Carrom Buying Guide: Choosing the Perfect Carrom Board
With so many options to choose from, selecting the right Carrom set can be a difficult task. But fear not – we are here to help. We have written this Carrom buying guide to equip you with the knowledge necessary to make an informed decision.
When selecting a board, the most important question you should be asking yourself is – who is it for? Is it a starter set for a Carrom novice that will be used for fun, family play at home? Or are you shopping for an enthusiast who plays regularly and / or competitively? Once you have this narrowed down, making the decision will be easier.
Playing Area
Regulation size Carrom boards have an internal playing area measuring 74 x 74 centimetres (29” x 29”).
The regulation-size / tournament / championship boards are designed for more serious and competitive gameplay. On another hand, smaller sets are ideal for casual family play and for those who are space-conscious. Beginners (and children) may want to embark on their Carrom journey with a smaller board (such as the Uber Games Junior Carrom Set that will make these shots just a little easier.
Build – Thickness and Materials
When choosing a Carrom board, it is important to consider the thickness of the playing surface and the quality of the materials used in the construction.
Playing Surface
Typically, playing surfaces are crafted from Plywood or MDF. Premium options often feature a birch wood top-tier playing surface which is veneered onto an MDF board. It is veneered on both sides of the MDF board to ensure the board remains resistant to warping.
Standard thickness of the playing surface can vary, ranging from 4mm to as much as 16mm, and selecting an appropriate thickness depends on your preferences and how intensively the board will be used. Thicker boards generally offer better stability and durability but often attract a higher price tag. Boards within a budget range usually feature thin plywood, which may not guarantee a perfectly level playing surface and are prone to warping with time. Despite this drawback, casual players seeking affordability may find this compromise acceptable.
Another key difference between the budget and more expensive boards is the smoothness of the playing surface. High-end / tournament boards have a smooth surface and you will only need to sprinkle a little bit of powder to help the disks slide across the board. The more inexpensive boards tend to be less smooth and often need more powder. If you are seeking recommendations for the best powder to use, you can take a look at our helpful article titled ‘Powder options for disk sliding games’.
Frame
Accessories
Top of page – Carrom Buying Guide: Choosing the Perfect Carrom Board