Things to Consider When Buying a Foosball Table
Foosball, also known as table soccer or table football, is one of the most fun ways to relax and enjoy yourself with friends, family, or guests without the investment of playing actual soccer. Luckily, these tables can be quite cost affordable for anyone looking to add some joy and entertainment to their home. You still want something that will stand hours and even years of gameplay though, and something that falls within your budget. Before you choose which model you want, consider these factors.
Decide what type of foosball table you need.
When most people think of foosball, they think of the traditional standing table with rods on either side. This is definitely one of the most popular forms of the game, but it’s not the only available. There are other options, each uniquely suited to different size and playing needs.
A full-sized gaming table is the heaviest, and usually the sturdiest, of the options available. The best tables are made strong wood or a combination of wood and particle board. When properly cared for, these tables can last a long time and a lot of play.
Tabletop foosball, on the other hand, is lighter and meant to be placed on a solid, stable surface, such as a table or floor. They have the advantage of being portable, but their quality suffers. Many are made of less durable plastic and are meant as toys for young children. Though it can be more cost effective, keep in mind this type of table will not usually withstand the same kind of usage expected in aggressive and competitive forms of play.
Combination game tables are another excellent option for those short on space, who want something sturdier than the tabletop model, but don’t just want a foosball table. These types can be converted into a variety of other games such as air hockey, ping pong, shuffleboard, and more. They make great options for kids as well, and anyone looking to get more games without sacrificing all their space.
Finally, for-profit or coin-op tables are those often found in bars, pubs, restaurants, and other public places. Like their name says, you have to use tokens or coins to operate the table. Generally, these also come as a full-sized gaming unit.
Keep in mind who will be playing.
Foosball is a great game for people of all ages, so you need to consider who will primarily be using your new table. If you are buying the table for kids, for example, you need to decide between getting them a tabletop version or a full-size one. Tabletops can be great if you’re unsure whether your child will like the game, but you might decide on a full-sized table if you expect them to grow and play over the coming years.
Many tables come with adjustable legs and leg levelers to help you set everything up at the right height for players. Meanwhile tournament-standard tables, or intermediate, are good for adults and any serious players in the family because they’re built to withstand the force of adults playing in a highly competitive game.
Consider the dimensions of the table and the space you need.
Foosball can come in a variety of sizes, so you want to make sure you’re choosing the right one for your space. Sure, you may have chosen the model, but don’t forget you need room to play! The length of a full-sized, standard foosball table is 56 inches. Smaller tables, approximately 54 inches, can also be used without compromising the playing surface dimensions.
Regulation and standard sized tables tend to be 56 inches long by 30 inches wide with a height of 36 inches. You need to make sure there’s enough room around the table for anyone to play comfortably and move around, especially during intense games. Don’t forget to include space for the rods, too! Most experts recommend having approximately 7 feet by 8 feet of space at least.
Check the materials used.
The most inexpensive foosball tables will usually be constructed completely from particle board. This is a type of engineered wood that is taken from wood shavings, chips and sawdust, then mixed with resin and pressed into its shape. Particle board isn’t sturdy, and joints and screws tend to loosen quickly with play. Tables made from particle board are usually lighter and have thinner sidewalls. In foosball tables, the thicker the sidewalls, the better the table will play and the stronger it will be.
Pressed wood is another common material used in the construction of these game tables. Pressed wood varies in quality, but for foosball, it works extremely well. It is similar to particle board but usually has a veneer and is bonded together using heat and pressure, which make it able to withstand more.
Composite materials are also used and can be better due to their resistance to moisture and humidity. Wood composites are made of wood fiber and thermoplastics, such as PVC. They are less likely to warp over time and offer great durability. When buying a table made of composites, make sure the walls and playfield are at least an inch thick to prevent bending and warping.
Solid wood is another material used in the construction of table soccer tables. Very sturdy and durable, the drawbacks to this material have to do with its softness. If the playfield is too soft, play can be slowed down. Solid wood is most vulnerable to expansion and contraction due to humidity. In order to take the best care of a solid wooden piece, you need a climate-controlled room.
