You’ve purchased your first shuffleboard table so you can play at home with your family and friends. Now it’s time to find a quality set of shuffleboard pucks (also known as a shuffleboard weight) to play with since you don’t want to compromise the experience with some cheap pucks. A bad puck can really put a downer on your shuffleboard game; it can be hard to hold, difficult to aim, snowplow the wax or may even fall apart after just a few months of play. So we’ve reviewed a number of tabletop shuffleboard pucks and put together a handy list of shuffleboard pucks & weights that we think will improve your shuffleboard game playing experience for a long time plus we added some frequently asked questions about shuffleboard pucks towards the end of this post.

The 9 Best Shuffleboard Pucks and Weights

1. Empire USA Premium Shuffleboard Pucks – Best Bang for your Buck

Empire USA has a great set of shuffleboard pucks at an incredible price. The material is solid and feels good in your hand. You also conveniently get to choose what size pucks you want compared to other sets if you purchase on Amazon. Most importantly, these pucks have beveled edges which makes this set of shuffleboard pucks a great value given the price. A regulation sized set of these pucks is less than $100 and you won’t have to deal with shuffleboard wax trails when you slide the pucks.

Available on Amazon

While these pucks are slightly more on the pricier side, this set of regulation sized pucks are a worthy investment if you’re looking for a high quality puck set. The craftsmanship is flawless and the beveled edges make the pucks travel fast and smoothly. Also, there won’t be any “snowplowing” through the shuffleboard wax leaving wax trails and you’ll feel you have maximum control of the puck. All in all, these pucks will definitely enhance your gameplay if you’re playing competitively or even just for fun.

Available on Amazon

3. GAO Store Indoor Shuffleboard Pucks

GAO Store has put together a fine set of mid-priced shuffleboard pucks. These pucks have a solid feel to them and are well-crafted and designed with the brand logo etched in the middle of each puck. With a beveled edge, these pucks go smoothly and fast down any shuffleboard table and have a nice bounce when they hit other pucks. Whether you’re playing on a 9 foot, 16 foot or 22 foot shuffleboard table, these pucks will give you years of quality gameplay.

Available on Amazon

These shuffleboard pucks are a great value for anyone looking for an inexpensive set of shuffleboard pucks for casual or recreational play. While the pucks don’t have beveled edges, the pucks still travel fast but they do “plow” the wax slightly. If you’re looking for an inexpensive, durable, regulation size set of pucks and don’t care as much about the plowing aspect, this would be a good set of pucks to purchase.

Available on Amazon

Hathaway has a nicely put together set of pucks in a quality wooden case. The craftsmanship and quality are definitely there but the size of the pucks aren’t for everyone. They are a lot smaller than advertised unfortunately, but if you can get past that, the actual pucks themselves have a solid weight to them and work well on smaller tables. One thing to note is that these pucks don’t have a beveled edge which causes “snowplowing” of the powdered wax.

Available on Amazon

If you want pucks and accessories, then this shufflepuck package deal is just what you’re looking for. The pucks themselves are well-made, featuring plastic curved blue and red caps and a standard metal base. As good as the pucks are, what really puts this buy over the top is all the accessories. There’s their famous talc powder, their rule booklet, and their fastest shuffleboard wax make this a great set to buy.

Available on Amazon

These Sun-Glo pucks have a nice look to them and are overall solid pucks. They are medium sized pucks though which means non-regulation size and work better on smaller shuffleboard tables. The shuffleboard wax is a nice bonus but it’s on the slower end of the speed rating. Definitely more pricey than some of the other pucks but you get a solid puck for your buck. Sun-Glo also makes some quality scoreboards.

Available on Amazon

8.) Zdgao Shuffleboard Pucks

Zdgao has a set of shuffleboard weights that have a black chrome finish vs. the standard chrome look. The beveled edges are nice and for the most part don’t plow the wax. They’re ideal for any size shuffleboard table, be it a 14 foot or a 22 foot table. They have a solid feel to them and should hold up for some time so you can enjoy your shuffleboard games with your friends and family. These pucks also come in regulation and non-regulation size.

Available on Amazon

9.) Zdgao Black & Gray Shuffleboard Weights

Zdgao has another similar set of pucks but this time they come with black and gray tops vs. the traditional blue and red tops. Similar build quality as the previous set of pucks, but the aesthetics are slightly different, coming with a chrome plate finish vs. the black chrome finish.

Available on Amazon

What should I look for in a quality shuffleboard puck & weight set?

When it comes to evaluating Shuffleboard Puck sets, the quality of the weight you use has a big effect on your shuffleboard game. Basically, if you’re playing table shuffleboard with one of those run of the mill weights, like the ones without any curves or beveled edges, you’re going to have issues playing since straight edges will plow the powdered wax leaving trails and offer less control.

For that reason, it’s important to invest in a good set of shuffleboard pucks or weights and here are some things to consider when you’re about to buy a set:

• Crafted by a reputable brand (i.e. Sun-Glo, Zieglerworld, McClure)
• Beveled edges for maximum control of the weights and to prevent snowplowing
• Made from quality materials such as ABS plastic for the plastic side of the puck and a denser metal that can handle being repeatedly bounced off rails, gutters, and other pucks (i.e. Stainless Steel or Chrome)
• The components used to put together the weights are also of top quality. For example, the screws used to put the puck together should be made from steel rather than plastic. If steel is used, the puck should hold up much longer

What size do Shuffleboard Pucks come in?

Shuffleboard pucks come in two sizes:

1. Recreational Sized Shuffleboard Pucks – These are designed and recommended for people who are new to the game and just want to learn and have a good time. For your indoor playing space, these would be the weights you’d want to get to begin with. They’re smaller in size and are better for smaller tables (less than 15 feet).
2. Regulation Sized Shuffleboard Pucks – Unlike recreational pucks, these pucks are larger and are used on much larger tables for tournament play. They’re for the more advanced, high skilled player who has a really good understanding of how to shoot, score, defend, and play.

Both recreational and regulation weights weigh between 11.5 to 15 ounces (326 grams to 425 grams). Regulation size shuffleboard table pucks & weights are 2 and 5/16 inches (58 millimeters) while non-regulation size shuffleboard pucks & weights are 2 and 1/8 inches (53 millimeters).

The post Our Top Recommendations for the Best Shuffleboard Puck & Weight Sets appeared first on Recreation Insider.

Ever wondered how much shuffleboard wax you need to use to get the perfect play speed? Or perhaps you might want to know which speed rating would be best for your table or how to apply it properly. If you’ve had some questions about shuffleboard wax, we’ve got you covered.

We’ve put together a list of the most frequently asked questions and provided you with reliable answers to them. So aside from the game rules and shuffleboard strategies, you’ll also have a better understanding of the uses of shuffleboard wax and how to use it for better game play.

1. What is Shuffleboard Wax?

Shuffleboard wax is a dry powder material typically made of silicone beads, which is sprinkled on the playing surface of shuffleboard tables. The goal is to decrease friction while allowing shuffleboard pucks to glide smoothly across the surface. You may know it by other names such as cheese, dust, powder, sand, salt, sawdust, speed powder, and more.

Check Price on Best Selling Shuffleboard Wax on Amazon

2. What’s the Difference Between Shuffleboard Wax and Sand?

Shuffleboard wax and shuffleboard sand are the same thing. These are just different names for the same product.

3. What’s the Difference Between Shuffleboard Wax and Powder?

Shuffleboard wax and shuffleboard powder are the same thing. Shuffleboard wax is in powder form and is sometimes called shuffleboard powder.

4. What is Shuffleboard Wax Made of?

The most common material used for making shuffleboard wax is dry silicone beads, which look like dry powder. These behave like miniature ball bearings for the shuffleboard puck, allowing it to smoothly slide across the playing surface. Some brands also mix these silicone beads with ground corn to create different speed levels. Some shuffleboard players even come up with their own concoction by mixing different powders together.

5. Is Shuffleboard Wax Toxic?

Shuffleboard wax is made from silicone, which is a non-toxic polymer. However, some shuffleboard wax may contain nuts or nut products, which could be harmful for you if you have a nut allergy. Make sure you check the label or look for online reviews to find out if the wax you plan to buy contains nuts.

6. What does Speed Rating Mean for Shuffleboard Wax?

The speed rating is how shuffleboard wax gets categorized. It’s a numeric system ranging between 1 and 7, with 1 being the fastest speed. It is typically used for professional play at larger tables. Speed 3 is a medium fast rating for sufficient momentum on larger tables.

The slowest shuffleboard wax has a speed rating of 7 and is ideal for smaller shuffleboard tables. If you’re unsure about what qualifies as a smaller table or larger table, refer to our article on shuffleboard table dimensions.

7. Which Shuffleboard Wax Should You Use or Get?

This really depends on factors like the size of your shuffleboard table and the type of play you want. For slow to medium-speed play on a small table, you could start out with a Speed 6 or 7. A Speed 3 may be too fast for smaller tables and can cause the pucks to fly off the surface, but it would be ideal for providing medium-speed play on medium tables and slow play on larger tables.

Professionals usually prefer faster play, so a Speed 1 or 1.5 on a large table would be a great option., but not all brands offer a Speed 1.5, so you can opt for a Speed 2 instead. You can check out our article on shuffleboard table accessories to learn more about various shuffleboard wax brands and speed rating.

