Air hockey tables have been a staple in arcades and game rooms across the country since their invention around 1969. It's a simple game that most anyone can play although, for the recreational player, scoring goals typically is more luck than skill.

Professional players, on the other hand, are all about skill and technique on the air hockey table. The United States Air Hockey Association not only ensures uniform play standards but also sanctions at least one national-level or world championship every year.

There's a lot more to know about air hockey tables than meets the eye. Air hockey tables education and training needs to factor in the following information:

1. Some air hockey table manufacturers focus on recreational play, while others specialize in the commercial-grade air hockey table.

2. Air hockey tables require proper care to remain in good working condition.

3. Rules for air hockey tables are simple but important to know.

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Familiarize yourself with air hockey table makers and the types of air hockey tables they make

Roughly a dozen different companies manufacture commercial, professional, coin-operated and recreational air hockey tables in a variety of shapes and sizes. Air hockey tables for sale range in price from $20 for a toy tabletop model to more than $6,000 for a top-of-the-line professional model. For anyone who plans to buy an air hockey table, its intended use should determine the type and quality purchased.

I recommend: Game-Room-Decorating-Ideas.com offers informational material on the size and types tables available from an air hockey table manufacturer, including information on scoring systems. The detailed buying guide at Arcade Equipment has some great educational information on things to consider when selecting an air hockey table.

Educate yourself on how to care for and repair air hockey tables

Although they don't require tremendous amounts of maintenance, air hockey tables do require general care such as keeping the playing surface clean and not allowing the air holes to become clogged. And, as is the case with nearly everything, parts do occasionally break or wear out.

I recommend: Seibert offers some valuable tips and techniques on how to care for and repair an air hockey table. For a guide to replacement parts, visit Air Hockey Direct.

Learn the rules for playing on an air hockey table and the terminology that goes with the game

Like all games, air hockey does have its share of rules, especially at the professional competition level. It's good to know the language of the game, as well.

I recommend: Visit Airhockey.com for the United States Air Hockey Association's official rules and regulations for playing the game. To familiarize yourself with air hockey terminology, check out the list of terms at JustAirHockeyTables.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There are dozens of air hockey table suppliers on the Internet. Most carry the leading brands in a wide range of prices.

Research air hockey table manufacturers to determine who has the best quality. Next, you want your air hockey table suppliers to be able to provide you with quality products at reasonable prices. Doing the research in advance will help you find the best air hockey table makers for your professional needs.

Work with your clients to help them find the proper size of air hockey table for sale. Premiere customer service will help ensure your clients are happy with their purchase and is the best way to grow your professional reputation and your profit margin.

1. Explore the options available for air hockey tables.

2. Focus your business on commercial grade air hockey tables.

3. Stock a supply of air hockey table parts and accessories.

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Carry air hockey tables to fit every space

Consider the variety of sizes of air hockey tables available. Air hockey tables for sale range from as small as three feet to as large as eight feet in length. Knowing the available sizes will help you tailor your inventory to the space requirements of your clients.

I recommend: JustAirHockeyTables.com carries air hockey tables from several manufacturers of air hockey tables. Game Tables USA is prepared to help you with all of your air hockey table needs including the triangular shaped three man air hockey table.

Stock commercial grade air hockey table inventory

Look for commercial grade air hockey tables that meet the needs of your clients. Select coin operated commercial tables for pubs and arcades while stocking competition style tables for athletes.

I recommend: AirHockeyTablesDirect.com has commercial air hockey tables available in coin operated styles and other styles as well. Danny Vegh's Billiards & Home stands prepared to meet all of your commercial air hockey needs in a variety of sizes and styles.

Add replacement parts and acessories to your inventory to keep air hockey tables functional

Remember to stock a supply of accessories to keep air hockey tables maintained and ready to play. Consider not only replacement parts like felt lined mallets and pucks, but stock replacement blowers and cleaning products specifically designed for use with air hockey tables. By selling the accessories and spare parts that go with the tables, you're meeting those last minute needs of your clients.

I recommend: Games For Fun can stock you up with a wide array of air hockey table accessories including players, pucks and replacement players. Thompson Sporting Goods can provide you with accessories like cleaners, blowers and collectibles for air hockey tables.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Sell refurbished used air hockey tables in order to fill the need of those who don't want to pay retail and still want to buy an air hockey table.

