Buying quality cornhole bags is a huge factor in ensuring you enjoy fun-filled matches with friends and family. However, for someone just starting out, the variety of bag styles and materials available out there can leave you scratching your head, unsure of which one to pick and why.
To help you pick bags that will serve you well on the court, here are five important factors to consider for your first purchase.
1. Check the Bag Material
One of the primary things to examine is the material used to construct the bags. Cornhole bags come in a range of materials from cotton and vinyl to leather and even Kevlar for ultra-durable options. However, for newcomers to the game, cotton or vinyl bags provide excellent performance at an affordable price.
These materials hold their shape well and make that satisfying “whoosh” sound players love as the bags sail through the air. Just be sure to select bags made from quality materials that can withstand regular use without tearing or warping over time.
2. Pay Attention to Weight
Part of the fun of cornhole lies in balancing weight and accuracy when tossing bags toward the board. As a beginner, aiming for bags weighing between 12-16 ounces allows for a forgiving weight that’s not too light or heavy.
Lighter bags float unpredictably in the breeze while heavier bags can tire out players quicker. Stick with a mid-weight bag for an easy introduction to the game. The right weight also ensures longevity by reducing stress on stitches and materials from overly heavy bags.
3. Choose a Bag Color
While color may seem like a minor detail, brighter hues show up better against background surfaces and help players and spectators track bags more easily as they sail through the air. Good options include basic colors like red, orange, yellow, green or blue.
Duller earth tones can blend into surroundings harder to follow. Neon or fluoro colors pop but may not align with your personal tastes. For daytime games, opt for vibrant shades while darker options work better under lights at night.
4. Consider a Patterned Design
For those wanting bags to stand out even more from a distance, patterned or logo designs make a fun accent. Checkered, plaid and argyle provide visual interest without being too distracting during tossing.
Monogrammed or team logo bags customized for league play inject personality. Just be sure designs don’t render bags too heavy. Simple patterns allow bags’ trajectories and outcomes to remain clearly discernible without any confusion over solids.
5. Purchase Regulation-Sized Bags
Most importantly as a newcomer, stick with regulation-sized cornhole bags measuring 6 inches square made of an open-weave fabric with no loose ends. Non-regulation bags can alter how they sail through the air in ways outside official rules.
Focus on buying certified USCA regulation bags to learn proper techniques and enjoy fair matches according to standard cornhole guidelines. This ensures bags work as intended whether playing for fun or competing in organized tournaments down the road.
Pick The Perfect Cornhole Bags to Level Up Your Game
By keeping these five cornhole bag-buying tips in mind, you’re sure to find bags that both suit your abilities as a novice and stand the test of time on the court. Choosing quality, mid-weight bags in bright colors and regulation sizing lays the best foundation for smooth gameplay. Coupled with a few practices under your belt, you’ll be tossing bags through the hole before you know it.