Air hockey is a staple in modern arcades all over the world. Who doesn't like a good, competitive game of air hockey? Due to its popularity, there are many different types to choose form, and each can greatly impact the quality of the game as well as the value of the table. Whether you enjoy a good game of air hockey or want an air hockey table for your next party, then you've come to right spot.
Five different air hockey tables will be featured in this review. Each will have its own individual specifications so you can determine if its right for you. Rest assured that all these items are built with the highest quality as well as outstanding customer feedback.
Top 5: Air Hockey Tables Review
Product Image & Rating (Out Of 10) | Product Name | Price |
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9.2 | ||
9.4 | ||
9.5 | ||
9.8 | ||
9.9 |
The Best Choice Products Air Hockey Table is the perfect option for those who might not want a full-length table. This product is light but built with a powerful electric fan motor that is capable of bringing the excitement of air hockey right into your home. You will need to assemble this product once it arrives, but the table features a quick and simple design process for easy assembly.
This is definitely one of the lightest options reviewed in this review, and it's designed to fit onto a tabletop! The surface is slick and smooth, the perfect conditions for a friendly game of air hockey. Manual scoring sliders are equipped on each goal so that users can easily keep track of their game.
This table came highly praised by past customers. The easy assembly process is a major plus as well as the affordable price range. This is a great accessory for kids to enjoy in their room. It could also be a great addition to any game room or man cave.
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If you are looking for a high quality air hockey table for your household, you might want to stop and check out the Franklin Sports 48" Authentic Air Hockey Table. This table is durable and comes from a reliable brand that has an outstanding reputation with customers.
The assembly process only takes a short period of time and the price range is considered very reasonable for the level of quality provided. It also comes with two air hockey pucks and two air hockey handles so you play as soon as its assembled.
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Clocking in at third place is the Sportcraft 48" Air Hockey Table With Electronic Scorer, which has earned its high consumer rating by being made with high-quality parts. It is also extremely durable because the materials are built for heavy-duty gaming. A minor assembly process is required, so it is important to prepare yourself for building this table when deciding to purchase it.
This is a well balanced table with a unique and stylish design. The electric scoring mechanism is attached to the side of the table so that users can easily keep track of the score. You could be the proud new owner of this one and soon start to enjoy hours of entertainment.
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The Atomic Blazer 7' Air Hockey Table is a premium and professionally designed air hockey table. It comes fully equipped with all of the latest technological features to ensure that users receive an excellent level of quality for long-lasting fun. Some of the best features of this table are the electronic score keeping device as well as an overhang rail, which can reduce the bounce of the puck.
The table is perfectly aligned so your game won't be tainted by uneven side options. Customers have praised this product for its outstanding level of quality and balance, even though it comes at a higher price point. If you are willing to pay a decent price for a high quality table, then you might want to consider this product for your game room.
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The number one position belongs to the MD Sports Air Powered Hockey Table because of its superb build and awesome features. It is equipped with several high quality components, including integrated sound effects and even an LED lighting system. This item matches the level of quality that you would find from an air hockey table in a genuine arcade.
This product has all of the outstanding features that customers want in a premium air hockey table. This table is designed with professional specifications so it is considered to be a professional air hockey table. This will raise the price substantially, but as the owner of the MD Sports Table, you will be sure to impress your friends and up your game.
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Buying Guide
All of these products have earned the right to be included on this list because of their overall customer popularity and high quality design features. These are all fantastic air hockey tables that you should consider for your household, especially if you have a game room where it would perfectly fit into.
These vary in price range depending on their quality. Some of them have unique features like digital scoring, while others focus on providing solid value to customers. It is likely that you will come across at least one air hockey table in this product review that matches your desired specifications.
best air hockey table
Several different brands currently build and sell a range of air hockey table styles. Some of the best choices have already been included in this list.
If you are looking for a professionally designed air hockey table with the best features and the highest level of quality, you might want to consider the MD Sports Air Powered Hockey Table. This table has already earned the number one position in this review.
This table is somewhat expensive because it is equipped with some extra features. If you are looking for a cheaper option, there are several affordable options that will still provide an outstanding level of entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size air hockey table should you buy?
This really depends on specific preferences that each customer has. If you have a place in your household that you reserved for the table, you might want to measure that room and determine which size table would work best.
