Carrom is a popular tabletop game that combines skill, strategy, and fun for players of all ages. With so many options to choose from, selecting the right equipment can be a difficult task. But fear not – we are here to help. We have written this comprehensive buying guide to equip you with the knowledge necessary to make an informed decision when selecting your carrom set.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.
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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, like the Luxury Carrom Boards by Atelier Radscha feature a top-tier playing surface crafted from 'A-quality' birch wood veneered onto an MDF board. This birch wood, graded as 'A-quality' due to its flawless appearance and absence of sapwood content, 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
The frame stands as a pivotal feature in the design of a Carrom board, impacting its rebound, stability, and overall durability. Frame should be made from hardwood and should feature rounded corners. Rounded corners facilitate seamless movement and ensure the coins have a good rebound.Thickness of the frame is also very important. Thicker frames provide added stability to the board, reducing the chances of warping or damage over time. Premium Carrom boards usually have a thicker / wider frame, made out of harder woods.For instance, the Entry-Level Carrom Set by Big Game Hunters features a 4cm deep solid mango wood frame. In contrast, the Championship Carrom Board by Big Game Hunters boast a 7.6cm x 5cm strong Rosewood frame. The entry-level Carrom set is ideal for casual home use but will not be suitable for frequent / serious play.
Accessories
Typically, Carrom boards come with Pieces, Striker, Corner nets and a Powder. Players may wish to purchase some additional accessories to further enhance their Carrom experience.One component that is the most important and often purchased as an extra is the Striker. Striker is the primary tool used in the game, serving a role akin to that of a racket or bat in sports like tennis, badminton, or cricket. For serious play, Striker must be flawlessly round and smooth, free of any imperfections that would prevent it from effortlessly sliding across the playing surface. Decent players will rarely use the default striker that comes with a board - they tend to buy and own their own higher-quality striker.To enhance convenience, storage bags are available for convenient transportation and storage and a special Carrom Stand will allow you to set up and play anywhere.
