How to Choose a Cornhole - Weight, Portability, Appearance

Get a cornhole set you like.  That is, make sure it has the look you are in search of.  Make sure it does what you want it to do, there's a difference between lightweight and heavy cornhole boards.  Also think of where you will be playing and where you will be storing it, and how this affects your needs for transport.  Once you make choices on the three main considerations in purchasing a cornhole game, then you can focus on improving your aim and form for a winning combination.

Cornhole Boards Weight

cornhole board weightLet's talk weight.   Do you want a set that weighs 100 lbs. with both boards combined, 20 lbs. combined, or 10 lbs.?   The heavier the sturdier.  But then it's less portable.  And do you really need the weight?   Some people will say Yes, definitely, if a cornhole set could be made from marble and weigh 500 lbs. it would be a good idea.  No shifting of the boards when the bags land on them ever again.  Others know the most important thing is that it can fit in the back of the vehicle with all the other tailgate / camping / party supplies, that it's not so big that it gets left behind.  
  • For formal competition, heavier boards are the way to go, if for no other reason than to follow the organizer or the loosely-built  governing body that thinks they are in charge.  Also the heavy boards made out of real wood, hacked down by someone featured on Ax Men, and carved with love in an old-timey carpenter's garage.  Heavy wooden boards are often the original, bigger size too, measuring 4' long and 2' wide instead of 3' x 2'.  
  • The team cornhole boards, weighing about 20 lbs. combined, are currently the most popular boards in the country.  They velcro back-to-back and have a handle to make the set easy to carry, with bags held in a zippered pouch. 
  • Plastic boards weigh the least, making them the easiest to carry.  The boards weigh about 5 lbs each, so 2 boards an 8 bags weigh under 20 lbs.  When you see the way the two boards interlock, you'll never want to lug a bulky set around again.  On the grass or a rough surface they work great, but on a smooth surface they slide when the bags land on the board.  The plastic board is the board for everyone, even Grandma can pick it up.
  • Don't forget bags.  The weight of the bags is often about 1 lb. each, so for carrying your set, add another 8 lbs. to the boards for total weight.
  • There's also "inside cornhole set", also called Washer Toss.  Instead of using the washers, use the mini bean bags.  The game is just like cornhole, you get points for going in the rectangular space, and more points for going in the circle.  It's soft, compact, and is fun for people of all ages.  Grandpa can play with grandson while sitting in a chair.  Two kids can improve their tossing skills, while Mom can know it's still safe when they start throwing the bags all around the room.  This set weighs about 25 lbs. including everything.    

Cornhole Game Portabilty

cornhole game portabilityPortability.  Is the set going in a permanent location, almost like horseshoe stakes stuck permanently in the ground?  Or do you take your cornhole tossing on the road, ready to set up the game-time fun wherever the people congregate?
  • Heavy boards - Two men per board.  A dual-rear-wheel truck to transport.  Always wear a safety lifting belt when picking up a heavy cornhole board.  Okay, so maybe they're not that heavy, but at 40-50 lbs. apiece, you want to bend your knees when lifting.  Heavy wooden boards are not made for portability, they're made for durability.  
  • Field boards - One hand.  Put the bags in the pouch on the back of one of the boards.  Zip the zipper closed.  Put the boards back to back, matching up the velcro spots.  The boards stay secured together, and you carry like a briefcase with the nylon handles in the middle of the side. 
  • Plastic boards - Two fingers.  Lock the plastic cornhole boards back to back with hinges as the two boards are designed to interlock together.  Compact and light, a built-in plastic handle makes them even easier to carry.  Another feature of maximum portability is the individual velcro compartments for the bags.  Eight bags fit into the back of the boards, with a flap to secure over each bag. 
  • Indoor cornhole -  The mini-bean bags in a Washer Toss set are just as fun to toss, and the compact wooden box of the set looks great in addition to being an all-in-one piece ready to pick up and go. 

Cornhole Bags Set Appearance

cornhole bags appearanceGet boards that you like the look of.  If the team logo and colors are an essential part of the cornhole set you want to own, choose from a selection of hundreds of pro football, baseball, and college teams on sports field or plastic cornhole sets. 
  • Heavy cornhole boards can look beautiful in natural wood.  A fancy oak board can cost a lot and still you'll feel like it's worth it.  Custom wooden cornhole boards can come stained or painted any way you can get the carpenter to do it.  
  • The sports field cornhole boards are pre-printed with a football or baseball field, and have exclusive licenses with the NFL and MLB.  This licensing, including NCAA teams too, makes them popular among fans for a fun gift or as the thing to bring to a weekend tailgate party.  A green field background and team logo and colors make this the most popular line of boards; they can be found in back yards and stadium parking lots for serious tailgate games around the USA.
  • Plastic boards have a clean look with a clear team affiliation.  Two plain white boards come with team logos you can apply wherever you like.  They also have a nylon bag that the boards fit in when strapped together, making you look completely prepared when you walk in with your boards.
  • The washer toss set that makes for fun and safe indoor cornhole looks absolutely outstanding.  A quality wood box, two halves that lock together with two metal side latches.  The bags come in team logo and colors.  Something about the team-colored box sitting in the corner of the room makes fellow fans ask just what is that, then light up with a smile when you unveil it's a game.  Simple, attractive, and fun.  Play cornhole indoors!