The best way to store air hockey pucks is in a cool, dry place, preferably away from direct sunlight. This will help prevent the pucks from warping or cracking, and will also keep them clean and free from dust and debris.
Some air hockey players prefer to store their pucks in a protective container or pouch to keep them organized and easy to find. Others simply keep them in a drawer or on a shelf in their game room.
Regardless of how you choose to store your air hockey pucks, make sure to handle them with care to avoid damaging or scratching the surface. This will ensure they remain in good condition and ready to use the next time you play.
Carefully storing your air hockey pucks is just one way to extend their shelf life since there are a number of ways they can be damaged as we’ll see below.
How air hockey pucks are damaged
Air hockey pucks can be damaged in several ways:
- Impact: Hitting the puck against hard surfaces, such as the sides of the table, can cause cracks or chips in the surface.
- Heat: Exposure to high temperatures, such as leaving the puck in direct sunlight, can cause warping or melting.
- Moisture: Exposure to moisture, such as dampness in the air, can cause the puck to warp or deform.
- Scratches: The surface of the puck can become scratched from rubbing against rough or abrasive surfaces, such as rough table surfaces or other pucks.
- Improper handling: Dropping or throwing the puck can cause damage, as can mishandling during storage or transport. Rough play can also cause the pucks to fly off the table and hit the floor which can damage them as they’re light and tend to bounce a few times.
To avoid damaging air hockey pucks, it’s important to handle them with care and store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Additionally, avoiding rough or abrasive surfaces during play will help keep the pucks in good condition.
What are air hockey pucks made from?
Air hockey pucks are typically made from a low-friction plastic material, such as PVC or Lexan. The material is chosen for its ability to glide smoothly on the surface of the air hockey table, allowing the puck to move quickly and easily during game play. The plastic material also provides durability and resistance to wear and tear from repeated use.
Some high-end air hockey pucks may also feature a combination of plastic and metal, to further improve their performance and durability.