8. How Do You Apply the Shuffleboard Wax on the Table?

There are a few steps you need to follow before you can start the wax application process. First, remove the existing wax using a shuffleboard brush or a soft towel. Then apply a silicone spray across the playing surface in a sweeping motion.

Let it sit for a few minutes and then use a towel to gently buff off the remainder and spread it evenly across the surface. After this, you can spread the shuffleboard wax evenly on the surface of your board.

9. How Do You Spread Shuffleboard Wax?

There’s no specific technique to spread shuffleboard wax. After you follow the steps provided in the previous answer, you just need to sprinkle the wax powder evenly and generously across your table surface. Shuffleboard wax comes in containers that allow easy sprinkling and application, so you wouldn’t have too much trouble with this.

10. How Much Shuffleboard Wax Should You Use?

There’s no specific rule on how much shuffleboard wax you should apply. The amount of application mainly depends on your personal preferences. It’s best to start out with a light coating and then test your pucks to see if this amount works for you. You can apply more wax if you feel like the pucks are sliding too fast or they’re falling off the board. You can remove some excess wax if the pucks are unable to slide freely on the surface.

Image Source: Charles Kim on Flickr

11. What Causes Shuffleboard Wax Clumping?

Like with other powdered substances, shuffleboard wax will clump up when there’s too much moisture. Clumping can happen when you add your powder wax without waiting for the silicone spray to dry completely. It can also happen if you store the powder wax in spaces that get too much humidity such as on a concrete floor in the basement, next to a window, or next to a wall in the basement.

12. What’s the Problem With Shuffleboard Wax Clumping?

Shuffleboard wax clumping is one of the main causes of plowing. Plowing is when the shuffleboard puck pushes the powder wax as it travels from one end of the board to the other, resulting in the wax piling up. This can slow down your pucks and affect game play.

But plowing isn’t necessarily a result of wax clumping; it could also be because of poor-quality shuffleboard pucks. You can check out our article on the best shuffleboard pucks to find a brand that allows good game play with no plowing.

13. Where Can You Buy Shuffleboard Wax?

You can find shuffleboard wax from reputable manufacturers like Sun-Glo, Hathaway, and Triple Crown on ecommerce sites such as Amazon, Target, Home Depot, Muellers, and Walmart. These retailers will also carry shuffleboard wax at their physical locations, if they have one.

You can also check out the official websites of popular recreational game manufacturers like McClure Tables, ZieglerWorld, Brunswick Billiards, Legacy Billiards, etc.

14. Can You Reuse Shuffleboard Wax?

Although it is technically possible to reuse shuffleboard wax a few times, this isn’t always advisable. That’s because it is made of minuscule silicone balls, which become jagged and uneven once you use your pucks on them. If you reuse the wax, you could risk damaging the playfield. It will also slow down your game. If you do plan to reuse your shuffleboard wax, make sure you only do so for 3-4 times at the max.

15. How Do You Clean Shuffleboard Wax?

Once you’ve used shuffleboard wax, it immediately collects a lot of dirt and impurities. If you are going to reuse it, you need to thoroughly clean it first after you scoop it out of the gutter.

For this, you will need an old kitchen strainer and a dry bucket. Make sure the strainer doesn’t have any large holes through which larger debris can escape. Place some wax into the strainer and shake it lightly to filter out all the junk that you may have collected from the gutter along with the wax.

16. How Do You Remove Shuffleboard Wax from a Table?

Removing used and old shuffleboard wax is one of the vital steps in shuffleboard table maintenance, especially if you own one of the top-rated shuffleboard tables. And it is essential when you’re going to re-wax the table for a game. You would typically use a shuffleboard brush or sweep to brush off the old powder from your table. If you don’t have one, you can also use a clean and dry towel.

17. What’s the Best Shuffleboard Wax for a 9-Foot Table?

It mainly depends on what play speed you’re looking for. Since a 9-foot table is among the smaller shuffleboard table dimensions, you could start with a Speed 7 for slower games and a Speed 6 for a medium speed game. Try using a Speed 5 if you want an even faster game.

18. What’s the Best Shuffleboard Wax for a 12-Foot Table?

Since a 12-foot table is among the smaller shuffleboard varieties, the wax you use wouldn’t be too different from what you would use with a 9-foot table. A Speed 7 would provide you with a slow game, while a Speed 6 would be perfect for medium-speed casual play.

Final Thoughts

So now you know all you need to know about shuffleboard wax and especially how it can impact your game play especially on different table sizes. Hopefully we covered all the questions you may have about the uses of shuffleboard wax, if you have any other questions, just let us know. 

The post 18 Shuffleboard Wax & Powder FAQ Must Knows appeared first on Recreation Insider.

Table shuffleboard can be an incredibly fun and competitive game to play with your friends at the bar. It’s easy to want to bring that fun home, but before you choose to buy a new shuffleboard that could cost upwards to a few thousand dollars, we figured we’d provide some key pointers to consider when you’re about to buy a shuffleboard and give you some recommendations of the best shuffleboards. For something more comprehensive, we also put together a Shuffleboard Buying Guide.

Equipment Terminology That’s Important to Know

Before you purchase one of our top-recommended shuffleboard tables, there’s some equipment terminology you should know beforehand.

• Rail – This is a part of the shuffleboard table that acts like the outer wall or edge of the table

• Gutter – This is another part of the shuffleboard table and it’s the open space that goes around the surface of the table. It’s where the shuffleboard weights or pucks fall into when they fail to stay on the surface

• Climate Adjusters – These are brackets that are adhered to the bottom of the top surface of the shuffleboard table. They allow the table to shift with the changes in the weather, such as the humidity in the air or the overall temperature, to prevent the table from affecting your play

• Wax – Shuffleboard table wax creates a super smooth, non-resistant top to your shuffleboard table, reducing friction between table and weight. Wax is also called powder, sand, dust, or silicone beads

Types of Tables to Choose From

When it comes to purchasing a Shuffleboard tables, there are a few types that exist:

• Regular Shuffletable – This type of table is just like the one described earlier, with rails, gutters, climate adjusters, etc.
• Bankboard Table – Instead of the table having gutters, this type has cushioned banks much like the sides of a pool table. Players “bank” the weights off the sides before trying to score
• Sjoelen – This is a board that has scoring boxes instead of zones. It’s a Dutch version of the game.
• Bowling Table – This version is where you slide the puck over slats on the table that “knock” off pins hanging over them. This style has a super fun arcade feel. You can also make a bowling table out of a regular one just by purchasing an accessory kit

What Makes a Shuffleboard Table a Good One To Buy

When it comes to looking for a quality shuffleboard table, here are a few considerations:

• It’s crafted by a brand has uses quality materials such as one type of wood or one type of metal and no composite materials are used.
• The playing surface has a quality, smooth finish so the weight or puck can slide easily even without wax or silicone beads.
• Assembly that isn’t complicated. You don’t want to have to have an engineering degree to put it together.

The 5 Best Shuffleboard Tables

Barrington Billiards Shuffleboard Table

This is a solid smaller shuffleboard table that should fit in your basement or game room. It’s durable, created by a manufacturer known for quality and has a scratch resistant wood veneer playing field. In addition to the table itself, it has all the shuffleboard accessories that you need to play.

Check Price on Amazon

Atomic 9′ LED Shuffleboard Table

This is another 9′ Shuffleboard Table that’s incredibly reasonably priced. One of the few shuffleboard tables for under $1,000, you get a nice poly-coated playing surface that allows for fast action. It’s built with a modern design and style with an abacus scoring system which is a nice touch so you don’t need to buy a separate shuffleboard scorekeeper. It also

Check Price on Amazon

Playcraft Woodbridge Shuffleboard Table

With its contemporary styling, handy storage compartments, quick surface, and expert craftsmanship, this is one table that’s tough to pass up for the entry- to intermediate-level at-home player. For the 12-foot version, you only have to pay just over $1,000 to get it and for that price, you get a place to play shoveapenny with a non-laminated multi-coat polyurethane surface. With your purchase, you get the weights you need to play along with speed wax and 2 plastic sliding scorers.Even with some assembly required, this is a great buy.

Fairview Game Rooms 12’ Shuffleboard Table With Bowling Kit

With this shuffleboard table, you can bring the same type of playing experience that you have at the bar, pub, or arcade right into your home. The asking price of $1600 might seem a bit high, but this table’s premium features are well worth the cost. A maple veneer with more than five players of multicore construction and a polyurethane finish create a sturdy, durable cabinet that provides a solid base for the surface finished with polymer. Construction is rounded out by metal stabilizers, chrome leglevelers, and locking nuts for leveling that’s close to perfect. It also has anaccessory door that’s hidden and it comes with all the equipment you need toplay.

Playcraft Telluride Pro-Style Shuffleboard Table with Electronic Scorer

If money’s no object, then this is the table for you. As the name suggests, it’s a pro-style table that has all the bells and whistles found on shuffleboard tables in professional establishments. The surface of the table is made from a Canadian Maple edge glued vertical butcher block, that’s as tough as it is stunning. Not to mention the fact that it has a very rich finish that rivals that of any high end furniture maker on the market. With its 24 inch electronic scoreboard, pro-style threaded climate adjusters, set of eight pucks, board sweep, speed wax and playing instructions, this is the be all end all of indoor shuffleboard tables.

Bottom Line

As you can see from reading this post, there’s a lot that actually goes into purchasing a shuffleboard table. But since you’ve read the reviews and information provided here, you should now have a good understanding of the best ones to choose from and how to find a good one for you. Once you get your shuffleboard table and are looking to improve your play, check out some shuffleboard strategies. Finally, be sure to get a shuffleboard table cover.

