If you’re an avid air hockey player, then you know that the puck is the centerpiece of every air hockey table. While the table’s glide and the strength of your blower motor determine to an extent how the puck behaves, the true improvements happen once you switch to some of the best air hockey pucks and paddles. Not only will that make the game more dynamic, but in most cases the aftermarket paddles will be much easier to handle and learn on.

In a sea of products, however, it is easy to get lost. That’s why I’ve made this guide where I have compiled some of the top sets in 2022. Below all of the products, I’ve also given you a step-by-step guide on how to choose the perfect set of pucks and paddles for your own air hockey table!

First, let’s first start with a brief comparison chart of all of the sets’ important features and see how they stack up against each other…

Pucks And Paddles Comparison Table

Product	Pucks	Mallet count	Material	Our Rating
Qtimal Home Standard Shop On Amazon!	6	2	ABS plastic
Coopay Pushers Shop On Amazon!	8	4	ABS plastic
Hathaway Air Hockey Set Shop On Amazon!	2	2	ABS plastic
ONE250 Air Hockey Shop On Amazon!	4	4	ABS plastic
Dynamo Air Hockey Set Shop On Amazon!	NA	2	ABS plastic
URATOT Air Hockey Shop On Amazon!	4	16	Plastic
Suzo Happ Hockey Set Shop On Amazon!	2	2	Plastic
YDDS Pushers & Paddles Shop On Amazon!	6	2	ABS plastic
Billiard Evolution Pushers Shop On Amazon!	4	2	ABS plastic
Vktech Air Hockey Goalies Shop On Amazon!	4	4	ABS plastic

Best Overall – Qtimal Home Standard Air Hockey Paddles and Pucks

Our Rating: (5/5)

One of the best-selling air hockey accessories kits out there currently is the Qtimal Home Standard series. It is perfect for both kids and adults, comes in a handy drawstring bag so that you can take it anywhere with you, and boasts a build quality that is second to none. The fact that this set is somewhat on the cheap side makes it extra good since it will fit right into anybody’s budget. In short, if you’re looking for something to upgrade your stock pucks and paddles, this is your go-to option this year.

The set consists of 2 paddles and 6 pucks. The paddles themselves are standard-sized at 3.78″ in diameter and are 2.5″ tall. That makes them really easy to grab and hold even during an intense game. Additionally, there are two sizes for the pucks, which makes this set suitable for both kids’ and adults’ tables. The smaller-sized pucks are 4 are measure 2.5 inches. They weigh around 7 grams while the bigger, heavier pucks weigh in at around 20 grams. They are also much larger at 2.95″ in diameter. The larger pucks are ideal for bigger regulation-sized air hockey tables. One thing that I particularly like is that the mallets are felted at the bottom which helps them slide better.

Materials-wise, the set is quite decent. It is made out of the typical ABS plastic most other good sets are made out of. This type of plastic is durable in the long run, won’t break or warp, and is extremely resistant to hits. Moreover, it doesn’t chip like some cheaper plastic alternatives. As I mentioned earlier, the set comes with a drawstring bag that will allow you to store your pucks and paddles. Also, it will allow you to take your pucks and paddles anywhere with you, be it a competition or a friendly game at your friend’s house. One thing that I don’t like is that there are no color options for this set.

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

In summary, there is a very good reason that this particular set sells so well. It is cheap, well-made, and comes with all the pucks and paddles you and your friends will need. The differently sized pucks will help with smaller and bigger tables, while the added drawstring bag is nice to have around. All in all, it is one of the best all-rounders out there and is definitely worthy of your consideration!

Best for Small Tables – Coopay Air Hockey Pushers and Pucks

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The Coopay Air Hockey Pushers and Pucks is another set that comes at a slightly more expensive price but brings a few more features to the table (no pun intended). Not only does it come with a set of 8 pucks but it also comes with 4 pushers. This makes it ideal for larger groups of friends or family that want to play some 2 vs 2 air hockey games. The extra pucks will be good for replacing each other in the future, although the ABS plastic from which these are made will ensure that they remain whole over time.