Being knowledgeable when it comes to air hockey tables can help you stock the best available tables. Whether your clients desire a small, large, coin operated, or play-for-free table, arming yourself with some common air hockey table terms can be your best bet. There are also numerous accessories that you should become familiar with, as certain customers will ask specifically for these items once they purchase the tables.

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Mallets

Mallets, also called strikers, goalies, and paddles, are the devices used by the players to hit the puck. There are two types of mallets: home and commercial. The difference between the two is that home mallets have a felt piece on the bottom while commercial mallets don't.

I recommend: Egametables provides definitions for air hockey terms, including mallets.

Blowers

Blowers are what allow the puck to travel across the table. Commercial- or industrial-grade blowers are common, as they are the most durable.

I recommend: Learn about what blowers produce the best air flow by going to ArcadeEquipment.com.

Air hockey pucks

Just as there are two types of mallets, there are two styles of air hockey pucks. Home air hockey pucks are for use only on home-sized air hockey tables and are about 2.5 inches in width. Commercial air hockey pucks are for use with commercial-grade tables and measure 3.25 inches in width. There are numerous colors of air hockey pucks, and you can also choose to purchase glow-in-the-dark ones.

I recommend: Learn more about air hockey pucks or view pictures of what some pucks look like at the website for Thompson Sporting Goods.

Lexan

Lexan is the plastic material used to make the hockey pucks. Manufacturers use Lexan to make hockey rink glass.

I recommend: To learn what the three most popular colors of Lexan-made pucks, visit BBS Hockey.com.

Arcade-style tables

Arcade-style air hockey tables are full-size models that are perhaps the most attractive option for homes or arcades. They feature a more durable playing surface along with a greater air output, which helps the puck move faster and with better accuracy.

I recommend: Learn about potential drawbacks of using arcade-style air hockey tables when you visit JustAirHockeyTables.com.

Pockey tables

Pockey tables allow you to maximize your space by combining two games into one: air hockey and pool. One side is a regulation pool table, and the other side allows you to play air hockey with the help of a blower.

I recommend: GameTables4Less.com provides more information on pockey tables.

Once you have decided to purchase an air hockey table, you have to decide exactly what table you can afford. There are many things that affect the cost of air hockey tables: the size of the table, the brand of table and the features of the table.

In order to effectively prepare your budget, you should consider both the immediate costs and long term costs of owning one of these tables. Use the following suggestions to help you accurately gauge air hockey tables pricing and costs you will come across.

1. Opt for a recreational air hockey table.

2. Upgrade to a coin operated model.

3. Factor in the cost of replacement parts.

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Purchase recreational air hockey tables

Recreational air hockey tables are models that many people choose to purchase for their home. However, these models are ideal for community centers, churches and employee break areas because these aren't coin operated.

I recommend: You can find a wide selection of tables from numerous air hockey table makers at Patiostore.com. You can buy an air hockey table for under $200 for a basic table and go higher than $3,500 for deluxe models with overhead scoring. Joe's sells models from a variety of manufacturers of air hockey tables. Prices range from under $100 to over $700.

Invest in coin operated air hockey tables

A coin operated air hockey table is a way that your business can recoup some of the money you spent on the table. If you want to purchase one of these models, you can expect to pay more than you would for a recreational table. You must also consider the cost of having to repair or replace the coin unit after a period of regular use. This can be as little as $250 or over $1,000 depending on the work that needs to be done and the cost of parts.

I recommend: You can find numerous commercial grade air hockey table models at Mercantila. This company sells coin operated tables priced at $3,000 and up. Shipping charges are extra, adding at least $250 to your total. Direct Game Tables sells coin operated air hockey tables for sale. Tables are priced from $3,000 to $5,000 depending on the model and features. Most models have an optional overhead score system available for $600. This company offers payment plans to qualified parties.

Include the cost of air hockey table replacement parts

At some point in time, you will have to replace parts such as the pucks and paddles. While the cost of these isn't very high, they can add up quickly if your air hockey table is used a lot or if the pieces are lost. On top of that, you have to consider the cost of replacing the blower and the puck returns.

I recommend: Danny Vegh's Billiards & Home sells replacement parts for various air hockey table manufacturers. Prices range from $5 for a single puck to $200 for a replacement motor. Dazadi offers replacement paddles and pucks that can be used with equipment from most air hockey table suppliers. All pucks and paddles are priced under $25, with free shipping included on qualified orders.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you purchase a coin operated air hockey table for your business, contact your local vending and video game permit officials to find out if you need a permit for your machine.