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Last updated: July 03, 2024
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When searching for the perfect foosball table, whether for lively family gatherings, entertaining friends, or simply as a delightful addition to your home, understanding the key features and options is essential. Foosball tables, beloved by people of all ages, are not only a source of endless fun but can also serve as an attractive centerpiece in your game room or living area. This comprehensive guide aims to simplify your journey in selecting an ideal foosball table that meets both your entertainment and aesthetic needs.
They’re a feature in themselves.The purpose of this article is to try to set you up for finding the perfect foosball table for you. The choice out there is a wide one and there are a lot of different features to get your head around once you make a start at looking for the right table. The choice can be a bit daunting if it’s your first time buying or if you’re not a player yourself – maybe you’re buying it for a gift or it’s a Christmas or birthday gift for one of the kids. Either way, we’re here to help the process go smoother and get you to where you want to be.
In this article, we delve into the various aspects to consider when choosing a foosball table. These include:
In this article, we delve into the various aspects to consider when choosing a foosball table. These include:
- Size and Space Requirements: Understanding the dimensions of the table and ensuring it fits comfortably in your intended space.
- Table Type and Material: Exploring options from standard, multi-game to professional tables, and the materials they are made of for durability and playability.
- Player Rods and Handles: Evaluating the quality and type of rods and handles for smooth gameplay and player comfort.
- Playing Surface and Ball Return: Assessing the surface level and material for consistent play, and the convenience of ball return systems.
- Player Skill Level and Table Features: Matching the table features with the skill level of the primary users, from beginners to advanced players.
- Design and Aesthetics: Considering the table’s design to ensure it complements your room’s decor.
- Budget and Brand Reliability: Balancing cost with the reputation of the brand for quality assurance.
- Assembly and Maintenance: Understanding the ease of assembly and maintenance required to keep the table in top condition.
- Additional Accessories: Exploring the availability and quality of accessories like extra balls, cup holders, or score counters.
Our approach to this guide includes thorough research, analyzing user reviews, and considering various factors to provide you with a well-rounded perspective. We also offer detailed reviews of each recommended product and an easy-to-follow buying guide. This will assist you in comprehending the diverse features and help in prioritizing what’s most important for your specific needs.
We’ve looked at many factors here in arriving at a quick-reference list that will hopefully help you along, and we’ve done much research and even looked at user reviews of tables in an effort to find the best ones. We’re also including in-detail reviews of each product and a comprehensive buying guide to make understanding the different features easier, and to help you decide which options to prioritize when you’re seeking out the best option for you. So, lace up your foosball boots and let’s take a shot at finding the best foosball table out there…
Quick Summary
Editos Choice:Barrington Allendale
"An incredibly stylish option made of high-quality wood and sturdy metal.Oak veneer top rails and aprons.A-style metal legs.Varnished ergonomic handles."
Sturdiest Model:Tornado Tournament 3000
"A superb foosball table with probably the best built quality we’ve seen, heavy and sturdy enough to withstand even those aggressive plays."
Best Value for Money:Hathaway Primo
"A good foosball table for the money, with nicely counterbalanced men and quality build all-around."
Most Versatile Pick:Warrior Professional
"A tournament approved foosball table with nice safety features for kids, like the Rod Guard System."
Best Folding Foosball Table:KICK Majesty
"A folding foosball table with a nicely designed mechanism that makes folding the table easy."
Best Foosballer Designed Upright Pick:KICK Legend
"A quality table which enables to choose between one and three goalies, and a whopping lifetime warranty."
Best Tornado Alternative:Tornado Sport
"A great alternative to our top pick, featuring a versatile goalie setup and getting up towards a professional level."
Best Outdoor Pick:Playcraft Extera
"A sturdy foosball table which can be placed indoors or outdoors and come with a nice cover for protection."
Budget Pick:KICK Venture
"An affordable foosball table that comes with a lifetime warranty, which indicates its quality despite the price."
Best Tabletop Pick:Sport Squad FX40
"A tabletop foosball table great for those who don’t have any place for a full-sized table or need portable fun."
Best Under $300: EastPoint Sports Newcastle Foosball Table
"This competition-sized table is great for kids and adults alike, is heavy, thus remaining stable during play, is well-crafted and can be configured with one or three goalies."
Best Under $200: KICK Glory Foosball Table
"This table from the renowned manufacturer features durable semi-solid rods with one or three goalie set up, and boasts a whopping lifetime warranty."
Top 12 Foosball Tables Review 2024
1.
Barrington Allendale – Editos Choice
Features
- Dimensions: 56 x 29 x 34 inches
- Weight: 126.5 lbs.
