Are you looking for an entertaining activity for your family and friends during social gatherings? One great option to keep everyone occupied is using a bubble hockey table.
Bubble hockey is an enjoyable sport to play with your family and friends, but it’s essential that you select the ideal table according to your requirements and budget.
This guide will give you the essential criteria to look for when choosing a bubble hockey table, and we’ll also show you how you can maintain and customize the table.
Without further delay, let’s get started.
What is a Bubble Hockey Table?
Bubble hockey tables are tabletop recreations of ice hockey that take place on an oval playfield surrounded by walls and covered with a dome-shaped plastic top.
The tables are a common sight in bars, arcades, and private homes alike – enjoyed by both casual and hockey players alike.
Rod hockey, also referred to as tabletop hockey, is a tabletop sport played with rods and a puck. Similar to ice hockey but played on the table with a ball enclosed by plastic bubbles, this activity can be enjoyed by up to two players at once.
Bubble hockey tables range in size but are typically 4 feet wide and 8 feet long. The amount of space needed for play depends on the dimensions; many can be stored away conveniently in garages or basements.
Top-quality tables are built with strong steel rods that won’t bend or break under heavy usage. A light table may not be able to withstand games that require more abrasive materials, so be sure yours is equipped for the task at hand.
An elegant bubble hockey table could serve as a stunning focal point in an open-plan game room.
What Materials Are Used to Construct Bubble Hockey Tables
Wood: Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or particleboard is commonly used to make the cabinet of the table.
Metal: Steel or aluminium is used for the legs, rods, and sometimes the players.
Plastic: High-density plastic materials like acrylic or lexan are used for the playing surface and dome.
Electronic components: Bubble hockey tables may include electronic components such as a scoring system, sound effects, and lighting.
What Are the Different Types of Bubble Hockey Tables Available?
If your mind is occupied by bubble hockey, then you could be thinking of the classic tabletop game. There are a variety of kinds of bubble hockey tables available.
Classic Tabletop Bubble Hockey
These are the tabletop games you’ve been playing since your childhood. They’re simple, but everyone is able to have fun.
Full-Size Bubble Hockey Tables
Full-size bubble hockey tables are larger than traditional tabletop games and provide an immersive experience. They are great for large parties or gatherings.
Electronic Bubble Hockey Tables
These electronic bubble hockey tables come equipped with audio and electronic scoring for an added layer of excitement for players.
Portable Bubble Hockey Tables
For those who like to take their games on the go, these tables are perfect. They’re small enough to fit into any luggage and set up quickly in just seconds.
How Does a Bubble Hockey Table Work?
Bubble hockey tables feature clear dome-like foam balls, similar to air hockey and other games.
A dome, sometimes described as a bubble, is intricate and virtually indestructible. This property makes it useful when lifting the structure up into the air and then hitting its crown before falling onto tables below.
The Ulitmate Guide to Choosing a Bubble Hockey Table
Size and Space Requirements
How much space do you have for a bubble hockey table?
No matter where it goes – whether in the man cave, game room, or entertainment area – make sure the table fits.
Additionally, ensure there is enough space around the table so players can move around freely while playing.
Weight is another important factor to consider when purchasing a table. High-quality tables typically weigh 160 pounds or more, while mid-range models average 110 pounds.
Generally, the heavier the table is, the stronger it will be and better equipped to withstand all manner of game demands.
Construction and Materials
The overall design of your table is also crucial. When they are in use, they are knocked around quite a bit when the players shift between left and right, and they control the various players.
They must be sturdy and strong to stand up to the pressure, and heavier tables are typically stronger and more robust overall, but they can be harder to maneuver around.
Gameplay and Features
The way the players move around the table for hockey can make you angry or provide your guests with a great time. Consider that the tables for bubble hockey have different construction, such as the layout of the field.
The tables that are made of better materials will allow faster, more stable gameplay. Tables with lower-end models could include “dead spots” on the playing field.
These are areas where pucks can become stuck, and no players are able to reach the puck. The most expensive arcade and top bubble hockey tables do not have dead spots.
The top bubble hockey tables include extra features such as cup holders built into the table and handle for convenient storage and transportation with built-in speakers, storage areas, and Bluetooth connectivity. This improves the experience of playing but comes with a higher cost.