The post The 5 Best Shuffleboard Tables appeared first on Recreation Insider.

Everybody loves to win – whether it’s at a game of Monopoly or in indoor table shuffleboard. Even if you’re not a serious shuffleboard player, you can’t deny that there’s a certain euphoric feeling about winning a game. However, it’s important to understand the shuffleboard scoring rules so you can ensure a fair game and that the rightful team wins. That’s what you’ll discover in this post along with some useful instructions on how to keep score.

Overview of Table Shuffleboard Rules

Understanding the basic rules of shuffleboard will give you a better foundation to learning the scoring rules because the two are interrelated. You can’t truly understand one without learning the other. So take a look at a brief overview of the game rules before you can learn how to keep score:

• Table shuffleboard involves eight shuffleboard pucks, which are sometimes known as weights. These pucks typically come in two different colors per set – one color for each team. At each round, players will shoot all eight of these pucks to try and score.
• Players need to slide the weights across the table instead of bouncing them or throwing them in the air.
• You can play shuffleboard between two people or four players divided into two teams. The two teams will take alternate turns in shooting their pucks.
• Your weights should pass the foul line to be considered a valid shot.
• The main goal of the game is to get your pucks as close to the end of the table as possible.
• You will decide on a winning score before starting the game. Most games are played to 15 or 21 points, but you can have shorter or longer games depending on how much time you have. Whichever team manages to reach this score first wins.

How to Keep Score in Table Shuffleboard

The basic table shuffleboard scoring rules are pretty straightforward. As mentioned earlier, one team has to reach a certain predetermined point to win. Where the puck manages to land in the scoring area will determine how much score a team gets while calculating the score at the end of the frame. There are three sections within the scoring area:

• The 3-point area that’s closest to the edge is worth 3 points
• The 2-point area in the short middle section is worth 2 points
• The 1-point area in the long middle sections is worth 1 point
• If the shuffleboard puck lands in between the lines of a section, the lower point total is scored. i.e. If the puck lands between section 1 & 2, then 1, it is worth 1 point

The following diagram will give you a better idea of how these zones are divided.

Besides this, you can also score 4 points if your puck hangs off the edge of the table without falling into the gutter. This is called scoring a hanger. If your puck ends up into the gutter, however, you won’t score any points. There is also a house rule that you can score 5 points or 10 points if the puck hangs off the corner edge of the table.

It’s easy to go too hard and end up with zero points when you had aimed to score 3 points, especially when playing on shorter tables. So a lot of players try to play it safe and have their weight land in the 1-point area rather than risk going off the edge.

Counting the scores is where the shuffleboard scoring rules get a bit complicated. You can’t just add up all the points that each player manages to score during one round. Instead, only the team whose puck is farthest down the table at the end of the round will get to score points for that round.

Even then, not all of their pucks will manage to score a point. You’ll have to consider only those pucks that landed farther than the opponent’s. This means that if your opponent’s puck is right behind your farthest puck, you’ll only end up with 3 points for the whole round unless you threw a hanger. In this case, you’ll only score 4 points for the whole round.

Check out the following diagram to understand this rule better. Here, you can see five pucks with the red team getting the farthest shot. This means that the red team gets to score for this round. However, it doesn’t mean they will score a total of 6 points for getting one puck in zone 3, one in zone 2, and one in zone 1.

Instead, they will only score points for the pucks in zones 3 and 2 because the blue team’s pucks managed to land farther than the puck in zone 1. So their total points for this round would be 5 points.

Keeping Score in Shuffleboard Using a Scoring Abacus

While you may simply add up the scores in your head during a casual game, recording your score properly will give you more accuracy. You would typically use a scoring abacus for this, and there are a lot of shuffleboard tables that come with pre-installed scoring beads. Some players also prefer to use an electronic scoring system.

It’s fairly easy to use a scoring abacus to keep score in shuffleboard. There will be one at each end of the table for each team to keep their team score. The scoring team just needs to slide across the number of beads equivalent to the number of points scored at the end of each round. So for instance, you will slide across 3 beads to one side if you scored 3 points for that round. If you scored a single point in that round, you would slide across just one bead.

Different Shuffleboard Scoring Rules for Different Types of Games

Some shuffleboard players like to mix things up a bit and play variations of the game. Some would even use their shuffleboard tables to play shuffleboard bowling. These variations will have slight differences in scoring rules. For instance, the basic shuffleboard scoring rules we’ve just discussed would be used in Knock Off Shuffleboard. Once you get these rules down pat, you can also try the following variations:

• Target Shuffleboard – In Target Shuffleboard, players try to land their pucks within a target area to score points, just like with target games such as darts and archery. Other than that, all the rules are similar to basic shuffleboard. Players can score up to 4 points for each shot.
  
• Horse Collar Shuffleboard – This variation of shuffleboard is all about scoring. The winning team or player has to score 51 points or more. So if you want to play a high-scoring game, this is an excellent option.
  
• Tap and Draw Shuffleboard – In Tap and Draw Shuffleboard, players will attempt to nudge their pucks closer to the edge by hitting them with other pucks. It takes a lot of skill to do this without pushing your pucks off the edge, so it’s typically a game for expert shuffleboard players. If you’re playing this game like a Horse Collar, you need to score 51 points to win.
  
  However, the game does not end just because one team has scored 51 points. It only ends after the player or team that’s shooting last takes their last turn. In case both teams score more than 51 points, whichever team has a higher score wins.
  
• Crazy Eights Shuffleboard – Crazy Eights is a fun way to play shuffleboard and is suitable for all skill levels. In this variation, you can have two or more players and each player gets to use all eight pucks. Players need to score a predetermined winning score in order to win. However, every player must have taken their turn at that frame before the game can end.
  
  So just because one player reaches the winning score doesn’t mean the game is complete. At the end of the frame, the player who manages to score the highest point that’s equal to or more than the predetermined winning score wins the game. You can read our previous blog post on how to play crazy eights to learn more about the rules.

Best Types of Shots for Scoring and Defense

It takes some skill to become a great shuffleboard player and stand a better chance at winning. You can take your shuffleboard skills to the next level by learning a few scoring shots and defensive shots. These shots will help you add to your point total or protect it so you can win. Let’s take a look:

• Free Shot – This refers to the basic shot in which you try to get your pucks down the table and land it in one of the scoring zones.
• Hanger Shot – As mentioned earlier, a hanger shot is when your weight hangs off the edge of the table without falling into the gutter. Scoring a hanger is a great way to rack up points in shuffleboard because it’s worth 4 points.
• Spin Out Shot – This shot is pretty much self-explanatory. It involves getting some spin on your puck so that it goes around other pucks that are blocking its path to score a higher point.
• Guided Shot – This shot gets its name because it involves using the rail of the shuffleboard table to guide your puck and land it exactly where you want it. Some players would also call this riding the rail or shooting the rail, as explained in our shuffleboard glossary list.
• Knock Off/Smash Shot – This shot is a great way to get your opponent out of scoring position. It involves sliding your weight as hard as you can so that it knocks theirs out of the way.
• Guard Shot – A guard shot involves strategically placing your weights so that you can protect the point-scoring weights from being knocked off by your opponent.

What’s Next?

After understanding the basics of shuffleboard scoring rules, you can brush up your skills by practicing the different types of shots we’ve discussed. You can even try out the other variations of the game if you’re bored of the usual. If you want to become better at shuffleboard, you need a lot of practice like with any other game. So make sure you check out our previous resources to learn more about the game.

The post Table Shuffleboard Scoring Rules in a Nutshell appeared first on Recreation Insider.

If you’re an avid bowler, there may be times you wish you could go bowling whenever you want – even from the comfort of your own home. Unless you’re fairly wealthy, you won’t be able to build a bowling lane in your home. That’s where shuffleboard bowling enters the picture. This game is a great way for anyone who owns a shuffleboard table to take the fun of bowling into their own home.

What is Shuffleboard Bowling?

So what exactly is this shuffleboard bowling game? As the name suggests, it’s a combination of shuffleboard and bowling which involves turning your shuffleboard table into a miniature bowling lane. This is one of the biggest benefits of owning a shuffleboard table. Besides using it for its actual purpose, you can adapt it to suit some of your favorite games like bowling and even Crazy Eights.

Of course, you’re going to need some special equipment to play shuffleboard bowling. There are special bowling pins to fit this game setting, since a shuffleboard table isn’t as large as an actual bowling lane. These pins are typically made of wood or plastic, and instead of traditional bowling balls, you use your shuffleboard pucks to hit these pins.

Since it’s a miniature version of bowling, shuffleboard bowling is not as intense as traditional bowling. So besides being a great in-home solution for avid bowlers, it’s also an excellent alternative for players that cannot handle the strain of the traditional game.

While it’s much easier to play, it is also quite challenging in that it you need to have skill and accurate aim to win at this game. You’ll need good hand-eye coordination to ensure the accuracy of your bowls, and the best part is that it’s a great game to help you practice your bowling skills for traditional shuffleboard.       

Setting Up Your Table for Shuffleboard Bowling

Before we can start talking about how to play the game, you need to first learn how to set up the table for shuffleboard bowling. Although a few people play it with five pins, a shuffleboard bowling game typically requires 10 pins. You need to arrange your pins in descending order in a 4-3-2-1 formation.

