Foosball is a fast-paced, fun game that features several rows of players that are controlled by long rods with twistable handles. The game loosely replicates soccer and provides hours of entertainment for children and adults. These days, manufacturers are now producing tables that are perfect for home use, such as the Best Choice Products foosball table, which features a compact design that allows families to enjoy match after match in the comfort of their own home. This review on the latest table by Best Choice Products will dig deep into what makes this model one of the best foosball tables on the market, why it earned top marks, and the features it has to offer.
The manufacturer did a poor job of explaining how to put this table together, including instructions that are vague and not very helpful. Considering this table comes with a lot of pieces, labeling every piece would’ve also made the assembly process much easier. Aside from this oversight, the table itself is still a good buy, once you’re able to put it together.
Overview and Features
This table comes with some nice extras, such as a couple of cup holders and an arcade-style design that makes it a popular choice among seasoned players. The table is large enough and sturdy enough to easily handle use by both adults and kids, although it doesn’t offer the same durability that you’ll get from traditional-sized foosball tables. However, if you don’t have the budget or the room to accommodate an arcade-style foosball table, then this model by Best Choice Products is a great alternative. It comes with everything you need to play this classic table game, including smooth rod action, a slick playing surface, and a solid design.
Design
This model by Best Choice Products features a competition-sized design, measuring 48 inches. The foosball table size is perfect for smaller homes and apartments and won’t take up too much floor space.
Rods
The table has a total of eight chrome-plated steel rods, for four rows per team. There are eleven white players and eleven red players. The grips on the rods make them comfortable to hold and provide better foosball ball control than what you’ll find on competing models, such as the Mainstreet Classics Table Top Foosball Table.
Durability
The table is made out of durable composite wood that’s tough enough to handle rough use.
Surface Area
The surface area features a slight angle from each of the corners, which will prevent the ball from getting trapped. The surface area is large and smooth, promoting faster ball action.
The surface of the table is painted green, complete with some white field markings. The white tends to wear off quickly, with fast game play, but this isn’t a deal-breaker for most buyers.
Cup Holders
On each end of the table, you’ll find one built-in cup holder. This is a nice extra that all buyers will appreciate.
Leg Levelers
The table comes equipped with leg levelers, which is a huge bonus for some buyers, especially if the table is going to be set up on an uneven surface. The legal levelers can be adjusted independently, to accommodate a sloping floor. You can also lower or raise the height of the table, based on who’s playing. If the kids are ready for a foosball competition, you can lower the table to make it easier for them to play.
Score Keeper
Electronic score keepers are popular among buyers who don’t want to bother with keeping track of the score, however, if you have an electronic score keeper, you have to worry about setting the table up close to an outlet. Additionally, these score keepers are not the most accurate.
This table comes with a built-in wood score keeper located on each end of the table. This will allow you to keep track of a match, without the hassle that comes with an electronic score keeper.
Assembly
The assembly process is the worst part of this table. Most buyers have complained about the complicated assembly process. Some of the pieces on the table are not labeled, which can add to the confusion. The manufacturer did a poor job of explaining the process, including only vague instructions instead of guiding you every step of the way. Assembling the table can be confusing, frustrating, and can easily take you over an hour to do, especially if you don’t have any help. Fortunately, some buyers have made videos on YouTube regarding the assembly process, so you can watch one of these videos if you get stuck.
Maintenance
The table’s playing surface should be wiped down weekly if you don’t have a foosball table cover. Dust, dirt, and debris can slow down ball action. A clean playing surface means better and faster ball action. The rods of the table will need to be oiled, should you notice the rods are difficult to turn or shoot with.
Performance
The ball is put into action from a hole on each side of the table. This model comes with an extra ball, which will be a plus for any buyer. The rods perform well and slide smoothly, from side to side. The built-in bumpers will stop players from damaging the sides of the tables. At the end of each rod is a thin rubber handgrip that makes the rods more comfortable to hold so you can focus solely on controlling your players and the ball.
The players line up in traditional foosball fashion. The players spin in unison with the rod, so if a rod is turned upside down the players will also rotate. The players don’t spin back to an upright position unless the player turns the rod back.
When two adults are playing a fast-paced match, the table can rock back and forth, which makes the durability questionable.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Durable
- Chrome-plated rods
- Two cup holders
- Low price
- Smooth playing surface
- Ergonomic handle grips
Cons
- White field markings wear off over time
- The table is difficult to assemble
- The table can rock during rough game play
Conclusion and Rating
Our Rating:
The Best Choice Products Competition Sized Foosball Table is a great choice if you’re looking for the same type of foosball playing experience that you enjoy at the arcade but in a slightly smaller package. While there are certainly bigger tables on the market, this model offers the same type of pro-quality gameplay in a compact design. The table still takes up quite a bit of floor space, but it’s a great choice for smaller homes. It’s also reasonably priced, features solid construction, and includes excellent shooting action and quality game play. This model earned a score of 4.5 out of 5 stars.