As fun as foosball can be, buying the right foosball table is important for any sports bar or recreational room. Although people enjoy playing the game, the action can get rough from time to time. Finding a table that can withstand all of that, requires you to know exactly what to look out for when going shopping for the best foosball table in 2021. So without further stalling, let’s move on to the most important factors to consider when going foosball table shopping.
Weight of The Table
Foosball tables come in all shapes and sizes but the general rule of thumb is, the heavier the better. This is because the added weight gives stability to the foosball table and makes sure it remains in place even during vigorous play. Sometimes foosball tables are sold as tops that can be fitted or placed onto normal tables.
Should You Go For Built-In or Portable Tables?
Built-in foosball tables are those tables that are designed especially for the sport and cannot be converted into a regular table. Portable tables are ones where the overall playing board of the foosball game can be placed on any sturdy table. When keeping in mind things like weight and stability, built-in foosball tables are the better option of the two.
How To Add Weight to An Existing Table
Sometimes foosball tables have great material and game potential but they are too light to be taken seriously. Modifications to the frame or even the addition of weights to the underside of the table help add to its weight and make it sturdier.
Material Used
Foosball tables are made of a variety of materials. Expensive ones are made with furnished wood frames and players, whereas steel ones with plastic players are also an option. Some are even made with pressed wood or other sorts of inexpensive wood.
What's The Drawback For Solid Wood Foosball Tables?
Solid wood foosball tables seem more elegant and are great for high-end sports bars or game rooms. However, they tend to be affected by climatic conditions much more than other materials. They can contract and expand due to humidity which makes maintenance hard.
What Kind of Material Would a Foosball Beginner Invest In?
Beginners do not have to worry much about the type of material for the table they buy. This is because practicing the game to learn it will wear out any table. Hence it is usually recommended that they go for pressed wood, steel, or PVC options as they are easy to get used to and easily replaceable as well.
Type of Game
There are different versions of foosball available and the tables for each differ as well. The two most popular ones are the ‘3-goalie tables’ and the ‘single goalie tables’.
What Difference Does the Number of Goalies Make?
Single goalie tables are more popular in Europe as opposed to 3 goalie tables which are popular in America. Both of these have entirely separate designs, hence you should look into what kind of foosball you’re looking to play before deciding on which table you should buy.
Investing In a Coin-Slot Foosball Table
Some foosball tables are operated by inserting coins in a coin slot. These are more popular for sports bars and gaming arenas. However, in the event it is being sold in a country that’s not of its origin, do check if the coins fit the slot and activate the table.
Electronic Sound Foosball Tables
With the advancement of technology, electronic tables have also made their way into the market. They have light-up features and sound options such as cheers for every successful goal. Some even have the option of keeping track of the score. These tables are more popular with the young crowd and can be a fun addition to recreational rooms.
Quality of Moveable Elements
The moveable elements in a foosball table such as the handles, players, and the ball have to be of good quality. This is because if these elements are not in good condition, then the game may not be as enjoyable.
The Difference Between Wood and Plastic Players
Plastic players are much lighter compared to wood ones. Wood ones last longer but can get chipped or the paint may wear off over time. They need touch-ups from time to time. Plastic players are easy to move around and can be replaced as well. The overall decision comes down to whether or not it suits the overall aesthetic of the table.
Playing Knobs
Playing knobs are essential for moving the players and engaging in the game. It is important that the knob is easy to grip and feels comfortable in the players’ hand. Before buying a table, inspect the knobs and try to move the game a bit. This will help you in picking the right one.
Best Foosball Table in 2021 - FAQs
Certain questions go through the minds of potential foosball table buyers and owners. Sometimes after buying the table, you could have questions about its parts or what to do with them. Here are some of the most popular ones we could find:
What to do if a solid wood table is wearing due to humidity?
Humidity drastically affects the condition of solid wood foosball tables. The wood can contract and expand due to weather conditions which may weaken the joints and cause occasional cracks. Keep the table in a dry, cold room and treat the wood with protective sprays to increase its lifespan.
Are European foosball tables better for professionals?
European foosball tables are said to be better for professionals because of their single goalie style, which is harder to play. It not only makes the game longer but makes it more difficult to play as well. Professionals tend to use this type of table more often.
The players won’t rotate and move freely. How to fix this?
The rods can be greased to ensure they do not get stuck in the movement holes and a quick spray of any lubricant can fix the issue. However, you should check if the constant force on the knobs has bent the playing rods.