Air Hockey Pucks: Everything You Need To Know
Air hockey is a fun game that involves both entertainment and competition. Air hockey is perfect if you’re looking for a fun game that you and your friends can play. The puck is one of the critical components to air hockey. What do you need to know about air hockey pucks?
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. While air hockey can be fun, it’s not always easy to know which puck is right for you.
This guide on air hockey pucks will help you make a better decision. It will walk you through the different sizes and colors of pucks available and what type of table each is best suited for.
How To Play Air Hockey
Air hockey rules are simple, as each player is allowed to score by putting the puck in the opponent’s hole. It is a game of strategy, skill, and reflexes. Once you understand the game’s rules and get some practice up your sleeve, you’ll be a formidable opponent to beat.
Air hockey is an exciting game to play. Be mindful of not putting too much pressure on the puck while playing, as this can cause damage to your table and make it difficult for you to win. While it’s a competitive sport, it’s also an excellent way to connect with your friends socially, so use it as entertainment and have fun while playing.
Why Does Weight, Size, And Shape Of Air Hockey Pucks Matter?
Weight
As an air hockey enthusiast, having the right puck for your table is essential for optimal gameplay. The puck’s weight is an important factor to consider because it affects the speed and movement of the puck. If you have a puck that’s too heavy, the blowers won’t be able to reduce the friction enough, and you’ll have an extremely slow game at best.
If the puck is too light, it will constantly fly off the table. This occurs when the power of the blowers on the table goes beyond the air hockey pucks they were designed for. You could also face challenges if you have mallets or goalies too heavy.
Size
Size also matters when it comes to choosing an air hockey puck. The standard size for a regulation table is 3 1/4 inches in diameter, but you may want to consider using a smaller puck if you have a smaller table. 3-inch is between size standard and small, while 2.5 inch is a small size puck designed for home-sized tables and tables for kids.
Shape
Air hockey pucks come in different shapes, and each has its purpose. While circles are the most common ones and the only ones approved in official competitions, playing with other shapes can be fun.
What Air Hockey Pucks Do Professionals Use?
Professional rules for air hockey are particular regarding puck size. While the official rules state that a puck must be exactly 3.5 inches in diameter, all of the full-sized replacement pucks for professional air hockey tables are 3 1/4 inches. This doesn’t mean that you should always use these pucks.
Large Air Hockey Pucks
What happens if your table blowers are too weak to support heavy pucks? Or what if you want similar replacements to the pucks they came with? In this case, go for the cheaper made generic red pucks. Cheaper generic red pucks are 2.5 inches, and they weigh around 13 grams, giving you more wiggle for a low-powered blower. These pucks are also a bit lighter, and they don’t need a strong blower. If you want to use the same size pucks as what your table came with, but you don’t want to spend a lot of money on them, then these are a good option for you.
Lighter Pucks for Weak Table Blowers
What if your table blowers are too weak to support heavy pucks? Well, it would be best to buy the lighter pucks then. These pucks are only 1.5 inches, and they weigh around 5 grams. They will need a stronger blower to keep them on the table, but they will be much easier to control.
Quiet Air Hockey Pucks
Some people don’t like the noise that air hockey pucks make when they hit the table or each other. If you are one of those people, you should buy the quiet air hockey pucks. These pucks are made out of a soft material that will absorb the sound of the impact. You can find these pucks online or at some stores that sell air hockey tables.
For example, you can go for Dynamo with rubber-coated muffled pucks that provide the same gameplay level without the loud sounds. These quiet pucks come in two options, including 3.25 inches in diameter and smaller 2.5-inch pucks.
All You Need to Play Air Hockey
Air hockey is available to most people. The air hockey accessories you may need include an air hockey table, pucks, and a mallet. Air hockey tables come in various types to suit different levels of play. These tables include:
Beginners Tables
These tables are typically smaller in size and have a low price point. They are perfect for budding air hockey enthusiasts or those beginners looking for a lightweight table. While the table is unstable, it’s good for practice and gameplay.
Intermediate Tables
These tables are larger and have a higher price point. They are perfect for those who have experience playing air hockey pucks and are looking for a more challenging game. The table is more stable than the beginner’s table and typically has better features, such as a built-in scoreboard.
Advanced Tables
These tables are the largest and most expensive air hockey tables. They are perfect for those with a lot of experience playing air hockey and want the most realistic gaming experience possible. These tables often come with bells and whistles, such as lighting effects and surround sound.
