If you're in the market for an air hockey table, you've probably come across MD Sports, also referred to as Medal Sports. We created this guide to give our readers a clear overview of what they offer and how it compares to some of the other brands out there.
It is important to note that MD Sports manufactures air hockey tables for Costco (read our Costco Air Hockey table review) and EA Sports.
In a rush? Check out this table for a quick summary and overview of some of the most popular products they offer:
Table | Demographic | Sizing | Overview |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Strictly Kids | 48.5 L x 22.75 W x 32.5 H inch | Decent starter table for kids that's low commitment and easy to put away. Folding legs make it convenient and easy. |
  | Kids | 48.5" x 23.8" x 32" | Similar to the 48" model with some unique additional games: ring toss, archery, and target shooting. |
  | Adults and Kids | 89" x 48" x 32" | It's a full-sized table that can offer high-speed and fun game-play. A good choice if you can't afford a full-on commercial-grade machine. |
  | Pre-teen and up | 89" x 48" x 32" | It's a full-sized table that can offer high-speed and fun game-play to the whole family, at an affordable price |
Brand Overview
MD Sports, also known as Medal Sports creates all sorts of table games including billiards, foosball, basketball, and of course, air hockey. (Read more about MD Sports here). They're a brand that's geared towards the mass market and not necessarily towards professional or competitive air hockey. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it just depends on what you're looking for. Many of their products, especially some of their multi-game tables deliver a lot of value.
If you're interested in playing air hockey at a higher / competitive level you're going to want to check out this post.
For a quick understanding of what we mean by competitive air hockey, check out this short video clip:
Although some of the MD tables are rather large, they aren't USAA sanctioned tables and thus aren't equipped for competitive air hockey. The games can still get pretty fast and intense if you get their big table, though. They're designed to provide casual entertainment for kids and adults alike.
MD Sports air hockey tables
In this section, we'll give you a quick overview of each of their models, pros and cons, and the type of person that they would best be suited for.
MD Sports Air Hockey Table 48 inch
This table is one of the company's smallest tables. At only 48" inches long, it's best suited for kids and pre-teens. Being that it's a small table, you can assume that the airflow in it isn't too great. With low levels of airflow, you can't play with adequately weighted pucks so pulling off accurate, high speed, and well-timed shots is going to be difficult.
Your kids may also enjoy these air hockey alternatives (that don't require air).
Pros
Cons
Who should get this table?
While we don't see any issue with getting this table as a gift for a young person, it is important to realize that they are going to outgrow it. By the time they're hitting their teen years, they'll likely want to play a more intense version of air hockey if it's something their into.
Get this table if you need to get a quick gift and don't mind it making its way to the closest within a few years or months. It would make a great starter table for little kids.
MD Sports 48" 4-in-1 Combination Table
With a size of 48.5 x 23.875 x 32 inches, very similar to the foldable table, this combination table is probably one of the coolest ones on the list. Yes, even though the air hockey isn't likely to be like the arcade, the other tables are actually pretty neat! It comes with ring toss, darts, and archery shooting which is going to be fun for a while, even for adults. Playing ping pong or air hockey on a table that's way too small is kind of awkward for a full grown person, but you'll likely find these three bonus games more fun.
Pros
Cons
Who Should Get This Table?
To increase the "wow" factor of a kid's gift, this is the table to go for. With so many options to choose from, it's likely to get played with for a lot longer than the other kid's air hockey tables that we've mentioned. There are also probably a lot of other fun uses for the accessories once the table itself stops getting used
MD Sports Air Hockey Table 84-inch Air Hockey Table, with LED Lights and Sound Effects
This MD Sports Air Hockey Table has LED Lights and Sound Effects. It is a large table but not as big as the next table we review next. To be honest, this table is probably going to be a great fit for most families. It is large, but not too big. It has an overall good quality but isn't expensive. It is easy to assemble and not too heavy.
Not only that, it also has everything you wish a air hockey table would have such as a 120V-certified motor which provides consistent air flow and an electronic scoring system to easily let players and viewers keep tabs on scores.
Some users reported that the table can be loud, but let's be honest, an air hockey table is always going to be somewhat loud.
Pros
Cons
Who should get this table?
