There are many bubble hockey tables in the market today, but you must put lot of input considered before purchasing one. It is good to research the important information when buying a hockey table. By continuous research, buyers can more likely buy the perfect hockey table for their needs. This is why we’ve made this ultimate guide on the best bubble hockey table. We want to ensure that you find the perfect hockey table suitable for your needs.
In this article, you’ll find all the information you’ll need about the bubble hockey tables currently available on the market.
Table of Contents
What is a Bubble Hockey Table?
First of all, you must know the difference between the traditional air hockey table and the bubble hockey table. Bubble hockey tables are upgraded versions of conventional hockey tables, but with increased charm. These look more radiant and catch everyone’s attention when they enter the room. These enhance the attractiveness of whatever place they’re placed in. Not only this, they offer increased control as you can control each miniature player on your team. This design is quite different than the traditional ones and provides a learning curve. If you love this game, you should surely buy it for a fantastic experience and excellent pastime activity.
Top 5 Bubble Hockey Table On 2021
- NHL Stanley Cup Hockey Table Game: Best for 3D Players at $134.95
- Carrom Super Stick Hockey Table: Best for thermally fused cabinet at $999.99
- ManCave Games 45″ Elite Rod Hockey Game: Best for large playing surface at $315.00
- Hathaway Breakaway Dome Hockey Table: Best for powered electricity mode at $992.91
- ESPN 1614205 Original Electronic Dome Hockey Table: Best for an electronic scoreboard
If you are in a rush, the ManCave Games 45″ Elite Rod Hockey Game is my best recommendation for you. Have a look at the features at a glance:
ManCave Games 45″ Elite Rod Hockey Table Game.
The Highlighted Features are:
- It has the largest playing surface of any hockey game.
- It consists of 2 pucks.
- It has an electronic score unit.
- It has leg levelers used to level the game’s playing surface.
- It has 12 ABS men who are attached to the players.
- It has POM gears and 19mm plastic rods.
- The game is designed so that gamers can quickly assemble it with the Phillips screwdriver.
- It has a manual that details step by step assembly of the game.
- It takes about 2 hours to set up the game.
- It requires 2 AA batteries of high charge to run the board.
- It weighs about 45 pounds.
- It is about 1.68 inches in height.
How to choose the Best Bubble Hockey Table
The most crucial function of indoor games is to enjoy ourselves without feeling the need to step outside. Bubble hockey is a unique indoor sport and serves as a great pastime activity. Furthermore, it can add to the interior of whatever corner of our house we place it in. But owning a bubble hockey table is not an easy task. You have to go through a list of different brands’ hockey tables as there is a wide range of bubble hockey tables available in the market, look at their specifications, and choose the one you find the best.
Quality
No matter what do we buy, quality matters the most. Similarly, while purchasing a bubble hockey table, one should be mindful of its quality. It should be durable and strongly built since people from different age groups will use it at other times. The most important thing that should be kept in mind while buying a bubble hockey table is excellent quality. It should have longevity and must be composed of suitable materials. Not only this, make sure that its electronic components are of good quality too. If you are going to order it online, you can go through the reviews section to get an idea of your product.
Dome
Dome’s quality matters the most in the bubble hockey game since it’s the one that is at the risk of getting shattered due to repeated clashes with the puck. Other than that, it should be distinctly transparent as not to cause any eye strain. Last but not least, the dome should be high enough to not mess with the miniature players so you can play the game smoothly.
Size
The bubble hockey table’s size is another factor that contributes to the players’ experience. First, measure the place where you will place the bubble hockey table, and then buy the one that fits in that place. This way, your hockey table would not be too big or small for the given space. However, if you are interested in buying a smaller table, there are plenty in the market for rooms and apartments.
Comparison Table of the Best Bubble Hockey Table
5 Bubble Hockey Table Reviews
01- NHL Stanley Cup Hockey Table Game
This game is one of the few games that the NHL has wholly licensed. All the game players are in 3D, giving it a great experience when playing with others. Both teams have two attackers, and when they combine with an attacker on the left side of the game, they get behind an attacker in an easy and fast way to score.
Players are also permitted to use counterattacks to score, making the game have fluidity while still pretty fun. The game is among the most fun and easy-to-learn hockey games of all time, hence its popularity among the world’s die-hard hockey fans.