- Players: 13 black, 13 grey
- Rods: solid steel with varnished ergonomic handles
More features: oak wood veneer top rails and aprons; A-style metal leg design
9.8
This Barrington 56-inch foosball soccer table has several classic design features that work well with the modern upgrades included with this piece, so it will fit nicely wherever you place it. The components are all high quality as well, so it won’t fall apart on you like some cheaper pieces.
The legs have an A-style design and are made of metal, with hidden levelers that allow you to adjust the table and preventing it from wobbling on uneven surfaces, without ruining the table’s sleek look. The oak wood veneer on the top rails and the aprons add durability to the playing area, with a stylish appeal that catches the eye.
The playing surface has a slick finish, so your ball doesn’t drag as you’re trying to score on your opponent. The rods are steel and easy to spin for those powerful shots, with grey or black robot-style players that are sturdy and tough. Traditional bead scorers and bronze fixtures add some style to this piece.
Why are we impressed? The Barrington Allendale model is built well, with quality pieces and stylish enhancements that give it a vintage look with some modern appeal. Features like the finished playing surface and hidden levelers make this a table worth trying out.
What negatives must you be aware of? The instructions included with this foosball table are a bit confusing for some people. They include mostly pictures, with minimal text, and they aren’t always clear, so it can be tricky to figure out the proper assembly procedure.
RELATED:6 Best Barrington Foosball Tables — Quality That Lasts for Long!
2.
Tornado Tournament 3000 – Sturdiest Model
Features
- Type: indoor, commercial/ professional use
- Dimensions: 56x 30x 36inches
- Weight: 355pounds
- Build: stainless-steel laminate boards, split cabinet design, adjustable leg levelers
- Rods: steel, hollow, telescopic
- Goalies: 1 or 3
- Warranty: 1-year
More features: counter-balanced men, slide score counters, U.S. built
9.8
This is an absolutely superb foosball table and it’s going to be very, very hard to find a better example anywhere. The Tornado Tournament 3000 foosball table is a professional grade piece of kit and it’s a wonder to behold.
You get absolutely everything you could ever want to get with this foosball table. It weighs a staggering 355 pounds, and whilst that is going to take some hard thinking in terms of how you’re going to get it to your house, how you’re going to get it in place, and how you’re ever going to level it up, once it’s where it’s going, you’re dead set to have the time of your life with this monster.
The build quality of this thing – as the weight suggests – is second to none. The walls and the playing surfaces are all ultra-thick and rigid, everything, including the legs and the frame, is just built to last, and not to move.
The leveling system on this foosball table is premium quality, and it’ll be both easy to set up and go long periods of time between tweaking and fine-tuning. You get hollow rods of the best quality, made of chromed steel and heat treated for extra durability and strength. The handles on these rods are eight-sided and feature excellent adhesion and good grip quality.
The foosball men here are counterbalanced for serious gameplay, and the feet are of a special design that allows better ball control. Everything is spot on with the Tornado Tournament 3000, and it’ll be a great experience for even the most advanced player.
What are our favorite features?
- Counterbalanced men
- Steel hollow rods
- Leveling system
- Excellent build quality
- Heavy
- 1 or 3 goalies option
What could be better?
- Logistical challenges ahead
3.
Hathaway Primo – Best Value for Money
Features
- Type: indoor, home use
- Dimensions: 5x 29x 34inches
- Weight: 130pounds
- Build: CARB certified MDF, box leg design with cross support beams
- Rods: steel, chrome-plated, solid, with wood handles
- Goalies: 1
- Warranty: 180-day limited
More features: counter-balanced ABS robo-style men; manual sliding scores; 4 cup holders
9.6
The Hathaway Primo is a good foosball table for the money that it costs. It’s not the premium tournament play standard of our top table on this list, and it won’t take the same amount of frenzied gameplay, but it’s a great budget option and make no mistake at all, it absolutely will do a great job of providing all the foosball fun you could ever handle.
The Hathaway Primo weighs in at near a third of the weight of our number one table on this list, but at 130 pounds, it’s still an extremely playable model and the decreased weight of this makes it perfect for those of you out there who might not have any possible way of getting a heavier table to its final resting place.
You get nicely counterbalanced men with this foosball table and that will make for good gameplay at more advanced skill levels. The players look nicely designed and strong too. The nice thing about them is that they’re actually made of wood – which is a very retro feature that will appeal to a lot of people.
One disappointing thing with the Hathaway Primo is that the manufacturer has opted to go with solid steel rods, which is a shame because this table also features really nice wooden handles and it’s puzzling that they’ve gone down this road. They claim to have an “E-Z Glide” bearing system – and that may well help, but a heck of a lot of serious foosballers are going to be alarmed by the fact that these rods are solid.
Apart from that, this table features a good leveling system and it’s a great option. It’s just a shame about the solid rods, but if you’re not a pro, you may not even notice the difference in the speed the game is played at.
What are its best features?
