It’s not your fault. When you see something that dazzles or flashes before your eyes, there’s an incessant urge to keep looking and find out what it’s all about. Sounds like something you’ve experienced? Perhaps there was a toy you couldn’t resist as a kid – it just looked so cool. More recently, it could have been a phone or tablet that looked like a gadget from another planet.

If you’re a tailgating enthusiast, it pays to buy a beer pong table that looks great and works well. However, there are a slew of tables out there that focus so much on appearance, that the original purpose or function may go out the window. And of course, there are the gimmicks- the tables that sit and wait for unsuspecting tailgaters to dish out more cash than they need to. The warning? Watch out for the money-wasters. Too many products exist out there just to empty your wallet, and the tailgating world has a few of these bad apples as well.

Separating the Worthwhile From the Waste

You might say to yourself that one should buy a beer pong table without making it a complicated task – and that’s certainly true. “Who cares what it looks like?”, you say. In fact, you might even reason that owning a table that catches the eye is just part of your style. And if that’s the case, then anyone who has the nerve to suggest otherwise can run off in the other direction.

However, appearance issues aside, it doesn’t hurt to take a look at what you’re buying. It’s easy to justify the price of something by calling out all the things it can do, or the bells and whistles it may carry. At the same time, you should ask yourself if all of these additions are even necessary in the first place.

Why All the Scrutiny?

• Think of Your Wallet – First and foremost, don’t you want to hold onto those precious dollars you work so hard for? So it makes all the sense in the world to save your money if you can. Those gimmicky tables are a surefire way to burn your cash if you fall for them.
• Less Space, More Filler – If you’re like many people, storage issues can be a nuisance at home. Those flashy tables can easily take up unnecessary space (portable beer pong tables, on the other hand, are a great alternative) and if you’re not satisfied with your purchase, you won’t feel too thrilled about having even less space in your home – especially with what you consider as waste.
• Regret - There’s always an emotion behind everything you buy, including the stuff you don’t like. So before buying that “awe-inspiring” table, think about the feelings you might harbor towards it in the future. Remember, regret is hard to rid yourself of once the return policy is no longer valid.

Signs You’re Dealing With a Gimmicky Table

Now the term “gimmick” can be a subjective one. After all, what’s laughable for one person is intriguing for someone else. But there are some indicators that may put a table into the “unnecessary” category. Some of the descriptions listed below may appeal to your tastes, and that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with your interests. However, if you’re looking to a buy a beer pong table without a whole bunch of “specs”, then avoid some of the things we’ve seen mentioned here.

What to Avoid If You Want to Keep Things Simple:

• Digital Displays – LED lights, electronic scoreboards, music visualizations – do you really need all that stuff? It sounds cool, heck, it may even look cool, but such a table would no doubt leave a dent in your wallet.
• Outrageous Design – In this case, we’re not talking about the themes and colors (which we’ll discuss shortly), but rather, the physical construction of the table itself. Perhaps it’s made with some kind of special alloy or is shaped like a piece of high-concept furniture. Again, isn’t the main purpose of owning beer pong tables to provide a suitable surface for you to play on? If you’re an art connoisseur, then by all means, buy such a table. If you’re a regular tailgate enthusiast, then skip that and express your exquisite taste in another way.
• Extra Compartments, Extra Everything – Perhaps you see a table that could pass off as a storage cabinet. That could be a good thing – provided you don’t have these furnishings to begin with. Aside from convenience, a table of this sort may carry a high price tag that you really shouldn’t have to pay.

After reading the description above, you might say to yourself that such tables don’t exist (especially the ones with digital displays). However, the stuff that lurks out there (including new concepts) may surprise you. The point here isn’t to bash these ultra-glossy tables, but make you aware of cost-saving alternatives while still choosing something you enjoy staring at.

Make the Right Choice From the Beginning

Fortunately, you can buy a beer pong table without sacrificing your taste or hard-earned money. The key is to change your mindset, and realize that there is “style” in simplicity. By doing so, you’ll see that there’s no need to spend money on extravagant sets. Sparing yourself of these buys will also keep you away from the territory of regret.

Achieving a Balance of Style and Sensibility With…

• Painted Themes and Designs – Team colors, outdoor imagery – you name it. Whatever it is you like, you can most likely find it painted on a beer pong table of your choice. Unlike complicated electronic displays, well-executed visuals appeal to the eyes without the need for tons of circuitry. The result is a “one-two” combo of aesthetics and reduced cost.
• Lean/Sturdy Construction – No one will argue against buying a table that is strong. However, it’s easy to argue against tables that are unnecessarily bulky or large. That’s why it’s in your best interest to choose a table that’s lightweight, portable, and built with a durable metal, such as aluminum. Something that’s easy to carry and put away will make your life much easier when it’s time to wrap up your tailgating party.

Don’t Fall For It

So here’s the main idea: unless you have a special interest or appreciation for grandeur, then it’s better to keep things simple. There’s no need to splurge when life demands that you spend on so much already. Aim to buy a beer pong table that’s well-designed but not extravagant. More importantly, purchase something that fits nicely into any storage space, and can withstand years of gameplay and other elements. That’s all you really need! Tailgating can get expensive real fast if it’s a regular activity, so it makes sense to cut costs wherever you can. With that said, a little stinginess with your spending doesn’t mean you’ll have any less fun.

Looking to buy a beer pong table that’s easy on the eyes and budget? Get in touch with us so that we can help you choose the right one!