Bean bag toss is a world-famous game from past decades. Everyone loves to play this fantastic game, including kids, adults, and the elders. Now you may wonder how every age range can play this game. Yes, it is possible if they have enough strength to toss a 16 oz (450 g) bean bag around 30 feet.
However, the bean bag’s weight is an important factor in this game. Why? According to the weight, the force that should apply to the bag will change. Also, the wind resistance will depend on the weight of the bean bag.
Generally, people have used corn kernels and corn pellets to fill bean bags and play traditional toss games in the past decades. Moreover, dried beans and rice became famous in those days. However, using these natural fillers was reduced due to some circumstances, and people moved to artificial fillers like resin and plastic pellets.
This revolution does not happen within one day. It took such an extended period. You may be curious why people moved from natural fillers to artificial fillers. So, let’s move to another section and will discuss this further.
Table of Contents
- American Cornhole Association (ACA) Rules And Regulations
- Essential Properties of the Bean Bag Fillers
- Fillers For Bean Bag Toss Bags
- What Are The Best: Resin-Filled or Corn-Filled Bean Bags?
- Final Thoughts
American Cornhole Association (ACA) Rules And Regulations
The bean bag is the most critical tool in the bean bag toss game. Players cannot play their game successfully if it is made with poor quality, incorrect weight, and inappropriate materials. Not only that, it affects the players’ mindset and morale.
That’s why ACA introduced some rules and regulations relevant to bean bags. According to them, the standard size of the bean bag should be 6 x 6-inch diameter.
What is the correct weight for the bean bag used for the bean bag toss game? The ACA standard filler weight is 16 oz or 450 g. The bean bag fabric should have a 10 oz weight. So, the final weight of the bean bag will be 26 oz. On the other hand, duck canvas materials are used to make these bean bags.
However, selecting the ideal filler type that gives the correct weight and volume is challenging. Sometimes, you may think of suitable filler types. But already doubt that fillers can give sufficient weight?
Here, I share the ideal filler types that can be used to fill bean bags. Before moving to that, let’s check the properties you should include in a suitable filler type.
Essential Properties of the Bean Bag Fillers
Density
What should come into your mind first when you see this word? It is weight and volume. Yes, these are two major parameters directly related to density.
The standard filler weight should be 400 g – 450 g. Also, you cannot fill large volumes in a 6 x 6-inch bag. So, here, you should select the ideal filler type with relevant weight and volume. The density plays a significant role here. So. Check and get an idea from the below example.
You have 1 kg of cotton and 1 kg of steel. So, do you think both of these materials have the same volume? Definitely No! The cotton acquires a large volume, compatible with the steel.
If I explain this further with the density, the cotton has low density, and steel has high-density values. Due to that, if we take the same weight, low-density materials take up massive space than a high-density material.
This theory is vital when filling beans into the tossed bean bag. Think, you select a low-density cotton-like thing to fill a 6 x 6 inches bean bag. Then it only can carry 1 Kg of cotton. But if you choose comparatively high-density filler like rice, it will give more weight than corn.
Now you may understand my point. To create a standard bean bag, you should select the ideal filler type.
Center of Gravity
Sometimes you may have an idea about this point. But sometimes, you may not have. The center of gravity is a term used to describe the spot that the whole weight of the item will direct.
Everything or everyone has their own center of gravity, including you. If you cannot maintain it, you will lose your balance and drop to the ground. So, it is the most critical factor.
Let’s move to the main topic. Each filler type has different behavior. So, when you play with them, you should have an idea about that because it is the main factor that leads to taking the correct direction. Also, it is a critical factor that directly influences the tossing technique. So, you must identify how the center of gravity changes with your tossing style.
Deterioration
As I mentioned above, people used natural filler types such as corn, rice, and dried beans to fill their bean bags. However, these are very susceptible to moisture and pest.
So, mold and bacteria can quickly deteriorate these filler types. That’s why people reject these natural fillers and move for alternatives. Because it is challenging to keep and store their bean bags for an extended period, on the other hand, organizers have to prepare them for every tournament or buy them from a market.
But it is also time-consuming extra work. As a result, modern people tend to use plastic pellets and resin pellets for their bean bags.
Now you may have good knowledge about bean bag filler properties. So, let’s check the factors of the bean bag fillers in detail.
Fillers For Bean Bag Toss Bags
Corn Kernels
Corn kernels have been the favorite filler type since the beginning of this game. Due to its low cost, availability, and perfect weight and texture, most people use it.
On the other hand, bean bag toss is a traditional game. So, Americans use this crop as to sign of prosperity and wealth.
Moreover, the density and texture of the corn kernels ideally match for bean bag toss. The 6 x 6-inch bean bag can store 400-450 g of corns. Moreover, it can give a super flexible texture to the bean bag. So, the player can quickly grab and toss them into the targets.
Further, this bean bag is free from toxic compounds. So, any person can use this without any health issues. Rather than these common facts, there are some other scientific facts about corn kernels.
What is that? Let me clarify this with an example!
Corn Kernels And The Center of Gravity Effect
If bean bags are filled with corns, the player can control the bag’s center of gravity. How do they do it?
It is simply changing the tossing pattern or way. The corn seeds move in the bean bag according to the tossing angle and technique. As a result, the bean bag’s center of gravity will change. Due to this feature, the player can make their own technique to toss bean bags into the Corn hole.
Shall I tell you a little secret?
The center of gravity force and direction will change according to the filler type. So, if the tournament bag is filled with corn kernels, you should practice with the same one. If not, you will face difficulties when aiming into the hole.
However, the corn kernels break down and create dust when tossing these bean bags for several matches. Moreover, these corns are very susceptible to bugs and mold too. Also, moisture can significantly affect corn kernels. Due to these cons, some people tend to search for alternative filler types.