Features
- It measures 37×3×19.75 inches on the board surface.
- It has 1.65-inch legs.
- It has puck ejectors in the respective goals.
- It has easy to move control rods.
- It has plexi shield protectors behind the goals.
- It has 3D players.
- The NHL colors and logo are fitted on the table.
- It weighs 8 pounds.
- All parts of the game are fully replaceable.
- It has its brand name STIGA around the edges of the board.
- The hockey players are interchangeable.
- It is easy to set up the game.
The game was first developed in Europe, and it was first introduced to the world market in 1957. The game is known for its superior craftsmanship, especially in the designing aspect and its quality. This is the reason why it’s the only licensed game by the NHL in the world. This game can be played by both friends and families and can even make a great gift. It is also known to be among the fastest-selling hockey game of all time due to its popularity.
- The construction of the game is solid.
- Action is smooth when playing the game due to its good fluidity.
- It’s durable since the plastic materials used to make it are of solid quality.
- It is portable. This makes moving the table to different areas a lot more convenient.
- It’s light.
- It has a detailed design that makes the game attractive to others when playing,
- It has a manual scoring board for displaying the scoreline.
- The rods used to make the game should be more firm to ensure the game is easy to play.
- Though it is easy to set up, it involves sophisticated equipment that is hard to put together.
02- Carrom Super Stick Hockey Table
Carrom Super stick hockey table is also one of the best hockey games. The hockey table is made of absolutely top-notch design that makes it perfect for gaming. The game players are highly detailed and in 3D; thus, it tries to be as accurate as possible for gamers. Its quality dome makes it super impressive since it provides gamers with absolute transparency when playing. One can also change the table’s colors and use either red or blue depending on their preference. The game is impressively constructed with only high-quality materials. Players can score easily since the game has plenty of fluidity and fast gameplay. Players can also swiftly counterattack opponents and score. The electronic scoreboard displays the results well, giving the aspect of realism in the game.
Features
- It has a thermally fused cabinet.
- It has silkscreened graphics which makes it easy to play.
- It has vinyl legs with boots.
- It has molded gears for extended wear.
- It has an internal slip clutch.
- It has scoring track periods accompanied by sound and light.
- It may be reset at any time.
- It automatically shuts off after some time.
- It requires some batteries, specifically 4AA batteries.
- It has two plucks and a set of players in 3D format.
- It has a steady dome over the top.
- It weighs about 40 pounds.
Plenty of gamers praise the game’s fast-paced gameplay. Though slightly heavy, it is portable, and it can be played by people anywhere in your home. Its pedestals are made from polypropylene which provides the best support when playing the game.
The game is top-rated worldwide as it was among the first hockey games that ever have a dome. Due to this phenomenon, the game became one of the bestselling hockey table games worldwide.
- It is battery-powered. Gamers can recharge the batteries at any time.
- It has a cup holder, which gives it support and stability.
- The graphics are custom coated. This provides realism when playing.
- It has sound effects, primarily when one scores or when a foul occurs.
- It is a bubble-style hockey game, giving it great transparency.
- It is quite portable.
- It has an eye-catching and detailed design.
- Children can scratch the dome since it is not scratch-resistant.
- The dome can break if it falls or toppled accidentally.
03- ManCave Games 45″ Elite Rod Hockey Game
The ManCave Rod Hockey game is fast-paced and enjoyable, making it very popular amongst hockey players. Family members and their friends can play it at any time. It is known to have the largest surface of any hockey game globally, making it unique in its own right. The game is beautifully designed and can be easily put together, saving time and effort on your part. It’s also very light and thought out. Some of the game’s advantages are that players get closer to where the action is taking place, and the children can observe from a distance how the game is being played.
Features
- It has the largest playing surface of any hockey game.
- It consists of 2 pucks.
- It has an electronic score unit.
- It has leg levelers used to level the game’s playing surface.
- It has 12 ABS men who are attached to the players.
- It has POM gears and 19mm plastic rods.
- The game is designed so that gamers can quickly assemble it with the Phillips screwdriver.
- It has a manual that details step by step assembly of the game.
- It takes about 2 hours to set up the game.
- It requires 2 AA batteries of high charge to run the board.
- It weighs about 45 pounds.