This means you need to line up four of the pins in the 3-point section of your shuffleboard table. Follow this up with three more pins in the front, still within the 3-point section. Then line up two pins in the 2-point section. Finally, add one pin in front but make sure it’s still within the 2-point section. Just as with conventional bowling, you need to line up all these pins with the same amount of space between them.

To make this job easier, you should invest in a pinsetter to add to your shuffleboard accessories collection. Most shuffleboard bowling pin sets would come with a pinsetter and a scoring chart. So try to look for a complete set whenever you’re buying pins for your shuffleboard bowling game.

How to Play Shuffleboard Bowling

If you’re going to learn how to play this game, you need to learn a few basic rules. There aren’t a lot of differences between the basic rules of shuffleboard bowling and that of conventional bowling. So if you’re familiar with the basics of bowling, you can jump right in and start playing.

However, you do have to make some adjustments to your shooting technique if you’re only familiar with the rules of shuffleboard. Unlike in traditional shuffleboard, you need to aim for the center when shooting in a shuffleboard bowling game. Because you can’t put spin on the shuffleboard puck the same way you can with a bowling ball, the conventional technique of shooting from the side of the table will not be an effective way to get hits in this game.

Another big difference between traditional shuffleboard and shuffleboard bowling is that you can have as many players as you want. So it’s a great game for parties and social events. Each of the players get two attempts at knocking down all 10 of the pins. Once they have completed these two turns, the frame is over.

You have to complete 10 frames to have a complete game. However, you can go for fewer frames if you have time limitations. Once the game finishes, you calculate the points in the scorecard to find out who is the winner. The player with the most scores wins the game.

Scoring Rules in Shuffleboard Bowling

When you’re learning how to play shuffleboard bowling, it’s crucial that you understand the scoring rules, which are similar to traditional bowling. So if you knock down all 10 pins on the first try, that’s a strike.

Instead of scoring only 10 points for the frame, you will end up scoring a total of 10 points and the points you score in the next frame. For instance, let’s say you manage to knock down 8 pins in the second frame after a strike. So your score for the first frame would be 18 instead of 10.

When you knock down all 10 pins on your second try, you have a spare. Instead of scoring only 10 in this frame, you get 10 points plus the number of pins you knock down in your first attempt in the next frame.

Let’s say you manage to knock down 5 pins in the first attempt and 4 pins in the second attempt of your second frame after a spare. This means score for the first frame would be 15 instead of 10. As in conventional bowling, you get an extra frame if you manage to get a strike or a spare in the final frame.

Best Practices and Tips to Master Shuffleboard Bowling

Another similarity between traditional bowling and shuffleboard bowling is that you can shoot something like a gutter ball. But in this case, it’s called a gutter puck. And if you manage to shoot one, you end up with zero points and a wasted turn. So it’s crucial that you brush up on your shooting skills and improve the accuracy of your aim.

While you can eventually do this with enough practice, you could still benefit from a few pointers. Here are a few best practices and tips that could help you master how to play shuffleboard bowling:

1. One of the most effective tactics to avoid a gutter puck is by bowling your puck down on the board and making sure that it’s smooth and even.
2. Try using both your hands so you can have more control over the puck and improve the accuracy of your aim, helping you send your weight as you shoot.
3. See if you gain better balance by using only your palm area to move the weight.
4. It’s best to keep experimenting with different techniques to come up with your own style of shooting, as one technique may not necessarily be the best for everyone.

Parting Thoughts

Now you have a better idea of what is shuffleboard bowling and how to play this game. It’s fairly easy to learn and can be a fun way to spend time with friends and family. You can definitely use the game to brush up on your shuffleboard shooting skills as well. Make the most of these instructions and tips to master the game of shuffleboard bowling.

The post Table Shuffleboard Bowling 101 – All You Need to Know appeared first on Recreation Insider.

One of the reasons why shuffleboard has become so popular is because of its versatility. You can easily adapt it based on how much space you have – whether you’re in a cramped bar, a spacious rec room, or the great outdoors. So although there are official table and court sizes, shuffleboard dimensions can vary significantly based on type and available space.

In this post, we’re going to take a closer look at some of the different variations of shuffleboard and the common dimensions. If you’re interested in building your own shuffleboard table or if you’re planning to draw your own shuffleboard court, this information will help you get it right. Also, if you’re not the DIY type and are more likely to purchase a ready made shuffleboard table, knowing a bit about the dimensions will help you select a table that’s right for you. For more tips take a look at our Shuffleboard Buying Guide. 

How Long is a Shuffleboard Table?

Let’s start with shuffleboard tables. Shuffleboard tables are typically made of a wooden or laminated surface. This surface is then covered with silicone beads to reduce friction. The name for silicone beads varies regionally and is also known as shuffleboard wax, dust, cheese, powder, salt, etc.

These tables are perfect for use in indoor shuffleboard and smaller spaces such as a game room, a bar, or a pub. But you can even use them outdoors on your deck. Standard regulation size shuffleboard tables are 22 feet long and 20 inches wide. However, you can find smaller tables that will fit nicely into most rooms.

What Shuffleboard Table Size Should I get?

It mainly depends on the space you have available. It’s recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance on all four sides of the table to ensure players can move around comfortably. Among the smaller range tables, 9-foot shuffleboard tables are extremely popular (though you could even find tables as small as 8 feet long). As the name suggests, these tables are 9 feet long and typically 24-32 inches wide (with a playing surface that’s 8 feet long and a play field width of 15 inches). Their height could be anywhere between 30 and 32 inches.

The next size is 12 feet, and this goes up in even numbers till 22 feet. The width and height of shuffleboard tables generally do not change even though the lengths are different. The main difference is the length of the playing surface. 

A 12-foot shuffleboard table will have a playing surface that’s around 10.5 feet to 11 feet long and 16 inches wide. Shuffleboard tables that are longer than 12 feet normally have a playing surface width of 20 inches. The playing surface length of bigger shuffleboard tables are as follows:

1. 14-foot – 12.8 feet to 13 feet of playing surface
2. 16-foot – 14.8 feet to 15 feet of playing surface 
3. 18-foot – 16.7 feet to 17 feet of playing surface 
4. 20-foot – 18.7 feet to 19 feet of playing surface 
5. 22-foot – 20.5 feet to 21 feet of playing surface 

Bottom Line for Shuffleboard Tables

Whether you’re building your own shuffleboard table or thinking about purchasing one, these shuffleboard dimensions should give you an idea of what’s typically ideal for proper game play. Consider your available space when selecting the dimensions of your table, remembering to leave at least two feet of clearance on each side for easy maneuvering.

Official Shuffleboard Court Dimensions for Floor Shuffleboard

An official shuffleboard court should be 39 feet in length and 6 feet in width. Besides this, there should be an additional shooting area of 6 feet at each end. Except for the mid-shooting area, the lines of an official shuffleboard court should be an inch wide. And this line width isn’t taken into consideration in the court dimensions.

You’d also typically have a scoring zone in the form of an isosceles triangle at each end of the court. The dimensions of this triangle are 6 feet by 9 feet, and the peak of the triangle points away from the shooter. There are five separate scoring zones within this triangle, divided by one-inch wide white lines.

You have a 10-off zone behind the scoring zone, which should be 1 ½ feet deep. There are two lines running on the sides of this area at an angle following the Scoring Triangle. There’s also a Back-7 Line crossing the entire court. From the middle of this line, there’s a 6-foot-long center-line that runs up the middle of the court.

You’ll find the two 7 score zones on each side of the center-line, running 3 feet in length. The Back-8 line bounds them at the top. It runs side to side across and within the triangle. Each side of the center-line has an 8 scoring zone, which runs 3 feet in length. The Top-8 line bounds this zone and runs side to side across and within the triangle. This line forms a T when joined with the end of the center-line.

The peak of the scoring triangle is the 10 scoring zone. This area is 3 feet in height when measured from the top-8 line to the peak of the triangle. There’s also a dead-line that is 12 feet long and runs from side to side from the base-line. Also known as a lag-line, this line is 3 feet away from the tip of the triangle.

Each side has a dead-line, which are 12 feet apart. A shot disk has to cross or touch the farthest deadline in order to be a qualified shot. Otherwise, the disk is removed from court and is counted as a wasted shot.

The post Shuffleboard Dimensions: How Long is a Shuffleboard Table & Court? appeared first on Recreation Insider.

The lifespan of your shuffleboard table may depend mostly on its build quality and material, but maintenance is another factor that will determine how well it ages. The better you maintain your shuffleboard table, the better chance of it lasting for years without any major damage. That’s why you need to maintain it with our selection of essential shuffleboard accessories.

Additionally, there are also accessories that will help improve your game play. The problem is that there are so many options that it can get overwhelming to find out which ones you should get. So we’ve put together a handy list that will help you discover some of the must-have accessories for a shuffleboard table.

1. Hathaway Shuffleboard Brush

Every shuffleboard table purchase should be accompanied by a shuffleboard brush to clean the table and remove wax when needed. This shuffleboard brush from Hathaway is an excellent choice. The handle and frame is made from hardwood, with the handle being ergonomically shaped for comfortable handling.

The wide felt-like brush helps you clean your table surface easily and effectively without scuffing or scratching your table surface. With dimensions of 15.2” x 2.2” x 3.2”, this brush is ideal for most smaller and medium-size shuffleboard tables. It’s also economically priced, making it a great purchase that can help you in proper table maintenance.

