Rod hockey game, just like air hockey, is a game that involves a lot of speed, concentration, hand-eye coordination, rhythm, and timing. In fact, it shares a lot of similarities with ice hockey, only that it’s more concentrated and intense. To enjoy this kind of leisure game, you need to get the best table hockey game.
The table is rectangular and has steel rods that are attached to either metallic or plastic “players,” which are built to slide along defined segments of the track. The control rods are easy to move thereby allowing the “players” to spin, pass and eventually shoot pucks. This is an enjoyable game that can be played by the young and old alike.
However, the game is hugely recommended for kids instead of video games as it helps in developing their imagination, skills, and focus. So it’s time you got your kids a hockey game table and helped them develop their skills while having fun at the same time.
You may be wondering where to get a quality table hockey game. Worry no more, as we’ve got you covered in this article.
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Reviews of the Top Table Hockey Game in 2024
Here is a review of the best table hockey game on the market today.
Stiga Sports NHL Stanley Cup Rod Hockey Table Game
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Are you interested in taking your hockey game to the next great level? Then Stiga table hockey game is the perfect choice for you. This is a table hockey game of high quality with the official team logos and colors. It ensures you save every bit of your coin as a result of its durability.
It measures 37 by 19.8 by 3 inches and has Toronto maple leaf or Detroit red wings color. And the Detroit red wings and Toronto maple leaves allow one to sway the game in favor of their teams when it hits the ice. The table hockey game is of tabletop size and weighs about 7.28 pounds hence extremely lightweight.
This is a rink-styled table hockey game that is well constructed of durable polystyrene. It also ensures the honesty of the players due to the manual counter for goals. The plexiglass shields the back of each red netted goal, thus protecting the players from rigid slaps. What’s more, the puck ejectors facilitate easy gameplay.
Pros
- Highly durable
- Works flawlessly
- Extremely fun play
- Smooth action
- Pretty easy setup
- Reasonably priced
- Bigger enough for challenging play
Cons
- The rods are somehow fragile and need a lot of care.
Stiga Sports NHL Stanley Cup Rod Hockey Table Game
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Another officially licensed table hockey game is this one from Stiga Sports. The good thing about this table is that all its parts are replaceable. This means that you can enjoy gaming for tens of years to come.
The durable polystyrene material that has been used to craft this rink-styled table hockey game gives it a long life. It comes with polystyrene players that are three-dimensional. The five players are designed in such a manner that 2 have right-hand controls while the remaining 3 have left-hand controls and are on either side of the table.
However, these hand-painted players are interchangeable, therefore, making the game quite fun. The players make use of Gretzky’s positioning in which there is a center forward, left forward as well as marksmen. This creates some level of authenticity with this table hockey game.
With the availability of puck ejectors, the gameplay has been made simple and straightforward. The players are also protected against hard slaps by the plexiglass shields found at the back of every red-netted goal. The table also comes with a counter goal that is manual so as to create some honesty in the players.
It is also worth noting that the table comes with 1.65-inch legs that help elevate the game to heights above the others. This product measures 37 by 3 by 19.75 inches in width, height, and depth, respectively.
Pros
- Easy assembly
- Simple and straightforward gameplay
- Durable
- Affordable
- Replaceable parts
Cons
- The materials used are thinner
Franklin Sports Rod Hockey
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Measuring 22 by 15 by 6 inches, Franklin Sports Rod Hockey provides a large space for table hockey gaming. It weighs just 3 pounds and is compactly designed for durability. Contrary to the large size, the table is lightweight and hence portable.
Its scoring system is on-board. Additionally, the tabletop hockey game has a plexiglass enclosure style that creates some form of authenticity as you play. This makes it appear like it is a real game and thus enjoyable.
The game comes with two hockey pucks. Besides, its re-engineered gearing feature allows for flawless play. The game is basically designed for children of 6 years and above. What’s more, it is also somehow cheap and very portable. Its onboard scoring system is another great feature of this product. However, the only issue to be worried about concerning this product is its low-quality players and hockey sticks.
Pros
- Enjoyable gaming
- Cheap
- Lightweight and portable
- Large enough
- On-board scoring system
Cons
- Poorly made players and hockey sticks
Stiga NHL Stanley Cup Tabletop Hockey Game
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Introducing another table hockey game where the players are controlled through pulling, spinning, and pushing before shooting the puck to score a goal. Your players are strategically positioned to retrieve the puck from the net before making plays.
The three-dimensional players that this game comes with are replaceable, thereby allowing for the mixing and matching of opponents for more fun. The players are both left and right-handed shooters. This game also comes with 2 pucks which are enclosed in an end-glass to minimize the possibility of them flying out.
The tabletop game has dimensions of 37.8 by 19.7 by 4 inches in length, width, and height, respectively. It also weighs 8 pounds and requires very minimal assembly before you start gaming. Every part of the table game is replaceable; control rods, ice sheets, pucks, legs, rod handles, goals, and end-glass, among others, can be replaced with new and better ones for more fun.