- It is about 1.68 inches in height.
The game is also known to be very affordable compared to other games, particularly the hockey games with domes. Due to its tall nature, taller players tend to favor the game since they don’t experience back problems when playing the game.
This hockey game was top-rated when it was initially released, especially with the kids, and it became one of the best-selling hockey games globally after a short period.
- It can be assembled by gamers faster since it has written instructions and a manual with examples.
- It has both electronic and manual score reading methods.
- It is very durable and built well.
- It is very portable.
- It uses batteries. Hence it can be rechargeable at any time depending on players’ convenience.
- It has a detailed design that makes it look flashy and attractive to players.
- It has sound effects, which are heard when one scores a goal or even commits a foul.
- Though construction is easy, it does involve a few sophisticated parts that are challenging to put together.
- It doesn’t have a dome, which can be a con for some gamers.
04- Hathaway Breakaway Dome Hockey Table
Hathaway Breakaway is one of the best hockey tables in the market today. It has a polycarbonate dome which gives the hockey table a very realistic appeal for gamers. The dome is long-lasting, and it can be easily shifted, making it easy to clean. This table also features the fast gameplay every gamer wants. Each player is connected by nylon bushings, making it easy to control quickly. This makes fast-paced strategies and gameplay a lot more convenient to pull off.
Features
- It weighs about 45 pounds.
- The dome is made of transparent plastic.
- Its playing surface is white, and its frame material is purple.
- Its power source involves plugging in electric cables.
- It has sound effects, and it is lighted well.
- It has two packs that have been included and involves two players.
- The dome is easy to open.
- It has E-Z grips.
- It has a durable playing field.
- It’s mainly made from wood, and the wood is furnished.
- Its finish is mainly blue or black along the edges of the board.
- It has a digital scoreboard.
The game can be played by adults but by also children who are above the age of 13. The game comes with a one-year warranty to its customers, making it cost-friendly to many people. The playing surface material is also made at times from manufactured wood, making it hard and durable.
It comes with a one-year warranty in case of any damages. The game is among the most popular hockey games today, and many people want to own it for leisure activities.
- It has a digital scoreboard that displays the results during gameplay.
- It has LED lights which makes it attractive when playing the game.
- It has sound effects, which play when one scores or when a foul is committed.
- It is powered by electricity which makes it easy to operate.
- Its dome is made from polycarbonate, which makes it durable.
- Its portable hence can be moved from one room to another easily.
- It has a flashy and detailed design which gives an attractive and natural feeling when playing the game.
- The players of the game require to be rotated often to generate and maintain smoothness
- Some features may not operate if it lacks electricity.
- The dome may develop scratches quickly or break upon impact.
05- ESPN 1614205 Original Electronic Dome Hockey Table
The ESPN hockey table is a product directly from the official television broadcasting company ESPN. This is one of the reasons for its popularity. It has a dome made up of a polycarbonate material that cannot shatter easily for safety purposes.
The players on the hockey table are majorly hand-drawn and painted with different colors. It can be a great gift for your loved ones.
Due to ESPN’s global marketing dominance, the game became one of the best-selling hockey games in the modern era. The game also resulted in ESPN getting an extended contract of broadcasting hockey games on television for a long time. The best thing is that the game is quite affordable than the rest of the hockey table games.
Features
- It has a dome that is made from polycarbonate material.
- It has plated steel rods.
- It has leg levelers of more than 5 inches.
- The player of the game has been hand-painted and with different uniform colors.
- It has a built timer watch.
- It has a LED electronic scoreboard.
- It has sound effects.
- It has two pucks.
- It comes with a 90-day warranty for all buyers.
- It weighs 184 pounds.
- It’s mainly made of aluminum of medium density.
- Its manufacturers are Medal sports who work closely with ESPN.
The ESPN game is known worldwide due to its branding. The ESPN logo is also found on the game, making the game flashy and very attractive. The model is mainly 1614205, and the ESPN name especially accompanies it. When playing rough matches, the oversized levers provide sturdy support of the board. The table is also very portable and can be easily moved from one station to another.
- The LED electronic scoreboard helps in keeping track of the winner easily.
- Rods are mainly assembled before they are used for best input.
- It is portable; hence it can be moved easily from one space to another.