Corn Pellets
This is also the primary filler type used to fill tossing bean bags. Moreover, corn pellets are also the same as corn kernels. The only difference is pellet has more resistance to break down when tossing. Also, it can keep its quality by avoiding bugs and molds.
Rather than these things, corn pellets have another distinguishing feature than corn kernels. What is that?
The bean bags that are filled with corn pellets bounce more. So, if you are going to play with this type of bean bag, pay attention to this factor.
What do you think? Is this bouncing feature good or bad? What is your answer? Generally, it will depend on the practice and expert level of the player. Why?
Think, if a player is directly aiming to toss a bean bag into the hole, but it hits the edge of the hole. If you play with a corn pellet bean bag, there is a possibility of bouncing the bean bag out of the board.
But if you toss the bean bag onto the board and aim to get it into a hole after one bounce, there is a possibility of getting a score. So, bounce can positively and negatively affect your toss. So, if you are a skilled player, take these pros and play the game accordingly.
Plastic Pellets
Due to ease of use and durability, the modern generation mainly uses plastic pellets to fill bean bags. Also, nowadays, plastic is the most common material throughout the world.
Now you may have doubts about whether plastic pellets’ properties match the tossing bean bag?
Yes, plastic pellets are dense and hard. So, it gives enough weight to toss a bean bag. Generally, 14-16 ounce (350 g- 450 g) plastic pellets are enough to fill. Moreover, if it hits the cornhole board, it will bounce more instead of sliding.
Besides these facts, there is another vital fact that you already know. Due to resistance to physical damage, you can keep this bean bag for a long time without changing its original size. It is a great advantage.
Resin Pellets
Resin is also similar to plastic pellets. But, it has a vicious and gluey texture. On the other hand, resin pellets have resistance to bounce. So, it’s suitable for players looking for a less bouncing filler type.
However, there are some cons associated with this filler type. What are they?
The resin pellets may be slippery after being put on the board. Therefore, one bounces into the hole and cannot apply with this bag. However, do not be disappointed. The resin pellet is ideal for playing bean bag toss. The only thing is you should use some technique and expert knowledge for this.
Dried Beans
Beans are the famous filler type used at the beginning of the bean bag toss game. The beans’ 300- 350 g weight is enough to fill the bean bag. However, there are some cons. They are susceptible to moisture, pests, and bugs. So, here, you should keep away these bean bags from humid places.
On the other hand, these bean bags are difficult to store for a long time. So, keep it in mind.
Craft Beads
This is a safe and straightforward filler type that can use to fill bean bags. This alternative is super convenient for people who use craft beads at home. Here, these beads are available in different sizes.
So, you should select the beads that are the same size as corn kernels. Also, make sure these beads are not smaller than a grain of rice and more significant than a dime. Why?
If the beads are too small, it is possible to spill them out from the seams. Also, if they are too large, they will give a lumpy texture to the bag. If you are dealing with wooden, plastic, or metal beads, carefully use them. They may have sharp edges.
Beads are low, dense filler type that uses for bean bags. Also, it provides a nice feel when holding them. Don’t you like to play with a well neat bean bag?
Because of these reasons, bead bean bags have become a favorite of most players. Shall I tell you another fantastic fact?
The beads bean bags are lighter than the beans and other fillers. So, when the player tosses it, it will fly faster.
Rice
Rice is an alternative that is used for bean bags. Due to its lighter weight, it is ideal for young players. It is easy to throw than corn-filled bean bags. Thus, most kids also like to play with them.
However, rice is also vulnerable to external environmental factors like moisture, pest, and bugs, like another natural filler type. So, if you plan to play a tournament or match on rainy days, rice is not a good selection.
What Are The Best: Resin-Filled or Corn-Filled Bean Bags?
The corn kernels will break down and create dust. The accumulation of this dust completely changes the texture of the bean bag. Also, they may spread in the bean bag court and board too. Because of these reasons, the bean bag tends to slide easier on the bean bag board.
However, the most experienced players said that “dust is a must for bean bag toss game.” Why did they say so?
This fine dust helps slide the bag on the board and play better. This corn dust offers an authentic experience to all players, and they enjoy it.
Moreover, the corn-filled bean bag will easily expose moisture and rain during the match. So, there is a high possibility of growing pathogenic bacteria there.
Also, this bean bag directly touches the player’s hand. So, it can lead to skin irritations and allergies. Moreover, due to mold and mildew, players cannot use these bean bags for a long time.
But resin-filled bean bags has more pros than corn-filled ones. They mainly have below beneficial properties.
- Pest resistant
- Weather-resistant (Moisture and humid)
- Decay resistant
- Washable
- Easily obtainable
- Inexpensive
So resin-filled bean bags last longer. Moreover, it will keep dust-free surroundings and not pollute the air. Furthermore, the player can use them without any issues. Moreover, if you use resin-filled bean bags, they are less slick.
Because of these reasons, these bean bags are ideal for playing indoors. Also, if you wish to hold a bean bag toss game competition, select resin bags; it will keep your head released from many issues. The behavior of the corn fillers and resin fillers is slightly different. But the final decision is up to you!
Final Thoughts
Every filler type will give a different experience, joy, and fun. Also, all these materials have several pros and cons. On the other hand, players have their own favoritism for some bean bag types.
On the other hand, when selecting a bean bag to play the toss game, the organizer must consider the weather condition, tournament scope, and purpose. Sometimes it may be a family event.
So, all those rules and regulations can adjust in that kind of situation. But, if it is a national-level tournament, the bean bag properties should match ACA guidelines and recommendations.
Hence, selecting the ideal bean bag to play the bean bag toss or Cornhole game is highly subjective. So, filter the best option from the above materials!