The sizing of this set is also quite adequate as well. Each of the paddles measures 3.8 inches by 2.3 inches. This is more than good enough for kids and adults to play with them comfortably. The pucks, on the other hand, measure 2.5 inches in diameter which is pretty standard these days. While that size is great for smaller tables, it doesn’t really work that well for the full-sized regulation air hockey tables, which is an important thing to consider. Not that you won’t be able to play with the smaller puck but it will simply be harder to catch and, in general, faster on the table. Each of the paddles has a felt bottom so that it glides easier on the table.

A feature that I really like about this set is that comes in a large array of colors. You can get each of your paddles in the following color combinations – red, green, blue, black, purple, yellow, or white. However, unlike other cheaper sets, you don’t get a carrying bag or case for these paddles and pucks which is a downside, especially since this particular set is a bit more expensive.

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

In summary, if you’re looking for a good set of air hockey pucks and paddles for your kids’ table, this one right here is a must-have. It comes with plenty of parts ensuring that your kids will always have a spare puck or paddle. Also, the color combinations here are just endless and the kids will definitely appreciate some of the brighter options. All in all, this is a perfect set for smaller air hockey tables and people that want to play 2 vs 2 on the air hockey table!

Most Ergonomic – Hathaway Pro-Series Air Hockey Striker and Puck Set

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

If you and your buddies are known for your intense air hockey tournaments on the weekend, then you’re probably searching for strikers and pucks that aren’t going to crack or chip when they’re hit hard and often. While lower-quality accessories are fine if it’s for the best air hockey table, adults need mallets and pucks that can really handle a beating. Fortunately, Hathaway has provided the perfect solution with a set that’s made out of tougher stuff than the competition, and all for a price that’s affordable.

Additionally, this set comes with an impressive six-month limited warranty, which covers product defects. It also includes two four-inch strikers, and two three-inch pucks, which makes these pieces perfect for use on a standard-sized air hockey table. The mallets feature an ergonomic design that will promote comfort and longer use. The design will also give you more control over the striker when you play. They’re also slightly heavier, which allows you to use less effort to shoot the puck across the table’s surface. The bottom of the strikers are covered in a thin green felt, for smoother, faster action.

Both the mallets and pucks are made out of ABS plastic, which is crack and chip-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about damaging them during intense gameplay. The material is actually impact-resistant and has a reputation for structural stiffness and strength, so you know the pucks and mallets are designed to handle serious wear and tear. One thing I don’t like, especially at this price, is that there are no color options or any accessories to help you keep those pucks and paddles safe while moving around. Additionally, you don’t get additional pucks or paddles, making this a less-of-an-ideal value for its money.

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

This package comes with one set of strikers and two pucks. The weight and dimensions of these accessories make them suitable for use on arcade-sized tables. The fact that they’re made out of ABS plastic will be a huge selling point for buyers who are in search of accessories that can handle intense gameplay. Additionally, the mallet’s ergonomic design makes them more comfortable to use and hold, which equals longer gameplay. Overall, this set will be a huge upgrade over the stock accessories that come with your new table. Their limited six-month warranty will also give air hockey table owners every reason to buy and not be worried about potential issues!

Most Durable – ONE250 Air Hockey Pushers and Red Air Hockey Pucks

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The One250 Air Hockey Pushers and Pucks set is another good deal for your money, especially if you’re looking for a set that will allow 2 vs 2 games on the air hockey table. It comes with a build quality typical for the higher-priced sets and you can also get it in multiple colors allowing you to match it to the tones of your table!

The set comes with a total of four strikers that are just under four inches wide and a little under two and a half inches tall. Their size makes them suitable for standard and tabletop air hockey tables. Also included are four traditional red pucks that are two and a half inches in diameter. Both the pucks and the strikers are made out of tough ABS plastic, so you know they’re designed to last and won’t crack like strikers made out of thin plastic tend to do when put to the test. The grip of the strikers is wide enough for adults but not so big that they can’t be comfortably gripped by children.

One major drawback that may be a deal-breaker for some buyers is the poor quality of the felt on the bottom of the strikers. The felt is supposed to work twofold by making it easier for the strikers to move over the surface of the table and it also helps to prevent the mallets from marking up the table’s surface. Of course, having any felt at the bottom is better than having none but it still isn’t on par with other premium sets out there. One last thing is that you can pick the color of both your pucks and paddles with the One250 set which is a cool feature to have!