- Counterbalanced men
- Sturdy
- Good leveling system
- Nice retro wooden features
What could be improved?
- Solid rods
- A bit too light as compared to other tables
4.
Warrior Professional – Most Versatile Pick
Features
- Type: indoor, home/ commercial/ professional use
- Dimensions: 56x30x36inches
- Weight: 200pounds
- Build: MDF with PVC laminated playfield, leg and side panels; rubber swivel foot levelers
- Rods: steel, solid
- Goalies: 1
- Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: counterbalanced men, Rod Guard System, wood bead scoring, ITSF and USTSF recognized
9.5
The Warrior Professional is another table that definitely isn’t going to be called a lightweight any time soon, and its name suggests that if you tried, it’d have something to say back. This foosball table weighs in at a straight 200pounds, which means it’s struck a nice balance between being vaguely manageable and not moving or tilting during play unless you’re a superhuman person of some sort or other.
This foosball table is fully tournament approved, and for the money, that’s no mean feat. You can see the quality with the Warrior Professional and you’re getting a very nice playing experience when you opt for it.
The leveling feet here are of the finest quality and practical nature available, and it lends well to leveling up on slightly irregular surfaces because the feet not only adjust, they swivel too.
The rods and grips are lovely on this foosball table. The Warrior model features a protection system on the rod ends that’s a great feature if you’ve got curious smaller children around, because it’s designed to allow accidental collision with a quick moving rod, without the tears.
The men on this foosball table are counterbalanced, as you’d expect with a tournament standard table. The playing surface is also slick.
What lets this table down is bad ball return design. The returns are sited very nicely and conveniently, but there have been many bad reports of a poor user experience due to ill-fitting tubes, which is disappointing of a table of otherwise nice design and quality.
What makes it stand out?
- Counterbalanced men
- Rod protection
- Great weight
- ITSF and USTSF recognized
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
- Bad ball return system
- Solid rods
5.
KICK Majesty – Best Folding Foosball Table
Features
- Type: indoor, folding
- Dimensions: 55x 29x 35inches
- Weight: 123pounds
- Build: 5-inch leg levelers with rubber bottom
- Rods: semi-solid, stainless steel, chrome plated
- Goalies: 1 or 3
- Warranty: lifetime
More features: comes with counter-balanced men and uniformed men sets
9.2
Ok, here we have the KICK Majesty foosball table, and it’s our first folding table on the list. There are a lot of positive things to say about this foosball table and it’s going to be a great choice for anyone that wants to use space for more than one single activity. This table has a nicely designed mechanism that makes folding the table easy for one person which is an extremely handy and practical touch.
The most notable thing about the KICK Majesty is that the company founder is a foosball enthusiast of many years. That will not only go a long way in terms of credibility for a lot of buyers, it also suggests that some insight went into the design and build of this model– and that can only be a good thing.
The leveling system looks really nice here, and this table is a very good weight which strikes a good balance between gameplay and folding. You get two sets of men here too– one counterbalanced set and one uniformed set– which again is a nice design touch and shows that some thought went into this. All reports are that the build quality is good. The only disappointing thing with the KICK Majesty is that the rods are of semi-solid construction. This seems like an odd move for an ex-professional foosball player to make, and it’s a design choice that will have a lot of hardcore players scratching their heads.
What makes it stand out?
- Folding
- Counterbalanced men
- Two sets of men
- Good weight
- 1 or 3 goalies option
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
- Semi-solid rods
6.
KICK Legend – Best Foosballer Designed Upright Pick
Features
- Type: indoor, home/commercial
- Dimensions: 55x 30x 36inches
- Weight: 143lbs
- Build: hard wood and MDF, wooden handles
- Rods: stainless steel, semi solid
- Goalies: optional 1 or 3
- Warranty: lifetime
More features: counter-balanced men set+ uniformed men set, wood bead scoring
9.1
Our second effort from Kick is another nice table. This is very similar to the Kick table higher up on the list and can almost be thought of as a static version of the same table because it doesn’t fold.
The KICK Legend weighs in at 143pounds, which again is within a nice range of weights for a foosball table and shouldn’t move too much at all during gameplay.
You get the same two sets of players with the KICK Legend as you do with the KICK Majesty table. One set of nicely counterbalanced men and an additional set of uniformed players– which will be a touch that pleases some of the kids out there and is also nice if aesthetics is more your thing than serious gameplay.
The same puzzling semi-solid rods are fitted to the KICK Legend as were on the KING Majesty. Again, this won’t have the serious foosball players running to snap the table up, but this table also features great leveling feet and the build is very, very solid and appealing too, so it has plenty of good features going for it to be an attractive option for a lot of people.
You do get the choice of a three or a one goalie setup with the KICK Legend, which makes it a great all-rounder in terms of a wide player level of ability. All in all, it’s a nice foosball table for a good price.
What makes it special?
