Guide to choosing the right competition cornhole bag

1. Understanding the Impact of Face Speed

Each cornhole bag has two faces with different speeds:

• Slow side: This side offers better grip on the board, meaning the bag slides less quickly and tends to stop faster after impact on the board. This allows for better control, useful for blocking opponents, slowing down the game, and executing shots like the roll shot and cut shot.

  
  

• Fast side: This side is designed to maximize the bag's slide on the board. A bag that lands on the fast side will travel further, offer less resistance, and have a stronger impact on other bags in place. It's ideal for direct throws, fast attacks like the slide shot and airmail shot.

  
  

• Difference between slide speed and stopping distance: Two different bags, such as a "Poly" bag and a "Carpet" bag, but with the same slow speed rating, will have similar slide speeds on the board. However, "Carpet" fabric has higher grip, meaning the bag will stop faster once it slows down, while a "Poly" bag will continue to slide slightly before coming to a stop. This characteristic of "Carpet" bags allows for better control of effects and positioning on the board.

  Similarly, if we compare a "Hybrid" bag and a "Poly" bag with the same speed rating, the "Hybrid" bag will stop faster. Although a "Hybrid" bag has a slow side that slides well, its fabric offers slightly more grip than a "Poly" bag, allowing it to slow down faster after impact. A "Poly" bag, with its smoother texture, will maintain its slide longer and require better throw management to avoid overshooting the target.

  Depending on your playing style and skill level, the balance between these two speeds is a key factor in choosing your bag.

2. Different types of bags

"Carpet" Bags

• Description: These bags feature a "carpet" type fabric face that offers strong grip on the board.

• Speed: One slow side and one medium-fast side.

• Favored techniques: Ideal for players who seek precision and enjoy using shots like the roll shot or cut shot.

• Who for? Recommended for intermediate and advanced players, as it requires good throwing control.

  
  

"Hybrid" Bags

• Description: A blend of two fabric types that offers a good compromise between control and speed.

• Speed: One side with intermediate speed and another faster side.

• Favored techniques: Ideal for players looking for a versatile bag, suitable for different playing styles and conditions.

• Who for? A good choice for players of all levels, including beginners who want to explore different styles.

  
  

"Poly" Bags

• Description: Made of very smooth synthetic fabrics, these bags offer excellent glide.

• Speed: One fast side and one very fast side.

• Favored techniques: Perfect for those who play with direct throws and prefer a faster game.

• Who for? Recommended for experienced and professional players, as good control is needed to manage the bag's speed.

3. How to choose based on your skill level?

Beginners:

There are two types of beginners with different expectations:

• Those who primarily seek safety and want to stop on the board:

  Instead of investing in a highly technical "Carpet" bag, choose standard bags with a fast side and a slow side, available in our classic bag range.

  These bags will give you more control over the game without requiring advanced technique.

• Those who want to progress and improve their technique:

  Opt for "Hybrid" bags as they offer a good balance between control and speed.

  They allow you to experiment with different strategies without the slow side being too extreme.

  A beginner who doesn't yet have great throwing accuracy might struggle with a "Carpet" bag, as they might not be able to get their bag into the hole if they don't apply enough power.

  
  

Intermediates:

• Choose "Carpet" bags if you want to work on effects and control.

• Opt for "Hybrid" bags if you want to maintain versatile play.

  
  

Advanced / Professionals:

• "Poly" bags are ideal for fast and offensive play.

• "Carpet" bags allow for perfecting technical and strategic shots.

• A good player may also have several types of bags depending on playing conditions and their opponent.

4. Shots and Playing Techniques

Main Shots and Effects

• Slide Shot: A classic throw where the bag slides directly towards the hole.

• Block Shot: A throw where the bag stops on the board to obstruct the opponent.

• Roll Shot: A throw that allows the bag to roll over an obstacle.

• Cut Shot: A throw where the bag performs a lateral spin to go around an obstacle.

• Airmail Shot: A direct throw into the hole without touching the board.

  
  

Which bags for which shots?

• "Carpet" Bags: Excellent for roll shots and cut shots, as their grippy surface allows for pronounced effects and precise control.

• "Hybrid" Bags: Versatile, they allow for good slide shots while offering enough control to successfully perform block shots and some cut shots.

• "Poly" Bags: Ideal for slide shots and airmail shots, as their smooth surface reduces friction and promotes speed and fluidity.

Conclusion

Choosing the right cornhole bag depends on several factors: your skill level, your playing style, and the playing conditions. For beginners, a "Hybrid" bag is an excellent option for technical progress. With more experience, you can refine your choice based on your preferences, opting for "Carpet" or "Poly" bags depending on your strategy. Whatever your choice, the key is to practice and adapt your game to your equipment!