Table Football Table Buying Guide
Table Football is a great game that’s fun for all ages. It’s not unusual to come across a games table in an office, pub, school club, sport club, as well as in family homes around the world. It’s a great way to have a fun game of football, and is usually an indoor game which means it can be enjoyed all year round.
Choosing the best football tables for your home, office or club
When it comes to choosing the best Football Table, the vast range of products on offer can often be confusing and a little overwhelming. However, by taking into account your specific requirements, the choice can be narrowed down significantly. We have put together this handy Table Football Tables buying guide to help you pick the perfect Foosball Table. Not a spelling mistake by the way! 'Foosball' is another word for table football (derived from the German word 'fussball') - there is even a British Foosball Association, so if you ever need to refer to the rules of this table-top version of the beautiful game, that's the place to start.
Choosing Your Football Table
To begin with, it’s worth noting that there are generally two main styles of Football Table; the ‘French’ table and the ‘Italian’ table. The differing designs and playing characteristics between the two affects the game in a number of ways. There are pros and cons to each style and ultimately it comes down to personal preference as to which are the best football tables for you. The main differences between the two styles are outlined below.
See also: Buy Table Football Tables – Foosball.
French Football Tables, like our range of Bonzini Babyfoot Tables, typically feature a playing surface with more grip, slowing down the ball and allowing for better ball control. The ball used on French tables is also usually made of a lightweight cork, again enhancing a player's control over the ball. Players can trap the ball under the players' feet and pass from side to side - skilful players can wrong-foot their opponents and manoeuvre around defenders.
All in all, the extra control offered on a French Football Table arguably makes the game more skilful, albeit more methodical at times. The ability to slow the ball down, pass between players and perform fakes and tricks opens up new dimensions to the game. Ultimately, skill and patient play is rewarded rather than just quick reactions and instinctive shots.
Italian style tables are also more widely available than the French varieties. Often this results in better value for money and a much greater choice.
Many people prefer Garlando tables as the speed and lightning fast reactions can result in more excitement and relentless, end to end action. Passing and ball manipulation skills are still needed, but on these tables the ball rarely comes to rest and players with quick reactions and swift natural timing tend to come out on top.
Football Tables fitted with reinforced glass tops are designed to protect the table from a variety of hazards, such as dust, debris and drinks falling into the table. The sealed top also prevents ball tampering, damage to the surface, rods and players, as well as stopping goal blocking and cheating. Pay-to-play tables usually also have a ball ‘chute’ or ‘channel’ that keeps the balls with the table and prevents ball loss.
Pubs and other revenue-generating entities will require a coin mechanism so that players are required to pay for each game. The coin mechanisms can be set to take different amounts allowing you to set your own price for a game. The cash is then safely stored inside a locked box within the table that only the key-holder can get to.
If you’re interested in more information or setting up a team, landlords or owners may be interested in the British Foosball Association’s guide to running a Foosball event.
An important consideration to take into account is the intensity and frequency of the use of the table. If the Football Table is primarily for young children at home, a smaller children's or domestic table would be fine. For clubs and recreation rooms, a sturdier table would be needed if it's to last more than a few months. And at the top level - for pubs, bars, prisons, student common rooms, schools and public use - extremely robust tables are requisite.
For the summer, you may want to consider outdoor football tables that are weatherproof and robust enough to withstand a UK summer! Great for summer camps to keep everyone entertained in the evenings, or to put in the garden so friends and family can all get to play football games even when the Football League is taking a well earned break!