- Great leveling feet
- Good weight
- Nice build
- Looks great
- Two sets of men
- 1 or 3 goalies option
What cons did we find?
- Semi-solid rods
7.
Tornado Sport – Best Tornado Alternative
Features
- Type: indoor, home use
- Dimensions: 56x 30x 36inches
- Weight: 205pounds
- Build: wood melamine
- Rods: steel, hollow
- Goalies: 1 or 3
- Warranty: 1-year
More features: SureGrip black rubberized handles, height-adjustable legs with boot levelers, counter-balancedmen
9.0
The Tornado Sport is our second effort from Tornado on the list. This is a fairly classic looking foosball table with nice hollow steel rods that feature good rubber grips, and everything looks how it should do with this table.
The Tornado Sport features a versatile goalie setup. You can play with either three goalies at each end, or two at each end. This sets the table up to be a good option for a family with kids of many ages, or even for a household that hosts lots of get-togethers and wants players of all abilities– and even players with zero ability to be able to join in with the fun and get introduced to the mayhem that is foosball.
This table is getting up towards a professional level when it comes to weight. The Tornado Sport breaks through the 200-pound barrier and weighs in at 205pounds, which means that it will provide some decent action without moving around very easily at all.
Where this table fails in terms of ease of use and practicality is definitely on the leveling system. It’s not the best method at all. The table relies on shims being inserted into the rubber boots on the ends of the legs, and this method will frustrate and inconvenience a lot of people. The plus with this method is that once it’s leveled, short of it moving, it should stay very much in whack. Some people won’t like that– some people will.
What do we love it for?
- Good weight
- Nice build
- 1 or 3 goalies option
What were we disappointed with?
- Leveling is tricky
- Tricky assembly
8.
Playcraft Extera – Best Outdoor Pick
Features
- Type: outdoor
- Dimensions: 56x 36x 30inches
- Weight: 225pounds
- Build: weatherproof composite materials with UV resistant PU coating
- Rods: aluminum with anti-rust coating
- Goalies: 3
- Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: includes 4balls and table cover
8.8
This is the first exterior grade table on the list. The Playcraft Extera is a very nice table that’s pushing professional grade and will last all weathers.
This is a full-size table, at 56inches by 30inches and there are no problems at all with weatherproofing because it’s made of composite materials. The aluminum rods won’t suit every person, but they won’t rust so they’re probably a design feature with outdoor use very much in mind, and they are mounted on ball bearings, which will help a lot with gameplay and power.
The men are fully counterbalanced which will please advanced players a lot, and the table does come with a very, very handy cover, for when it’s left outside in all weather, so it’ll be easier to keep clean if you use it outside more often than in, and the mechanicals will stay free-moving.
This table features an extremely nice leveling system that matches it’s weighty and sturdy build. It weighs 225pounds and won’t move much even during properly hectic gameplay.
This is definitely a nice looking, very well made, and versatile table if you want to use it inside and outside
What are its best features?
- Weight is nice at 225 pounds
- 5-inch legs
- Big leveling feet
- Comes with a cover
- Exterior or interior
What could be improved?
- Aluminum rods
9.
KICK Venture – Budget Pick
Features
- Type: indoor, home use
- Dimensions: 55x 28x 36inches
- Weight: 101pounds
- Build: 5-inch leg levelers, 1/2-inch thick playing field
- Rods: semi-solid, stainless steel, chrome plated
- Goalies: 1 or 3
- Warranty: lifetime
More features: non-counterbalanced uniformed men
8.6
The third and final KICK foosball table on our list is the KICK Venture. This table features the same frustrating semi-solid rods as both the other KICK efforts on this list and again, this isn’t going to be an attractive option for the more advanced foosball players that are reading this guide and wondering which table to buy. The KICK tables do have some great stuff going for them, and the manufacturer has done really well to get three on our list, but the semi-sild rods are something that it’s hard to get away from.
What you do get on the KICK Venture is a decent build quality, though. There’s no doubt that some thought and some great materials go into making KICK tables.
We’re approaching the lower end of acceptable weight with the KICK Venture, in terms of it being stable during more active gameplay. This foosball table only just breaks the 100-pound barrier and weighs in at 101pounds.
Perhaps the biggest negative with this last of three KICK foosball tables is the fact that we don’t get a set of counterbalanced men at all.
What makes it stand out?
- Good build
- Acceptable weight
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
- Men not counterbalanced
- Semi-solid rods
10.
Sport Squad FX40 – Best Tabletop Pick
Features
- Type: tabletop
- Dimensions: 40x 20x 8inches
- Weight: 20pounds
- Build: steel, manufactured wood
- Rods: steel, chrome-plated
- Goalies: 3
- Warranty: 90-day limited
More features: manual scorers and ball return on each side, non-marking rubber pads on feet
8.5
This is the final foosball table on our list of ten, but that doesn’t mean it’s not going to appeal to some people out there. This is the Sport Squad FX40 and it’s our table-top option.