Standard tables are usually a few feet wide and several feet tall, but these sizes can range. On average, they will fit in medium sized rooms, like bedrooms or gaming rooms. There are some smaller tabletop designs that can be placed on something as small as a school desk or kitchen table.
How much does a good air hockey table cost?
If you are looking to purchase a high quality product, you could probably expect to pay somewhere between two hundred and five hundred dollars. This range is wide because there are so many factors that can influence the value of an item. The size, shape, materials, and quality can all drastically impact the price in any direction.
How long do air hockey tables last before breaking down?
If you purchase an average product, you could probably expect at least three to five years without any maintenance being required. In some cases, you may need to sufficiently clean the surface of your table to optimize air flow.
In terms of general durability, most manufacturers can ensure at least five years of service without requiring replacement parts. There are some items that are capable of surviving for up to a decade. A lot of it depends on the wear and tear that impacts the product, as well as the environment that the item is stored in.
Do air hockey tables need to be plugged in?
Yes, most air hockey tables will need to be plugged into an outlet. You may be able to find a few models that are battery-powered, though the majority of tables, especially full-size options, require electricity to operate.
You will need to have the power on for your air hockey table in order to play. The electricity, or in some case battery power, allows the fans under the table to run.
The air from the fans is what make air hockey 'air' hockey by elevating the puck throughout the game and helping it slide easily over the table. If you've ever tried to hit an air hockey puck when the table is not powered, you know that it does not move in the same way.
What can I put on my air hockey table to make it faster?
Adding a lubricant to your table can help make it more slippery, which will make the puck move across the table more quickly. If you want to do this to your table, you should use a silicone spray lubricant.
Using the right amount of lubricant is essential; too much lubricant can have the opposite effect you're looking for by making the table's surface too smooth.
Use a microfiber towel when applying the lubricant to your air hockey table. Place just a small amount of the silicone spray on the towel and use it to carefully buff the entire surface area.
Can you wax an air hockey table?
If you want to wax your air hockey table, it is essential to choose a wax that is designed for use with air hockey tables. Using other types of wax, such as those designed for cars, could clog the holes on the table and prevent the air from being able to blow up to the surface.
When waxing your table, use a small amount of way and be sure to evenly apply it to the entire surface of the table. Again, too much wax could be detrimental and clog your holes, so be sure to only apply a very thin layer.
How do you clean an air hockey table?
Proper cleaning and maintenance of your air hockey table is important if you want it to keep operating as it should. The table's surface should regularly be cleaned to remove any dust and debris that could interfere with game play.
When cleaning the tabletop, use just water so you don't damage it or clog the holes with a soap or detergent. Wipe it down with a clean cloth dipped in warm water.
Wiping down the surface will remove a lot, but it likely won't do anything for any dust or debris that may be trapped in the tiny holes on the table. To clean these, use a very narrow item such as a toothpick or a drill bit. Press your selected tool carefully through the hole to dislodge any things trapped inside.
To clean the sides and legs of the table, you can use a solution of warm water and a bit of mild detergent. After wiping down the sides and legs of the table with the cleaning solution, rinse it with clean water and dry it off.
You can also use the same cleaning solution of warm water and detergent you created to clean the air hockey mallets and pucks, as these could also get dirty and impact proper play.
After cleaning the tables surface and accessories, you will want to clean the fan blower. Dirt and dust can become trapped on the fan, which will impact its performance and speed.
Compressed air is best for cleaning your fan. Before cleaning the fan, you will need to separate the table to get at it for proper cleaning. Be sure to check with your owner's manual and keep track of all the pieces so nothing gets lost and you can put your table back together correctly.
In general, monthly cleaning and maintenance should help you keep your table in good shape. Covering your table when it is not in use will prevent it from getting too dusty or dirty, which will make the task of cleaning it easier. You can purchase covers specifically designed for use with air hockey and pool tables, or you can use a table cloth.
How do I get scuff marks off my air hockey table?
If your air hockey table has accumulated scuff marks or scratches overtime, you should be able to remove them with a little bit of elbow grease. First, be sure that any dust has been wiped off the surface of the table using a clean cloth.
Then, dip a clean towel in rubbing alcohol. Turn on the air for your table and use the wet towel to scrub any scuff marks or scratches. You will likely need to apply some force when scrubbing.
While it may be tempting to use a brush or another abrasive material to try to remove the scuff or scratch, do not do so. This could lead to more serious damage to your table and may impact the play surface.
