Your Ultimate Guide to The Types of Foosball Balls
There are different types of foosball balls, and each significantly influences the overall gameplay. These table soccer balls feature different materials and textures that offer a unique feel and performance.
The four types of foosball table balls are categorized according to weight, size, material, speed, and performance. What you choose will depend on what you want to achieve when playing the game.
Read on as I take you through the four types of foosball balls to help you choose.
1. Traditional Foosball Ball
Traditional foosball balls are the cheapest and are usually used by beginners. They are made of hard plastic and typically have black and white patterns. They are, at a glance, the most attractive table soccer balls but not the best for gaming. The ball is designed for a slow-paced game with little spin action.
The main advantage of using this type of ball is its affordability. If you are just starting to play foosball, this is a suitable type of ball to buy because it will not cost you much.
Another advantage is that the traditional foosball balls are pretty durable. They can withstand hits and bumps without breaking easily. This makes them ideal for players still learning to control their shots.
The disadvantage of traditional foosball balls is that they are not as fast as modern balls.
2. Smooth Foosball Balls
Smooth balls are similar to traditional balls, without attractive patterns. They offer the same advantages of being affordable and durable. The main difference is that they provide less grip because of their smooth surface.
This can be an advantage or disadvantage, depending on your playing style. If you want more control over the ball, a smooth ball may not be ideal. But if you prefer a faster game with more action, a smooth ball can help you speed up the pace.
The main disadvantage of these foosball table balls is that they’re noisy and hard to handle. This may not be the ball for you if you’re looking for a fast-paced game. But a smooth ball can be a great choice if you want to save some money and don’t mind a little extra noise.
3. Textured Foosball Ball
If you want to become a real professional at foosball, go for the textured ones. They provide much more grip than smooth balls, which gives you more control over your shots. You need to be a skilled foosball player to use these balls because your success will be based on skill and not luck.
The structure of the ball enables you to grip and spin the ball at high speed. If you place your shot well, the ball will reward you with great speed and power.
The downside is that they’re more expensive and don’t last as long. But if you’re serious about the game, it’s worth the investment.
4. Cork Foosball Ball
For professional players, a cork foosball ball is a great choice. The ball offers more control as well as speed. Cork is softer, so it doesn’t wear down as quickly as other materials.
It also has a better grip than smooth balls, which gives you more control over your shots. Amateurs will have a hard time playing with these foosball table balls because they’re so slow and needs a lot of strength to score a point.
One of this ball’s main advantages is that it doesn’t make any noise. This makes it perfect for those who want to keep the noise down in their game room.
What Ball Is Used for Foosball?
A perfect ball used for foosball can be easily gripped or pinned between the bars of the foosball table. The ball should also be small enough so that it doesn’t easily fall through the hole in the middle of the table.
Table soccer balls are usually made from solid rubber or cork. They come in different sizes, with the most common size being around 40mm in diameter. Cork foosball balls are the softest and have the best grip, while rubber foosball balls are harder and have less grip.
The best foosball ball material will allow you to have a good grip on the ball without it being too soft or too hard. Cork and rubber are both good materials, but cork is the softer of the two and will have more grip. Rubber is harder and will be faster, but it won’t have as much grip.
What Is A Regular Size Foosball Ball?
The best foosball ball size is small enough to be easily controlled by your hand but large enough that it won’t get lost on the foosball table.
The standard foosball ball size is 40 mm, but you can find foosball table balls anywhere from 38 mm to 42 mm. The size you choose is usually based on personal preference as there’s no regulation on ball size.
If you’re just starting out, it’s best to go with a smaller ball to get a feel for how the game is played. Once you get better at foosball, you can move up to a larger ball.
Verdict
The type of foosball ball you choose depends on your goal. Do you want to achieve speed, or do you want more control over the ball? Speed is achieved with a small, hard foosball, while control is gained with a larger, softer foosball.
If you’re just starting, my recommendation it’s best to go with a traditional or smooth ball as you can get a feel for how the game is played. Once your foosball skills improve, you can move to textured and cork foosball balls.