Pros

• Ergonomically shaped handle for comfortable handling
• Extra wide brush for easy and effective cleaning
• Felt-like brush prevents scuffing and scratching
• Good value for money

Cons

• Some owners complain of the handle being loose
• Brush isn’t as plush as expected
• Slightly shorter than necessary for bigger tables
• No color/stain options other than dark cherry

Find it on Amazon

2. Hathaway Shuffleboard Game Rules Wall Art

It’s not easy to remember every single detail of the shuffleboard game rules, especially if you’re new to it. That’s why this shuffleboard game rules wall art from Hathaway is one of the best accessories for a shuffleboard table. You can hang it up on the wall near your table and easily refer to it in case you need to double check certain game rules.

The best part is that it looks great and will fit right in with your room décor. It has a stylish chalkboard background with a matte black finish frame. It measures 18.3” X 12.2” and is around 1” thick, making it large enough to be prominently visible without taking up the entire wall. This wall art also comes with a pre-installed hanger so installation is a breeze.

Pros

• Convenient and easily accessible game rules
• Stylish chalkboard design with sleek matte black frame
• Pre-installed hanger for easy installation

Cons

• Frame is a bit flimsy; prone to breaking
• Font could be a bit bigger for easy readability

Find it on Amazon

3. Playcraft Deluxe Pin Setter and Bowling Pins

Pin setters and bowling pins may not be among your top must-have shuffleboard table accessories, but they’re definitely a necessity if you love to play shuffleboard bowling. This deluxe set from Playcraft comes with a 13” pin setter, 10 pieces of 4.25” tall hardwood bowling pins, and a nylon storage bag to keep everything safe.

The spacing and size are perfect for both smaller and pro-size tables. The pinsetter is made of high-quality wood to ensure durability. It also has nylon feet to ensure that your shuffleboard table surface doesn’t get scratched – a vital component for anyone who takes good care of their shuffleboard table.

Pros

• Well-made and durable
• Great for both small and large table
• Comes with storage bag to store everything
• Nylon feet prevent surface scratches

Cons

• Slightly pricey
• Bowling pins are a bit light
• Red stripes are prone to coming off
  

Find it on Amazon

4. Sun-Glo Ultimate Variety Shuffleboard Powder Wax

If you’ve been wondering which speed of shuffleboard powder to get, the Sun-Glo Ultimate Variety pack is the perfect solution for you. It comes with all six speeds of shuffleboard table wax. So you can test out different speeds and combinations to see which one works best for your table and skill level.

This is a great purchase for those who are still trying to figure out the best shuffleboard powder speed for optimum performance. It’s better than buying several different full sized cans of powder to find the right one for you.

Pros

• Convenient variety pack
• Makes it easy to test different speeds and combinations
• Perfect for beginners and players who need to figure out the best speed for their skill level and table size

Cons

• Slightly pricier than other shuffleboard powder sets
• You may not want all the different shuffle powder speeds

Find it on Amazon

5. Crown Sporting Goods Portable Table Top Scoreboard

A game of shuffleboard isn’t complete without proper scorekeeping. While some people look for shuffleboard tables that come with pre-installed scoring beads, some prefer electronic scorers. If yours doesn’t come with a scoring system and if an electronic scorer is too expensive, this portable shuffleboard scoreboard from Crown Sporting Goods is an excellent and cost-effective option.

It measures 14.5” wide and 7” tall, so it’s big enough to be visible without completely taking over your table. It can count up to 99 points, so you can even use it for other sports like basketball, volleyball, and ultimate Frisbee.

This scoreboard uses ridged rings that allow you to smoothly change scores without much trouble. It requires no installation either, so you don’t have to worry about drilling holes on your shuffleboard table.

Pros

• Affordable
• Counts up to 99 points
• Versatile enough for most competitive games
• Easy to change scores
• No installation required

Cons

• Flimsier material
• Design may be too simple for some

Find it on Amazon

6. Hathaway Shuffleboard Table Cover

Even if you’re not planning to buy bowling pins and pin setters anytime soon, you definitely need to invest in a good shuffleboard table cover to protect your shuffleboard table from dust and moisture. That’s why this Hathaway shuffleboard table cover is among the must-have accessories for a shuffleboard table.

It comes from one of the top shuffleboard brands, so it’s sure to meet your quality requirements. Hathaway is also known for their quality shuffleboard tables and is among the most well-known shuffleboard table brands.

You can choose from three sizes depending on your table size – 9 feet, 12 feet, and 14 feet. The price goes up according to size. The synthetic leather exterior protects your shuffleboard table from dust, moisture, and scratches. This makes it a must-have if you have pets or kids who could accidentally knock against the table.

It also has a soft cotton lining on the inside, so you don’t have to worry about it leaving scuff marks on your table surface.  This shuffleboard table cover doesn’t disappoint even when it comes to durability. It has seams that are reinforced with double stitching. This means that the stitches don’t come loose very easily.

Pros

• Available in three different sizes for different table sizes
• Durable synthetic leather exterior rto protect from dust and moisture
• Soft cotton lining to prevent scuffing
• Reinforced double-stitched seams for extra durability

Cons

• Not suitable for tables larger than 14 feet
• Possibility of size consistency issues

Find it on Amazon

7. TORPSPORTS Shuffleboard Pucks

You can’t play shuffleboard without a set of shuffleboard pucks. While your shuffleboard table purchase may come with a free set of pucks, you might not be too happy with the quality. A lot of players have to invest in a separate set of shuffleboard pucks for better performance. If you’re in the market for a new set, these shuffleboard pucks from TORPSPORTS are an excellent option.

Each shuffleboard puck measures 2-1/8” in diameter or 53 mm. Although they’re not regulation size, they’re the perfect size for beginners and recreational matches. At 9-1/2 ounces, they’re slightly lighter than regulation shuffleboard pucks. However, they have a solid feel so the lighter weight does not negatively impact performance.

Each puck has a beveled edge that allows it to glide swiftly and smoothly across the table. It also has a nice bounce when hitting other pucks, helping you enhance your performance.

Pros

• Excellent build
• Solid feel and weight
• Beveled edges ensure fast and smooth game play
• Quality packaging with good after-sales services

Cons

• Non-regulation size
• Non-regulation weight

Find it on Amazon

8. Sun-Glo Shuffleboard Sweep

The shuffleboard sweep from Sun-Glo is another great option for cleaning your shuffleboard table to prepare for a new game. It is made from high-end solid wood that’s been naturally stained and finished. At dimensions of 20” x 6” x 6”, this extra wide shuffleboard sweep is perfect for effectively cleaning bigger tables in just a few strokes.

The carpet is made of high-quality material that makes cleaning efficient and easy, while remaining durable even after extensive use. Some owners even report that the wax doesn’t stick to the carpet like with other shuffleboard brushes. This makes it much easier to clean and maintain the equipment after use.        

Pros

• Made from high-end wood that’s durable with superior finish
• Uses high-quality carpet for effective cleaning
• Wax doesn’t stick to the carpet, making it easy to maintain
• Great width for cleaning bigger tables

Cons

• Slightly pricey
• Sweep is too wide for smaller tables
• Only comes in one color

Find it on Amazon

Bottom Line

Some of these must-have shuffleboard table accessories can help you with table maintenance, while others are specifically to enhance your game play. Go through each option and assess whether or not you need it depending on what you already have and what shuffleboard variations you want to play.

However, you definitely need to invest in a good shuffleboard table cover and a high-quality brush for proper table maintenance. If any of the terms and accessories we’ve mentioned here seem confusing to you, you can always check out our list of shuffleboard glossary terms.

The post The 8 Best Shuffleboard Table Accessories of 2020 appeared first on Recreation Insider.

]]> https://recreationinsider.com/shuffleboard/best-shuffleboard-brands/ Sun, 22 Dec 2019 02:02:37 +0000 https://recreationinsider.com/?p=570 When you’re in the market for a shuffleboard table, there are a lot of factors that you should consider before making a decision. This includes factors like material, cost, size, etc. But among these factors, it’s also crucial that you consider the brand of the shuffleboard table. While you may not necessarily be brand-conscious, there […]

The post The Best Shuffleboard Table Brands of 2020 appeared first on Recreation Insider.

]]>

When you’re in the market for a shuffleboard table, there are a lot of factors that you should consider before making a decision. This includes factors like material, cost, size, etc. But among these factors, it’s also crucial that you consider the brand of the shuffleboard table. While you may not necessarily be brand-conscious, there are several brands known for consistently creating quality products over the years. Choosing one of these brands will give you some assurance that you are going to make a good investment.

