Buying guide for best cornhole bags
Whether you play cornhole in the backyard, at special events, or in tournaments, you need quality cornhole bags to make the most of your tossing skills. This fun outdoor game that challenges opponents to toss filled bags at holes in inclined boards has caught on in recent years, so if you’re looking to make the most of your game, you’ve come to the right place.
It’s the quality of your cornhole bags that can make the difference between scoring lots of points and going down in defeat. Because cornhole is primarily played outdoors, you need bags that are made of materials that resist the elements and can withstand repeated tossing. Durable stitching helps keep the bags together, but what else should you look for when investing in new cornhole bags?
We’ve taken the guesswork out of your search by creating this informative shopping guide. If you’re ready to buy new cornhole bags, be sure to check out the product recommendations on our favorites list.
Cornhole 101
You probably remember playing bean bag toss as a child. The concept of cornhole is similar, except it is structured to be fun for all ages and adds the excitement of competition. A typical game of cornhole includes two inclined boards made of wood or plastic. The board are lined up evenly and placed at a distance, usually around 27 feet apart. Each has a hole at the top of the platform where skilled — or lucky — players land their cornhole bags.
Although any number of players can take turns making shots, a competitive game of corhnole consists of two or four players. Eight cornhole bags are divided equally between the teams. Team members stand opposite each other at opposing boards and toss. Once all of the cornhole bags have landed, an inning is over. Points are tallied and the teams switch sides, much like in a game of horseshoes.
By official cornhole rules, three points are awarded for each bag that goes in the hole, and one point is awarded for each bag that lands on the platform. Games are often played with cancellation scoring, in which the team that scores the most points in an inning is awarded the difference in points. A game ends when a team reaches 21 points.
In addition to playing for points and bragging rights, cornhole can be played by anyone who simply likes to test their target skills. On the other end of the spectrum, cornhole competitions are held around the U.S. in which players compete for titles and prizes.
Did you know?
A cornhole bag that lands on the platform during a game is called “woody” or a “bag-in-the-count” and is worth one point. A bag that goes into the hole is called a “cornhole” or “bag-in-the-hole” and is worth three points.
STAFF
BestReviews
Considerations
Here are a few questions to ponder before you choose a new set of cornhole bags.
Will you be playing cornhole frequently?
If you are an avid player of the backyard sport, you’ll probably want to invest in top-tier cornhole bags known for their superior durability. For occasional play, however, a budget-friendly set would probably do.
Do you plan to play for serious competition?
A little friendly cornhole competition is fun no matter what type of bags you use. However, if you are serious about scoring points, or if you participate in cornhole tournaments, you’ll want to make sure the cornhole bags you choose are durable as well as regulation size and weight.
What type of surface will you be playing on?
Soft ground that’s covered with grass or sand will impose the least amount of wear and tear on your cornhole bags. You definitely can play cornhole on harder surfaces, such as pavement, but the longevity of your equipment is likely to be compromised. We advise you to consider purchasing a spare set of cornhole bags if you’ll be tossing them onto asphalt, stones, or concrete.
Is your budget tight?
Even if you don’t have a lot to spend, you can still indulge in the game of cornhole. Cornhole bags that are affordable and reasonably strong are available for money-strapped players.
Potential problems with cornhole bags
Frequent play, vigorous tossing, and hard landings can all take a toll on cornhole bags. That’s why it’s important to look for quality features. Bags made with durable materials, fill, and stitching are less likely to succumb to durability issues like the following:
-
Holes in the fabric
-
Rips along the seams
-
Loss of fill
-
Escape of dust, primarily from bags filled with sand or corn
-
Degradation of corn in corn-filled bags due to mold, breakage, or age
-
Fading or transfer of fabric dye
"A patent for a game called parlor quoits was filed in 1883 by Heyliger de Windt. It featured components and gameplay similar to that of modern cornhole."
STAFF
BestReviews
Cornhole bag features
The structure of cornhole bags is pretty basic, but there are some features to think about before you choose.