- It has a flashy ESPN design which makes it attractive when playing the game.
- It is powered by electricity. This is a lot more convenient compared to batteries.
- It has sound effects, which are played when a foul is committed or when a score is converted.
- It’s strong and can last for many years if taken care of properly.
- Some pucks tend to get stuck between dead zones making the game challenging to play.
- Some players don’t spin well after turning.
Buyer’s Guide on the Best Bubble Hockey Table
We documented a thorough review of the best bubble hockey tables for your convenience. Buying a bubble hockey table is a lot of investment; therefore, purchasing the right product is essential. Here is a brief list of the things you should keep in mind while buying a bubble hockey table:
Dome
Dome matters more than we can imagine. It protects the playfield from dust particles and moisture, which helps retain miniature players’ color and quality. You also do not have to be worried about the cleanliness or maintenance of the playfield if your bubble hockey game has a dome over it.
Furthermore, the dome gives a radiant look to the bubble hockey table, making the bubble hockey game the focal point of the space it occupies. However, make sure to go through the instructions and item’s details list on the box and consult the seller to better understand the dome material. The material should be durable, precise, and shatter-resistant, so you have a clear view of the playfield and zero worries about the delicate dome.
Drink Holders
Refreshment of all kinds makes the game more exciting and fun-inducing. Munching on your favorite snacks or gulping your preferred drink while playing the bubble hockey game is the adults’ dream. So, while looking for the hockey table, choose the one that has this feature. Many brands these days make bubble hockey tables that have corner drink holders in them. Moreover, some brands step ahead and provide the lids for these drink holders.
Scoring Unit
The scoring unit plays an essential role while playing a bubble hockey game. Like a referee’s whistle, the scoring team’s goals sounds to make the game more exciting. Many brands have upgraded versions of scoring units, which either run on electricity or batteries. Some even use infrared radiation for better results. So, pay heed to the scoring system’s quality while purchasing a bubble hockey game for more fun and entertainment at home.
Leg Levers
Good quality leg levers are essential to a bubble hockey table. The rods must be made up of strong material, chrome-plated for better protection, and should provide accurate leveling. The steel rods offer additional strength and allow the torque as well.
Size
Before going out to purchase a bubble hockey table, or ordering it online, measure the space’s size where you are going to place it. Then go through your options of best bubble hockey tables and choose the ones with equivalent dimensions. This way, you will not face any size of space issue afterward.
These are some significant points that need to be kept in mind before buying a bubble hockey game, but there are a few other things to remember as well. The hockey table’s material, its warranty – if it’s offering any, the dome, rods and leg levers, etc. also play a huge role in a better selection.
All of these qualities and features are mentioned on the box for the customers’ ease, so going through it will help you make the right decision.
History of Bubble Hockey Table?
People have been known to use bubble hockey tables since 1932. A Canadian man named Donald H.Munro made a table hockey game from scrap metal and wood on Christmas. Although Canadian in origin, this game gained popularity in America and is still popular. A bubble hockey game, like many others, is derived from an Ice Hockey Game.
Types of Ice Hockey Game
There a few types of hockey table games derived from ice hockey. These are:
- Rod Hockey Game Stick Hockey Game
- Bubble Hockey Game
- Board of Hockey Game
This game consists of a hockey rink representation. Goals are scored by pushing the small puck into the opposite direction net by miniature figures representing hockey players. These small players are controlled by hockey sticks or rods; they can be pushed, pulled, and moved around using that rod.
‘Bubble hockey’ or ‘Dome hockey’ is also called the Arcade version because the massive plastic cover covers the entire playfield area. Along with providing protection, it gives this bubble hockey game a bubble-type look.
What are the Reasons to Get a Bubble Hockey Table?
There are several reasons to buy a bubble hockey table. It is not an unfamiliar game, and owning it only benefits us. Given below are some of the factors that are usually considered while buying a bubble hockey table.
Nostalgia
Many of us have grown up playing bubble hockey games with our parents, siblings, and friends. We have strong memories attached to these games. It is an important reason why most adults purchase a bubble hockey game because it reminds them of good old times, and they try to create new memories due to ancient times.
Indoor Sports
Sports are a great source of entertainment and impart positive effects on both physical and mental health. Hockey bubble games are indoor games and give us an excellent opportunity to have a great time at home without going through the hassle of going outside and choosing a suitable sport.
