If you are an air hockey fan and play it fairly often, you might have noticed how expensive it has gotten to support your hobby. Going to the store, bar or wherever it is you play and having to pay to do so can add up in time, so you might want to consider purchasing an air hockey table at one point. Not only do you save money in the long-run by not having to pay those fees, but you can then play from your own home and invite friends to join whenever you want; no more rushing to finish the match before closing time.

When purchasing an air hockey table, be sure to get the other necessary accessories for the game with it. Most tables will have mallets and pucks in the package, but some will not. If that is the case, be sure to get them soon enough, you do not want your table just gathering dust.

The tables can be easily found, and come in different types. Their price may vary due to materials used and design. Products that are more expensive will have extra features such as lighted rails, neon lights, complex visuals and adjustable blinds; the extras are not necessary however, and are usually there for visual purposes.

Be sure to check if your product features machinery that produce air cushions on the surface, which help reduce friction as well as increase your play speed. Cheaper variants will not have this machinery. A cheap alternative to them are having the table surface slick. They are usually made out of plastic and, aside from the lower price, are also easier and cheaper to maintain.

These variants are, by normal standards, not really air hockey material since there is no air involved. Due to their basic similarity to the game, they only serve as a cheap replacement. Special pucks can be used with these tables to compensate for their poor design. The pucks have batteries and fans in order to produce their own air cushions, but are not generally used since they tend to break easily. You will find both these units and their pucks in most toy stores, but if you are a real air hockey fanatic, you might want to avoid them.

Air hockey is a sanctioned game, and you might be tempted to try out for tournaments. Keep in mind that the only units allowed in such tournaments are 8 feet in size. To be able to qualify in such a tournament you should train by using one, so consider the size when making the purchase. Multiple brands are allowed in tournaments, so you do not need to concern yourself with that aspect.

After purchasing your unit, be sure to maintain it properly. It is best to use isopropyl alcohol to clean it, preferably by spraying it on the surface; afterwards, use paper towels to wipe your table clean. Dry it off quickly to ensure that alcohol does not get soaked up in the table\’s surface. In addition, never wash the inside of the rails since it is what keeps the pucks in place; a clean unit will often interrupt your game by having the pucks fly off.

Now that you know what to look for in an air hockey table and how to treat it, it is up to you to choose one that suits you. After that, you can call your friends over for as many matches as you wish.

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Category: Entertainment
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