What you most need to know about this table is that it’s a smaller and lighter weight table that isn’t designed to compete with any of the tables that are occupying the other nine slots of our list, instead this table is going to appeal to younger kids that want to get into foosball, and also to the parents of younger kids that want to spend quality time with them– that doesn’t involve electronic devices and is good old-fashioned fun!
The weight of this foosball table is just fifteen pounds and it features rubber feet that won’t do any damage to the table top on which you choose to site it. The weight should also mean that you’ll have no trouble lifting it off on to the table between matches.
This isn’t a massive table– again suited to smaller players– and it’s a manageable and decent size for that purpose. Everything here is geared toward kids and you get three goalies each end, to keep the game going. The build is decent for what this table is and should be enough to stand up to the level of play it’s designed for.
Why did it make our list?
- Table-top and light
- Nicely built for its purpose
- Great kids table
What is not ideal about it?
- Not for serious adult players
11.
EastPoint Sports Newcastle Foosball Table – Best Under $300
Features
- Type: indoor
- Rods: hollow, steel
- Goalies: 1 or 3
- Dimensions: 54x 34.5x 29.5inches
- Weight: 76pounds
- Warranty: 90-day limited
8.4
The EastPoint Sports Newcastle Foosball Table is a great choice if you’re looking for an official competition-sized table. It’s large enough for two or four players, suitable for adults and school-aged children, and is a great way to spend long winters and rainy days indoors.
This table uses a special brushing system that allows the rods to spin around and slide with ease, which makes play more enjoyable. The steel rods control the simple black and white robo-style players with ease. It also comes with two foosballs to get you started and an easy-to-use score-keeping system that consists of metal beads sliding across a bar so you can keep track of how many goals you scored.
Oversized leg levelers make it easy to get a level playing surface no matter where your table is set up. Assembly is required and, though the instructions are pretty straightforward, it can be a bit tricky and takes a few hours. That said, it’s stable and durable once assembled, plus the luster finish resists wear and tear.
This foosball table is recommended for rooms 10by 8feet to make sure that there’s enough room to play around it. While this is sturdy enough for home use, the materials aren’t made to stand up to heavier use, like in a bar or arcade. It’s pretty stable but could shake a bit with heavy play.
What are our favorite features?
- Competition-sized table
- Great for adults or kids
- Includes two foosballs
- Integrated scorekeeping system
- Oversized leg levelers for easy set up
- Easy assembly instructions
- Sturdy and durable finish
What could be better?
- Assembly can be long and difficult
- Not made for heavy use in a commercial setting like a bar or arcade
RELATED:Top 5 Affordable Foosball Tables under $300 – Get the Most for Your Money
12.
KICK Glory Foosball Table – Best Under $200
Features
- Type: indoor
- Rods: 1/2-inch, semi-solid, stainless-steel, chrome-plated
- Goalies: 1 or 3
- Dimensions: 48x 24x 31inches
- Weight: 66pounds
- Warranty: lifetime
8.3
The best thing about the KICK Glory Foosball Table is that the company was founded by a 25-year veteran of the sport who was driven to make a foosball table that’s both high-quality and affordable. KICK set the new standard for what an affordable table could be. At only 31-inches tall, this is a great choice for young kids who might not be able to play effectively on a full-sized table.
These tables are pretty durable. They feature semi-solid steel rods with effective brushings and bearings that move back and forth smoothly for optimal play. Each end of the table has a ball return, and there are easy-to-use sliding scorekeepers mounted on the side of each table. You can also choose between a one or three goalie set up to change the difficulty of the game, and the teams are styled as people in red and blue shirts.
This table does require assembly. It can be done quickly, but some users found the instructions difficult to understand. Leg levelers make it easy to adjust to floors that aren’t perfectly straight so you can get a flat playing surface anywhere. While this table is made from MDF, it’s pretty durable. In fact, all KICK tables are covered by a lifetime warranty if you have any issues. Customer service is also pretty impressive. They’re dedicated to making sure you’re 100% satisfied.
What are our favorite features?
- Perfect height for kids
- Ball returns on each end
- Easy-to-use sliding scorekeepers on each side
- One or three goalie set up
- Red and blue players
- Lifetime warranty
- Responsive customer service
What could be better?
- May be too short for adults
- Assembly instructions might be difficult to understand
RELATED:Top 5 Affordable Foosball Tables under $300 – Get the Most for Your Money
Things to Consider
There are several things you’ll need to look for when looking to buy a new foosball table, but if you keep in mind some simple things like the area you have available, your seriousness in terms of gameplay and a few factors with reference to the quality and costs associated with the table, it’s not a difficult process to get through. We’re going to look at some of those things now, and hopefully, it will put you in a good place when it comes to choosing the right foosball table for you.