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

The One250 set is a set that tries to cover all bases but fails short at a few spots. It is a budget-friendly set that comes with 4 strikers and only 4 pucks, so it’s perfect for round tables or multiple-player use but not quite as good since most other sets out there include 8 pucks. The biggest drawback for some is the feel on the bottom of the strikers. Still, overall, the ABS construction and the comfortable handles are enough to make most shoppers happy with what they’re getting!

Best Striker Set – Dynamo Air Hockey Goalie Mallet Set

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

If you have a Dynamo air hockey table, or you’re just familiar with the brand and the type of quality they’re known for, then you already know these mallets are really the best that money can buy. Described as the Cadillac of strikers, this set of two by Dynamo is designed for full-sized tables and features the perfect design, weight, and dimensions that can take your gameplay to the next level. While most manufacturers claim that their air hockey accessories are perfect for arcade-style table use, most of them are wrong, or their mallet design consists of hallow, tough plastic that’s difficult to hold onto. However, these mallets offer a whole new take on traditional design. They’re durable, powerful, and have the perfect weight distribution.

In terms of design, they’re much bigger than stock strikers, they’re also much heavier than a standard mallet. This is both an upside and a downside. See, the bigger mallets are always going to be easier to control and are especially good for people that train for air hockey tournaments. However, kids won’t have an easy time learning to play on them, as they will feel heavy and sluggish on the table for them. That’s why most sets include a pair of smaller mallets or all the mallets are lighter overall. Still, this particular set is geared more towards adults.

These mallets are actually designed for competitions and commercial use, so they can be used for tables in the home, or a business, or if you’re part of an air hockey league, then these regulation-sized mallets are a perfect option. Another thing that some might consider a downside (including me) is that there is no felt at the bottom of the paddles. This is typically done intentionally because professional players prefer using their own type of felt. Still, at this price, I would’ve liked seeing something that comes as stock.

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

If you’re looking for competition-worthy mallets, your search is over. These strikers will be a great upgrade if you’re tired of using lower-priced or stock mallets that tend to chip or crack in a matter of weeks. Since these strikers are molded as a solid, single unit, they’re much stronger than many styles of strikers that you’ll find on the market.

The solid design means you also won’t have to worry about cracks in the design. Basically, you’ll be hard-pressed to find paddles that are more durable. However, considering they’re much heavier than stock strikers, I wouldn’t recommend them for use if you’re buying them specifically for a child’s air hockey table. Due to their bigger size and weight, they’re a much better option for a full-sized table that measures seven to eight feet. Overall, these mallets are a great choice and probably the last strikers you’ll ever have to buy. That’s just how tough they are!

Biggest Set – URATOT Air Hockey Pushers and Pucks

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The URATOT Air hockey pushers and pucks set is one of the biggest on this list. And what is more surprising is that it isn’t the most expensive even by a long shot. This truly makes it an insane deal and a very good bang for your buck. However, as you can guess, there are some compromises that have been made in order to keep things budget-friendly while stacking such a large set. For starters, it is also one of the few sets here that don’t use ABS plastic for its pucks and paddles. Instead, it is made out of regular plastic.

While plastic itself isn’t a bad material per se, it isn’t as tough and durable as ABS plastic. This makes the set perform slightly worse in the long run and chips on the pucks won’t be something unusual. Still, you will get 16 different pucks here, so I don’t think that running out of new ones will soon be an issue. You also get 4 mallets that are felted on the bottom and feature a familiar design that is easy to grip for both kids and adults. The pushers are 3.8 by 2.3 inches while the pucks are 2.5 inches in diameter. The pucks aren’t geared towards the biggest tables on the market, so make sure you look at other bigger sets if you play on a regulation-sized air hockey table.

Just like some other budget sets, this one comes in a variety of color combinations. You can get your paddles in red, black, blue, green, white, purple, and yellow. What is even cooler is that you also get a drawstring bag to put everything inside. This is especially handy if you move around a lot and want to bring your set along with you for some 2 vs 2 games!

