Air Hockey Advice?

[swanmom]

I was thinking of getting an air hockey table for my family for Christmas. But there seems to be a very wide range of prices and features. Anyone have one? Can you tell me what to look for when shopping for one? What is important to be sure it has?

Thanks!

 

[Cindy's Mom]

I was thinking of getting an air hockey table for my family for Christmas. But there seems to be a very wide range of prices and features. Anyone have one? Can you tell me what to look for when shopping for one? What is important to be sure it has?

Thanks!

what's important is that the table be big and sturdy enough to serve as a storage table in 6 months - because that is what happened to ours; BTW ours even doubles as a kids table for holidays (in the basement!!!) There are many many uses

 

[Jennifer S]

It depends on how much your kids will use it. We got one for @ $100. It keeps score for you and the kids use it enough but not a ton. Glad I didn't spend more.

I'd probably go middle of the road price. Too cheap and it might fall apart.

 

[Jeafl]

Well, we are on our second one. For some reason my kids (and husband) did not tire of it.

We got the new at Sam's Club last year for abour $300. It is pretty large and came with several different shape paddles. The one problem with our old one was that the pucks used to get caught behind the nets. Make sure there is room behind the nets for not only the pucks but also the paddles. Otherwise, it gets frustrating. The new one also keeps score which is a nice feature.

If you do get one, here is a maintenance hint for you...every once in a while spray Pledge on a cloth and wipe it down. It makes the pucks really fly. DO NOT spray the Pledge right on the table, it can clog the holes. Trust me on this one!

If you have any specific questions, I would be glad to help.

 

[golfgal]

http://www.gametablesusa.com/Dynamo_Artic_Breeze_Air_Hockey.html

We have this one. Dh wanted it, I didn't. It got played with a lot at first but now a year and a half later, it gets played only once in a blue moon and only when a friend of one of the kids comes over. Mainly it just takes up space. If you want a good air hockey table you will have to spend about $700. You want a good motor or the puck doesn't slide that well. The $100 ones work ok, but they aren't like the ones you find in an arcade so if that makes a difference to you, didn't to me but it did to DH, then you will have to spend more.

 

[pearlieq]

My best advice would be to buy a convertable table which has other gaming options. I love air hockey as much as the next girl, but I can't see playing it all day every day!