We all love deals that allow us to buy more for less – combination game tables included.
No matter if you want one for adults or kids, it would be cool to be able to play both foosball and air hockey without having to buy two separate tables.
How can you choose the right foosball air hockey table for yourself? What features does it need to have? We covered all the important questions here. Read on to find out.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
Our Top Picks
★★★★★
Suitable for anyone over the age of six, this small model allows you to play air hockey and foosball on any table.
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★★★★☆
With the swivel design, swiftly change between four games, including foosball and electric air hockey.
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★★★★☆
This big table in farmhouse style is a good choice for stylish interiors, includes foosball, air-powered hockey, and more.
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What Are Foosball And Air Hockey Tables?
These tables are types of combination game tables that let you play both foosball and air hockey thanks to two different tabletops that come with it.
Types Available To Choose From
There is more than one type of this combination table that will let you play both air hockey and foosball:
- 2-in-1 – this combination table comes with only foosball and air hockey tabletops and is usually less common on the market
- 3-in-1 – this combination table allows you to also play pool along with foosball and air hockey
- 4-in-1 – besides foosball and air hockey, this type of table usually also lets you play pool and table tennis
Which Type Do We Recommend?
If you are only interested in air hockey and foosball, then it is your best choice to buy a 2-in-1 table that lets you do just that. Moreover, the 2-in-1 version will be built better as the build will be focused on making it suitable for only foosball and air hockey, without other games such as pool and table tennis. If you want to play other games, too, then you should go for a 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 model.
Dedicated Vs. Combo Tables
Buying a table used for both playing foosball and air hockey means that you won’t get the best quality table. For the best quality, you will need to invest in a dedicated table. Moreover, such a table for foosball might cost you even more than $500, or over $1,000 for professional models. On the other hand, while losing on the quality, you will save money with a combo table.
How They Work?
These tables are usually stackable. What does that mean? You stack the foosball and the air hockey tabletops on top of each other. That is how you can play both games on the same table with four legs.
Another type you will encounter is the rotating one. This means that the tabletop rotates – on one side, there is a foosball playing field, and on the other, there is an air hockey playing field.
Is Air Hockey Or Foosball Better?
The answer depends on what you find more fun. For instance, air hockey calls for two people, one on each end of the table, that play against each other. Meanwhile, with foosball, you can even have two people on each side if you have a table that is long enough, with at least four playing rods on each side. Also, if you are thinking of buying table just for one of these games, foosball will be a more reliable choice as it does not involve electric motors for blowing air.
Why Are They Good & Who Are They For?
The hockey foosball table has some benefits and special uses that you can learn about here.
Benefits
If you buy a combination table for both foosball and air hockey, here is how you will benefit from it:
- Save space – by having one table for playing both games, you will save space in your house or any other space where you use it
- Save money – you won’t have to spend double the money to be able to play both games as you won’t have to buy two separate tables
- Have fun – they are fun to play games on
Negatives
Buying a table for air hockey and foosball in one will also have some negative sides, such as:
- Small in size – combination tables are usually smaller in size than the regulation-size foosball tables and regular air hockey tables so they are harder to play than on those tables
- Not for professionals – these combo tables won’t be a good choice for experts or those that want to become professionals in foosball
- Not for rough play – these tables also won’t allow you to play as aggressively as they are not as massive and as stable
Buying Guide
Which things should you pay attention to when buying a table for air hockey and foosball? We have all the answers below!
Good Quality Build
If you want a table that will last for a long time and is stable, you will have to look for those made from wood and MDF. The first kind will be more expensive. An MDF model, on the other hand, will be cheaper while still durable.
The Right Size
The size of the table will depend on how much space you have available for it. If you have free space of around 8 feet by 6 feet, then a 48-inch table will be a good choice. However, if you do not have a dedicated spot where you can keep the table, you can look for tabletop models or those that come with folding legs. That way, you can store the table away until you want to use it again and it won’t take up as much space.
Weight
Usually, heavier tables will allow you to play foosball and air hockey roughly. On the other hand, they will also be heavier to move around. On the other hand, lightweight models will be easily portable, but won’t allow aggressive play.
Legs For Level Play
A table should come with leg levelers. They will make the table and the playing surface stay level on any terrain. This is very important as otherwise the game of both foosball and air hockey will be spoiled.
Foosball Playfield Construction
The playfield for foosball can come in three different types. Firstly, the flat one which is recommended for beginners. Secondly, the one ramped at the corners, and lastly, the one curved towards the centerline. These two are better for experienced players.
Goalie & Men Configuration
The playing men and the goalies are some of the most important parts of a foosball table and the playing experience. We suggest looking for counterbalanced players with cross-hatched feet as they will allow you to grip the ball and shoot powerfully. When it comes to goalies, you can choose between single and triple goalie configurations. We suggest using triple if you are a beginner and single if you are good at foosball already.
Playing Rods & Balls
The rods on the table should be made from hollow metal material, such as steel. This will make them strong but also light enough for easy handling. Also, make sure they have ergonomic handles to make them comfortable for your hands and wrists. When it comes to the foosball balls, it is a better choice to go for textured ones, compared to soccer-style balls. Why? They are easier to control and shoot.
Air Hockey Playfield Construction
The sides of the table for air hockey are the ones that get worn out the most due to their use. That is why you should stay away from laminated aluminum side tables that are thin. Instead, look for those with solid sides made from solid aluminum or thick nylon.