Great pass time activity
Bubble hockey games are a great source of entertainment, especially for weekends and rainy afternoons. One can invite their friends over and have a great time. Even kids can play this game at home and create some great memories.
Parents can buy this game to create a bond with their kids as kids love such recreational activities. This way, bubble hockey games also help strengthen family bonds.
Apart from these things, bubble hockey tables can also enhance our apartments and family rooms’ beauty. They have a retro look and own the space they are placed in. When people are playing, bubble hockey games create a fun environment with their goals, scores, sound, and specific lights. No matter whom do we play this game with, they are worth the time.
What does the Bubble Hockey Table have?
Bubble hockey tables are suitable investments as they make a great addition to our apartments and homes. They have a unique look. They are upgraded versions of traditional hockey tables, retain most of their features but in a new style and design. Here are some of those features that make bubble hockey games a must-have:
Retro Look
Bubble hockey tables usually have a transparent, shatter-resistant dome over the playfield. Apart from protecting the playfield from unwanted moisture and dust particles, the dome gives the hockey table a retro look. Kids love such games, and they also look good in certain corners of our residence.
Electronic Scoring System
This new addition in the bubble hockey games is fascinating. Whenever someone makes a goal, the scoring unit rings a particular goal bell, which boosts the players’ morale and adds to the fun the on-lookers have.
Increased Control
Bubble hockey tables also provide increased controls as the players can move, push, pull, and spin the miniature players using their hockey sticks. Other than this, certain brands allow customers to paint a set of tiny players of their own choice.
These features make the modern bubble hockey tables preferable over other kinds of hockey games and make every cent spent on them worth it.
Types of Bubble Hockey Table Base
Bubble hockey tables come with different kinds of bases. Some have a split base; others don’t. The split bases are usually not recommended for homes and apartments, as they are challenging to assemble and require more maintenance. Non-split bases, on the other hand, are highly adjustable and easy to maintain.
The materials used in the manufacturing of the bubble hockey table’s base determine their strength and smoothness. A styrene-coated base increases the shooting and passing and enhances the speed too. Some bases are composed of plastic and are equally good in smoothness. It always depends on the customer what kind of material they prefer.
What makes a Bubble Hockey Table an Excellent choice for your rec room?
A recreation room is a specific place in our homes where we play games, have parties, or do usual recreational activities. We choose and place things that we think will catch everyone’s eye to look at it better. Therefore, bubble hockey tables make a great addition to our rec rooms because of their retro look. This is durable, multi-featured bubble games that can be moved and are in different sizes and shapes.
Therefore, the placement of a bubble hockey game in our recreational rooms is a great decision. Its sounds and light system, its transparent Arcade-style dome, and the spinning rods attract everyone’s attention, and people play it and have a great time.
Since the bubble hockey tables are manufactured in different colors, we can choose a table of radiant color and shape that matches our recreational room’s theme. They occupy a central position in our rec rooms and do a great indoor sport.
How to Play a Bubble Hockey Table
The bubble hockey game is also known as the dome, rod, stick, or table hockey. In this game, you move the hockey table rods in and out to pull, push, and spin your miniature players to play the game. The rods control a single man.
The bubble hockey game closely resembles the foosball game, and the dome hockey resembles an ice hockey rink because of its oval-shaped dome.
In the bubble hockey game, there are six players for each team. Three offensive, two defensive, and one goalie rods are in this game. It can be played as one on one match and teams of two players each.
When the puck drops in the middle of the table, the game starts with the center’s face-off. The miniature players are entirely controlled using the rods. Usually, three periods are provided to score.
The game does not result in a tie if the score of both players and teams is even. This game is easy to play, and there are no chances of the clash as people enjoy it thoroughly.
How do you Clean and Polish a Bubble Hockey Table
Bubble hockey tables should be cleaned daily because a dusty table can drag the puck, which results in a slower game, and players do not enjoy it. A dirty surface also results in the bumping and jumping off the puck, creating friction and discomfort compared to a smooth-surfaced table.
Given below is the method to clean an air hockey table:
Vacuum
You can clean the table by vacuuming it. Run the vacuum on the surface of the hockey table until there are no more dust particles visible.