Exterior materials
Cornhole bags are typically made of nylon or canvas. If you play on wet surfaces frequently, you may appreciate that nylon stands up to moisture quite well. However, canvas is tough and known for longevity. Some non-regulation-size bags can also be found in vinyl.
Filling
The first cornhole bags were filled with corn … hence the game’s name. Corn-filled bags are still available, and many purist cornhole players prefer this type of fill despite being at risk for mold or bugs. Bags filled with sand or other soft materials fall on the lower end of the price and quality spectrum. Modern cornhole bags often contain resin or plastic pellets; these stand out for their durability. However, they also emit dust, which is likely with bags filled with corn or sand.
Size and weight
Most cornhole bags are regulation size, measuring 6 x 6 inches. In addition to having official measurements, cornhole bags also have specific weight guidelines. Standard bags weigh between 14 to 16 ounces.
Storage bags
Some corhnole bags come with a bag for storage. This gives you a place to keep them when you aren’t playing, and it’s handy for transporting the bags to tournaments or gatherings away from home.
Cornhole bag prices
You have to have cornhole bags to play the game, but fortunately, sets of bags aren’t costly. Prices vary slightly based on materials, quality, and brand, but for most sets of eight bags, you’ll pay between $15 and $30. The majority of sets consist of eight regulation-size bags.
Inexpensive: You can find cornhole bag sets ranging from $15 to $20. The quality and longevity may be slightly lacking compared to pricier options. These bags are often filled with sand and covered with nylon. You’ll also find sets that are designed for youngsters in this category.
Mid-range: Well-made cornhole bag sets of regulation size that sell for $20 to $24 are typically crafted to hold up to rigorous play. You’ll find canvas bags with a variety of fill option in this price range.
Expensive: If you want the best cornhole bags on the market, expect to pay between $24 and $30 or a little more. Canvas with durable resin beads fall in this price category, but you’ll also find quality bags filled with corn, if that is your preference.
Tips
-
If you are a serious cornhole enthusiast or play the game frequently, it’s smart to keep extra cornhole bags on hand. That way, you’ll always be ready to play, even if one of your bags springs a leak.
-
Don’t leave cornhole bags on the ground or exposed to the elements after you are done playing. Take them indoors and store them in a dry location.
-
Do you often play cornhole at dusk or in shady areas? Choose cornhole bags in vibrant colors like red, orange, or blue that are easy to see in low light. Avoid black cornhole bags that might be difficult to locate.
-
If you notice seams or small holes on a cornhole bag, you may be able to fix them yourself. Some materials, like canvas, can be stitched. Sew any tears up as soon as possible to avoid loss of fill.
-
Wipe the surface of your cornhole bags with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Never place them in the microwave or dryer.
- Never immerse cornhole bags that are filled with corn in water, as the moisture could cause the contents to deteriorate or develop mold. If they do get wet, set them out to air dry.
FAQ
Q. I play cornhole frequently. What features should I consider?
A. If you put your cornhole bags to the test often, canvas is an excellent material. It’s known for durability and often can withstand years of use. Filling made of resin is also a good choice, as it won’t break down over time like other materials do. In addition, consider a product by a manufacturer that offers a warranty, which may range anywhere from one year of coverage to a lifetime replacement guarantee.
Q. I’ve noticed that some cornhole bags are made of duck cloth or canvas. What type of material is that?
A. Duck cloth, duck canvas, or just “duck” are basically other names for thick cotton material made with tightly woven fibers. Duck cloth tends to have superior strength and is favored as a cornhole bag material. Don’t worry, though: no ducks are harmed to produce it!
Q. How wide is the hole on a cornhole platform?
A. Regulation-size cornhole platform holes are six inches in diameter.
Q. Is it good or bad for a cornhole bag to have a lot of bounce when it lands?
A. The answer is both good and bad, as it really depends on a cornhole player’s personal preference. Typically, most players find bags that bounce to be harder to control. However, others develop their own techniques of bouncing the bags into the platform holes.
