Which of the Carrom Air Hockey Tables is Best for your Family?

The thing that amazes me most about air hockey is how quickly it became popular and main stream in America. Air hockey was invented by a trio of Brunswick engineers (Phil Crossman, Bob Kendrick, and Brad Baldwin) between 1969 and 1971, and was an immediate success. The United States Air-Table Hockey Association (USAA) was formed in 1975 to ensure uniform play standards, and the first World Championships were held a few years later in 1978. I was too young to realize how new it was, but I remember in the mid-1970's that it was all my brother wanted for Christmas, and Santa Claus delivered.

Today there are a lot of companies that make air hockey tables, and some of the professional tables can be quite expensive. But there are also a lot of tables that are great for home use. One of the companies that is well known for good quality home game tables is Carrom. There are three Carrom air hockey tables available to purchase. Let's take a look at these three tables.

The first of the Carrom air hockey tables is the Carrom 7' Signature Air Powered Hockey Table. Carrom boasts that this "table has it all". The table has electronic scoring that celebrates goals with lights and sound, and ships with both two puck and two hand controller styles, for the beginner and advanced players. There is a 2" drop to the play surface for an arena type feel. Some of the other features of this table include:

• UL approved electric high output motor with 100 cubic feet per minute air output.


• Sides and ends made of compressed hardwood.


• Furniture quality cabinet with coordinating colored graphic play surface.


• Play surface is over 1" thick, made with cold press manufacturing to maintain a flat field surface.


• Multicolored graphics protected by high pressure laminate for superior wear resistance.


• Legs are heavy miter fold black vinyl with triple chrome-plated leg levelers for easy and accurate leveling.


• Aluminum side rails to generate fast rebound play and superior shot control.


• ABS puck catcher designed for quick puck return to eliminate hang-ups.


• Cup holders


• Weighs 205 lbs.

The second of the Carrom air hockey tables available is similar to the first. The MSRP is a little bit more, but I have also seen it on some web sites for a bit less than the first table. It is the 7" Signature Air Powered Hockey Prof. It is sometimes described by Carrom as "the perfect game table for the expert hockey player". It also had a 2" drop play surface and ships with two different styles of pucks and hand controllers.

All of the basic features of the first table are the same. The main difference is in the look of these two Carrom air hockey tables. This table has a wood finish (the first table has more of a black marbled finish), and the legs are different. The legs on this second table have a more substantial look, shaped like a wedge and covered in black vinyl. This table is also a bit heavier, weighing in a 230 lbs.

For the last of the Carrom air hockey tables, the Carrom Company teamed up with NASCAR® . So if you are a NASCAR fan, then this is the table for you! Many of the basic features are the same as the first table, but the NASCAR table features exclusive artwork by Sam Bass, a renowned motor sports artist. His artwork makes this one cool looking air hockey table! The entire table is black (including the play surface) with bright NASCAR graphics. It also weighs in at 205 lbs, though it does not have the cup holders. The price point on the NASCAR table comes in about $150 - $200 more than the other two tables.

So, if you are looking for a game table for your family, check out the Carrom air hockey tables, you are bound to find a good table that your entire family will enjoy. And remember, they all come with a 1 year warranty!


MJ owns Blue Summit Articles and is a freelance writer for Click Shops, Inc., which offers a great selection of Carrom air hockey tables at www.airhockeytables.us.com/.