Scrub
You can also scrub the table to wipe off any dust or spill from it. To clean the table:
- Take a dry, soft cloth, and wipe the table to remove any dust or dirt particles.
- Take a cotton swab drenched in alcohol and wipe the table with it.
- Avoid using soap, as it clogs the pore.
- Turn the air on and let it dry.
Try not to use any abrasive cloth and only soft ones to cause any rashes on the table. The cotton swab should be rubbed with an intensity that it remove the fingerprints, any food, sauce, or drink stains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tables with electronic systems need to be plugged in?
Yes, you need to plug in the system while playing. Ensure that the socket you are using is safe and the cord can be reached there conveniently. Otherwise, use a secure method and go for an extension to avoid any mishap.
Some tables run on batteries and do not need to be plugged in while playing.
How do I look after a bubble hockey table?
Bubble hockey tables are not so challenging to take care of. Most of them have a dome, which prevents the accumulation of any kind of dirt or dust particles, and the dome can be opened and cleaned once or twice a week. However, if you play the game regularly and your bubble hockey table does not have a dome, you can wipe the table using a soft cloth or a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
Can I change the players on the bubble hockey table?
Yes, the players in the bubble hockey table can be changed or replaced. The miniature players are removed by taking out the hockey sticks or generally removing the dome.
What can I put on my air hockey table to make them slippery?
To make your air hockey table more slippery, you can use a lubricant. Lubricants make the game fast-paced. Silicone spray usually does the job.
However, just be cautious about the amount. If you use too much, the surface will become too smooth, and you won’t play properly.
What size bubble hockey table should I buy?
The best practice while buying a bubble hockey table is to measure the space where you will place the table beforehand and then buy the same dimensions. This will help not create any mishap.
How long do bubble hockey tables last?
Depending upon your table’s quality and how you maintain it, and how often it is used determines the bubble hockey table’s life span. Usually, the last 5-8 years if kept with care and are of good quality.
What are the circles on the bubble hockey table for?
The circles in the hockey table are for drifting the puck. Drifting is getting into the right position before taking the shot. There are different types of drifts, and it takes a bit of practice to master this technique.
What is a full size bubble hockey table?
Bubble hockey tables vary in size, but full-sie is approximately 50 inches wide and 90 inches long. To place this table in your room, there should be at least a 10×7 foot of area.
How heavy is a bubble hockey table?
The bubble hockey tables are usually light in weight. Approximately, they weigh in between 100-250 pounds, and for this reason alone, they are so cherished because they can be moved around easily.
Do bubble hockey tables need to be plugged in?
It depends on the table. If your bubble hockey table does not run on the batteries and has an electronic scoring system, it needs to be plugged in while playing. Just be cautious about the cord length or use an extension for your convenience.
What bubble hockey tables are made out of?
The bubble hockey tables are made up of different materials. For example, the rods have steel in them but are chrome plated, and the dome is mostly made up of shatter-proof plastic. The base is sometimes made up of styrene, or plastic, or different materials.
How do you resurface a bubble hockey table?
There are different ways to resurface your bubble hockey table. Glueing the old surface down, or replacing the entire body with a new plastic piece, anything that serves you best can be used.
Conclusion
We reviewed the best bubble hockey tables for you, along with their features and other general guidelines. Despite all the instructions, it’s you who needs to decide before making a purchase. Bubble hockey tables are a good investment and serve a great purpose. Hopefully, this article will help you choose the right bubble hockey table for your home.
Mark is a Bloomberg BusinessWeek-based digital entrepreneur, blogger, and table tennis enthusiast. He is a former professional table tennis player with the career-best USATT ranking of 2689. He is also an ITTF Level 3 certified coach and conducts weekend coaching programs in and around the New York area. Mark is also a pool player by passion. He was first introduced to the game of pool at a very early age by his granddad. He had a natural knack for the game and quickly learned the ropes, and by the time he was 15, he was already participating in local leagues. He aims to make it into the APA league someday! Mark started his own blog by starting Indoor Games Zone, where he loves to share his years of experience with the audience. He covers ping pong, pool, air hockey, shuffleboard, and foosball.
- Ping pong
- Pool
- Air Hockey
- Shuffleboard
- Foosball
Last update on 2022-05-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
