Best Foosball Table Reviews 2018

The price of a foosball table is greatly determined by the type and size of the table. In this regard, a full-sized table costs about $500 to $1200, while a tabletop version may cost between $50 and $100. Although these price ranges may vary depending on brands and features offered, it’s highly recommended to make a one-time investment for a good quality table rather than to spend several hundred of dollars on a product that won’t last or function properly.

Cheap foosball tables are available, but are not built to last and often have dead spots on the playing surface that make smooth play difficult and sometimes, downright impossible. The products we reviewed here are made of good quality materials with classic finishes that will give you an exciting playing experience, so do yourself a favor and stay right on this page!

Now, for a hassle-free and careful selection of the right high-performing foosball table, there are some features that you should look at, to ensure that you will find the perfect foosball table for you.
The features include:

• Type and Size of Table
• Playing Surface Material
• Design of the Players
• Frame and Handles
• Additional Features

Now let's look at each feature in more detail.

Foosball tables can be placed anywhere in the home, office, fraternity houses, bars, game rooms, or gyms. They come with options of a full-sized table or tabletop model which should be determined by the age of the users and the space available.

A full-sized foosball table measures about 56 inches in length and 30 inches in width. This is excluding the space occupied by the handles that will be sticking out on either side and the space needed for the players to move around. All in all, if you’re going for a full-sized foosball table, then you will need a space of about seven feet by eight feet minimum, whereas, if intended for short-term use, children, or ease of storage, the tabletop version is a far better option. Tabletop models are portable and lightweight, store away easily, and can be placed on any flat surface that’s comfortable enough for the players, no matter their height.

Full-sized foosball tables are made of solid and sturdy wood frames, usually oak, and heavy, sturdy legs with levelers, that can withstand vigorous playing sessions. Tabletop models, on the other hand, are made from plastic materials that are lightweight and easy to move.

There are eight rods with a preferred material of hollow centered steel, allowing them to be light, fast spinning, and easy to maneuver. You should also look for tables with octagonal or wooden grip handles for easy, firm, and non-slip grip.

The playing surface is an extremely important part of a foosball table and should command plenty investigations before investing in the table. If you’re going to be using your table regularly, then you’re advised to go for a heavy table with a playing surface of at least one-inch thickness to last several years. If you’re an occasional player or you’re buying a table that weighs below 70 pounds, then be sure that the play surface has a thickness of at least ½ inch to avoid premature ware. For whatever table you buy, also ensure that the playing surface is smooth and even with no dead spots, otherwise it will be difficult to get the ball moving again when it enters those locations.

Foosball tables require some patience to assemble, especially the full-size ones. Although the manufacturers try to make them as easy as possible to assemble by including an instruction manual and fewer individual parts, you may still need to spend a couple of hours or more, depending on the brand, to correctly assemble the unit – but, boy, what a reward and joy it is to see your foosball table up and ready for play!

One important feature that greatly affects the performance of your foosball table is the design of the players. This factor is often overlooked but many a game have been frustrated by poorly designed players. A well-designed player needs to be counter-balanced so it can stay put in the horizontal position when you turn the rod to prevent them from falling back down vertically when you turn the handle, thus making it impossible or dull and upsetting to play games on the table. Therefore, always check to see that the players have a counter-balanced design before purchasing. For easy score-keeping, foosball tables come with different score-keeping features on them such as abacus-style or sliding scoring systems.

For ease of use, you can go for foosball tables with adjustable legs. This feature makes it possible to adjust the table to a height comfortable for various players, eliminating back aches from hunching for hours over a low table. With an adjustable leg, you can buy a full-sized foosball table for the kids so they can enjoy quality games for years, even as they grow, instead of the limited time available with flimsy table top options.

Some brands design their table to serve dual purpose of foosball and coffee table, with a thick, glass top cover. This model is quite attractive and convenient for an intimate time or quiet discussions between people over coffee as opposed to the boisterous nature associated with the conventional foosball table. Some tables even come with cup holders to allow players the option on enjoying their favorite beverages while they play.

A foosball table surface can be slick or a little bit rough. Slick surfaces are mostly sought after by professional players who have mastered the game while novice players should content themselves with surfaces that offer more friction so they can have more control of the foosball ball.

Most foosball tables have end-pocket access to the foosballs while some have their foosball pocket access at the sides so you don’t have to keep reaching around or walking around to the end to retrieve the ball from the score chamber. Also ensure that the table is properly leveled, preventing the ball from rolling around on the playing surface unnecessarily.