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

All in all, there are a few sets out there that include as many parts like this one right here. And while it might not be made out of the tougher ABS plastic, it still is a playable set that can fit the needs of amateur air hockey players. Due to the average size, the mallets are easy to grip and the pucks are excellent for small and mid-sized tables. However, if you have a bigger air hockey table, you should look for a set with wider pucks. Still, if you don’t want to burn a hole through your pocket with an expensive set, this is one of your best alternatives!

Best for Commercial Use – Suzo Happ Air Hockey Fluorescent White Goalies

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

If you’re looking for an affordable, durable set of paddles and pucks, this set by Suzo Happ is a great option, especially if you’re looking for a tough set that can survive the kids. The lightweight pucks measure in at just a little under 3.5″ and weigh in at just 1oz. Their neon green coloring makes them highly visible during gameplay. The puck’s construction is also designed to improve stability, so you won’t have to worry about it flying off the table during fast gameplay. The large white mallets are comfortable to hold, even for children.

Essentially, while the set isn’t competition worthy since the mallets are very light and smaller than the standard competition strikers, it will work well for standard-sized tables, round tables, and smaller tables designed for kids. Both the strikers and the pucks will glow under black light, so you can enjoy a fun, intense game of air hockey in low-light conditions.

One of the biggest drawbacks of this set is the fact that the paddles do not have the standard felt covering on the bottom, which means they can potentially damage the surface of the table and may not offer the type of faster gliding action that you’d get with mallets that do have felt covered bottoms. That means that you will have to add the felt on your own which will add to the already fairly high cost. That’s why I wanted to include these pucks and paddles in my list but didn’t want to put them too far on that list.

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

This mallet and puck set will make a great upgrade over stock sets. The white mallets and neon green pucks will glow under black lights, which can add a whole new level of fun. The lightweight design of the mallets makes them suitable for children, however, they’re large enough for adults to easily grip. However, the strikers are somewhat smaller than what you may be used to using on a standard arcade-sized table.

The lack of felt covering on the bottom of the mallets can potentially impact gliding action and can put your table at risk of scratches and other cosmetic damage. Yet, the manufacturer claims that the bottoms, despite the lack of felt feature an ultra-slick surface which makes them perfectly safe for use and shouldn’t impact gameplay speed. Overall, while this set isn’t tournament regulation, it’s definitely a big step up from your standard stock striker and puck sets!

Most Versatile – YDDS Air Hockey Pucks and Paddles

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

YDDS is a giant company in the air hockey industry. They’re known for their extensive line of accessories that offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for the right pucks and strikers for a round or tabletop setup, or you want to make some serious upgrades for your arcade-style table.

If you’re looking for a more versatile puck and mallet set that comes with a variety of size options, this set by YDDS delivers. This package includes two puck sizes. The pack of four smaller pucks weighs in at only 7 grams and measures 2.5 inches. The two bigger pucks are 20 grams each and measure in at just under 3 inches, which makes them quite smaller than the standard-sized pucks that you would normally use on a full-sized air hockey table. Both sizes are suitable for smaller and mid-sized kids’ air hockey tables.

The included strikers are just under four inches in diameter and two and a half inches tall. These mallets will work for most standard-sized tables. Their ergonomic design enhances gameplay and promotes longer use. The model also comes with T-Shaped paddles.

Both the pucks and paddles are made out of thick, tough ABS plastic, which is designed to resist cracks and chips. The bottom of the paddles is covered in a soft, thin felt that promotes faster gliding action while protecting your table against scratches and dings.

Additionally, this set also comes with a large drawstring bag, so you can keep all of your air hockey accessories together. It will also come in handy if you need to transport your gear. That many accessories at this low of a price makes this a killer deal for most people looking for accessories for their kids’ table.

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

A great choice for tables of all sizes, if you’re on a tight budget, this set will give you plenty of bang for your buck. This large set comes with two different-sized pucks and two ergonomic mallets. Made out of ABS plastic, the strikers and paddles will not crack or chip during use. The felt-covered bottoms of the mallets allow you to quickly and smoothly shoot the pucks across the table while preventing scratches, chips, or dings on the table’s surface. Overall, this set is the total package, so if you’re looking to upgrade your air hockey set, this set is a steal for the price!

