Air hockey is a fast-paced aggressive sport, meant to pattern ice hockey, but which can easily be played without access to a rink. Commercial air hockey tables can be found at arcades, restaurants, bar, homes, recreation rooms and college dorms the world over, and they are the key piece of equipment needed to play. In additional to the table, pucks and mallets are also needed for play.
For anyone presently looking to purchase a commercial air hockey table for their arcade or business, they will want to begin by comparing some of the top manufacturers. They are produced by a number of companies, including Valley-Dyamo, Playcraft, Sportcraft and Carrom. Valley-Dyamo-made tables are the only commercial air hockey tables presently approved for play by the United States Air Hockey Association (USAA), but tables designed and built by other manufacturers certainly do compare. As with any product, some of these manufacturers provide more of a luxury product, while others, such as Carrom, are considered more of a budget product that is suited to beginning players.
Commercial tables, like home tables, have tiny air holes covering the playing surface. Air is pumped through the holes creating a cushion of air that allows the puck to slide just above the surface with very little to no friction. The result of this air system is quicker play, making this a notoriously fast sport. Commercial table manufacturers, such a Valley-Dynamo and Carrom often add additional features to their tables not typically found in residential-use tables that make the sport more exciting, for example, a higher efficiency air blower that makes for the least possible friction and more consistent air flow.
Commercial tables also come with the option of coin-operation slots, black light features, LED scoreboards, graphics and sound, all of which enhance player experience to make this already energetic game even more exciting.
When choosing a table for any establishment, buyers will want to consider both space constraints and budget concerns. Tables are available for 2 to 4 players, with the 4 player table being considerably larger than a typical table. The 4 player tables are great for novelty, but if the establishment ever intends to get into tournament play, they should note that 4 player tables are not sanctioned or approved by the United States Air Hockey Association for tournament play.
If a table purchaser is looking for easy fun over tournament play, custom tables that feature television characters and other logos are also available, complete with sound effects and graphics to match.
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