Ice hockey is one of the most exciting sports ever, but it’s not always accessible for everyone. If you don’t live near an ice hockey rink, or if you love watching sports but don’t play it yourself, the next best alternative is to play air or bubble hockey.
These arcade game allows you to enjoy the fun and excitement that ice hockey brings without ever having to set foot on ice! Simply look for an arcade that has this type of game and allows you and your friends to replicate the action you see on the rink. Or, better yet, invest in your own bubble hockey table so you can play whenever you want!
Buying a bubble hockey table is a great step if you’re serious about playing the game. It helps you save a lot of time since you no longer have to walk or drive to the arcade just to play.
You’ll also find it easier to entertain friends since you can simply make your bubble hockey table the center of your home parties. If you have kids, you can make lots of wonderful memories with them by teaching them how to play bubble hockey and spending hours playing with them.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BUBBLE HOCKEY TABLE
With the wide range of bubble hockey tables on the market, choosing the right unit for your home can be confusing and overwhelming. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to make the process less difficult, and one of these is to know what to look for in a bubble hockey table.
One of the most important factors is the quality of the table. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on it only to have it break apart just after a few games. Take the time to research the materials and electronic components that the bubble hockey table is made of and read customer reviews to know if they have any complaints about its durability and longevity.
This is especially true for the dome, as it has to be strong enough to handle repeated clashes with the puck and won’t shatter into pieces. The hockey men should also be sturdy and won’t easily break apart no matter how roughly you play.
Another thing to consider is the size. Measure the place where you’d like to put your bubble hockey table, then go out and look for a unit that fits your desired dimensions. This way, you’ll avoid buying a table that’s too large for your rec room or man cave and would have to be returned to the store.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of space; there are some bubble hockey tables meant for homes or apartments with limited space which are designed to fit into small areas.
Don’t forget to check the playfield. Just like with air hockey, bubble hockey must be played on a smooth and level playfield so the puck can easily slide back and forth between players. This keeps the game fast and engaging and ensures you and your friends or family will have an exciting time.
THE BEST BUBBLE HOCKEY TABLES
With the tips above, you’re probably ready to start shopping for a bubble hockey table. You can always start searching in online shops, but to make it easier for you, we’ve listed some of the best options that have excellent quality and will give you a great value for the money.
ICE Super Chexx Non-Coin Deluxe Home Bubble Hockey Table
This table’s dome is made of Lexan, a kind of polycarbonate that’s virtually indestructible. So, even when the puck flies around and hits the dome at high speed, you have the assurance that the dome won’t crack. The playing surface, on the other hand, is made of Kydex.
This thermoplastic material provides a silky-smooth surface that allows the puck to easily slide from one point to another — just like how it does when it’s on real ice. The best thing about Kydex is that it’s highly durable, so it won’t easily warp or crack even when the table is used frequently and over a long period of time.
The only downside to the ICE Super Chexx Non-Coin Deluxe Home Bubble Hockey Table is its price. At more than $2,000, it’s too expensive for the average consumer and won’t fit the budget of most people. Of course, if you’re a dedicated bubble hockey fan and want to have only the best equipment, you probably won’t think twice about paying top dollar for this product.
Carrom 435.01 Signature Stick Hockey Table with Pedestal
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Carrom 435.01 is its wide, solid base, which keeps it stable and prevents it from wobbling around no matter how vigorously you play.
Its cabinet is made of heavy-gauge materials for durability and longevity, while its dome is made of shatter-resistant materials and won’t crack no matter how many times it’s hit by a flying puck. Its playing surface, meanwhile, is made of custom-coated styrene that promotes faster and easier passing and shooting.
Despite its durable construction, a few customers have had issues with the Carrom 435.01 Signature Stick Hockey Table. One such problem involves a “wrinkly” dome; instead of being smooth and clear, the dome is blurry and full of wrinkles, which make it hard for the players to see their hockey players and make the right move.
Carrom Super Stick Hockey Table
This Carrom table might not have the large pedestal of the Carrom 435.01 Signature Stick Hockey Table, but it’s still sturdy and stable with its four heavy-duty legs that are wrapped in glossy vinyl and are resistant to dents and wear and tear.
Its 145-pound cabinet contributes to its stability without making it too heavy to move around, while its dome lets you clearly see the playing field from all angles while creating a shatter-proof environment around area.
A few customers, however, have complained about the Carrom Super Stick Hockey Table’s lack of durability. Some of them reveal that their hockey men broke apart a few weeks or months after initial use, while others reveal that the parts broke even when they have just been taken out of the box. There have also been complaints about non-functional scoring systems and handles that can be easily taken off.
Shelti Breakout Bubble Hockey Table
This is definitely one of the products worth mentioning because it comes with several interesting features. One of these is the 2:1 turning ratio in its gear box, which means you can turn the handle just 180 degrees to make the players turn 360 degrees. It helps you save time and effort, improves your reaction time, and gives you more control over the game.
The impressive turning ratio is paired with hollow-ground chrome-plated steel rods and nylon brushing, which produce low friction and help you have an exciting, fast-paced game with your opponent. The Breakout comes with high-quality dome with a sleek, low-profile design, along with four solid wood legs that keep the table strong and sturdy.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Having your own bubble hockey table is a great way to spice up your man cave or rec room and have fun with your family and friends. Use the tips above to choose the right bubble hockey table for your home and get the best possible value for your money.