Does your rec room seem empty? Do you need another game to fill the space between your pool table and ping-pong table? If so, an air hockey table might be just the thing for you.
Air hockey is a game in which two competing players try to score points in the opposing player's goal. To play air hockey, you must have a table, two mallets, and a puck. Mallets (aka goalies, strikers, or paddles) consist of a handle attached to a flat
surface that lies flush with the air hockey table's surface. Air hockey tables consist of a large, smooth, playing surface that is surrounded by a rail. Two slots at either end of the table serve as goals, and puck returns can usually be found below them. Most air hockey tables have a mechanism that produces a cushion of air on the playing surface to reduce friction and increase the speed of play. However, less expensive tables do not provide this air cushion and merely consist of a slick, plastic, playing surface.
Around
1969, air hockey was invented by a trio of Brunswick engineers (Phil Crossman, Bob Kenrick, and Brad Baldwin) who were attempting to create a game using a frictionless surface. Their game never quite took off, and it was put aside for several years. Bob Lemieux later resurrected the project in the early 1970's and refined the game.
By the mid-1970's, there was a large interest in air hockey tournament play. Today, serious air hockey playing bases can be found near Houston, Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, New York, Maryland, and Boston. Worldwide, air hockey hubs can be found in cities in Spain, Russia, and the Czech Republic.
When looking for an air hockey table, there
are certain factors you need to consider. Some of these include:
• Selection. Does the website offer a variety of air hockey tables to choose from?
• Return Policy. Does the company enable you to return products for a full refund? How many days do you have to make returns?
• Expertise. Does the website specialize in air hockey tables? Does the company provide information to help you make your table selection?
TopConsumerReviews.com has reviewed and ranked the best air hockey table suppliers available today. We hope
you find these reviews helpful in finding the ideal air hockey table for you.