Looking to host family and friends and have fun year-round. This is a perfect table for families and people who like to socialize at an affordable price.
MD Sports Air Hockey Table 89 inch (The Titan)
The MD Sports 89" table is also sometimes referred to as "The Titan". It's the biggest table in their line up and is nearly the same length as some commercial tables. The table can deliver some excellent and competitive games, but the way we'd describe it is "family fun". If you want to be able to do proper air hockey trick shots and strategies then you'll need to look elsewhere. But if you're looking for the occasional game decent-speed game, then go for it! We love the overhead scorer.
Pros
Cons
Who should get this table?
This is a great table if you're looking for a decent way to entertain some friends or family. If you find yourself sitting around and watching TV and would rather do something more mentally and physically engaging, this isn't a bad deal. Considering that the tournament-style tables aren't going to be affordable for everyone, this is a solid alternative that kids won't outgrow.
With the solid size, decent weight, stability, lights, and sound effects, it's a a super fun piece of equipment to have around.
Bestselling Air Hockey Tables
- COMPETITION SIZE & STRONG AIR FLOW: This 7’ hockey table with a Modern Arcade design is near tournament size and great for competitive action, it has strong air movement and ships partially preassembled with accessories needed to start playing
- FAST-PACED GAMEPLAY: This game table has a high power blower motor with a plug-in power cable to produce 80 CFM of airflow volume across the entire table launching game pucks into the PVC LED light side rails to create fast gameplay
- CRAFTMANSHIP: The table apron is made of MDF and PVC laminated with a glossy gray and black finish. The corners are molded plastic, and the playing surface is made of MDF and UV coated with a 12mm air channel for smooth puck movement
- ARCADE-STYLE GAME: The inlaid electronic scorer with LED side rail lights, and sound effects use the included plug-in power adaptor to light up when triggered by the puck catcher sensor. Sound effects can be turned on or off with a button
- STABLE LEG DESIGN & ROOM SIZE: The full panel legs are 1/2” (12mm) thick, made of MDF, and have a gray PVC laminated finish in a Modern Arcade design, with 5” leg levelers, the recommended room size is 13’ x 7.5’ to allow for movement around the table
- ARCADE-STYLE GAME: Enjoy intense striking and endless fun with a mini arcade classic that brings the joy of friendly competition to any table!
- COMPACT & PORTABLE: Crafted with a lightweight design, this compact game table can be taken anywhere and is versatile enough for use on the floor or table
- STRONG MOTOR: An electric, 100V fan motor propels air up through the top of the table to create a smooth, frictionless surface for the puck to move across
- ABACUS SCORER: Designed with manual sliding scorekeepers and goal boxes, plus a convenient puck return on each side; 2 strikers and 2 pucks also included
- STANDARD HOCKEY RINK DESIGN: A simple design on the hockey table mirrors that of a neutral game site for a fair matchup without "home-rink" advantage; OVERALL DIMENSIONS: 40"(L) x 20"(W) x 8.5"(H)
- PLAY IN THE DARK – Play new and exciting lights-out air hockey with the light-up pucks and pushers
- FLASHES WHEN YOU SCORE – The table features light-up corners that flash when goals are scored
- EASILY KEEP SCORE – Keep track of the action with LED electronic and abacus scoring
- STURDY DESIGN – 4 leg cross braces provide additional support and stability
- INCLUDED – 2 LED hockey pushers (1 red, 1 blue) and 1 LED puck
Comparison vs. Other Brands
When it comes to kid's air hockey tables, then we think that any of the tables from MD Sports are a great choice. However, if you are going to be playing frequently, then there are some other brands to consider.
While their 89" table is the top of the line for recreational tables, we do recommend considering a table from Gold Standard Games or Dynamo. Although their price points tend to be higher, we think that it's a worthwhile investment. These tables are designed for competitive level play and have the ability to handle tournament sanctioned pucks. In combination with the a heavy puck and carefully regulated airflow of these tables, you can really start practicing the sport and getting good at air hockey.
If you're approaching your purchase as something to keep you occupied for years to come, then why not get the best of the best?
Related articles:
Other products of interest
- MD sports ping pong table - we are not reviewing ping pong tables just yet, but MD Sports makes a pretty good and affordable table.