Things To Consider When Buying Air Hockey Table
Here are a few features to consider when looking for a hockey table. Each table comes with air hockey accessories that differentiate itself from others. Keep these features in mind when looking for the best air hockey pucks that relate to your needs.
Player Skill Level
The first thing you need to ask yourself is how experienced a player you are. Air hockey tables have different difficulty levels, so it might be best to purchase an air hockey table geared towards beginners if you’re just starting.
Table Size
Another thing you’ll want to consider is the size of the table. A tournament air hockey table size is around 8 feet, while a small hockey table ranges from 4 to 7 feet long.
Electric Or Battery Tables
Air hockey tables can run on either electric or battery power. Battery-powered tables are more portable and can be set up pretty much anywhere, while electric tables tend to be larger and more durable.
Price
Finally, price is always a consideration when purchasing any product. Air hockey tables range in price from around $200 to over $5000. Find out what features you want on air hockey table pucks and plan on purchasing one within your price range.
Table Or Table Top
Air hockey tables come in two sizes: standard table size or tabletop. The standard table size is around 8 feet, while a small hockey table is 4 to 7 feet long.
Puck Size
Air hockey puck size varies. Consider your puck size since you’ll want to match your gameplay style. Lightweight air pucks are great for children because they don’t heat the hard puck. For advanced gameplay, use heavier pucks for stability.
How Much Should an Air Hockey Puck Weigh?
Air hockey pucks can weigh somewhere between 25 pounds up to 340 pounds. The weight varies depending on the size and purpose of the particular puck. The quality of the puck also matters. If you’re using a puck for professional gaming, you’ll want it to be as close to the regulation size and weight as possible.
How Fast Does an Air Hockey Puck Go?
There are no speed records for air hockey pucks, but the air hockey puck can travel up to 80 miles per hour if hit correctly. This also depends on several factors. These factors include:
Air Cushion
The air cushion formed by the airflow provided by the blower fitted below the surface plays a vital role in how fast the puck travels. If the puck doesn’t have a lot of air cushion, it will slow down quickly. A well-cushioned puck will travel farther.
Blockage Of Holes
They may make the table surface with plastic or similar composite material with the presence of holes in the surface from which air flows and create the cushion for the puck to move on. These holes get blocked with dust and debris, creating uneven airflow and disturbing the puck’s movement.
To maintain the high speed of your puck, make sure you clean these holes periodically. You can use a toothpick to clean them but power on the airflow so that the dust doesn’t settle down and will come on the table.
Size Of The Puck
Another factor that impacts the distance the puck travels is its size. A larger puck will cover more ground than a smaller one. If you want to increase the distance your puck travels, try using a bigger one.
Cleanliness of the Table
Another factor that impacts the distance the puck travels is its size. A larger puck will cover more ground than a smaller one. If you want to increase the distance your puck travels, try using a bigger one.
Hitters Force
The angle at which the puck is hit also affects how far it will travel. A straight-on hit will result in the puck traveling a shorter distance than if it is hit at an angle. When the puck is struck perpendicular to its surface, it skids off rather than bouncing off. When hit at an angle, the puck will ricochet off the surface, causing it to travel a greater distance.
Maintenance
A perfect table with periodic maintenance is the best to keep the surface smooth and fast-paced on the table. Lubricate and polish the surface properly each month with the right tools and products. If any damage occurs on the surface, go for replacement instead of repair as it can disturb the smoothness and airflow.
The puck can travel at high speed and become dangerous for the players and people around the table. So, take proper care of the table and enjoy the fast-paced game without worries.
What Are Air Hockey Paddles Called?
Air hockey paddles are known as stickers, paddlers, pushers, mallets, or goalies. Without air hockey paddlers, there can be no air hockey game. They’re essential because they help defend and set up shots in air hockey games, so it is key to have the right air hockey paddles for your table.
There are many different air hockey paddles on the market, so it’s important to do your research before buying. When purchasing air hockey paddles, consider the material they’re made out of, their size, and how they feel in your hand.
Also, while young players can play with low-quality air hockey paddles, adults need air hockey paddles that can handle a beating and won’t crack or chip easily.
Final Verdict
Air hockey is a fun game that mixes competition and engagement. The air hockey tables come in different sizes that can accommodate multiple skill levels and gameplay. Plus, age isn’t a boundary with air hockey pucks, as kids and adults can all enjoy this beautiful game.