How do air hockey tables work?
Air hockey tables feature a very slick playing surface. In most cases, this surface is made out of plastic. There are many small, even, and symmetric holes covering the entire surface of the table.
A fan hidden below the surface of the table blows air up through the holes of the table. This air causes the puck to float ever so slightly. The air helps the puck glide across the table with speed, making air hockey the fast-paced game we all know and love.
Can you replace the fan on an air hockey table?
Yes, if the fan on your air hockey table stops working, you should be able to replace it. You will want to purchase a fan from your tables manufacturer to ensure that it will be compatible with your model. In many cases, you should be able to replace the fan on your own, but if you are not comfortable doing so or would prefer to leave it to a professional, an electrician should be able to help you.
Air hockey table fans are not cheap, and providing proper maintenance and care to your current fan can help prevent you from having to buy a new one. Be sure to regularly clean you fan using compressed air to prevent dust from accumulating on the blades and causing them to malfunction.
why an air hockey table is a good investment For the family
With the on going changes in our world, many people are getting requests to work from home and stay home more in general.
With people staying at home more, families get to see each other more. Children get a chance to learn from their parents, and everybody enjoys being part of a family again. Many homes are shifting investment options to things that improve their lives while staying at home. In my review for the best time-killer fun activities, nothing comes close to the charm of a good air hockey table. To understand why an air hockey table is perhaps the most significant family investment, you must first know what air hockey entails.Air Hockey
This game requires two players, a puck and a low friction table. Players face each other off with a puck back and forth. This is made possible and easy with a low friction table. The low friction table allows the puck to glide in a straight line across to the player on the other end of the table. The table must be smooth and slippery. The design boasts of a flush of air that suspends the puck over the table.Origin
Air hockey traces its roots to a couple of Brunswick Billiards employees in 1969. The employees started to create a game that will use a friction-less surface. Later, the creators used ice hockey as a template for the game's basics, complete with thin discs, two strikers, and slits for goals. When the realization that the game might have an appeal to masses hit, air hockey began to get marketing strategies, and sales rocketed. The almost immediate financial success made the game famous. This led to the growth in tournament ideas and the formation of a hockey team in Houston. An association followed, leading to locally organized tournaments. The standardization of rules of engagement in play saw the association grow to the national level, where it boasts of a significant following to date.Air Hockey Table
A standard air hockey table is made up of a broad and smooth surface with a rail around it. This rail serves to stop the gaming pluck from leaving the confines of the table. The table also has slots at the end used as goals. Furthermore, an ideal table has working machinery that provides an air cushion on the smooth surface through tiny holes. This is important in reducing friction and improve the velocities in the game-play.However, in some cases, the air cushioning mechanisms are replaced with light smooth, usually plastic surfaces. The primary reason for this change is the relief in costs covered during manufacturing and maintenance. These alternatives are technically not air hockey tables. However, the nature and similarity of their game-play contribute to their generalization as one group. It is critical to note that these variations are only significant for the standards set by the Air Hockey Associations across the world.
The other accessories that come with the air hockey tables are the pucks and the striker, also known as paddle, mallet, or goalie. The striker is a simple handle connected to a flat surface. This bottom striker surface rests on the smooth, friction-less top of the air hockey table during gaming. The commonest of these strikers are known as "high-tops." High-tops look like cowboy hats and have great popularity among the air hockey players and enthusiasts. The other typical strikers are the "flat-top." These are more or less similar to high-tops but have a shorter nub.
Air hockey pucks refer to discs of various shapes that are made from the resin of Lexan polycarbonate. The standard pucks are either yellow, red, or green. Some come in circles while others take several shapes, including a triangle, square, hexagon, or octagon. Some pucks also contain the air cushioning mechanism concordant with that of the table. However, they are not very popular due to their need to recharge or change batteries and their ease of breakage.
Air Hockey Game-play
The fun to be realized from playing air hockey is immeasurable. It is no wonder that the game has amassed quite a following of avid enthusiasts ever since its origin. Over time, the game-play has been categorized into two broad groups namely;1.Competitive tournament play.
2.Non-competitive play.
The most distinguishing characteristic of the competitive game-play include the following:
-Competitive players hold the striker by the tips of their fingers, behind the knob. The rationale of this maneuver is to allow room and flexibility at the player's wrist. The advantage realized by this move is that it provides the striker with much faster and accurate movements during play.