Price and Budget
A high-quality bubble hockey table may get pricey, particularly if you want one that looks exactly like the arcade versions. You might not want to spend a lot of money on a table with a dome.
While the more durable ones will cost more, there are plenty of cheap options to reduce your costs.
Which Brands and Models of Bubble Hockey Tables Are the Most Popular and Highly Rated By Customers?
Carrom Signature Stick Hockey With Leg Base
| Brand | Carrom |
| Color | Blue |
| Material | Other |
| Included Components | Carrom Signature Stick Hockey, Blue |
| Product Dimensions | 59.06 x 36.81 x 23.62 inches |
| Package Weight | 138.89 Pounds |
| Size | One Size |
Carrom Signature Stick Hockey Table is a fantastic alternative If you’re looking to play hockey in a fresh and exciting way.
Carrom Signature Stick Hockey is different from other hockey tables that you can see in the market. It has a shatterproof plastic dome cabinet, which has a durable Melamine surface, and chrome-plated leg levelers and legs made of black vinyl. It takes pride in being strong and well-built.
It is that the feeling of a real hockey field is enhanced by the custom-coated graphic of the playing surface made of styrene that provides you with a genuine game-like feel.
People who have bought this product have been raving about the battery-powered scoring device and have commented on how fun, easy, and tasty it was to use the lights and sound to announce goals and keep track of the timers.
Another benefit of this table is that it is assembled, and the cup holders, corner scoring unit, and legs will be the sole thing you’ll need to build.
The Carrom Signature Stick Hockey Table is a high-quality table designed for gamers. It has a wide array of features, including precision-injection-molded gears, solid fiberglass rods, slide-on cup holders, and protective corners.
This table is perfect for gamers who want the best possible experience.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Leg base
- Dome that is shatterproof
- Fantastic sound effects
- Four cup holders for four cups
Cons
- High-priced
- Electronic scoring requires batteries
Hathaway Breakaway Dome Hockey Table
| Brand | Hathaway |
| Color | Blue |
| Material | Other |
| Product Dimensions | 52″L x 41″W x 36″H |
| Package Weight | 145 Pounds |
| Base material | Plastic, Engineered Wood |
Next, we arrive at one of the most aesthetically pleasing bubble hockey tables you can find, the Hathaway Breakaway Dome Hockey Table. It’s a true head-turner with its stunning and precise imagery adorning the pedestal.
It also helps create it look like a piece of art. Hathaway Breakaway Dome Hockey Table provides a sense of elegance and class to any room in the rec area.
If you’re a person who enjoys both performance and aesthetics, The Hathaway Breakaway Dome Hockey Table is a great option for you. It’s an amazing table to take a look at and will fit perfectly into any room, whether it’s a home or a rec arcade.
The Hathaway Breakaway Dome Hockey Table is among the most expensive options we’ve listed; however, it’s also among the lightest and most compact options. The bubble-hockey table is very lightweight and easy to move around. It is perfect for small spaces.
Alongside looking beautiful, the Hathaway Breakaway Dome Hockey Table is also very comfortable to use. The handles are extremely well-designed, fitting comfortably into the palms.
The table is equipped with an easy-to-open system, making it simple to keep this bubble hockey table in good condition and swap out the players when you wish to. It comes with a guarantee of 180 days as well as a comfortable, durable playing surface.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Beautiful and elegant
- 180-day warranty
- A smooth and durable surface
- Handles that are ergonomic
- Easy to open and easily cleaned
Cons
- Basic sound effects
- A bit expensive
What Maintenance and Cleaning Tips Can I Follow to Ensure That My Bubble Hockey Table Stays in Good Condition?
If you decide to purchase a bubble hockey table, taking care of it is essential. The dome can hold a large amount of dust and dirt from the players and playing surfaces, but the tables can still get slightly dirty when they are used frequently.
To clean the inside of the dome, you’ll have to remove the dome first, then clean the players and surface.
Simple furniture spray is adequate to scrub the interior of the table as well as scratch remover to wash the bubble itself. On the outside area of the table, a spray of furniture is typically all you require.
What Makes a Bubble Hockey Table a Great Choice For Your Rec Room
In recent times there are more and more people who are looking to build their spaces for recreation at home.
