5 Tips when Looking at Foosball Tables

With the World Cup finishing up last month, it has brought the game of football (or American soccer) to the attention of many around the world, including many in the US who normally do not give any thought to the game of soccer. Let's face it, the World Cup is the only single sport event in the world that truly is a world wide event. Sure, there may be a baseball World Series, but only US teams compete. The Boston Celtics may be 17 time world champions, but they also only competed against US teams. Of course, many would argue that when it comes to baseball and basketball, the teams in the US are the best, so the best of the best are World Champions. It is also true that any top world players in these sports come to the US to play. There are many popular US sports that draw huge crowds only in the US, and that is what makes soccer so unique, it draws huge crowds all around the world. It is estimated that up to 20 percent of the world population watched some part of the World Cup finals. So with the world attention on football, it shouldn't be a surprise that foosball tables are also drawing more attention.

Foosball tables come in a wide range of prices, starting around $150 and going on up to $2000 or more for commercial tables. If you want a good table, that will withstand the rigors of play and last awhile, you can settle in the $600 to $800 range and be quite happy. But what should you look for in good foosball tables? Here are a few things that I have found that makes a difference between hours of enjoyable play, and frustration.

• A heavy duty cabinet, one that can withstand harsh play. Let's face it, a couple of teenage boys can really get a game rocking, so a heavy duty cabinet can make a big difference.
  


• Legs with levelers. If you are on an uneven surface, any angle in the playing surface will put someone at a disadvantage. But with leg levelers,  you can make the field level, regardless of the floor it stands upon.
  


• Good quality, basic, beaded scoring system. Some foosball tables boast fancy electric systems, but I have never seen one that lasted a long time. They just give you problems, and are more frustrating than they are worth. Stick with basic bead scoring and you can't go wrong.
  


• Good quality foosball men and rods. These playing components get beat up the most, so you want ones that will withstand a lot of play. A mid-range table will usually suffice for casual play. Handles with good grips also are a must for better play.
  


• A thick play surface with a good laminate will help keep the surface looking like new. Supports under the play surface help to avoid warping and keep the surface flat.
  

So, if you have been thinking about foosball tables lately, and are considering purchasing one, watch for these five things to help you get the best table for you.