5 best table hockey players
Despite the huge variety of modern gadgets and interactive toys, it is difficult to find a boy who gives up a home table hockey kit. This type of entertainment has not lost its popularity for several decades. Lever (pin) hockey invariably delights children of all ages - from toddlers who have just learned how to operate sports figures on the field, to teenagers who arrange gambling competitions with their friends and relatives.
Depending on the age of the participants, it is worth choosing a play set. It is clear that for younger children (from 5 years old), an easier-to-manage compact model is suitable, the dimensions of which will allow the child to comfortably sit in any part of the apartment or house. And older players will have a lot of fun fighting on a large field that resembles an ice stadium, and equipped with special legs or a sturdy table-type stand.
In order for the table hockey you bought to serve for a long time, before making the final choice, you need to check the design for such characteristics as:
- safety - according to the standard, the corners of the gaming table should be rounded. This is especially true for children's sets;
- quality - pay attention to the material from which the figures are made and the covering of the field. Check the strength of the rotating elements, the presence of "blind" areas;
- necessary repairs - it must be possible to replace spare parts in case of breakdown or damage. Find out if parts are on sale.
Currently, the most popular manufacturer of this sports simulator is the Swedish company STIGA. The sets produced under this brand are distinguished by increased strength, ergonomics and almost completely imitate the style of the NHL, and also allow you to use most of the tactical techniques of real hockey in the game. Moreover, STIGA playing fields are recognized by the national table hockey federations in most countries and are used for competitions of various levels.
But, in addition to professional equipment, you can find many small firms on sale that produce play sets of quite decent quality and have a more affordable price. How to choose the best for your child? Which table hockey is best for home use or brightens up your lunch break in the office? We will talk about this in our review, which contains the most popular and reliable brands of playing fields for different age categories.
TOP 5 best sets for playing table hockey
5 "Soviet"
Table hockey from the Omsk plant of electrical goods (OmZET) is a modern analogue of the classic set produced in the Soviet years, which explains its name. This is a great opportunity to acquaint your child with what toys were produced in our country long before his birth. And for people of the older generation, such a purchase is an occasion to remember the times of their childhood, and once again experience the forgotten joy of their favorite game.
The set is designed for 2 players from 5 years old. It is made of a combination of metal and plastic, equipped with a mechanical score counter, and has no sound. Each team has 6 athletes, which are controlled by means of rotary mechanisms. Field dimensions - 710 x 450 (mm).
It's no secret that today's quality standards for children's products (and not only) have not changed for the better in comparison with production in accordance with GOST. In their reviews, many hockey owners pointed out the insufficient strength of the fasteners and the "flimsy" of the hockey players' figures. However, taking into account the low cost of the game set, we can confidently call the "Soviet" one of the best in its price category.
4 Table Hockey Step puzzle
A set from the largest Russian manufacturer of board games, the Step puzzle firm. Hockey is distinguished by its compactness, excellent build quality, ease of control by athletes and laconic design with the correct marking of the field. In this inexpensive model, the manufacturers repeated the "proprietary" technique of the Swedish STIGA and made it possible to play the game with a run-in, making the process more dynamic and as close to real competition as possible.
The dimensions of the table hockey from Step puzzle are 856 x 445 (mm), the height of the side is 45 (mm). The set is completed with volumetric figures of players (12 pcs.), A score bar, 2 goals and 2 pucks. The playing field is made of durable plastic, the control levers are made of metal.
The main disadvantage of this product is the lack of additional parts on sale. Therefore, despite the thoughtfulness of the design, Step puzzle hockey occupies only the penultimate line of our rating.
3 Red Machine
The table hockey model Red Machine will provide fun entertainment for kids and adult players. Due to its increased structural strength, the set is perfect for both home competitions and office battles.
The base of the hockey field is made of impact-resistant MDF, the thickness of which is at least 5 mm. The rigid, well-rotating metal rods are equipped with comfortable plastic handles for easy control of the figures. The images of the hockey players are drawn very clearly and in detail. The design of the case is bright, attractive, imitating the design of the famous USSR-Canada tournament. There are two types of models on sale - with an electronic display that requires a network connection, and with a mechanical type meter.
Set weight - 7 kg, dimensions - 720 x 510 x 210 (mm). I would especially like to note the smooth running of the guides on which the players are attached - this indicator significantly affects the comfort of the game, and there are no complaints about the manufacturers. The kit comes with instructions in Russian, which is especially important for inexperienced participants. This version of table hockey has received the most positive reviews on the internet. It meets all the requirements for a mechanical sports simulator, so we give Red Machine an honorary bronze.
2 Ice hockey Alaska
Table hockey Alaska is distinguished by its dimensions and design convenience - it is a full-fledged game table that can be installed on any horizontal plane. To adjust the height, as well as to perfectly level the surface, the kit is equipped with a lifting device (jack). The material of manufacture is durable and reliable PVC, the base of the field is made of MDF, covered with a polymer film. Mesh gates and transparent sides allow you to monitor the progress of the game, and points can be displayed on a mechanical scoreboard or purchased a version of the model with an electronic screen. The set includes 12 figures of hockey players (5 players of each team + goalkeepers), 2 pucks. The color of the design is gray-blue, the legs are black.
The design is folded, which allows you to easily transport hockey, guaranteed to create conditions for yourself for a boring pastime in the country or during summer outdoor recreation. Dimensions - 101 x 736 x 800 (mm). Weight - a little over 15 kg. An excellent leisure option for children and adults. Well-deserved "silver".
1 STIGA Play Off
"Gold" in the category of equipment for playing table hockey goes to the already mentioned Swedish manufacturer STIGA. In total, the company produces 4 playing fields - Stiga Play Off, Stiga Stanley Cup, Stiga High Speed Edition and Stiga Red Line. Each variation has its own design features and is in constant demand among amateurs and professionals. However, the classic model is considered to be developed in 1983 STIGA Play Off. The board game has since been modified several times and is now the benchmark lever hockey game.
The main characteristics of the set are the increased size of the playing field (950 x 490 mm), easily replaceable parts, more options for attacking (the left striker has the ability to go outside the opponent's goal) and maximum player dynamics, which is achieved due to smooth steel rails and durable nylon gears. In their reviews, users also noted such a feature as the absence of "dead" zones, which allows you to constantly monitor the progress of the puck. Figures of hockey players are made in 3-D format and painted by hand. The athletes' uniforms follow the designs of the Swedish and Finnish ice hockey teams. STIGA Play Off is a sports equipment that hosts professional tournaments and competitions of international level. This is the main indicator of the simulator's first class, which can easily become the center of fun for all members of your family.