A large television, some board games, and perhaps two video game consoles are an excellent base for any rec space, but adding the bubble hockey table could greatly enhance the experience. Here are some of the reasons:
Unique – Tables for foosball and console games are widespread and can be found in many recreation spaces. However, the bubble hockey table is quite unique and scarce and can be a great way to make your family’s gaming room stand out from other rooms.
Retro – If you’re looking to give their living room an old-fashioned arcade look, A bubble hockey table can add some class. It’s a classic item that was a huge hit in the 1980s, and anyone who played during that time can appreciate the benefits when they have the table in their home.
Stylish –The dome-shaped hockey table can be an absolute statement piece. Much like an arcade game, this table is a huge object that can give a classy look to the rec room. It can provide the entire space with an extra edge, drawing the attention of visitors and also acting as an enjoyable break in the ice.
Fun with Friends – A majority of arcade cabinets and games are designed specifically for one person or ideal for playing solo. However, playing a game like a bubble hockey is an absolute blast to play with your family or friends. You can host tournaments with your friends and have endless hours of fun at this table.
Can I Customize My Bubble Hockey Table to Reflect My Favorite Team or Design Preferences?
Yes, you can customize your table’s design to reflect your favorite team or style preferences. Certain bubble hockey tables are pre-designed with graphics of famous NHL teams, while other tables could be plain or with customized graphics options.
If you have a particular idea in mind, you could be able to cooperate with a custom-designed bubble hockey table maker to create a table using the colors, graphics, and designs you prefer, as well as team names.
Alongside designing the graphics for your table, you could include other items such as banners, team jerseys, and other stickers to further personalize your game. Be aware that the process of customizing your table could have additional costs, and it could take longer to get your table if it has to be made to order.
You can modify your bubble hockey table in many ways. Some companies offer customized designs and colors, which allow you to customize the table to suit your preferred design. You can also include accessories such as banners, team logos, and jerseys to make your bubble hockey table more unique.
If you’re looking to make a more sophisticated design, You can put LED lights underneath the table to brighten the table and enhance the overall look that the table has. Some players have also constructed digital scoreboards or sounds to improve the experience of playing.
It’s essential to be aware that customizing your bubble hockey table may entail additional expenses. Some changes might need expert installation or technical knowledge. But with some research and effort, you can create an individual and unique game table for your bubble hockey that reflects your individual style and preferences.
How to Maintain Your Bubble Hockey Table
Once you’ve made the wise decision to invest in an inflatable table for your game, it is essential to learn how to properly maintain and care for it to maximize its performance and extend its longevity.
Maintaining your table with regular care and only minutes of effort can give your family years of fun and memories.
Here are some tips for maintaining your bubble hockey table:
- Make sure the playing surface is free of dirt and particles. This will enable puck movement more freely and help prevent blocking goal slots. A soft brush can gently clean the dirt away with ease.
- Regularly inspect each bolt and nut to make sure they’re tight. Loose hardware can cause instability and rattling, leading to premature wear and tear.
- Store your table indoors when not in use. Weather conditions and extreme temperatures can damage surfaces, components, and electronic parts if left outside.
- Regularly check the air blower to make sure it’s free of dust and other obstructions. A buildup of dirt may restrict airflow and reduce bubble formation.
To keep your table in top condition for as long as possible, by following these simple steps, make sure it stays inside!
Conclusion
Now you now know what to look for when choosing the ideal bubble hockey table. With so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to know which is best suited for you.
With these tips in mind, I hope that I have given you enough information so you can make an informed decision.
But, if you take the elements we’ve covered, such as size, price, and other features, when choosing a table for your family game room, you’re sure to find the ideal option.
FAQs
How Much Would a Top-Notch Bubble Hockey Table Cost?
The price of bubble hockey tables varies based on features and brand, but most can run upwards of $1,000. The higher the quality of equipment, the pricier it will be.
Do Bubble Hockey Tables With an Electric System Need Plugging in?
Not all. Although some tables are equipped with an electric scoring system, others might only require an energy-saving battery instead of connecting it to the mains.
Are Players in the Bubble Hockey Table Changeable?
Players could be hurt when playing rough. Although changing players can be extremely tedious, it does not mean it’s impossible. In fact, the replacement process could cost you money.