But before we do that, take a look at our other ratings of foosball tables to find your ideal one depending on your specific criteria:
Foosball Tables by Type
wood foosball table
foosball coffee table
foosball table for kids
folding foosball table
mini foosball table
outdoor foosball table
coin operated foosball
led foosball table
professional foosball table
Foosball Tables by Brand
tornado foosball tables
tornado sport foosball table
kick foosball table
garlando foosball table
garlando g500
warrior foosball table
hathaway foosball table
barrington foosball table
atomic foosball table
rene pierre foosball table
Foosball Tables by Price
foosball table under 300
foosball table under 500
Foosball table types and purposes: Which one you’d like to get?
You’ll need to choose wisely because this is a significant purchase. In terms of indoor or outdoor use: If you only want for indoor, then that’s fine, but if you do intend to move it outside occasionally, go for an all-weather table that’s approved and built for exterior use.
Before you choose your foosball table, learn more about this game. Start with our findings on whether Foosball Is a Sport at all.
In terms of setup and gameplay: Counterbalanced men are essential for serious level gameplay. Decent ball returns will be really important to some people. Weight is a factor for good gameplay. Good leveling legs also make life much easier. Hollow or steel rods is a consideration, as we’ll discuss in this guide. The option to add and remove goalies makes the table more accessible to a wider range of players. You can also invest in an LED foosball table that will garantee a fair contest when the lighting in the room is not perfect.
If you want to make an area multi-purpose you can get a foosball coffee table or a foosball table that can be used on the surface of an existing table in the house and removed when not in use. In that case, you’ll want to look for a table-top version and there are lots of those out there. The best tabletop foosball table for you will be much as it is the case with a standing version, in that once you narrow down the options to table-top, just prioritize the features on those tables that you need.
You may also want to have an open area that’s for multi-usage. If that’s the case, then folding tables are a great way to go and they’re available in many types and for different budgets. Because a foosball table is big, folding legs can be a very useful ability to have and the table can easily be stored flat when not in use.
Learn more about what Types of Foosball Tables exist.
How much space do you need for a foosball table?
The main thing to remember when you’re looking for a foosball table for a specific site within your house is that you are definitely going to need an area that’s considerably larger than the actual table footprint. You are way better having more space than you need than not having quite enough room. A full-size foosball table measures approximately 60 inches by 30 inches, but please be in mind of the fact that the space you’re going to need to site the foosball table isn’t limited to that. You’ll need to allow plenty of extra space around your foosball table in order to ensure that there is enough room for sufficient movement of the rods and enough space for all of the players to move safely and have some fun without fear of injury or being impeded by anything.
But if you’re going to be buying a full-size foosball table, remember to allow at the very least an area of 10 feet by 5 feet
Many people don’t realize that hardcore foosball gameplay is extremely active and that the worst thing that can happen is for the situation to be a cramped one. It’s kind of like trying to play pool when the walls are too close, and someone has tried to cram a table into a space that’s not quite big enough. It gets very annoying when you have to raise and lower your cue and you can’t quite get a shot off properly. Well, foosball in a confined area is a bit like that, except at 100miles per hour. Another important factor to consider when deciding which foosball table to place where is that you really do not want anything breakable and expensive anywhere near the vicinity of a game or a table– because unwanted breakages will inevitably happen.
The best approach is to err well and truly on the side of caution and to give yourself the best area and the best chance to ensure that not only will games be great amounts of fun, you’ll also not be getting into too much trouble for trashing any furniture or smashing anything too expensive. Allow too much, rather than too little room, and everything should go pretty smoothly.
Does foosball table weight matter?
Because a foosball table sees plenty of animated gameplay and things can, by the very nature of games, get extremely competitive, weight matters a heck of a lot. It’s a very big deal and it will affect your playing experience more than you might initially think. The last thing you want when you’re playing a game of foosball is for the table to tilt because this can ruin a game by giving a distinct advantage to one or another player and it’s absolutely against the rules of foosball for a player to deliberately tilt during play.
You’ll find that lighter tables will not only make playing less enjoyable, but they’ll also cause endless arguments too because it’ll often be unclear whether or not a tilting action was deliberate.
A table that weighs more than 175pounds, like the Tornado Tournament 3000 or the Warrior Professional tables, is far less likely to move or tilt during more animated foosball gameplay so look for the weight ratings of different tables when you’re looking around in order to buy one. It’s tempting to think about the logistics of moving and setting the table up when you’re considering weight– and shipping costs can also be a factor in that decision if you let them prey on your mind. However, weight can also be a reliable signal in terms of the quality of the building materials of the table, as with furniture items and with so many other things that we buy
Don’t under any circ*mstances let weight influence your thinking with regard to shipping and logistics because the only time you should be letting weight enter your thoughts when you’re looking to buy a foosball table is with regard to match playing and stopping or reducing instances of the table tilting or moving and ruining your playing experience. This is the best advice we can give you regarding weight.