So we decided to look for some of the best shuffleboard table brands considering various factors and we’ve put together a list in no particular order. Here are top shuffleboard brands:

Brand Name	Pros	Cons
1. Playcraft	Great value for your money Solid hardwood playing surface Comes with climatic adjusters Comes with playing equipment Leg cabinet storage helps save space Most models come with in-built scorers	The setup instructions are somewhat complicated The polyurethane coating comes off somewhat easily
2. Hathaway	Great value for money Fairly easy to assemble Leg cabinet storage helps save space Comes with climatic adjusters	No pre-drilled holes for scoring abacus The wood veneer comes off somewhat easily and there can be warping on the playing surface
3. Venture	Extensive stain and style options Option to get custom size table Custom made in the USA Lifetime warranty Solid build Option to get regulation size tables	Pricey Lacquer coating on lower-end models can dent easily
4. Hudson	Made in the USA Option to get custom-built tables Poured finish for flawless playing surface Lifetime warranty on polymer finish Option to get regulation size tables	Pricey Some models have ill-fitting legs and a sloppy finish on the legs and cabinet
5. McClure	Custom made in the USA Lifetime warranty on polymer finish Extensive style and stain options Great customer service Option to get regulation size tables	Pricey Some models have improperly drilled holes to attach legs to frame Some models may have ill-fitting brass joint covers for Competitor II model

1. Playcraft

Playcraft may not necessarily make the absolute best shuffleboard tables, but their tables are typically the best quality among budget and mid-range shuffleboard tables. They offer excellent value for your money, which is why they are part of this list. The brand has been around since 1975 and has built a name in the industry with a focus on value, durability, and innovation. In fact, this brand is easily the most popular among shuffleboard table brands.

The shuffleboard tables from Playcraft have withstood the test of time and offer the perfect solution to those who need high-quality tables on a budget. Woodbridge is their most popular model because it’s perfect for all budgets and skill levels. It comes in sizes ranging from 9 feet to 16 feet, but the 14-foot table is ideal for decent game play if you’re looking for a small table. The cost of this model starts at a little over $800 and goes up according to size.

They also make other models such as Georgetown, Coventry, Vintage, Telluride, and more. If you’re looking for an outdoor shuffleboard table, you can go for their Extera range. Playcraft mostly deals in smaller tables up to 16 feet, but they do have a regulation size table (22 feet by 20 inches) in their Telluride model.

Pros

• Great value for your money
• Solid hardwood playing surface
• Comes with climatic adjusters
• Comes with playing equipment
• Leg cabinet storage helps save space
• Most models come with in-built scorers

Cons

• The setup instructions are a bit complicated
• It can be challenging to level the playing surface during setup
• Heavy and difficult to move
• There are some bumps and ridges on the playing surface
• The polyurethane coating comes off somewhat easily
• Only one model is available in regulation size

Perfect for you if:

• You’re looking for a high-quality entry-level table
• You need a low-cost regulation size table
• You need a smaller table
• It’s going to be used by novice players

2. Hathaway

Hathaway is another shuffleboard table brand that’s known for its economical pricing balanced with quality. The brand typically builds small and mid-size tables ranging from 7 feet to 14 feet, which would be perfect for your home game room. The Hathaway Avenger range is the cheapest option, starting at a little over $500. This makes it perfect for anyone who just wants a table for casual play but is still durable.

The Challenger is another popular Hathaway model and starts at approximately $750 for their 9 feet table. In addition to their high-quality shuffleboard tables, the brand is also known for their shuffleboard accessories. They manufacture other essentials like bowling pins, table covers, and weights that are perfectly compatible with their shuffleboard tables. So if you’re looking for something that’s small and economical with the option to later add accessories, this brand is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Great value for money
• Fairly easy to assemble
• Leg cabinet storage helps save space
• Comes with climatic adjusters

Cons

• No pre-drilled holes for scoring abacus
• Heavy and difficult to move
• Difficult to level
• The wood veneer comes off somewhat easily and there can be warping on the playing surface
• No regulation size tables available

Perfect for you if:

• You need an entry-level table on a budget
• You’re in the market for smaller tables
• It’s going to be used by novice players

3. Venture

Venture Shuffleboard is one of the most popular shuffleboard table brands and has been around since 1997 with roots dating as far back as 1928. One of the factors that contribute to the popularity of this family-owned company is the fact that all their tables are made in the United States. These tables also come with a lifetime warranty that covers the cabinet and the butcher block play field.

The Venture brand has even been featured in magazines like Atlanta Homes & Lifestyle Magazine and shows like “Handcrafted America” because of their unique craftsmanship. Due to these factors and their next-level build quality, Venture Shuffleboard tables are also more expensive than the previous ones on the list.

The most cost-effective models start from over $2,000, which is still decent considering the cost of other custom tables, and some of their most expensive models could cost you upwards of $16,000.

While Venture Shuffleboard tables come in sizes ranging from 9 feet to 22 feet, you also have the option to order a custom size table depending on what you need. They use top-grade plywood for building the sub-frame of their cabinets, but you also have the option to get their solid wood cabinets. Some of their most popular models are the Ambassador, Classic, Chicago, Challenger, Burlington, Savannah, and Grand Deluxe.

Pros

• Extensive stain and style options
• Option to get custom size table
• Custom made in the USA
• Lifetime warranty
• Solid build
• Option to get regulation size tables

Cons

• Pricey
• Lacquer coating on lower-end models can dent easily

Perfect for you if:

• You’re looking for the most decently-priced custom tables for your home game room
• You need a very specific size that’s not available readymade
• You’re looking for extensive customization options
• It’s going to be used by expert-level players.

4. Hudson

Hudson Shuffleboards is another top name in the high-end shuffleboard table industry. Before we go any further with the description of this brand, there’s one fact that will speak volumes about the build quality and durability of their tables. The brand is endorsed by Billy Mays, who was a world champion shuffleboard player 27 times.

They’re also one of the few shuffleboard table brands that pour in the finish while the climatic adjusters are attached to the board. This ensures proper leveling both side-to-side and lengthwise. So their tables come with a perfect playing surface that doesn’t require further adjustment on arrival.

This unique craftsmanship and superior quality makes the tables more expensive than usual – typically starting from over $4,000. Their most expensive models could cost you upwards of $19,000. Aside from several commercial-grade shuffleboard tables, they also produce a couple of models that can be used for outdoor play – the Cirrus and the Metro.

Hudson Shuffleboard tables are made in the United States and come with customization options. And like Venture Shuffleboard tables, they too come with a lifetime warranty on the polymer finish. So although they are more on the expensive side, there’s good value for money because of the top-grade build quality and the warranty.

Some of their most popular models are the Berkley, Intimidator, Dominator, Grand Hudson, Grand Hudson Deluxe, and Metro. All of these come in sizes starting from 9 feet to regulation-size 22-foot tables. The 16-foot Grand Hudson is typically ideal if you need a good balance of playability, build quality, and cost-effectiveness.

Pros

• Made in the USA
• Option to get custom-built tables
• Poured finish for flawless playing surface
• Lifetime warranty on polymer finish
• Option to get regulation size tables

Cons

• Pricey
• On some models, there may be ill-fitting legs
• On some models, there may be a sloppy finish on the legs and cabinet
• Customer Ser

Perfect for you if:

• You’re looking for a high-end table to invest in for your home game room
• You’re looking for an outdoor shuffleboard table
• You’re looking for commercial-grade shuffleboard tables for your bar
• You want to get a perfectly-leveled playing surface.

5. McClure

McClure is another top name in the custom shuffleboard table industry and is among the biggest shuffleboard table brands. All their tables are made by hand and are made to order, so they take the time to produce top-grade tables. They also have some stock of ready-to-ship models, in case you can’t wait for them to build your custom order. So there’s a wide range of options available for all kinds of customers.

The brand uses hard maple for making their shuffleboard tables. And although they offer laminate playing surfaces, McClure also has their very own polymer finish. This finish was developed with manufacturers and come with a lifetime warranty.

They have a wide range of series and models, out of which the most popular ones include the Edmore, Rock-Ola, Dakota, Prestige, Tournament II, Competitor II, and more. Most of these models come in sizes ranging from the standard small 9-foot table to the regulation size 22-foot table. They even have a series of vintage shuffleboard tables.

Due to the build quality and the brand’s superior craftsmanship, McClure tables are also pricey. While the lower-end models start at around $3000, the most expensive ones can cost you upwards of $20,000. And the brand makes sure to deliver excellent customer service to match the quality of their products. They even received a Houzz award for best customer service back in 2016.

Pros

• Custom made in the USA
• Lifetime warranty on polymer finish
• Extensive style and stain options
• Great customer service
• Option to get regulation size tables

Cons

• Pricey
• There are some models that have improperly drilled holes to attach legs to frame
• There may be some models with ill-fitting brass joint covers for the Competitor II model

Perfect for you if:

• You need a high-end ready-to-ship table
• You’re looking for a unique finish that’s on a whole different level
• You’re looking for vintage shuffleboard tables
• You’re looking for extensive customization options

Which Should You Choose?

So now the biggest question is which one of these shuffleboard table brands should you choose? This is a very subjective question and will mainly depend on your personal preferences, budget, skill level, requirements, purpose, etc.

Of course the economical brands would be ideal for one or more of the following reasons:

1. You’re on a budget
2. You’re going to use it for casual play
3. You’re a beginner
4. You’re gifting it to someone
5. You’ll have kids using it
6. You need one for your home game room

The custom-made and high-end options would be ideal for one or more of the following reasons:

1. You’re looking for an investment piece
2. You’re an expert-level player
3. You’ll mostly have adults using it
4. You need one for your pub, bar, or rec center.

High-end custom shuffleboard tables are usually perfect for people who need something that lasts for years and can afford to spend a small fortune (they should also use the best shuffleboard pucks).  For example, bar owners or recreation centers would have plenty of people playing shuffleboard almost every day of the week. This will likely take a toll on the table’s playing surface and it would be much more expensive to get a cheaper table that may have to be replaced every couple of years.

Bottom Line

We have thoroughly covered some of the best shuffleboard table brands available in the market. Some of these have great value for money, while others produce superior tables with top-notch material. Your choice of brand should depend on your personal requirements. Hopefully, this guide has given you some idea of how to go about choosing the best option.

