{"id":1805,"date":"2018-08-13T03:00:43","date_gmt":"2018-08-13T03:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gametablesonline.com\/blog\/?p=1805"},"modified":"2025-10-07T18:22:35","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T18:22:35","slug":"air-hockey-table-buyers-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gametablesonline.com\/blog\/air-hockey-table-buyers-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Seven Pro Tips for Buying an Air Hockey Table"},"content":{"rendered":"

Buying an air hockey table<\/a> is a great investment for any game room. It can provide hours of fun for players of all ages\u2014from kids to seasoned pros. Not every type of player wants the same kind of air hockey table, though. This air hockey table buyer\u2019s guide will help you decide which type is right for you. Here are the seven factors you should consider when buying an air hockey table.<\/p>\n

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1) Table Size<\/h2>\n

When buying an air hockey table, you\u2019ll want to consider size. Regulation size tables are 8 feet long and 4 feet wide. This is the ideal size for serious players, but it is also a great pick for commercial use. Having a regulation size table means you can host tournaments and attract pro players to your establishment.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Not everyone has space for the full-size table, however, which is why air hockey tables also come in smaller sizes ranging from 4\u20137.5 feet long. This makes it easier for you to find a game table that fits your space. Whichever size you choose, make sure you have at least 36 inches of clearance on both ends<\/strong>\u2014this is how much space you\u2019ll want to have full range of movement when you play.<\/p>\n

2) Large Puck vs. Small Puck<\/h2>\n

Length of the table aside, there is another size factor you need to consider when purchasing an air hockey table: small puck or large puck. Air hockey tables designed for smaller 2 \u00be inch pucks have a fan that only creates enough pressure to lift small pucks while tables designed for large 3 inch pucks have a more powerful fan. Small puck air hockey tables are ideal for children or young teens<\/strong>. If the small pucks are hit too hard, however, they will fly off the table, so older players will likely prefer the large puck tables. Small puck tables are for more casual use, so they tend to be the most affordable option.<\/p>\n

Tables designed for large pucks have a more powerful motor, which allows for slightly larger, heavier pucks (3 \u00bc inches wide). Large puck air hockey tables are ideal for teenage and adult players, as they tend to hit the pucks with more force.<\/strong> Large puck air hockey tables tend to be more expensive, but this is because they are built to last for years of play, even in a commercial establishment.<\/p>\n

\"Atomic<\/a>

The Atomic Avenger Air Hockey Table<\/p><\/div>\n

3) <\/span>High-Quality Materials<\/span><\/h2>\n

An air hockey table constructed from high-quality materials will provide you with years of game play. Here are a few things to pay attention to when shopping for a new air hockey table.<\/p>\n

Because the rink walls<\/strong> face repeated impact when you play, look for ones made from high-density aluminum or <\/strong>nylon<\/strong>. Similarly, the playfield should be coated with a wear-resistant laminate<\/strong> to increase durability. A reliable air hockey motor should have the UL seal of approval<\/strong> to ensure it runs safely, and if it has a Plenum chamber, you can rest assured that it will distribute an even flow of air across the table.<\/p>\n

Lastly, check that the legs are constructed from solid wood or steel; this is what your air hockey table will need to have adequate support for long-term use. Choosing a model with leg levelers also helps ensure you can maintain a level playfield no matter where you place the game table.<\/p>\n

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8′ Power Hockey Table with Overhead Scoreboard<\/p><\/div>\n

4) Digital vs. Manual Scoring<\/h2>\n

Next, you\u2019ll want to decide how you\u2019d like to keep score. Some tables are equipped with digital scoring that tracks every goal made from start to finish. Others come with a manual scoring tool, like an abacus or a whiteboard. Some people prefer keeping score manually, as it allows them to develop their own house rules or disregard accidental goals. If ease of play is your highest priority, though, digital scoring might be the way to go.<\/p>\n

5) Appearance<\/h2>\n

When browsing air hockey tables, you\u2019ll notice how widely varied they all are in appearance. Some feature bright colors and flashy designs, making them seem like the perfect fit for an arcade. Others are made from sleek, polished wood and would look right at home in a sophisticated game room. With such a wide range of styles, it\u2019s easy to find a game table that will blend well with the existing d\u00e9cor of your home or game room.<\/p>\n

6) Lighting<\/h2>\n

A common feature for air hockey tables is an overhead lighting and scoring unit. This allows you to play in dimly lit rooms and gives the whole table an elevated appearance. Often this includes special features like black lighting as well, which can make your paddles and pucks glow in the dark! Other tables light up from underneath, and some even come with pucks and paddles that light up individually for even more epic play.<\/p>\n

7) Boomerang Air Hockey Table vs. Regular<\/h2>\n

Not everyone knows this, but there are two shapes of air hockey tables: regular and boomerang. The boomerang variety is an eye-catching, unique design for the game that reflects its name. Both players stand on the same end of the table and hit pucks against the opposite wall, aiming for their opponent\u2019s goal. A boomerang air hockey table can be a major space-saver, as it allows you to push the unit up against a wall.<\/strong> If you\u2019re looking to try a unique take on this classic game, a boomerang table is worth considering.<\/p>\n

The Best Place to Buy an Air Hockey Table<\/h2>\n
\"Midtown<\/a>

The 6′ Midtown Air Hockey Table<\/p><\/div>\n

Now you know what to consider when buying an air hockey table. Armed with this air hockey table buyer\u2019s guide, you\u2019re ready to check out our full range of air hockey tables<\/a>. Be sure to also look through our air hockey pucks and paddles<\/a> and other air hockey accessories<\/a>!<\/p>\n

Related Content:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  1. How to Play Air Hockey: A Beginner\u2019s Guide<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. How Air Hockey Tables Work<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. The Best Air Hockey Glossary<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Air Hockey Table Troubleshooting Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Buying an air hockey table is a great investment for any game room. It can provide hours of fun for players of all ages\u2014from kids to seasoned pros. Not every type of player wants the same kind of air hockey … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[58],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1805","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-air-hockey"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gametablesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1805","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gametablesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gametablesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gametablesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gametablesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1805"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.gametablesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1805\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2628,"href":"https:\/\/www.gametablesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1805\/revisions\/2628"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gametablesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1805"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gametablesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1805"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gametablesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1805"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}