Revisiting build quality and materials, when you’re looking at a table that weighs 175pounds or more, it’s likely that the walls are going to be on the thicker side, and that the playing surface is going to be fabricated from heavier and better material too. Extra weight will also be a result of the framing materials being made of thicker materials and in that case, the whole construction and feel of the foosball table is going to be stronger. It’s always preferable to be seeking out a weightier table because more lightweight foosball tables are likely to be flimsier, far less sturdy build.
Sturdy and durable construction
Sturdy is king when it comes to foosball tables. These things take a lot of abuse and if they’re built for foosball, then they’re built very well– that’s the simple fact of the matter and there’s just no getting around that. If you go for a table that has inferior build quality, then because of the physical nature of the game, your experience absolutely will suffer for the relatively small saving in the cost that you’ll make. It’s a little like buying a truck– in that, if you intend to go off-road, there’s no point buying something cheaper, and cheaper because it’s not as tough and durable because you’ll know the first time you hit the dirt. Go for heavier and sturdier.
Playing rods and handles
Rods get more important the more seriously you take your foosball playing. The way they’re made and what they’re made from affects the speed of your game and the power you’ll be able to produce when you’re striking the ball. A lot of players automatically assume that solid steel rods are the best way to go with foosball gameplay, but you’ll be better off with hollow rods because they spin much freer and faster. Hollow rods make for far less resistance, and so you’ll find that when made from good quality steel, hollow rods are the way to go– every time.
No matter what action you’re performing– going for goal or defending and clearing the ball back upfield, if you can get the rod to spin much more quickly, it’ll give you way more power. Handles are also a very important consideration when selecting a table. What you do not want under any circ*mstances is for your handle to spin or move on the rod when you’re going for intricate control movements, defending your own half of the field, or trying to power a shot home. Good quality rubber or even wooden handles are the premium choices with foosball rods, and make sure that the glue or method of fixing is secure to the rod– or you’re just not going to perform as well or as accurately as you can, and the handle may let you down at a crucial moment.
Make sure you know all about Foosball Shots (the famous Snake Shot in particular) and Foosball Defense – these articles will help you nail it.
Foosball men and goalie configuration
When you start looking at foosball tables, you’ll notice that there are three goalkeepers on some rods and only one goalkeeper on other rods– it differs from table to table. There are a few different reasons for this, and one factor is the location of where the foosball table was manufactured. European tables, like the Garlando table, usually have just the one goalie, although that is not exclusively so. American tables tend to usually have three goalies. The two different configurations heavily influence the type of game you’re likely to have because you’re going to get fewer goals with three shot-stoppers at each end of the table, and you’ll need to have a heck of a lot more skill going for you if you’re to work with just one goalkeeper in each goal.
The more expensive foosball tables almost always offer increased interchangeability in terms of how you are able to configure your goalkeepers. The pricier tables will more often than not incorporate the means to remove or adjust goalies and to play with either one or three keepers. This is a great feature to have if your table is going to be open to players with differing levels of skill because if you want to, you can set one end of the foosball table up with three keepers and one end with one or even two. This means that one player– if they’re at a slight or major skill advantage when compared to their opponent– will be able to shoot at fewer keepers and it will very probably make for a more level playing field, and a way more competitive match.
The superior player who gets just one keeper will have to concentrate harder on defending and won’t get to attack as much for that reason. Kids are also better off playing with three keepers– it’ll keep the scores down and the ball more active. The best foosball table for kids will have an adjustment of the goalie numbers.
More advanced players will want to play with just the one keeper almost all of the time because it’s a lot more challenging to defend well with that setup.
Foosball table setting up
You’ll definitely need to be very mindful to set your table up in a place where it will be a decent distance away from any obstructions and breakable, valuable family heirlooms. That’s one of the number one things to remember if you don’t want to upset anybody. There are a few other things to bear in mind too, and this is pretty straightforward– it needs to be sited on a perfectly flat and level area. Any out-of-level aspect to the foosball table is going to result in a situation whereby the ball will roll around on the table in one direction or another, rather than staying stationary when it’s supposed to be at rest.
Quality of the table will be a massive factor in deciding how successful you are going to be at leveling your table because the thickness of the playing surface will allow twist if it’s made of inferior materials or too thin. The very last thing you want here is for there to be no way of accurately and reliably getting the table level and a rolling ball makes for frustrating and unfair gameplay so make a massive point of remembering that. The costlier foosball tables will be way more likely to have an acceptable and accurate means to allow proper leveling up.
