It is little wonder that air hockey tables are becoming an increasingly popular choice for home game rooms across the country. Air hockey is one of the world's fastest paced table games, it offers lasting replay value, and it presents an exciting and fun way to get exercise. Best of all, players of all ages can enjoy air hockey, and there is an extensive variety of air hockey tables to suit the varying requirements of different players and available space.
Player Profiles
When beginning the search for the right air hockey table for your home, a good first step is to consider the players. Air hockey tables are constructed to accommodate different styles and intensities of play. Also bear in mind that as players develop their skills, it is possible that they can outgrow basic or mid-level air hockey tables.
If the Shoe Fits
Size may also be a determining factor when choosing an air hockey table. Like billiard tables, air hockey tables come in a wide range of sizes. Not all game rooms can accommodate full size arcade style air hockey tables, which can be as large as 90 by 50 inches. If you have the space, nothing beats an arcade style table. But if space is limited, some of today's smaller tables are designed well enough to accommodate reliable, high-speed arcade style play without occupying all of your space.
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Basic Air Hockey Tables
If you want an air hockey table for younger children or for occasional use, a basic air hockey table will do the trick. These Carrom air hockey tables are typically more compact, and often have bolt on leg systems so they can be stored easily when not in use. Basic air hockey tables offer a decent playing surface and cabinet construction that will provide plenty of recreational fun for light use, but probably will not weather hundreds of games of intense play.
Mid-Level Air Hockey Tables
Mid level air hockey tables come in two basic styles. The first provides high performance arcade style air hockey on smaller tables. The others are full size Harvard air hockey tables that don't quite offer the hard-wearing durability of true arcade tables. Most mid-level air hockey tables tend to have harder, more resilient playing surfaces to resist denting. Dents and warping will adversely effect puck movement and result in inconsistent play, so for long term playability, a lasting playing surface is recommended. Mid-level tables typically offer a greater variety of attractive cabinet finishes, so your Sportcraft air hockey table can serve as both a game table and a room furnishing.
Arcade Air Hockey Tables
Top level Great American air hockey tables are by no means exclusively for air hockey enthusiasts or highly competitive players. These full size tables are built for a lifetime of fast-paced, reliable performance, which will translate into years of enjoyment in your home game room. Nearly everything about these specialty air hockey tables makes them the most attractive option. These tables have the hardest wearing playing surfaces, the greatest air output for the smoothest puck glide, the best rail material for true, consistent puck deflection, and the highest quality cabinets. The only potential drawback is their size. However, if your game room has the space for an arcade style air hockey table, then the possibility of the most rewarding air hockey experience awaits.
Other Air Hockey Tables
There are still more air hockey tables available to meet specialized demands. There are multi game tables that offer air hockey as well as other games. There are air hockey tables designed for outdoor use, or for use on any table top in areas where space is limited. There are classic airless air hockey tables, and even three-way tables for innovative and thrilling multi-player fun. For the enthusiast, coin operated tables will bring a true arcade feel into home game rooms.
By considering available space and player profiles, choosing the right air hockey table should be a relatively easy task. Given the variety of designs ranging from the classic to the contemporary, personal taste will come into play as well. A little foresight will also go along way. If you have young children, then today's casual players could be tomorrow's fierce competitors. With this in mind, choose an air hockey table that will meet your present needs and those down the road. This way, you can count on years of enjoyment.
