While you can spend over $1,000 for a high end, quality foosball table from companies like Tornado, FABI, Barrington Billiards, KICK and Kinwood, players often don’t pay much attention to the balls that they use. Even if you purchase a cheaper table, you might be surprised to learn how the ball you choose can impact game play.
The material used to make a foosball ball can impact the ball’s weight, bounce, and speed, so it’s important to choose a ball that is well-suited to your playing style and skill level. Regardless of the material, most foosball balls are designed to be durable and provide a consistent performance over time.
Let’s discuss various issues related to how different brands of foosballs and the material they’re made from can impact your game play.
How the ball you use impacts your foosball experience
The type of foosball ball you use can affect the playability and performance of the game. Here are some ways the ball can impact the game:
- Bounce and Speed: The ball’s bounce and speed are important factors that affect the overall flow of the game. Different balls have different levels of bounce and speed, and using a ball that is too slow or too bouncy can negatively impact the game.
- Size and Weight: The size and weight of the ball are also important considerations. If the ball is too large or too heavy, it can be difficult to control, making the game less enjoyable.
- Material: The material the ball is made of can also impact the game. For example, a ball made of a hard material can be difficult to grip, while a ball made of a soft material can be too bouncy.
- Durability: Durability is another important factor to consider when choosing a foosball ball. A ball that is prone to cracking or breaking can interrupt the game and may need to be replaced frequently.
What are the major brands of foosball balls?
There are several major brands that offer high-quality foosball balls, including:
- Warrior Table Soccer: A popular brand known for producing high-quality foosball balls with a durable construction and consistent bounce.
- Best Foosball: This brand offers a variety of foosball balls in different sizes and materials, with a focus on providing balls that are easy to control and deliver consistent performance.
- Hathaway: Hathaway is a well-respected brand that offers a range of foosball balls, including standard-sized balls and smaller training balls.
- Garlando: Garlando is an Italian brand that is known for producing high-quality foosball equipment, including balls that are designed to provide a consistent performance and feel.
- Shelti: Shelti is another popular brand that offers foosball balls in different sizes and colors, designed to provide a high level of playability and performance.
These are just a few of the many brands that offer foosball balls, and choosing the right brand for you will depend on your personal preferences, playing style, and skill level. You can also find foosball table manufacturers like Tornado also make balls.
You can also purchase generic and cheaper foosballs too. Test different ones out and see what works best for you.
What are foosballs made from?
Foosball balls are typically made and marketed from one of four materials: plastic, cork, celluloid or urethane.
- Plastic: Plastic foosball balls are the most common type of ball used in foosball tables. They are durable, affordable, and offer a consistent performance. Plastic foosballs tend to be the cheapest option particularly for home use. You can easily find packs of plastic foosballs sold for about $1 each, give or take.
- Cork: Cork foosball balls are less common but are favored by some players because they provide a softer feel and improved grip compared to plastic balls. Cork foosball balls are typically less expensive than celluloid balls, with prices ranging from $5 to $15 for a set of two or three balls.
- Celluloid: Celluloid foosball balls are made from a material that is similar to plastic but is softer and has a better feel. They tend to be favored by professional players. Celluloid foosball balls are often the most expensive type of ball, with prices ranging from $10 to $20 or more for a set of two or three balls.
- Urethane: Urethane isn’t plastic and is considered to be a rubber. Tornado is one foosball table manufacturer who also makes these style of foosballs. Urethane foosball balls are favored by some players for their improved grip, durability, and consistent performance, and as a result, they can be more expensive than other types of balls. Prices range from $10 to $20 or more for a set of two or three balls so $7 per ball isn’t out of the question.
Summary
The brand and type of foosball ball you use can have a significant impact on the quality of your game. It’s important to choose a ball that is well-suited to your playing style and skill level to ensure that you enjoy a high-quality playing experience.
If you’re just looking to spend a bit less and play for fun, you might find that the cheapest plastic balls work fine for you. But it’s nice to know that you also have several other options to test out to see what you like best..