-The primary defense in competitive game-play involves placing the striker right at the center of the goals at approximately eight inches from the line. This position is strategic since slight movements, either to the right or to the left, can block many shots by the challenger. A professional technique utilized by players often in the defensive stance is the triangle defense. This refers to the rapid pullback of the striker towards the corners of the goal.
-An ideal attack is when the pluck gets hit in drifts. This action is designed to make the puck travel in a spiral motion to throw off the opponent's expectation and timing for a perfect goal. Competitive play has some of the most elite drifts imaginable to man. The most common drifts are the center, diamond, diagonal, and L.
-To make a shot, you need to hit the puck with relatively similar strength at different points on the striker. A transverse cut of the high-top to the side of the pluck drives it to the left or right wall before getting it in through the corner of the opponent's goal.
After defining the roles, origin, game-play, and techniques, it is critical to point out why an air hockey table's purchase and subsequent game-play would be a good investment for the family.
Why an Air Hockey Table?
If you are looking for a conviction to acquire an air hockey table, you are in the right place. Nothing is more convincing to a potential buyer than the train of advantages that come with owning this table. These benefits provide the reasons enough to convince any party, why an air hockey table is a solid investment for a family. Some of the benefits include:1. Air Hockey Creates a Fun Social Environment
With a minimum of two participants and as many as the game room would permit, a game of air hockey is the best pastime activity. Besides, the fun and social environment created by the game, more participants mean the chances of socialization are quite high. It doesn't get any better for people that need to work through social anxiety issues. Furthermore, the game is perfect for family bonding all through this tough period. It provides the opportunity for parents to interact more with their children and offer any relevant teaching. The children also learn from the seniors and shed their social shells.2. A Healthy Non-physical Activity
There are many physical exerting game alternatives to air hockey. However, these others are physically intensive and require a lot of effort and consistency to realize results. On the other hand, air hockey does not require the expenditure of as much energy as weight-lifting, but it increases the activity of the heart. Besides, a family that consistently participate in air hockey games are guaranteed to shed a few pounds. Therefore, considering getting an air hockey table will be an excellent investment for any family that is looking forward to having fun and keeping healthy at the same time.3. It is a Source of Entertainment
For a family considering the acquisition of an air hockey table, the source of entertainment guaranteed is perhaps the most significant bargaining chip. The package offers a great deal of amusement. Participation in the game-play enhances the player experience. With this hard-earned experience comes a fun environment. Research puts the families that have an air hockey table at home at over 40% more happiness levels in direct comparison to the families without any gaming equipment.The benefits that are certain to be realized from this experience cuts across all age brackets. Adults will be entertained just as much as their children. Also, their existence and interactions get more exciting for the children that grow up in an environment decorated by the perks of a working air hockey table. Therefore, nothing screams worthy investment that a social, environmentally friendly, and entertaining game.
4. Air Hockey Teach Competitiveness
A family that is continuously learning is ideal for changing society and the global environment. An excellent tool for growth is favorable competitiveness. Nothing brings out the competitive nature of junior members of a family better than a tournament of air hockey. The parents in a family with the game get the chance to teach their children practically. Children also learn better when the environment is suitably entertaining.These young members of society get an introduction to the competitive nature of their existence. Furthermore, this game allows adults to instill into their young ones the lesson that sometime in life, you will lose. It also teaches children that losing is not the while sharing the joy of winning too. Young players get introduced to a competitive edge early in life. These lessons make the acquisition of an air hockey table a great family investment.
5. Air Hockey Improves Player Reflexes
Playing a game of air hockey increases your reflexes and reaction time to a large degree. For less exerting fun games, air hockey is relatively fast. To win, competitors need a trained eye and sharp reflexes. This is because the game gets more entertaining as the speed of the puck increases.It is safe to implore that the fun of air hockey is directly proportional to the puck's velocity and, in turn, that of the game-play. This makes it among the games that measure skill and speed. It is no wonder; therefore, that science has proven that regular players have a higher hand-eye coordination ability when compared to ordinary people. Playing with an opponent for at least thirty minutes of every day will put you in the able category. This is another reason why an air hockey table is considered by many to be a significant family investment.
Final Verdict
It is now time to piece together all of the information that you have, so that you can ultimately make a solid purchase decision. There are many different options available, all at different price ranges which can have a major impact on the overall value and quality of the product.