The post The Best Shuffleboard Table Brands of 2020 appeared first on Recreation Insider.

]]> https://recreationinsider.com/shuffleboard/best-shuffleboard-covers/ https://recreationinsider.com/shuffleboard/best-shuffleboard-covers/#respond Sun, 05 May 2019 11:50:17 +0000 https://recreationinsider.com/?p=2446 Shuffleboard tables can be pricey, and most people buy one in the hopes of using it for years. While shuffleboard tables are made of quality materials and often last a long time on their own, they do need proper maintenance as well. This includes cleaning it regularly and protecting it from dust. That’s why shuffleboard […]

The post 5 Best Shuffleboard Covers for Your Shuffleboard Table appeared first on Recreation Insider.

]]> Shuffleboard tables can be pricey, and most people buy one in the hopes of using it for years. While shuffleboard tables are made of quality materials and often last a long time on their own, they do need proper maintenance as well. This includes cleaning it regularly and protecting it from dust. That’s why shuffleboard covers are among the must-have shuffleboard accessories for anyone who owns a table.

That said, you shouldn’t be spending your money on just any shuffleboard cover that’s on the market. Just like when you’re buying a shuffleboard table or a set of shuffleboard pucks, you need to consider factors such as size, material, and price before making a purchase. Think of how frustrating it must be to spend money on a cover that doesn’t really fit your table, or on something that rips apart within months.  

In this post, we’ve decided to put together some of the best shuffleboard covers that are worth your money. We’ll thoroughly explain dimensions, material, and other features to help you make the right purchase. Some of the high-end shuffleboard tables might even have their own range of covers so you might want to take that into consideration.

#1: OOFIT Shuffleboard Table Cover with Storage Bag

This cover from OOFIT fits the bill for the perfect shuffleboard table cover. It meets your expectations in every aspect – whether it’s in terms of pricing, material, design, or bonus features. That’s exactly why it’s our top pick. This cover is 14 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 6 inches deep. This makes it perfect for shuffleboard tables that are 14 feet or smaller.

What We Like

The OOFIT shuffleboard table cover is the most affordable option on our list. So if cost is your main concern, this is a great choice. Although it’s affordable, that doesn’t mean you’ll be sacrificing quality. In fact, it’s one of the most well-made shuffleboard table covers in the market.

The material is 210D Oxford, a light and flexible material that’s known for its durability. It has a special coating to make it dust proof and water resistant. So it can efficiently protect your shuffleboard table from external elements that could damage it. The coating also makes it scratch-proof, which will preserve the quality of your table.

For a snug fit, the cover is also fitted with an elastic hem that’s double-stitched with rot-proof thread for added durability. There’s a buckle and strap to further fasten the cover against your table. It even comes with a storage bag where you can neatly stow away the cover while you play.

Other Considerations

Size is the biggest concern when it comes to this shuffleboard table cover. While you can adapt it and use it for smaller tables, that won’t be possible if your table is larger than 14 feet. If you have an attached shuffleboard scoreboard, you might want to take that into consideration when measuring your table length.

Pros

• Affordable
• Lightweight and durable material
• Dust proof to protect your table from the elements
• Water-resistant to prevent your table from getting wet
• Elastic hem and buckle-strap system for snug fit
• Comes with storage bag

Cons

• Not suitable for tables larger than 14 feet

View on Amazon

#2: Hathaway Shuffleboard Table Cover

Another great option is the shuffleboard table cover from Hathaway, one of the top shuffleboard brands. Compared to the other covers on this list, this one has the most flexibility in terms of size and pricing. It’s slightly more expensive than our top pick, but the difference isn’t major.

What We Like

The size and pricing flexibility is a huge bonus. They have covers for tables between 9 feet and 14 feet. All of the covers have the same width and depth i.e. 2 feet and 6 inches respectively. The only difference is in terms of length, and the price goes up according to size.

This Hathaway cover has a synthetic leather exterior, which adds a luxurious finish to your table. It also has a soft cotton lining on the inside so as not to scratch the table surface. The cover is built for longevity, with double-stitched reinforced seams that won’t unravel so easily.

Other Considerations

There’s no option to get a cover that’s larger than 14 feet. So if you have a larger shuffleboard table, this wouldn’t be a viable choice. These Hathaway covers have had some reports of sizing inconsistencies, with some covers running a few inches shorter than the advertised size. Plus, there’s no elastic hem to fasten the cover to your table.

Pros

• Decent pricing
• Pricing and size flexibility
• Synthetic leather exterior for luxurious appearance
• Soft cotton lining to protect table surface
• Double-stitched reinforced seams for extra durability

Cons

• Not suitable for tables larger than 14 feet
• Sizing inconsistencies
• No elastic hem to increase stability

View on Amazon

#3: FamilyPoolFun Cover for 14’ Shuffleboard Table

The FamilyPoolFun cover for 14 feet shuffleboard tables comes third on the list. The dimensions of this cover are similar to that of our top pick i.e. 14 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 6 inches deep. These two options are comparable even in terms of quality. However, the main reason why this comes third is because it costs almost twice as much as the first option.

What We Like

This 14’ shuffleboard cover is made of synthetic leather for a luxurious finish while protecting your table. So if the canvas material of the first cover doesn’t appeal to you, this would be a great alternative. It also has a cotton fabric lining that’s gentle against your table surface to prevent it from scratches.

While the size of this cover is perfect for a 14 feet table, it’s also flexible enough to be used on smaller tables between 9 feet and 12 feet. It has a decent weight of 3.5 pounds that will sit well on your table without weighing it down too much.

Other Considerations

Like the first two options, this too has limitations when it comes to covering larger tables. Although you can use it on tables that are smaller than 14 feet, it may not fit as snugly either. Plus, it doesn’t have an elastic hem so it hangs loosely over the edges of your indoor shuffleboard table.

Pros

• Synthetic leather fabric for a luxurious finish
• Cotton fabric lining to protect your table surface

Cons

• Not suitable for tables larger than 14 feet
• No elastic hem for a snug fit
• Slightly pricey
• Not waterproof

View on Amazon

#4: Carmelli Cover for 12’ Shuffleboard Table

Next up is the Carmelli shuffleboard cover made for 12-foot tables. It measures 12 feet in length, 2 feet in width, and 6 inches in depth. In terms of quality, it’s about the same as the second option with the main difference being the size. It costs about the same as well.

What We Like

The Carmelli shuffleboard cover for 12-foot tables is made of synthetic leather that combines the luxurious aesthetics of leather and the durability of synthetic materials. So it’s perfect for protecting your precious shuffleboard table from dust and moisture. It also has a cotton fabric lining, which is gentle to the table surface.

Other Considerations

This 12’ shuffleboard cover wouldn’t be suitable for larger tables, since it’s custom-made to fit 12-foot tables. Although you can use it on a smaller table, it wouldn’t fit as snugly and may look frumpy because there’s no elastic hem. Besides this, it’s not waterproof so should only use it on an indoor shuffleboard table.

Pros

• Synthetic leather fabric for a luxurious finish
• Cotton fabric lining to protect your table surface

Cons

• Not suitable for tables larger than 12 feet
• No elastic hem for a snug fit
• Slightly pricey
• Not waterproof

View on Amazon

#5: Championship 22’ Shuffleboard Table Cover

If you have a larger table and none of the previous options are ideal for you, you’ll love the Championship shuffleboard table cover. This is one of the largest options available in the market and fits 22-foot tables. It is mainly designed for Champion shuffleboard tables, but is also suitable for other brands. However, it does cost more than any of the other shuffleboard table covers on this list.

What We Like

Most shuffleboard table covers are black, while this one’s brown – a classy option if you’d like something other than the usual black covers. The material is heavy duty vinyl that has the appearance of genuine leather. This gives a sleek finish to the overall look of your table, while being extremely resistant to the elements.

So it protects your table against dust and moisture that could damage the surface. It also has a cloth backing that’s gentle against your table surface, to prevent it from getting scratched.

Other Considerations

This cover will be too big for smaller shuffleboard tables, but there may be smaller variations of Championship covers. It does not come with an elastic hem or a buckle to tighten the cover against your table. So there’s a bit of sagging in the middle, which means it’ll dip against the surface and you’ll likely get shuffleboard powder all over it.

Pros

• Classy brown color
• Heavy duty vinyl to protect your table
• Cloth backing that’s gentle to the table surface
• Perfect for 22-foot tables

Cons

• Pricey
• Not suitable for smaller tables
• No elastic hem for a snug fit
• Sags in the middle

View on Amazon

Bottom Line

As you can see, there are plenty of shuffleboard cover options regardless of your budget or table size. There are some limitations in terms of style and color, but the main focus should be on protecting your shuffleboard table.

So use this guide to understand your options and make the right pick, and if you’re keen on learning more about shuffleboard, don’t forget to check out our list of shuffleboard glossary terms.

The post 5 Best Shuffleboard Covers for Your Shuffleboard Table appeared first on Recreation Insider.

