Joseph
(Research Writer)
Last updated: March 08, 2021Whether you want an activity to play on a rainy day, or want something to play with the guys when they come over, foosball is a great investment. However, understanding what the different types of foosball table options are can be a bit overwhelming. There are many features to consider, including size, player configuration, and weight. And, to top it off, there are different types of foosball tables available from different countries. We’ll walk you through all the options available so you can find the right foosball table and have endless hours of fun.
One of the first considerations when purchasing a foosball table is size. The problem with foosball tables is that they can be quite large and you want to think about the space you have in your home for this game.
A full-size foosball table is also known as a freestanding table. Essentially, this foosball table version is its own table, complete with four legs and a tabletop for the game. The game area is positioned perfectly so that you can really get into the game and you can easily have enough room for two players on each side.
If you don’t have the space for a full-size foosball table, this shouldn’t stop you from purchasing one and getting to enjoy one. You can always opt for a tabletop version. This is much smaller in size and works by simply being placed on an existing table.
The downside to a tabletop foosball table is that it might not be as comfortable to play. In essence, may have to reach across the table to play or stand at an awkward height. However, it is much more affordable and still highly entertaining.
Thanks to innovation, there are some seriously cool, and practical, foosball table designs.
While foosball tables are incredibly fun, they are a bit of a misnomer as they aren’t really tables. You certainly can’t place anything on top of the open playing area and they can end up taking the place of a dinner or coffee table. Well, thankfully, there is now a solution to this problem.
Foosball coffee tables are exactly that: coffee tables with a glass top that covers the playing area. With models, such as this foosball coffee game table, the playing rods stick out from the sides and you can see through the glass as you play. The benefit is that when you’re not playing a game, you can still use the table as a functioning coffee table. Thus, you don’t have to sacrifice on space if you want to play foosball.
While you’re probably not looking to make money off your friends, having a coin-operated foosball table is a fun way to re-create an arcade, all in your rec room.
There is a somewhat accurate perception that foosball tables take up a lot of space. They are large and cumbersome and sometimes a bit of an eyesore. Thankfully, you can actually find foldable foosball tables. They have legs that fold down so that you can store your table in a smaller space including the closet or under the bed.
This is a great option if you want the convenience of a full-size foosball table but don’t have the space to keep it when it isn’t in use.
Finally, if you love foosball but also want the ability to play air hockey or even pool, you can actually find combination models. They have tops that lift off, revealing the different playing surfaces.
There are two main options for goalie configuration when deciding on a foosball table. Which one you choose will depend on your skill level.
On a one-player goalie configuration, there is only one goalie on each end rod. Thus, you have a lot less protection from your opponent scoring on you. If you are an experienced foosball player, or want to challenge yourself, then this is a solid option. Just be aware that if you choose a one-player goalie option, you can’t change to three-players.
As its name suggests, a three-player goalie configuration has three goalies on each end rod. As a result, there is much more coverage and scoring is both harder to do and easier to block.
If you are purchasing a foosball table for younger kids, of if you just want to play occasionally then a three-player goalie configuration is the best way to go.
Sure you want to have a fun time playing foosball but you also want it to blend in with your existing décor. The material you choose for your foosball table not only makes a décor statement but will also determine how heavy the table is.
Wooden foosball tables look great. They are classy and elegant and you can find different wood tones to suit your room’s décor. For example, the Tornado foosball table is lovely to look at. Wooden foosball tables do come at a premium, price though. Depending on the type of wood it is made out of, wooden foosball tables are some of the most expensive models.
Another consideration with wooden foosball tables is that they can stain and warp easily. Therefore, you won’t want to eat or drink around them as spilled drinks can easily seep into the wood.
If you are someone who loves the look of wood but dislikes the price, then a composite foosball table is a great option. Essentially, the table is made out of manufactured wood. This is both lighter in weight and cheaper to produce. However, you don’t have to worry about looks as the composite is treated to resemble a wood finish.
As with all products, some composite foosball tables will look better than others. With this type of material, you will want to pay attention to reviews to see if the product resembles the advertised picture.
For those who want a sturdy and reliable foosball table, metal is the way to go. Usually made from stainless steel, these foosball tables won’t bend or break and can withstand more forceful playing. The bright spot about metal foosball tables is that they are usually more high-end.
The downside is that this quality is reflected in the price. Furthermore, metal foosball tables can be pretty heavy so you won’t be able to move it around easily. By yourself.
There are quite a few options when it comes to plastic foosball tables and you will want to find the right combination of quality, durability, and price. When you might be tempted to go with the cheapest foosball table you can find, just note that it probably won’t last long and therefore you will have to spend more money in the future to replace it.
However, there are plastic foosball tables available that are still good quality. Plastic is durable and as long as it is made well, it should last for quite a few years. Another benefit to plastic is that the table will be lighter in weight. This means you can move it around the house, which is good if you are short on space.
Yes, the point of playing foosball is to have a good time, but you also want to keep score. While not every foosball table has a scoring system, such as tabletop versions, most full-size foosball tables will have some sort of scoring system.
Pen and paper are hard enough to find on a good day and if you need to keep score this way, it can become quite the hassle. Most foosball tables will at least have a manual scorekeeping system. Essentially, it works like an abacus, where you move a bead from one side to the other to keep track of the scoring. It’s nothing fancy but it works.
If you want a bit more action when playing foosball, you can look for a table that has an electronic scoring system. Essentially, as the ball enters the goal area, a sensor is tripped and the score automatically comes up in the electronic area.
This is a fun novelty and takes away the hassle of remembering to keep track of scoring. However, it does mean extra money and something to consider if it is really necessary or not.
When you’re looking for a fun activity to engage in with your buddies, there’s nothing like the thrill of playing foosball. Competitive, entertaining, and modern, foosball is a great way to pass an afternoon. When looking at the types of foosball table options, it can be hard to decide which will work best as there are so many options. If you are on a budget, you might want to look for a plastic table, or even a tabletop version. If you have a larger budget, then a wooden table will add some sophistication. Whatever you choose, however, know that you have a lot of fun to look forward to in the future.
