How do you plan to use your foosball table?

Chances are, you already have an audience in mind when you make the decision to look for a foosball table – which is good because who will be playing makes a huge difference in what kind of table you should be looking for.

Tables for family or home use are typically the least expensive foosball tables on the market, typically less than $500, assuming that no one among your family or friends is planning to go pro. If you plan to play frequently with children or are buying a table primarily for your kids to use, consider getting a table that is relatively shorter in height and lightweight. Otherwise, if the table is for friendly games among adults, a full-size table that is slightly heavier, stronger, and taller is worth the investment as long as you have the space.

Foosball tables for the home can also be designed for outdoor use, in which case they are designed with waterproof materials and built to withstand rain and harsh winter conditions. These tables are significantly more expensive than indoor foosball tables designed for home use but are the best way to play outside without having to carry your table outside on every sunny summer day.

If you are planning to use your table in a commercial setting, such as a bar or workplace, it’s likely to see much more frequent and heavy use than at home. That means you will need a sturdier, more durable table that requires relatively little maintenance. You will also almost certainly want to opt for a full-size table, since the table is likely to see a wider range of foosball abilities than in a home setting.

Tables for tournament use are the most expensive foosball tables on the market and are typically certified by the International Table Soccer Federation, the governing body for foosball. These tables are built with quality and durability in mind and are perfect for anyone who is looking to take their foosball skills to competitive levels. The downside is that these tables can cost over $2,000 at the high end.

Dimensions and weight

The dimensions of the playing area – that is, the area in your room or outdoor space that is completely free of clutter to get in the way of players – determines what size of foosball table you should get. A standard sized foosball table typically demands an area that is at least eight feet by seven feet, although ten feet by ten feet is recommended. In general, the space the table will take up can be calculated as the dimensions of the table itself plus twice the length of the rods plus 1.5 feet on either side of the table for the players.

When looking at what foosball tables weigh, heavier is typically better. A heavy foosball table, in the range of 130 to 200 pounds, provides far more stability than a light table. This is especially important when more advanced players are using the table, since constant vibrations can make it more difficult to hone foosball skills.

Build quality

What the foosball table is made of will directly affect much about its quality, usability, and price. When considering building materials, look at the cabinet – the box that binds together all of the parts of the foosball table – in particular. Medium-density fiberboard is commonly used, since it is far less expensive than solid wood cabinets and it is strong enough for aggressive play as long as it is at least one inch thick – and preferably 1.5 inches thick. Although some budget tables are made with a particleboard cabinet, this material is notorious for breaking apart within a year on tables that are used heavily.

Playing rods

The material that the playing rods are made of also makes a big difference in the quality and usability of your foosball table. Most experienced foosball players only trust rods made of steel with a chrome finish to prevent rusting, since any other type of rod material will bend or corrode relatively quickly.

Steel rods may be either solid or hollow. Solid rods are more durable and less prone to bending over time, but they are also heavier so that game play is slower and pushing and pulling on the rods wears more on your arm. Hollow rods are preferred by most advanced players, since they are more responsive and turn more smoothly and quickly.

Telescoping rods are also an option, although they are infrequently encountered because of the additional cost they incur in setting up a foosball table.

Telescoping rods are considered to be the safest option, since they don’t protrude on the opposite side of the table, which prevents the opposing player or spectators from being suddenly and unexpectedly hit with a rod when it is pushed in.

Foosball men and goalie configuration

The shape of foosball men can vary widely between tables, but the shape of the foot should be consistent, since this is the part that enables ball control when shooting or passing. Look for feet that are tapered down to a sharp point, since flat-bottomed foosball men make it very difficult to control the ball accurately. In addition, the foot should be roughened to provide grip, rather than smooth and slippery.

Not all tables offer counterbalanced foosball men, but this is an important feature as the skill level of the foosball players increases. Counterbalanced men weigh the same on either side of the rod, so that they will remain horizontal once placed into that position. The result is that it is possible to have a clear field when shooting and passing, rather than having your own men get in the ball’s way. This tends to make for a more exciting and faster-paced game.

Also, consider the configuration of men on the goalie rod. Some tables come with only one foosball man on the goalie rod, while others come with three. More advanced players tend to prefer single-goalie tables, since it takes more skill to defend the goal and clogs up the table with men slightly less. However, three-man goalie rods are excellent for beginners and kids, since having more men to boot the ball downfield leads to faster scoring.

Ball

Every foosball table comes with a ball, but the quality of these balls can vary – especially if you’re buying a budget table. The best foosball balls are textured to provide grip and can be easily pinned down against the table by the feet of your foosball men. The balls should be solid without being heavy, but not made of plastic or coated with a shiny material that makes it slippery. Thankfully, the foosball ball is the cheapest and most easily upgraded piece of any budget foosball table.

Ease of setup

Although often a secondary consideration, how easy a foosball table is to set up can be the deciding factor between two similar tables. Chances are you’ll be eager to get to playing once you get your foosball table, so being able to set it up quickly will keep up your excitement about the game and the table itself. The best foosball tables require only a few parts to be assembled, including all required hardware, and use simple tools – screwdrivers and wrenches – that you are likely to have lying around the house.