]]> https://recreationinsider.com/shuffleboard/best-shuffleboard-covers/feed/ 0 https://recreationinsider.com/shuffleboard/best-shuffleboard-wax-powders/ https://recreationinsider.com/shuffleboard/best-shuffleboard-wax-powders/#respond Thu, 18 Apr 2019 16:13:53 +0000 https://recreationinsider.com/?p=2389 Every shuffleboarder worth their salt knows that shuffleboard wax is a necessity for the game. Some players know exactly which speed they need for their table, while others even know how to mix different wax speeds together to get the perfect balance. The right balance will improve accuracy and help you deliver powerful shots. If […]

The post The Best Shuffleboard Wax & Powder for a Smoother Game appeared first on Recreation Insider.

]]>

Every shuffleboarder worth their salt knows that shuffleboard wax is a necessity for the game. Some players know exactly which speed they need for their table, while others even know how to mix different wax speeds together to get the perfect balance. The right balance will improve accuracy and help you deliver powerful shots.

If you’re new to the game, however, the whole shuffleboard wax and shuffleboard powder scene can be very confusing. So you can check out our shuffleboard wax FAQ page to get a better idea. At this point, you might find it extremely difficult to understand which wax speed would be best for you.

This post will help you with just that, as you’ll learn about the different shuffleboard wax speeds and which ones can speed up or slow down your game. First of all, it’s important to note that there are plenty of solid brands that produce shuffleboard wax. Among these, the one that stands out and dominates the shuffleboard wax industry is Sun-Glo.

You can use this brand of shuffleboard wax on any of the shuffleboard table brands in the market. This post will mainly discuss the six different speeds of shuffleboard powder from Sun-Glo and help you understand which one’s best for you.

1.) Sun-Glo #1 Speed Shuffleboard Wax

This is the fastest speed of shuffleboard beads, sometimes known as the Super Glide. It is made of pure silicone ball bearings and therefore, gives you super fast speed and lets your pucks fly across the table. Games can get pretty challenging and fast-paced when you use this speed, so it’s perfect for advanced players and players who’ve developed some finesse in their shots.

Since the speed is so fast, you wouldn’t be able to use it on smaller tables without your pucks flying off the table. So it’s best to save it for bigger tables above 14 feet. Even then, not all players may be able to keep up with this pace.

Pros

• Lightning fast playing speed
• Perfect for highly competitive players

Cons

• Too fast for smaller tables
• Too fast for intermediate players and beginners
• Unpredictable gliding action

Best for: Advanced-level players, competitive players, 14-22 feet tables

Get it on Amazon

2.) Sun-Glo #2 Speed Shuffleboard Powder

This too offers very fast playing speed on larger tables. It is the speed commonly used in tournaments, and is specially formulated for professional players. It’ll be a bit easier to handle than the #1 speed but is still too fast for beginners. Even regular players may have a hard time controlling their shots at this speed, unless they like fast-paced, competitive games.

On a smaller 12-foot table, it provides the kind of super fast playing speed that the #1 speed would provide on larger tables. This speed wouldn’t be usable for any table that’s smaller than that, because it’ll send your pucks flying off the table.

Pros

• Super fast playing speed
• Perfect for tournament use
• Perfect for professionals

Cons

• Too fast for smaller tables
• Too fast for beginners and intermediates

Best for: Professional players, tournament use, 14-22 feet tables

Get it on Amazon

3.) Sun-Glo #3 Speed Shuffleboard Powder Wax

Next up is the #3 speed shuffleboard powder wax, which will provide very fast playing speed on 12-foot tables. Combined with the perfect shuffleboard puck, you could enjoy a serious game without straining yourself too much. While this may be perfect for expert players who like fast-paced games, beginners might struggle to keep up at this pace.

On larger tables above 14 feet, you’ll find that it provides a smooth game play that would be just right for casual games between experts. It’s still too fast for the average player when used on tables smaller than 12 feet, as your pucks will keep sliding off the edges of your table. This is the speed that’s uniformly usable on all table sizes, but is still best used on larger ones.

Pros

• Perfect speed for most tables
• Perfect for experts and beginners alike

Cons

• Prone to clumping
• Inconsistent sliding action

Best for: Expert players, fast-paced games, 12-22 feet tables

Get it on Amazon>

4.) Sun-Glo #4 Speed Shuffleboard Powder Wax

This would provide fast playing speed on 9-foot tables, making it perfect for intermediate players who are brushing up their shuffleboard technique but aren’t ready to play faster games. On larger tables between 12 and 14 feet, it’s fast enough for beginners to keep up without completely boring expert players.

If you use it on tables that are any larger than this, it’ll probably be too slow for experts. However, kids and beginners may find this speed perfect to get acquainted with the game, and the average player will be able to play comfortably at this speed.

Pros

• Works well on most table sizes
• Suitable for both experts and intermediate players

Cons

• Prone to clumping

Best for: Intermediate players, beginners, 9-14 feet tables

Get it on Amazon

5.) Sun-Glo #5 Speed Shuffleboard Powder Wax

This is one of the most comfortable playing speeds for beginners and is perfect for 14-foot tables. It will give you medium fast playing speed with the right balance of control and slickness. It’s perfect for when you know the basics of how to play shuffleboard, but don’t know it well enough to play faster games.

While you can use it on larger tables, the speed may be too slow for the average player. On 9 to 12 feet tables, it provides a medium fast playing speed that even beginners will be able to keep up with.

Pros

• Perfect for beginners  and intermediates
• Ideal for smaller tables

Cons

• Prone to clumping
• Too slow for advanced-level players

Best for: Beginners, slow-paced games, 9-14 feet tables

Get it on Amazon

6.) Sun-Glo #6 Speed Shuffleboard Powder Wax

The slowest shuffleboard wax is the #6 speed, which gives you medium playing speed on smaller tables. It’s perfect for use on 9-foot tables and 12-foot tables, and slows down your game on a 14-foot table. So beginners and kids will love it.

Make sure you use it with a silicone spray to evenly spread the powder over the surface. Otherwise, the powder will clump up as your pucks slide across the table. This can further slow down your speed and affect your game play even on the best shuffleboard tables. The clumping and tracking is especially worse when you use shuffleboard pucks without beveled edges.

It’ll be unusable for tables that are any larger than this because your pucks will hardly be able to move halfway across the table. So even if you love slower games, it’s best to avoid this speed if you have a larger table.

Pros

• Ideal speed for beginners and kids
• Perfect for small tables

Cons

• Extremely prone to clumping
• Too slow for experts and professionals
• Too slow for large tables

Best for: Beginners, kids, slow-paced games, 9-12 feet tables

Get it on Amazon

7.) Sun-Glo Ultimate Variety Shuffleboard Powder Wax

If you’re new to shuffleboard and you have trouble deciding which of these options would be best, you could get the variety pack instead. This includes all the six speeds of shuffleboard wax from Sun-Glo. So you can experiment with various speeds and try mixing a few of them together to see which works best for your table, your skill level, and your speed preferences.

The cost isn’t excessively higher than the other options, because most Sun-Glo wax speeds come in 2- or 3-pack purchases. So you’ll still be spending around the same amount. It’s better to be able to try out different options in a single purchase, rather than having to spend extra money on multiple purchases only to find that they’re not suitable for you.

Pros

• Great for new shuffleboard owners
• Perfect for experimenting with different speeds

Cons

• Slightly pricier than single-speed purchases

Best for: Beginners, new shuffleboard table owners

Get it on Amazon

Bonus: Other Shuffleboard Table Essentials

There are a couple of essential accessories that go hand in hand with a shuffleboard wax purchase. If you’re new to the game, it’s important to remember that you cannot use a shuffleboard powder as it is. You’ll need to thoroughly clean the table and prep it before spreading the powder to ensure better game play and table longevity. For this, you’ll need a shuffleboard sweep and a silicone spray.

Sun-Glo Silicone Shuffleboard Spray

As you can see from our previous discussions, shuffleboard wax powder tends to clump up over time, especially when you use the slower speeds or pucks without beveled edges. Using a silicone shuffleboard spray before you spread the powder can work wonders to resolve this issue. So you can prevent tracking and save up on powder. Plus, it helps you maintain a smoother playing surface.

Main Drawbacks

• Strong smell
• Tends to drip from the nozzle
• Needs careful application

Get it on Amazon

Sun-Glo Shuffleboard Sweep

Your shuffleboard table can collect dirt and debris over time, which affects game play and mixes with your shuffleboard powder. This shuffleboard sweep helps you clean the surface efficiently before you re-wax your table.

It also helps you sweep up the powder over the edges of your table, which prepares it for shuffleboard snowplowing. You might even need to clean up the surface to play other shuffleboard-related games like shuffleboard bowling.

At 21 inches long, this sweep may be too big for smaller tables, but you can still use it at a slight angle even then. It’s made solid wood and uses high-quality carpet to effectively sweep up all the powder and debris from the table surface. Some shuffleboard tables come complete with accessories including shuffleboard scoreboards and sweeps. If yours doesn’t, you could invest in this.

Main Drawbacks

• Too wide for smaller tables
• Slightly pricier than other options

Get it on Amazon

Bottom Line

As you can see, there are a lot of shuffleboard wax varieties. What works for you depends on a lot of factors, including your table size, your skill level, your speed preference, and your playing style. You can go through some of our suggestions for each speed level and make a decision accordingly.

The best option, however, would be to get the variety pack and test out which speed or speed combination works best for you. Don’t forget to invest in the other accessories so you can properly maintain your shuffleboard table while ensuring comfortable game play.

The post The Best Shuffleboard Wax & Powder for a Smoother Game appeared first on Recreation Insider.

]]> https://recreationinsider.com/shuffleboard/best-shuffleboard-wax-powders/feed/ 0