What to Look for When Purchasing an Air Hockey Table
One of
the primary factors that make a game of air hockey great is its
table. Players can allow maximum speed, which can be an
excellent upgrade to any game rooms you may have. However, where
do you start as the marketplace offers thousands of options for
them, and it can be very overwhelming.
If
you’re wondering about the tables and where to start, then this
guide is for you. Purchasing the
best
air hockey tables
should not be complicated, provided you know where to go. Online
platforms can provide you with the information that you need
about the features that they offer. So, let’s get started.
About the Size of
the Hockey Tables
The
size is usually similar to that of a pool table so ensure that
you have enough room in your house so that this furniture could
quickly get in. It would be best to have wider doors, so it’s
possible to get these into the game room and consider the narrow
staircases. Measure everything in your home and choose something
that will fit the doorways and other rooms.
Figure
out how much space you’ll need to spare in the actual game room
itself. Some of the tables can have measurements of 4 feet wide
and 8 feet long. The players should have at least 36 inches of
space to leave on either side to have an optimal play. The
taller players should also move around to practice more
comfortably and get into their legendary shots! Read more info
on how to play on
this
site here.
Small vs. Large
Pucks
You may
have noticed the words like large and small pucks on the
features of some tables, and you may be wondering why. The
smaller varieties were usually made in another country, and the
construction was cheaper. They are ideal for smaller players or
children for entertainment and not for commercial use.
Understandably, they are not as expensive as the larger ones.
They are not recommended for many adults, and the blower engines
are usually less powerful. With smaller pucks, you may want to
know that they can fly off the table, so it’s best if you know
these things beforehand.
On the
other side are the large pucks with more solid “arcade”
construction and made from premium materials. They are for heavy
use and for players who are serious in this kind of game. The
large blower motors will allow for smoother and faster travels.
Select the larger pucks that have a USAA-sanctioned on them
because they are meant to be used in tournaments, and they can
hold up better.
Evaluate the
Players’ Skills
You
need to know the members who will frequently play the air hockey
game. If there will be the kids and their friends coming over,
then it’s best to get the smaller varieties so they can have
their fun. If the adults partake in midnight tournaments, the
larger and better-constructed surfaces are the best choice.
The
play will be performed at a higher level, and they can hold well
to the frequency of their uses. The ones that will have heavy
usage should be bigger and premium built.
Side Walls
The
side walls are one of the most overlooked features out there,
but they should have the best quality when you want the
playfield to be more enjoyable. The pucks will bounce into the
sidewalls while playing, and the more solid they are, the more
deflection they can provide. Check the rebounds that you’re
getting from the sides and see if they can handle these.
The
game will be played faster, and the players won’t have to make
too much effort afterwards. Check the quality of the rail and
ensure that you’re getting the best playing field as much as
possible. Find out how the tables work here:
https://www.gametablesonline.com/blog/air-hockey-tables-work/.
Choices Between the Used and the New
You may
want to go with the used tables because they are generally
cheaper. The decision is entirely up to you but make sure that
you do proper inspections beforehand. See if the air holes are
clogged and if there’s water damage.
Higher
humidity and moisture are going to be very difficult to clean
and take out. In some cases, the digital scores may already have
been damaged, but this can be hard to determine, especially if
the game is going on. Check the airflow and see if the blower
motors are still working. Know that if they are already damaged,
these parts are costly to replace.
On the other hand, the newer air hockey tables won’t have any problems like the older ones. Some companies may even offer you customizations and other features that can be helpful for you to become a pro. The majority of the buyers also want to get the warranty included in the purchase to have more peace of mind.