Super Chexx Bubble Hockey Table That We’ve Played On
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.
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WHY CHOOSE BUBBLE HOCKEY TABLE?
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.
Table Quality
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.
Table Size
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.
Surface of the Playfield
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.
Carrom 435.01 Signature Stick Hockey Table with Pedestal
Key Features:
- Measures 58 x 51 x 33.75 inches
- Weighs 185lbs
- Solid wide pedestal base
- Thick styrene playing surface
- Sturdy plastic base material
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.
Each of the table corners features protective plastic cups. That increases the safety of the players. Besides the precise injection-molded gears offers long life. At the same time, it employs the internal slip clutch. That helps discourage binding and shearing.
- Wide and single-piece solid construction
- Sturdy fiberglass rods
- Dazzling lights and sound for every score
- Automatic shut off of the battery scoring unit in 2 or 3 minutes of idleness
- Requires very minimal assembly
- Few people complain about the wrinkly dome, which somehow obscures players.
Carrom Super Stick Hockey Table
Key Features:
- Measures 45.25 x 33.75 x 47 inches
- Weighs about 140lbs
- Plastic base material
This Carrom table lacks the large pedestal of the Carrom 435.01 Signature Stick Hockey Table. But its four heavy-duty legs give it unparalleled support. Besides, the legs have glossy vinyl. So that makes them resistant to dent, wear, and tear. So you can count on it for extended use.
The 140 pond cabinet adds to its stability without compromising its movement. You can view the playing field from all angles, thanks to the transparent dome. Furthermore, the dome blocks beverages and dust from reaching the playing field.
And being shatterproof, it can withstand slight beatings from pucks. Both the base and frame are of sturdy plastic material. No wonder it weighs about 140lbs. But even after assembly, the clear plastic dome is easy to remove.
From its digital scoring screen, you can keep track of the scores as the play progresses. That negates the need for manual tracking of goals.
- Protective and shutter proof dome
- Heavy-duty legs
- Hand-painted players
- Score unit that lights and up and emits sound alerts you on scores
- High stability
- Few complaints touched on durability. For instance, few cases of hockey men or handles breaking.
Shelti Breakout Bubble Hockey Table
Key Features:
- Measures 36 x 52 x 42.5 inches
- Weighs about 280lbs
- Base material and frame features wood and alloy steel
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.
Further, the chrome-plated rods are ultra-smooth and 0.120 inches thick. And when you match it with the low friction nylon bushings, they support quick play.
Unlike many bubble hockey tables, Shelti Breakout uses the side-mounted scoring unit. The table makes use of infrared technology to sense scores. Accordingly, it gives high accuracy and doesn’t block the players too.
- Quick turning ratio
- Low profile design
- Supported by one year warranty
- Sturdy design that blends alloy steel and wood
- Some customers claim the scoring unit functions better with the batteries than plugging it into the wall socket.
ICE Super Chexx Non-Coin Deluxe Home Bubble Hockey Table
Key Features:
- Measures 60in deep x 30in wide x 54in high
- Weighs about 170lbs
- Hinged dome
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.
Unlike other models, the ICE Super Chexx provides easy cleaning. That’s made possible by the hinged dome that gives quick access to the playing during clean-up exercise.
As you continue with the game, its scoring system keeps track of vital parameters. That includes the shots, goals, running time, and period.
During the game, the game calls and live rink lives make the play lively and more thrilling. And from the external volume knob, you can adjust the sound to suit your ears.
The only downside to the ICE 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.
- Stable base
- An updated electronic scoring unit
- Adjustable sound
- Rod handle support reliable grip
- Ultra durable design
- High price tag
ESPN Dome Hockey Table
Key Features:
- Measures 41L x 36W x 52H (inches)
- Weighs 152lbs
- Base material metal
- Ideal for 2 to 4 players
The ESPN premium dome hockey table is a classic arcade playing platform for family and friends. Moreover, it will quickly become a favorite pastime for everyone visiting your home or office.
It uses 5/8 inches thick chrome-plated rods. So you can count on its precision and length. Its wide metal base gives it high stability and longevity.
You can view the playfield from all angles, thanks to the transparent shatterproof dome. On the other hand, its inlaid electronic scoring system also generates lively arcade sound effects. Each team has a distinct color and is thus easy to identify.
It uses 5/8 inches thick chrome-plated rods. So you can count on its precision and length. Its wide metal base gives it high stability and longevity.
You can view the playfield from all angles, thanks to the transparent shatterproof dome. On the other hand, its inlaid electronic scoring system also generates lively arcade sound effects. Each team has a distinct color and is thus easy to identify.
While a lot of customers are satisfied and willing to recommend the product to their friends or family, others show disappointment. But for the most part, many have shown satisfaction, as it was relatively easy to assemble and its quality is excellent.
Also, the ESPN dome hockey table is also fun to play for the whole family. It doesn’t even need technical skills to put together the parts.
- Easy assembly process
- Wide and sturdy base
- Shutter proof dome
- Side mounted scoring system
- High price tag
Arizona Coyotes Deluxe Bubble Hockey Game
Key Features:
- Measures 54 x 33 x 46.25 inches
- Weighs 205lbs
- Electronic scoring system
- Broad solid plastic base with levelers
The Arizona Coyotes Deluxe Bubble Hockey Game is an excellent addition to game rooms with a high performance rod assembly. The rod assembly is located underneath the surface transfers and has a 2:1 ratio to minimize wrist action and prevent damage to the players while playing.
This hockey table provides hours of entertainment with a high dome making viewing the table easier. The electronic scoreboard which can either be powered by battery or plugged to a standard 120V outlet is mounted at the side, with an hourglass base that has adjustable levelers.
The deluxe bubble hockey game table has a high tensile steel rod with sure-grip handles. Also, it uses infrared technology to sense and keep track of the scores. Therefore it eliminates from you the worry of remembering scores.
Once it stands on its molded plastic base, it enjoys high stability that rigorous play can’t challenge. Furthermore, the plastic base is rotational and has leg levelers. That makes up for easy setup and translocation.
- Wide stable and rotational base
- Dual power input battery or wall voltage of 120v
- A clutch system that keeps players from injuries
- Durable construction
- Very heavy; 205lbs
WHEN WAS BUBBLE HOCKEY INVENTED: THE HISTORY
The first bubble hockey game was invented by Innovative Concepts in Entertainment (ICE), a gaming manufacturing company based in New York. The concept of this game started after the underdog USA Olympic Hockey team won against the Russian Hockey team in 1980.
Hockey enthusiasts then decided to recreate the winning moment which led to the creation of Chexx, the very first coin-operated bubble hockey table.
In their first year, they became popular in arcades and hockey stadiums that they were able to sell 5,000 tables. When they released Super Chexx in the year 1993, this has become the staple of the sport and other manufacturers began producing their own hockey tables. You can buy table varieties from companies such as Carrom Company, Stiga, Harvard and Shelti.
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.
Note: the article was reviewed & updated in November 2022