Best Value – Billiard Evolution Air Hockey Pushers and Pucks

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

Billiard Evolution is a company known for its decent quality and diverse product list. This particular set of pucks and paddles features something slightly more interesting than what you might be used to seeing on the market. While the paddles are standard, the pucks come in 4 different shapes which makes for a very fun game of air hockey!

This set comes with four pucks and two strikers. The pushers are just under four inches in diameter and a little over two and a half inches tall. As I mentioned, the four pucks come in different colors and shapes. You’ll get one black octagon-shaped puck, one red triangle, one black triangle, and one red round puck, all of which measure in at two and a half inches wide. The different shapes of the pucks will not negatively impact gameplay in terms of gliding ability and speed. However, their unique designs can add a new element of fun to your next match.

The two cream-colored strikers have a thin soft layer of felt on the bottom, which prevents damage to the surface of the table and also promotes faster gliding action. The mallets are made out of ABS plastic and have a hollow design that helps to keep the weight down.

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

There are pros and cons with every type of striker and puck set you’ll come across, however, some professional players have weighed in and noted that the triangle-shaped pucks can make it more difficult to predict a ricochet shot, which can be a huge drawback for some players. Overall, this is a great set and one that comes with four pucks and a couple of durable, lightweight strikers that can handle everyday use without cracking or chipping. Additionally, the ergonomic strikers promote longer gameplay and allow you to wipe the floor with your opponent in total comfort!

Best Choice for Kids – VKTech 4Pcs Air Hockey Table Goalies

Our Rating: (4/5)

Last but not least on my top 10 list is the air hockey set by VKTech. It includes 4 mallets and 4 pucks which is more than good enough for 2 vs 2 games. While the set isn’t of the best quality, it still is quite durable and is great for kids and casual air hockey players. On top of that, the price is quite good as well, making them a good bang for your buck!

This goalie and puck set consists of four mallets and four pucks. The mallets are 96mm in diameter and seventy millimeters tall. The pucks measure in at 63mm in diameter and 5mm tall. The mallets are solidly built, lightweight, and easy to hold. Their size is much smaller than what you would normally use for a full-sized table, however, this smaller design can also make the strikers easier to control.

In terms of durability, I felt that the strikers fell flat. They’re made out of thin plastic, instead of ABS plastic, which is chip and crack-resistant. These mallets are nowhere near as durable and may be prone to damage during rough gameplay. Additionally, the smaller mallet design can be problematic for users with bigger hands. Overall, this set is a great buy since it comes with so many pieces and it has a low price tag, but if you’re searching for tournament-quality strikers, these just aren’t it.

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

This large set is available at an impressively low price. But is it worth it? The mallets are made out of standard plastic and feature a hollow design that will help to keep the weight down, while the compact build of the strikers is supposed to give the user more control over the pusher, however, this smaller size makes them inappropriate for tournament use and can even make it difficult for users with big hands to hang onto.

For the most part, I felt that this set was a better option for the kids. If you’re having a hard time finding a replacement set for your child’s air hockey table, then this set is a great option, but if you’re in need of durable mallets and pucks that can handle gameplay with the big boys, you’ll need to keep looking.

Buyer’s Guide

If you’re an avid air hockey fan and practicing how to prepare for an air hockey tournament, then you already know that mallets and pucks can make a huge difference in how you play the game. Since both strikers and pucks are prone to plenty of wear and tear, they need to be replaced pretty frequently for even, smooth gameplay.

The mallets should be light, tough, and comfortable to hold, while the pucks need to be heavy enough to prevent them from flying off the table and have the type of smooth gliding action that allows you to try out the latest air hockey tricks.

Features To Look For

There are a handful of features that you should be paying attention to when buying a new set of air hockey pucks and paddles. Some of the more important ones of them are:

Puck Weight

Aside from the size of the table, when you’re upgrading the accessories, you need to consider what size and style of pucks you want to play with. As an example, a tabletop air hockey table will use much smaller pucks than a full-sized table since the table will have a much smaller fan that’s not designed to lift larger pucks. When buying, make sure you pay close attention to puck size and note whether or not the manufacturer lists if the pucks are for smaller or full-sized tables. The wrong size can definitely impact your gameplay.

