Hockey Tables > Ratings & Reviews

table Hockey Ratings & Reviews

How We Review a Hockey Table
Being able to properly review and rate a hockey table takes more than just a keen eye for detail. You must understand how to play the game on both the offensive and defensive sides of the table, have knowledge about the quality of the parts used in the manufacturing process and factor the value for the price you are paying. We have taken all of these things into consideration when providing manufacturer ratings. Just beware that just because we may provide a manufacturer with a 5 star rating, that doesn't mean that all of their models are 5 stars. Another thing to consider is our rating system typically scores tables built for children at 1 or 2 stars. This is because we are comparing them against the best tournament quality tables in the industry rather than your typical consumer rating.

Make sure you review the actual table you are shopping for to make sure it has the features and parts you are looking for. If you are interested in air hockey only, don't shop for a multi-game hockey table as one of the other games will likely cause sacrifices in overall game design. Our hope is this will help you avoid having to upgrade parts or an entire table later on. The best tip we can give to anyone new to the game is you should spend more money on a table up front so you aren’t disappointed with what you get and it will be built to last. You will end up suffering with a table that has low performance and there is a major difference between the capabilities from one table to another.
Always Review a Used Table in Person
Sure, we recommend that you do your research online to understand the features and parts the table is equipped with. However, used tables should be inspected in person before you commit to a price. Think about it like purchasing a car, you wouldn't take the current owner's word for it without taking it for a test drive or having a mechanic take a second look at it. The same rules apply to air and bubble hockey tables because they are built to be played on and will take some abuse over the years. Below are a few questions you should ask the owner before you purchase a used table.
  • Are you the original owner? How long have you had it?
  • How often was it played on?
  • Has anything ever been replaced on it?
Don't just take the owner's word for it! Make sure you actually test drive the table by playing a game or two on it before you start talking price. It may even help you negotiate the price you want if you inspect and then play a game. Watch for warning signs of lower quality tables listed below.
  • Is the table surface in good condition? Look for wear and tear such as scratches or chips against the rails. It is common to see used tables go unused and serve as a place to set storage. Conversely, tables that saw a lot of play may be dinged up from numerous games.
  • Does the air blower evenly distribute air across your air hockey surface? Turn on the blower and run your hand across the top of the surface and you can also play a game to make sure the puck will glide evenly. Blowers are expensive to replace so you want to make sure it is working properly.
  • Does the table have adjustable legs? This is a feature you will want in order to make sure your table is level. It will make sure there is a uniform surface for the puck to slide evenly across.
  • Are there any missing parts or accessories? You want to make sure you have all the extra mallets, pucks, players, etc. that game with the table out of the box. It is best to do your research on what replacement parts are going to cost you so you can speak to what you are going to have to spend to get it back up and running.