5 best air hockey games for the home
Air hockey is one of the oldest, but undoubtedly the most favorite board game for children and adults. A simple and gambling activity will not leave anyone indifferent. Large gaming tables for air hockey can be found in any modern entertainment complex, and for home use special "reduced" copies of this sports fun are produced.
The history of the triumphant distribution of air hockey around the world begins in the distant 1970, when the American company Brunswick Billiards released the first equipment for playing the game. The idea turned out to be so successful, and the products were in demand, that in a few years tournaments began to be held, and a little later there was a need to create the American Air Hockey Association. Today, competitions in this sport are held within the framework of international competitions, and in our country there are several strong schools for the development and promotion of air hockey at a professional level.
But still, the overwhelming majority of our compatriots perceive table hockey not as a sport, but as an interesting and exciting pastime. Therefore, if you have matured the decision to purchase such entertainment for personal use, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the main criteria for choosing equipment:
- dimensions - selected depending on the goals and dimensions of the room where the gaming table will be located;
- coating quality - the surface should be perfectly flat, without deformations, chips and scratches, surrounded by protective bumpers and covered with a dense PVC film;
- air ducts - their productivity guarantees continuous and uninterrupted air supply, which is extremely important for increasing the comfort of the game;
- washers and bits - included with the table, made of high-quality impact-resistant polymer that provides effective sliding.
Additional functions, which include electronic counting, automatic puck return, table lamp, backlight, etc., do not have much effect on the process. But these nice little things raise the competition to a qualitatively new level.
In our review, we have selected 5 models of the most popular and sought-after brands of air hockey for home and public places, taking into account indicators such as dimensions, materials used, price, and, of course, real customer reviews.
Top 5 best air hockey kits
5 Air hockey Zilmer
A small board game with an illuminated field will delight children from 3 to 6 years old, and will contribute to the development of a child's clear coordination, dexterity and quick reaction. Lightweight and compact plastic case (dimensions - 510 x 310 x 103 mm, weight - 1 kg) allows you to comfortably place the air hockey on a desk, bedside table or bed. Washers and bits, specially adapted to the size of the child's hand, are easy to handle, do not break on impact and do not scratch the surface. Bright and understandable field markings help players quickly find their bearings and achieve maximum results in the game. To prevent young opponents from remembering the number of goals scored, the set includes two points counters, and for those who play for the first time, detailed instructions with a description of the rules are attached.
4 Partida Premium 74
The Spanish company Partida specializes in the production of various board games for amateurs and professionals. Like most global brands, the company's production facilities are located in China, where, in accordance with accepted standards, equipment for all types of air hockey is manufactured. The Partida Premium 74 model is positioned as a game for children from 5 years old. It is known that increased safety requirements are imposed on children's products, which is reflected in the high quality of materials and workmanship, ease of use and striking design.All these characteristics are fully present in this board game. The field simulating the ice cover of a real stadium, high sides, gates and comfortable bats will allow your child to plunge into the world of sports games with pleasure and have fun with friends. Small dimensions (740 x 380 mm) and light weight (only 3.6 kg) make it possible to place the game in any place of the apartment convenient for you. Electronic elements, reliably hidden inside the case, guarantee the safety of a fun activity. Manufacturing material - wood. The score counter is mechanical.
3 Fortuna HDS-630
The peculiarity of this model, which favorably distinguishes it from similar games, is its stylish and presentable appearance. A solid, massive table made of MDF, covered with a protective film matching the natural wood, creates a feeling of reliability and comfort, and just beckons to play. Such equipment will become a real decoration of the recreation area of any office, cafe or private cottage, emphasizing the good taste and wealth of its owner. Another specific feature of the Fortuna HDS-630 air hockey is the increased set of accessories - the set includes 4 bits and 4 pucks. I would also like to note the possibility of adjusting the table legs in height for maximum comfort of the players, and a powerful compressor that provides constant air blowing. The table is equipped with two types of head counter - mechanical and electronic. Dimensions of the model are 1830 x 920 x 820 (mm), weight - 31.31 kg.
2 Atomic Top Shelf
This model is not equipped with a token receiver, which means it cannot be used for commercial purposes. However, its operational characteristics and structural strength are so high that they are quite capable of satisfying the needs of the team of a small company or engaging active visitors to a sports bar. A special glamor to the gameplay is given by a multicolor diode strip around the perimeter, as well as a backlit puck and bats, which are easily recharged from a USB cable (included in the kit). The large size of the playing field (2280 x 1240 x 800 mm) allows for doubles tournaments. This is facilitated by the durable PVC film, which reliably protects the coating, and withstands the increased load in the rhythm of the game non-stop. The air cushion is created using perforated holes through which the air forced by a powerful compressor enters. The combination of these qualities, as well as visual impact make the Atomic Top Shelf one of the best, but also the most expensive, indoor air hockey category.
1 DFC BLUE ICE PRO
The dynamically developing Russian company Driada Fitness Company (DFC) is one of the leaders in the sale of sports equipment in various directions. This brand also produces high-quality and comfortable air hockey tables, complete with all the necessary accessories. The DFC BLUE ICE PRO is the best-selling 2012 classic improved and is popular with outdoor enthusiasts. In a modified version, the manufacturers have added an electronic scoreboard to make gaming competitions even more emotional and exciting. In addition to the scoreboard with the current scores displayed, each puck hammered into the goal is accompanied by a loud sound signal. He will also notify the players about the beginning and end of the round. The material of the table body is a high-quality sheet material (MDF), covered with a layer of plastic. All pucks and bats (1 piece for each player) are made of durable bright red polymer. A coating is provided on the base of the bit to protect the playing surface. The game is played up to 9 points. Table dimensions - 1530 x 760 x 780 (mm), weight - 21 kg.
