Buying Guide for the Best Hacky Sacks
Choosing the right hacky sack (footbag) can make your play more enjoyable and help you improve faster. Different hacky sacks suit different playing styles and preferences, so it's important to understand what makes each one unique. By learning about the key features, you can find a hacky sack that feels good in your hands and feet, matches your skill level, and supports the type of tricks or games you enjoy.Fill MaterialThe fill material is what’s inside the hacky sack and it determines how the sack feels, how it flies, and how easy it is to control. Common fill materials include plastic pellets, sand, metal beads, or a combination. Pellets make the sack lighter and bouncier, ideal for circle kicking, while sand or metal make it softer, heavier, and easier to stall (stop) for trick shots. Your choice should depend on whether you like fast, lively play or slow, controlled moves—the more stalling you want, the heavier it should be.
Panel NumberPanel number means how many small pieces of fabric are stitched together to make the outer shell. Typical hacky sacks have anywhere from 2 to 62 panels. Fewer panels (like 2-8) make the sack rounder and softer, often preferred by casual players, while more panels (like 26 or more) make it closer to a perfect sphere and better for advanced tricks and precise control. If you’re new, fewer panels might be more comfortable and forgiving, while players looking to develop technical skills might go for higher panel counts.
Outer MaterialThe outer material affects the grip, durability, and feel of the hacky sack. Materials include synthetic suede, leather, or cloth. Suede sacks offer good grip for stalls and are beginner-friendly, while leather can last long but take some breaking in. Cloth is lightweight and good for casual play, but might wear out faster. If you value grip and easy control, suede is usually a solid choice, but if you want something tough for outdoor play, leather or reinforced fabric might be better.
WeightWeight affects how the hacky sack moves in the air and how easy it is to control. Lighter sacks (around 30-40 grams) are swift and best for freestyle play with lots of kicks, while heavier ones (40 grams and up) stay put better and are best for stalls and trick shots. For group kicking and games, a lighter sack can be fun, but for learning tricks and getting better at stalls, a bit more weight helps.
SizeSize refers to the diameter of the hacky sack, usually between 2 and 2.5 inches. Smaller hacky sacks are more challenging and favored by advanced players, as they require precision, while larger ones are easier to control and great for beginners. If you’re just starting, a bigger sack can help you get the hang of things. More experienced players may prefer something smaller for tricky moves.