Thinking Of Buying An Outdoor Foosball Table? Read This First
Outdoor foosball tables are entertaining and can bring people together during gatherings. An addictive sport encourages people to bond. During the good weather season, you can have your social gatherings outside. An outdoor foosball table works best if you have plenty of space for people to gather around and take turns as others cheer.
For people who don’t know what foosball is, it is a tabletop version of “Football” or “soccer.” It comes with miniature figurines attached to long tubes that act as players that kick a small round ball into the opponent’s goal. The idea is for two or four players to move the ball using the knobs attached at the side to score goals against their opponent. The winner is the team that scores more. It can be a competitive game, making an outdoor football table fun.
Now that you are familiar with a foosball table, there are a few essential things you should look out for when considering an outdoor foosball table.
Weather-Resistant
An excellent outdoor foosball table is made from durable, water-resistant materials and rust proof. The outdoor foosball should be capable of resisting the elements around to avoid packing up every time it’s about to rain. Hence you need to invest in the perfect outdoor table football that can withstand snow and heavy downfall without any damage. Furthermore, the outdoor foosball should be rust-resistant in that moisture doesn’t affect its functionality. The primary materials used would be marine plywood, plastic, and thermoplastic resin to minimize corrosion. The downside would be a difference in price, stability, and weight.
Size and Weight
An outdoor foosball table measures around 54 inches to 60 inches or more. According to the International Table Soccer Federation (ITSF), the standard size of an outdoor foosball table should be 56” by 30” by 36”. That should only matter if you want an outdoor foosball for professional activities, but you can get smaller versions if it’s for home social entertainment. The size and weight would also matter depending on the space you have in your backyard or balcony. Heavier outdoor football tables are larger, stable, and durable. Therefore, if you’re getting a table for college students or teenagers, you need to consider the table’s weight.
Quality Rods and Handles
High-quality players, handles, and rods play a significant role when choosing an outdoor foosball player. The players should have vibrant colors and move simultaneously without getting stuck to make the game enjoyable. The football table must be rust-resistant to avoid the rods and handles getting stuck when the players are on each other’s case. Some foosball tables have little players painted red and blue with names and further details to make the game enjoyable. The rods should be solid and sturdy with a safety feature for kids. Finally, the handles should be anti-slip to avoid hand injuries due to hands sweating during the game.
Stable Legs and Levelers
An all-weather foosball table should have firm legs with inbuilt levelers. Your outdoor foosball should offer the perfect surface that is not affected by uneven floors. Individual level adjusters will help the football table stay leveled. This makes the game captivating, and the quality of the game isn’t affected by rugged outdoor space.
Foosball Men
Amateur players don’t realize how critical counterweighted men are when engaging in the game. Pro-players prefer counter-balanced men to help them stay horizontal when you release them to allow your ball to travel faster and longer. The foosball players locked horizontally allow straight shots and pass without constant blocking, making the game entertaining. The foosball players come in different shapes and designs, but the heavier ones are better. In addition, the foosball men with a rough surface help control the ball better and offer a better grip. Avoid players with smooth and round foot designs because they have the worst control abilities.
Table Surface
The surface of your foosball table is essential to improve your playing experience. An excellent outdoor foosball table should have a plain surface with higher thickness to allow the ball to travel faster. Check out the American foosball tables as they are the most recommended surfaces. The table top should be hard and absorb no moisture, ensuring the table doesn’t lose shape after a few games. Avoid the slippery ones where it would make controlling the ball a nightmare.
Are Outdoor Foosball Tables Waterproof?
It’s recommended to have a waterproof outdoor foosball table. Unless you love the thrill of scrambling outside fast to drag your table in every time the rain falls or during winter, a waterproof table will work best. Pick one that can withstand all weather elements without rusting or absorbing the moisture that would potentially destroy any part of the table. That way, you can enjoy your outdoor football table for a long time without grinding, losing control of foosball players, uneven surfaces, and the rods getting jammed.
Do I Need To Cover An Outdoor Foosball Table?
Apart from your outdoor table football being water-resistant and rust-proof, it should come with a cover to avoid further damage when not in use. Weather elements can be brutal, and the daily direct sunlight can be harsh. Therefore, you should consider a heavy-duty cover that grips tightly around the table to protect it from moisture sipping in or the wind blowing the cover away. If the sellers don’t include a cover when buying, you can separately shop for a water-resistant cover with a drawstring fastener. Then, cover it adequately after using the outdoor foosball table.
Conclusion
The best outdoor foosball tables should be durable, stable, and gives you value for your money. The table should come in a sturdy and protective design to fit your backyard and have a solid body construction to withstand impact in the long run. In addition, the exterior design must be sturdy, strong, and durable, with adjustable leg levelers to support the table on uneven surfaces.
Handles, rods, and players should be of high quality to improve the quality of the game. You need them to adjust smoothly to increase the gaming experience. The size and weight are essential too. Ensure the outdoor foosball table is water-resistant, rustproof, and can serve you for years before replacing it.