Dimensions

Small and medium-sized pucks typically measure in at one and a half to two and a half inches in diameter, and can weigh anywhere from ten up to thirty ounces. Larger pucks can weigh over forty ounces and measure in at almost four inches in diameter. These are the pucks you’ll want to use for full-sized arcade-quality tables.

Striker Design

Choosing a new set of strikers can be tricky. For the most part, you’re looking for mallets that are built tough and won’t crack or chip from intense gameplay, but they should also be comfortable to hold and feature the type of lightweight design that lets you smoothly and quickly hit a puck.

Puck Material

Pucks are usually one-inch to one and a half inches thick and are made out of polycarbonate resin. They will have a thin layer of plastic tape on top in order to differentiate the top from the bottom.

Gliding Ability

Have you ever played with stock pucks and strikers? Have you noticed that you have to use more effort to get the puck to move faster or even make it all the way across the table? Are the strikers heavier, bulky, and awkward to hold onto? All of this is pretty typical with stock accessories, which is why most air hockey table owners often upgrade right away.

For both the mallets and pucks, the best way to check out their action is to test them out, but if you’re ordering your new set online, then you’ll have to rely on reviews to learn how smoothly the pucks and strikers move across the table’s surface.

Certification

Some sets will have USAA certification, which means they have been deemed pro-quality and have been given the nod from the United States Air Hockey Association. This can be a great indication of quality, however, don’t be quick to dismiss a set that isn’t USAA certified.

Quality Matters

Cheap, low-quality sets may be available at a lower price, but you’ll really be sacrificing quality just to save a few bucks. Just like most things in life, you really do get what you pay for. If you’re looking for pucks and mallets that offer a nice weight, perfect gliding action, and a smooth design, you can expect to pay more, however, with a higher rated set you’ll immediately notice a huge difference in terms of gliding action and speed, especially if you’ve mainly only played with stock accessories.

Set Size

One of the more important parts of a set is of how much parts it consists. While traditionally you get 2 pucks and 2 paddles, it is always good to have extra accessories in your package. Such accessories might include extra pucks in case you lose or damaged your original ones. Moreover, some of the more expensive sets come with carrying cases or bags which makes taking them to a tournament or a bar much easier!

Price

Puck and paddles sets often come cheap. However, some of the better models tend to cost a small fortune. These are often reserved for the players that prepare for tournaments and want to take things a step further. Still, if you’re really interested in getting a good bang for your buck, most decent sets will set you back around 20-40 dollars.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should your air hockey pucks weigh?

Weights vary in air hockey pucks. However, most commonly, you will find 7 or 20 gram pucks in most sets. These are divided into two sizes – small and large. There are also pucks that weigh over 1 oz, typically around 1.4 or 1.5 oz. The weight of the puck has a ton of importance for the game and for your playing style. Usually, more advanced players prefer slightly heavier pucks because they are more consistent and work better on the more expensive tables.

Do all air hockey pucks come in the same size?

Just like with the weight, not all air hockey pucks are created equal. Some are large, some are small. This is because they are designed to work on different air hockey tables with different blower motor strengths. Smaller pucks typically work better on kids tables and are easy to use with smaller mallets. However, on the bigger tables, you’d want to go with large mallets and large pucks for the ultimate air hockey feel!

How fast are air hockey pucks?

On a slippery air hockey table and with the right air hockey puck and mallet, you can easily reach speeds over 60 mph. There are recorded speeds of up to 80-100mph which is incredible for this type of sport. If anything, this goes to show you how fast your reactions have to be in order to master your air hockey defense!

Final Thoughts

The whole point of buying the best air hockey pucks and paddles is to make an important upgrade that will improve gameplay, whether it’s faster action that you’re looking for or a smoother glide. These sets that I’ve reviewed each offer the type of quality that most air hockey enthusiasts are looking for. If you’re tired of losing match after match and want to know how to win at air hockey, upgrading your pucks and strikers is a great place to start. In fact, you’ll notice a change in how you play, the pace of the game and a definite improvement in how smooth the action is.