Air Hockey > 101 > Puck Size
Large Puck vs. Small Puck Air Hockey Tables
Let's face it, we all know you get what you pay for in life. That saying also reins true when it comes to air hockey. Table manufacturers are challenged with making a good product but also having to sell it for a profit at an affordable price to the consumer. Layered on top of that is the pressure of competition amongst one another to balance the two. This is why there is a model out there for everyone with varying levels of quality and features that make up the table.
Perhaps the biggest difference in commercial or tournament quality tables vs. many of the tables under $800 is the size of the puck. The puck size actually tells you a lot about what size of air blower is under the hood of your table because cheaper tables can't float a large puck. In order to cut down on the costs of installing a commercial grade blower that can cost up to $400, they simply made the puck smaller. This allows them to use a smaller fan blower that can float the undersized circle. Really cheap tables even use a cheaper, more lightweight plastic to further cut costs which is why you see tables for under $200. Again, this might be okay for children under the age of 10 as you are looking for a toy but it all depends on the consumer.
Large Puck Air Hockey Tables
A large puck is defined as a full USAA-sanctioned 3 1/4 inch in diameter size. These tables are known for high quality craftsmanship and parts. The core benefit of owning one of these is you will have better game play that is fast-paced. Your puck will fly off the table much less frequently because of its size and weight.
A large puck is defined as a full USAA-sanctioned 3 1/4 inch in diameter size. These tables are known for high quality craftsmanship and parts. The core benefit of owning one of these is you will have better game play that is fast-paced. Your puck will fly off the table much less frequently because of its size and weight.
Small Puck Air Hockey Tables
A small puck will not be a USAA-sanctioned table and will be 2 1/2 inch in diameter or less. Since these tables are not trying to meet any official standards or regulations, you really have to watch out for a wide range of components and prices on the market. Some cheaper models have a lightweight and tiny puck that makes it flimsy so ricochets off the mallet or wall will make it fly off the table. However, there are still some great home models that fall into this category so you shouldn't completely shy away from purchasing one.
A small puck will not be a USAA-sanctioned table and will be 2 1/2 inch in diameter or less. Since these tables are not trying to meet any official standards or regulations, you really have to watch out for a wide range of components and prices on the market. Some cheaper models have a lightweight and tiny puck that makes it flimsy so ricochets off the mallet or wall will make it fly off the table. However, there are still some great home models that fall into this category so you shouldn't completely shy away from purchasing one.
Whether you go with the full or undersized puck, the key as a consumer is to do your research and understand what you are buying so you are satisfied with your purchase. The goal for us is to arm you with that information so you like the game and keep coming back to it.