The ice sheet has an additional speed that makes gaming even faster. Also available for use with this game are accessories such as pucks, a game stand, and removable players.
Pros
- Fast ice
- Sturdy and durable rods
- Easy and quick assembly
- Replaceable parts
- Good value for money
Cons
- A bit costly
MD Sports 36’’ Rod Hockey Table Game, Portable for Kids and Adults
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This is another great choice that you can always consider as well. It is 36 by 4.6 by 19 inches in size, making it feel and look exactly like the classic arcade games. It is equipped with 5 players and a goalie on either side of the rink.
It is actually easy to put together; no tools are required to get it ready, and it is more durable.
This tabletop hockey game is made using metal, plywood, MDF, PVC, and plastic, all of which have been carefully done to make it water and chip-resistant apart from making it long-lasting. It is not automated in any way, all you need is the skill and desire to the game, and you’ll be done.
The game also comes with a puck launcher for purpose of serving up each of the 2 pucks after every faceoff. It holds up nicely and can be set up anywhere for playing without any fear of it breaking down.
Pros
- Well packaged
- Quick delivery
- Easy assembly
- Durable
- Replaceable players and parts
- Higher nets
Cons
- Flimsy plastic legs
Franklin Sports Rod Hockey Pro
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The Rod Hockey Pro from Franklin Sports is designed for children who are over 6 years. It has a re-engineered gear system that allows kids to play flawlessly. For proper control of the game, the tabletop game comes with relatively big sticks and large players that move smoothly.
Its playing surface is 32 by 20 by 6.5 inches which is a bit large and suitable for playing. The table game comes with an onboard scoring system as well as a plexiglass enclosure style for some level of authenticity. It is really fun to play this table hockey game.
The table weighs just 6.65 pounds which is relatively light, therefore, making the table really portable. The other good thing about this product is how easy it is to get it assembled. It is also good to note that this product is somehow lightweight hence having better portability. What’s more, it also incorporates additional game control features.
Pros
- Easy to put together
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
- Additional game control
- On-board scoring system
Cons
- The materials used are not strong
Considerations to Make When Shopping for an Ideal Table Hockey Game
This game has really grown in the recent past. The fame has come at a cost though. There are groups of people who have seen an opportunity in this area and have instead come up with low-quality table hockey games that have left parents reeling in the pain of losing their hard-earned monies.
To shield you from falling into the unfortunate trap of many, we’ve compiled what you need to know about top-table hockey games before you make an order. This has been discussed in detail in this section. Here are the most important things to look at.
Material
The material that has been used to make the playfield is what will affect the durability of the tabletop hockey game. It is the very material that will determine how often you’ll be playing the game as well. The play surface should be constructed from a durable material that is capable of allowing the pucks to glide with a lot of ease.
Some manufacturers use durable plastics to make smooth surfaces. On the other hand, there are more expensive models whose surfaces have been made from thermal-fused marbles together with wear-resistant melamine.
The quality of the material used to make the playing surface will most likely affect the price of the table game. You can’t expect to get a cheap product built using an expensive material. Be prepared to part ways with some extra dollars if you want to buy a quality table hockey game.
Construction
An ideal table game should be able to fit into your desired gaming site. It should also be lightweight to make it portable and easy to move around with so as to enjoy gaming from whichever place. The table shouldn’t be too big and also not too small.
This calls for a keen look into the construction as well as dimensions of the table game before the actual buying.
Controls
Playing table hockey games should be an easy venture. You actually don’t need to struggle with anything. Not all tabletop games you come across are capable of making it simple as it ought to be. This, therefore, calls for a look into the kind of controls that accompany the game.
The control rods should be easy to move. Additionally, the gearing system needs to allow for flawless gaming. This is the only way to move the players forth and back before allowing them to shoot the pucks.
There are some models whose controls are manual, but it isn’t a big deal as long as you have the desire and skill. An electronic scoring system and a manual counter are other table game components that you should also look at.
Budget
Another thing that you need to look at is your budget. How much are you willing to spend on the table hockey game? Well, the prices of these products vary. In most cases, you’ll find the top-quality models being a little costlier than the flimsy ones.
You’d rather go for expensive stuff that will last longer rather than have something that will cost you much to maintain and replace its parts. The choice is yours to make. However, be sure to get value for money out of the purchase.
Conclusion
What is the best table hockey game? Now, it is time to answer this question. Well, of all the products I’ve come across, none beats Stiga Sports NHL Stanley Cup Rod Hockey Table Game. The table game is well-made, sturdy, and durable to begin with.
Its controls are easy to move, and it is also nice in appearance. Besides, the product is less expensive. I can, therefore, recommend it any day. Do you also think it’s the most fascinating of them all? Feel free to share your thoughts with us.