use.
Durability
When shopping for an air hockey table, keep in mind how often it will be used. The material used for making the table will play a role in its durability. MDF, or medium-density fiberboard, is a popular material used for making air hockey tables. It’s strong, doesn’t warp easily, and is resistant to chipping and scratches.
Another common material is particle board. This material is made from wood chips and shavings that are glued together. Also, ensure the legs are made from high-quality wood or steel.
The Puck Size
The size of the pucks also plays an essential role when choosing your air hockey table. The official size for an air hockey puck is 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) in diameter and no more than 3/4 of an inch (1.905 cm) thick.
When choosing a table, you may find that some come with small pucks while others have large ones. The smaller pucks are easier to control, and the large ones move faster. If you are playing with small children or teenagers, it may be best to choose a table that comes with smaller pucks.
For older people, go for a table with larger pucks so they won’t fly so far when hit hard. Large puck tables are also quite expensive but tend to last longer.
The Appearance
While many people may not pay much attention to the looks, it’s an essential feature to consider depending on your reason for purchase. Soma tables come with fancy designs and beautiful colors that make them stand out. You can buy one depending on your preferred color and design.
The playing surface should also have a shiny finish that makes the pucks slide smoothly. Consider the style and design that will easily match your room’s décor.
Are You Buying for Home or Commercial Use?
Home hockey tables differ from commercial ones in different ways. They’re designed for families and kids, while commercial hockey tables are sturdier to withstand more intense gameplay.
Secondly, commercial tables are usually bigger and have a higher weight capacity. They can accommodate more players and are often used in arcades.
Thirdly, commercial hockey tables tend to be more expensive than home ones. If you’re buying for your home, a home table is more than enough. However, if you plan to put it in an arcade or somewhere that will see a lot of foot traffic, then a commercial table is a better investment.
Manual vs. Digital Scoring
Some air hockey tables come with digital scoring to help you track points. Others have manual scoring and a simple slide-on number system that you can move with your hand as points are scored.
Digital scoring is more accurate and can be fun, but it’s unnecessary. If you don’t want to spend the extra money, then a manual scoring system will work fine.
Weight and Portability
When choosing an air hockey table, you need to consider the size, weight, and portability. A heavyweight table is more stable and durable, but it can be challenging to move around. A lighter table is easier to move, but it might not be as sturdy.
If you have limited space at home, you might want to opt for a mini air hockey table. These tables are easier to store and take up less space. On the other hand, if you have enough space at home, you can choose a full-size air hockey table.
Are Air Hockey Tables Worth It?
An air hockey table is a good investment either for a home or commercial playroom. They are fun, provide good entertainment, and last for many years with proper care. Assuming you have the space for a table, here are some of the reasons we’ll tell you to go ahead and buy one.
Whole Family Entertainment
An air hockey table is a great way to get the family together for fun and excitement. It’s a game that everyone can play, regardless of age or size.
Even if your kids are too young to understand the game’s rules, they’ll still have a blast chasing the puck around. And as they get older, they’ll be able to start playing by the rules.
Get To Socialize with Friends
One of the great things about air hockey is that it’s a very social game. Unlike video games or other forms of solo entertainment, air hockey requires two people to play. This means that you’ll actually get to interact with your family and friends when you’re playing, rather than just sitting in silence staring at a screen.
Plus, air hockey is a great way to meet new people. Air hockey is an excellent option if you’re looking for a fun and social game to play with strangers.
You Can Play It Almost Anywhere
Another great thing about air hockey is that you can play it almost anywhere. Unlike other games that require a lot of space or special equipment, air hockey can be played in a small room or even on a tabletop.
You need a level surface and an air hockey table, and you’re good to go. This makes air hockey a great option for people who live in small apartments or don’t have much space for gaming equipment.
Recreational Room at Home
With an air hockey table in your home, you don’t have to spend money going outside to play. You can set up your table in a spare room, basement, or garage and invite friends over for a game. So, instead of paying for movie tickets and buying snacks for your family at the stadium, you’ll just need to enhance your recreational room at home by adding an air hockey table.
What Is A Good Size Air Hockey Table?
Air hockey tables come in different sizes. They usually start from 4 feet to about 8 feet. The size you get depends on the skill level or players you’re buying it for and whether it’s for commercial or home use.
Commercial air hockey tables are usually around 8 feet long. They’re more expensive than home air hockey tables. 4-foot air hockey tables are great for kids. If you have limited space at home, the mini air hockey table is a good option.
The most popular size for home use is the 6-foot table. It’s not too small or too big and is good for most people. 8-foot air hockey tables are for more serious players. They’re also more expensive and take up more space. If you have the budget and the space, this is a great option.
Consider investing in a portable air hockey table if you want to play anywhere. This kind of table can be easily folded and taken with you. Besides, a folding air hockey table will make it easy for you to store the table when not in use.
Do Air Hockey Tables Need to be Plugged In?
Yes, all air hockey tables need to be plugged in because they come with a motor that requires power to run. The motor uses an electric blower to create the airflow that keeps the puck afloat.
If you want to play air hockey without being tethered to an outlet, you can buy a battery-operated air hockey table. However, these tables are not as powerful as their plug-in counterparts, so the gameplay may not be as smooth.
If you want a portable air hockey table, it’s wise to buy a battery-powered one. This way, you’ll easily carry these tables to outdoor events such as camping and picnics and not worry about your power source.
But if you want a home or commercial air hockey table that will provide an arcade-style gaming experience, it’s best to buy a table that plugs into an outlet. These tables are designed for serious gaming and provide a smoother playing surface.
Our Verdict
The air hockey table is a wonderful investment for anyone looking for a fun, fast-paced game to play. Be sure to ask yourself what kind of gaming experience you’re looking for. Are you looking for a casual game to play with friends and family, or are you looking for a more serious, competitive game? Once you know what you want, you can choose an air hockey table that best suits your needs.