Job number one when you get the table home and put it in its place is to spend enough time leveling up before you even think about getting your game head on. You’ll also find that, with any table, irrespective of quality and cost, you’ll need to regularly check the surface for good level and revisit the leveling process, because normal play will throw the table off kilter here and there– it’ll be prone to move during heavy action (although a heavier table will help in keeping this to a minimum). When the table goes out of level, you’ll usually pick up on the fact during the games, because a rolling ball is a dead giveaway.
Need more detailed info on that? Read these easy-to-digest instructions on Foosball Table Setup.
Tips
A great way to keep your gameplay interesting and enjoyable is to keep the table well maintained. Regular cleaning is essential because it will keep everything moving nicely. As you would with anything that you wish to keep in good condition, have a good read of the manufacturer’s care instructions and stick to them. As we’ve said, these tables take some active use and it’s a good idea to follow the guidelines in caring for them.
Need some gaming tips as well? Improve your skills with our Foosball Tips compilation.
Prices
Foosball tables range from cheap to very expensive. Part of what influences your choice is going to come down to how much you’re going to use the table, and how serious you are about being competitive. There are also other factors that we’ve already hinted at in this guide – weight and construction, good handles and grips, etc. The truth is that there is seldom any substitute for quality when to comes to great user experience, and you’ll need to go ways up the price range to end up with something that plays well and lasts well. Aside from the cost, try to remember what we’ve talked about here, buy the best you can afford and prioritize what matters for your level and style of play – you won’t go too far wrong.
A foosball table under $300: What you should and should not expect
It’s important to be realistic about your budget. For less than $300, you can get a good quality table that will be a lot of fun for your family. That said, these tables are smaller than what you might see in a bar or arcade or what you could find at a higher price. They’re not made of the same quality materials as more expensive options and may wobble a little during play. Adults can certainly play on these tables, but they’re not really designed for rough play.
These tables are perfect for kids and adults who aren’t playing too aggressively.
Take a good look at warranties, too, because they can vary a lot. While most of our picks are covered for a year or less, the KICK Glory comes with a lifetime guarantee. Although these tables aren’t the same quality as more expensive options, a good warranty can make all the difference in the long run.
Common materials for foosball tables in this price range are MDF or composite wood while the rods are typically chrome-plated hollow steel. As a comparison, high-end options can have hardwood frames with aluminum rods, cast iron bases, and stone playing surfaces. Mid-range tables are commonly made of engineered wood with stainless steel or solid steel rods.
FAQ
Can I take my indoor foosball table outside on sunny days?
This isn’t really very advisable. Indoor tables don’t feature the same level of protection from sunlight as outdoor foosball tables do. You risk surfaces and other parts of the table warping or becoming damaged. Get an outdoor table if you want to be able to use it outside because outdoor tables can be used inside too.
How do I measure the space I need to fit a particular foosball table?
Take the size of the table and add more than enough room around it to allow for movement of the rods, and a reasonable amount more for general player movement. Allow more than you need.
Read more about the standard Ping Pong Table Dimensions and how much space you need for one.
Can I convert a three-goalie table into one-goalie one?
Some tables allow you to convert the goalie rod from one player to multiple players. This will differ from table to table, and from manufacturer to manufacturer– so check out the specs for the table you’re looking at if this feature is important to you, because not all tables have it.
Learn all the nuances in this article dedicated to Foosball Table Parts.
Is there a difference in how hollow and solid rods play?
There certainly is. Hollow rods will spin a lot faster than solid rods, and therefore you’ll be able to generate more power in shots and react much quicker to your opponent’s moves and attacks. Make sure that hollow rods are built from good quality steel or aluminum, though. You need them to be strong, as well as to spin fast.
What’s the difference between counterbalanced and non-counterbalanced men?
Counterbalanced men won’t just return to their upright position when you let go of the handle. This is a must for high-level gameplay. An advanced foosball player will have techniques that allow them to get ready for an assault on their opponent’s goal by making sure the appropriate men on their team are all sitting horizontally to the table so that they don’t block their own shots, for instance. It’s far better to have counterbalanced men than not.
Wrapping It Up
So, we’ve looked at the best indoor foosball tables that we could find, and we’ve explored all the main factors for choosing a table, but which one came out the clear and undisputed winner in the process? Top of our list here was the Garlando G-5000 Wenge, which was the victor for good reason. It had everything that you could want in a foosball table for indoors and it’s well built, with some great attention to detail.
In second place but by no means a bad choice if number one doesn’t float your boat was the Hathaway Primo, which also did lots of what we want a table to do and wouldn’t be a bad choice at all for certain buyers.
In at number three was the Warrior Professional. This table will be an attractive option for a great many people out there and it’s got some really great features.
Whichever table you go for, just remember that the main point of the exercise is to unwind, let off some steam, and above all– to have fun with friends!
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