Look for playing field hardness and the rods used.
The hardness of the playfield determines how fast the game play can be. Solid wood and particle board tend to be the slowest playfields because of their softness. Laminates are usually faster, and those with tempered glass are the fastest offered on the market right now. Typically, the more experienced players want the fastest playfields.
You also need to consider the type of rods that come with the table. Hollowed out player rods are slightly faster due to their lighter weight, while solid rods tend to be heavier and slower to react. Foosball tables may also come with telescoping rods, which are designed with safety and younger players in mind. While more expensive, these rods are also less durable and don’t extend out from the table to minimize potential injuries from playing too close to the table.
Choose the number of goalies.
Typically, foosball offers a three-man goalie player setup or a one-man goalie setup. Three-man goalie games are more often found in American table soccer games while one-man goalies are favored by European countries. Three goalie speeds up the action of the table but is also viewed as easier than one-goalie setups. Depending on your play level and intended use, you might want the more advanced one-goalie setup.
Set your budget.
As with any purchase, you want to have a budget in mind when deciding which table will work for you. There are a variety of used and new tables that each come with their own features and set price point. Quality used tables are great if you’re looking to just get into the game or you aren’t sure you want to commit to a new setup.
Meanwhile, new tables might be good if you’re sure you will get use out of it and want to enjoy a high quality of play. It all depends on who will be playing and your primary reason for wanting a foosball table.
No matter which foosball table you choose, the knowledgeable staff at West State Billiards and Gamerooms can help you find the right one for your budget and playing needs. We know buying any game table is an investment, so we want you to be happy with your purchase! We also deliver and install your foosball table, so you can get playing right away.
With products from premium brands like Tornado, Canada Billiard, Olhausen and more, you’re sure to find the perfect one. Come visit one of our three SoCal showrooms or check our selection online!
Why Should You Choose West State?
Here at West State, we believe in providing the absolute best in quality game room furniture and products. We pride ourselves on helping our customers find just the right piece for their dream entertainment room. Our experts can answer all questions about any of our offerings and will even help you pick out the right size, shape, and style for you! From the store to your home, we want you to be fully satisfied with your purchase.
Since 1946, West State Billiards and Gamerooms has been providing Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, and San Diego County with premium entertainment furniture at the best prices. We are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality of products and customer service in all of Southern California. Shop the website, contact us by phone, or drop by one of showrooms and find yourself the perfect foosball table!
Foosball Table FAQs:
How big is a standard foosball table?
Foosball tables can come in a variety of sizes, depending on your space. A standard size is about 60 inches by 30 inches by 36 inches in length, breadth, and height measurements respectively. These kinds of tables are great for games with two or four players. It is also usually considered the professional foosball table size.
Regulation size tables are about 56 inches long and 30 inches wide with 36 inch tall walls. It is slightly shorter than the standard-size foosball table.
What are the different types of foosball tables?
Depending on your needs and who will be playing, there are a variety of foosball tables you can buy. Standard, or full-sized gaming tables, require some assembly and are sturdier than other options. Strong wood or a combination of wood and particle board are usually used to create these types of tables. When properly cared for, this table can generally last a long time.
Tabletop varieties are intended to be placed on top of a stable floor or table. It’s much smaller and lighter and it is easily portable. Some are made of plastic and others of particle board. Typically, these are great for children or beginners and are less expensive but also less durable as a result.
A combination game table is a foosball table that can be converted into a variety of other games such as table tennis, chess, checkers, air hockey, and more. These are ideal for your children and if you need to save space.
Finally, coin-operated or for-profit foosball tables are mainly found in places like pubs and bars. They are meant to take coins or arcade tokens.
How many players can play on a foosball table?
On a regular foosball table that you find in bars or in someone’s home, you’ll typically be able to fit in two people per side comfortably. This means you can play a doubles game where there are two people per team. There are also singles game, where you and one other person play against each other on opposing sides of the table.
In some commercial spaces, like bars and foosball clubs, you can find tables designed for 6 or even 8 players. This makes it great for playing with larger groups of friends.