Motor For Air Hockey
To be able to play air hockey, you will need a motor for it. You need a motor that will be able to provide constant consistent airflow to the table. That is why you need a high output UL-approved motor to be included with the table.
Beware Of Air Hockey Tables
Not all tables that are marketed as air hockey ones actually support air hockey. Instead, they can be used to play glide hockey. So, if you want a table where you can play air hockey, you will have to look for one that comes with batteries or is powered by electricity to be able to provide the needed airflow.
Best 3 Air Hockey Foosball Combination Tables
Matty’s Toy Stop Wooden Mini Table
SPECIFICATION:
Dimensions: 21 x 12 x 4 inches
Weight: 4.5 pounds
Style: Tabletop
Assembly required: Yes
This Matty’s model is a great choice for anyone, especially kids, as it is very small in size. You can place it on your tabletop and then enjoy a game of foosball or air hockey. In fact, the games are predicted for anyone over the age of six.
To be able to play air hockey, you will need to insert three AAA batteries into the tabletop. Then, the tabletop will be able to eject air so the puck can hover on the tabletop. Thanks to the small size, you can play this game in any room of your home or even take it with you as it is battery-operated.
The foosball tabletop will also need some assembly but it will be easily done with the help of the included Allen wrench. Finally, the tabletops are so easy so you will easily be able to move them around and store them away when not in use.
Durability:
Weight:
Design:
PRICE
approx:$59 – $69
determined by online offer (Amazon, Walmart) and seasonal sales
REASONS TO BUY:
- Highly detailed design
- Easily portable
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Essentially two separate tabletops
Triumph Sports 54″ Air Zone Swivel 4-in-1
SPECIFICATION:
Dimensions: 54 x 24 x 32 inches
Weight: 93 pounds
Style: Electric
Assembly required: Yes
This table comes in a pretty big free-standing size. Its black color makes it a great choice for your game zone. It allows you to play both foosball and air hockey on it. However, it also features tabletops for billiard and table tennis so you can play those games, too.
The rotating swivel design allows you to change from one game to another in a second. Moreover, you should install it close to a power outlet so that you can plug it in for a game of air hockey. You will get a hockey puck and pushers included, too, among other accessories needed for the games.
When it comes to foosball, the rods connect quickly and are easy to assemble and disassemble. By removing the foosball rods, you will transform the tabletop into air hockey.
Durability:
Weight:
Design:
PRICE
approx:$199 – $210
determined by online offer (Target,) and seasonal sales
REASONS TO BUY:
- Easily exchangeable
- Four games in one table
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Hard to assemble
Triumph Sports Swivel 4 Games Table 55″
SPECIFICATION:
Dimensions: 55 x 28 x 34 inches
Weight: 105 pounds
Style: Electric
Assembly required: Yes
Made from manufactured wood, this 4-in-1 model has all the necessary things to play air hockey, foosball, table tennis, and billiard. With the swivel design, it is easy to play all four games on one table without spending a lot of time changing the games.
The nice brown wood and black design give an almost farmhouse feel to the table, making it a stylish choice for your home, office, playroom, etc. The rods of the foosball table are easily assembled and taken off to convert the playfield for air-powered hockey.
To eject air from the surface, you will have to plug the table into a power outlet. You can track the progress and score of the game on the traditional bead scoring system, too. All the accessories needed to play the four games come included.
Durability:
Weight:
Design:
PRICE
approx:$499 – $570
determined by online offer (Wayfair) and seasonal sales
REASONS TO BUY:
- Accessories included
- 90-day warranty
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Indoor use only
What Is Air Hockey?
Air hockey is a popular table game that uses a low-friction tabletop surface where two players use mallets (discs) to score a goal with a puck against the opponent. While the table has a low friction surface, the puck will reflect off the edges of the table and have even less friction against the tabletop thanks to the thin cushion of ejected air. The air ejects from the little vents built into the surface of the table. As the puck hovers, it loses little velocity, thus traveling fast for a really fun game experience.
How Do You Play Air Hockey?
Two opponents stand on the opposite, shorter sides of the table. Two mallets and a puck are used on a low friction table. Each player holds one mallet in their hands and uses it to prevent the puck from ending up in their goal while trying to score a goal against their opponent. To score a goal, the puck has to go into the goal lines on the end of the table. The winner is the player that scored more goals during the set time for the match.
What Is Your Alternative?
As foosball tables rarely come in the combination with real electricity-powered air hockey, there are some alternative routes you can take that might be approved by you:
- Buying a foosball table in combination with other games (pool/slide hockey/table tennis/etc)
- Buying an air hockey table in combination with games (such as pool) without foosball
Games Similar To Air Hockey
If you like the game of air hockey, here are some other games similar to it that you might want to consider:
- Slide hockey – this game is played without air but with the same rules, the puck slides on the surface and the players have to hit it with their pushers and try and score against the opponent
- PowerBand hockey – this type of hockey includes a frame with elastic bands on the sides, a puck, and two pushers so hockey is played without air, too
Final Verdict
In the end, let’s revise everything we learned. First of all, there are not that many models of tables that will allow you to play both air hockey and foosball. However, among the ones that are available, you should choose one that is well supported by sturdy legs, that has quality foosball features, and that comes with a strong motor for blowing air.
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