When choosing an air hockey puck for your home games room, it is important to consider the size and weight of the puck. The standard size for an air hockey puck is 2.5″ in diameter and 6mm – 7mm in thickness. However, some pucks may be slightly larger or smaller. The weight of the puck should be about 1 ounce which is the preferred pro size.
You can find the smallest air hockey pucks at 1.8″ for small to medium-sized tables and the largest pucks go to 3.25″ for large-sized tables. Click here to learn more about air hockey table sizes.
Additionally, it is important to consider the material of the puck. Most air hockey pucks are made of plastic and have a smooth surface that allows them to glide easily on the air hockey table. Some pucks may have textured surfaces for improved grip and control during play.
Below we’ll discuss specs and designs of various air hockey pucks and how to choose the one that is best for you.
Quick air hockey specs overview
Air hockey pucks tend to come in several main types to choose from in terms of the specifications offered:
| Specification | Option |
| Weight | Air hockey pucks come in a range of weights, typically between 0.5 ounces to 1.5 ounces. The most common weight for air hockey pucks is around 1 ounce. If a puck is too light, it can fly off the table so a 1 oz. minimum weight is desirable. |
| Size | While you can find small 1.8″ diameter pucks for small tables, the average medium to large sized air hockey table will use a 2.5″ (home and kids use), 3″, 3.25″ (standard sized puck) and 3.5″ (official air hockey competition) pucks. |
| Shape | Round air hockey pucks are the only ones used for official competitions and are the most popular option but you can also find triangle, hexagon, octagon and square shapes for personal home use. |
| Thickness | Air hockey pucks are generally 6mm – 7mm in thickness. |
| Color | Neon-colored and fluorescent pucks glow in the dark for a fun game play in the dark. Other puck colors for design purposes only are black, white, red and green among others. |
What are air hockey pucks made from?
Air hockey pucks are typically made from lightweight and durable materials such as plastic or a combination of plastic and foam. The goal of using such materials is to reduce weight and minimize friction while providing a smooth playing experience. The plastic and foam combination is also favored due to its resilience, allowing the puck to bounce back to its original shape after impact.
You’ll find competing air hockey puck products made from companies like Dynamo, Franklin, Joovon, Brybelly, Macepason and others.
Special features that air hockey pucks have
Quality air hockey pucks usually have features that improve their performance and durability, such as:
- Lightweight construction: Lightweight pucks allow for fast and smooth gliding on the surface of the table.
- Low Friction Coating: High-quality pucks have a special coating that reduces friction between the puck and the table surface, allowing for a smoother, faster game.
- Durable Material: Quality pucks are made from materials that are resistant to wear and tear, ensuring they will last longer than cheaper alternatives. Chip resistance is also an important feature to have.
- Consistent Shape and Size: Well-made pucks are consistently shaped and sized, making them less likely to affect the outcome of a game.
- Improved Weight Distribution: Some high-end pucks have a balanced weight distribution, making them easier to control and less likely to bounce unpredictably.
- Glow-in-the-Dark Options: Some pucks are designed to glow in the dark, making them ideal for use in low-light conditions. Other pucks come in different colors more for design than anything.
Air hockey pucks range widely in price
In terms of price, air hockey pucks can range from less than $1 per puck for cheaper brands in bulk to over $8 dollars per puck for a brand name like Dynamo, depending on the quality and features.
It is recommended to buy a puck from a reputable brand, as cheaper options may not perform as well and can even damage your air hockey table.
You often find that air hockey pucks and paddles are bundled together in sets.
Summary
The average air hockey puck is round, is 2.5″ in diameter, about 6mm – 7mm thick and with a weight of about 1 – 1.5 ounces. The thickness of an air hockey puck is an important factor in determining its speed and responsiveness on the air hockey table.
Thicker pucks are generally slower, while thinner pucks are faster and more responsive. Heavier pucks of at least 1 ounce are good since they minimize the chance that they will fly off the table during quick game play which can occur with lighter pucks.
When choosing air hockey pucks, it is also important to look for quality materials such as high-density plastic or a composite material that will glide smoothly on the surface of the table.
The puck should also be durable and resistant to wear and tear, as well as able to bounce off the sides of the table without getting stuck. Additionally, consider the friction and air flow of the table and ensure that the puck you choose will work well with your particular air hockey table.
Want to learn about how to store your air hockey pucks for safekeeping? Click here.