Best Cornhole Bags (Reviews)
To find the best cornhole bags, we tested and played with a couple of dozen bags over the span of two weeks. We even went ahead and participated in a local league back in LA. Unfortunately, we could not make it to the group stage, but in all, it was a fun exercise. We had a chance to interact with several pro cornhole players, taking their inputs as to what to look for in a quality bag.
In the end, we were successfully able to narrow down the list to top 5 cornhole bags across different categories.
Here are our top picks:
Best High End
Beer Belly Bags Cornhole Double Sided
Best Overall
SC Weather Resistant Cornhole Bags
Best Inexpensive
Barcaloo Weather Resistant Bags
Last Updated: 6th Mar, 2023
Cornhole is by far the greatest yard game of all time. The feeling you get when the bag slides right into the hole for sweet 3 points is indescribable! But perfecting the throw requires not only hours and hours of practice but also a high-quality cornhole bag.
Due to the nature of the game, cornhole bags take quite a bit of beating and require replacement from time to time. Not to forget, the REAL cornhole bags are actually filled with whole kernel corns, which are perishable and may decay, mold, and attract rodents or critters. Then there are performance bags that have two sides - Slick and Stick and come filled with plastic pellets which don't break down over time and are waterproof. It also gives you more control over how exactly you want to land the bag on the cornhole board.
So, as you can see, there are different types of bags, and depending on your skill level and budget, you need to make a choice. Therefore, to make your work easier, we've picked the Best cornhole bags currently available.
Whether you're looking for a pro-quality bag, a budget one or something durable and all-weather, you're sure to find something fitting to your needs.
Top-Rated Cornhole Bags of 2023
- Beer Belly Bags Cornhole Double Sided- Pro Pick
- SC Cornhole Weather Resistant Cornhole Bags - Best Overall
- Barcaloo Weather Resistant Cornhole Bags (Sand Filled) - Budget Pick
- Toysharing Corn Filled Cornhole Bags - Traditional feel
- PROLINE 6"x6" NFL Cornhole Bean Bags - Show your team spirit
1. Beer Belly Bags Cornhole Double Sided: Pro Pick
Designed for competitive usage, this pro-quality bag is the number one choice for serious cornhole players. These bags are also approved by ACL (American Cornhole League) and ACO (American Cornhole Organization) for tournament use and are built to regulation - 6''x6'' with 15 to 16 oz weight.
The bag comes with two sides - Slick and Sticky and rounded corners. The slick side is constructed out of duck canvas for the bag to glide on the cornhole frame, and the stick side is made of suede material, making the bag come to a sudden halt as it hits the board. The bags are filled with high-quality resin, which does not degrade, break with time, or leave any dust. At the same time, it provides a perfect feel and weight for a solid throw. The bag in itself is made of heavy-duty material that's double sewn with a computerized industrial machine for extra durability and consistency.
You get 8 bags in total, four of each color, and the bags are game-ready right out of the box with little to no break-in required. The bags are available in 9 color combinations and come with a handy carrying bag. Finally, the bags are backed by a 1-year warranty against seam or cloth rip, giving you peace of mind!
Final Note: The Beer Belly Cornhole Bags aren't cheap, but if you're committed to the game, it's well worth the investment. The feel and build-quality of these bags are as good as it gets.
2. SC Weather Resistant Cornhole Bags: Best Overall
Not everyone plays cornhole leagues or tournaments. Most users tend to play recreationally, and for such users, the SC Weather Resistant Cornhole Bags is the best choice. It's durably built with a 12-ounce durable duck canvas, which also makes it perfect for all types of surfaces, be it grass, gravel, or concrete.
The bags are filled with plastic pallets that give you the same feel as the traditional corn kernels and yet at the same time, are waterproof and resistant to critter or mold formation. The size and weight of the bags adhere to regulation, but it's not approved by any official body (ACL or ACO) for tournament use. You get in total 8 bags in the set, four of each color. It would have been great if the manufacturer included a carrying bag, but for the pricing, you can't really ask for more.
You can play cornhole in any weather with these bags, and it will still be fine. If you accidentally left them out in a rainstorm the night before, no worries!
Not only that, but the manufacturer takes the eco-conscious route, and the plastic pellets inside of the bags are made only from recycled materials! On top of that, a one year warranty is included with this set as well. This is the perfect cornhole bag set on the market for the everyday man!
Final note:
Dollar for dollar, the SC weather-resistant cornhole bags offer the best value for your money. The build quality is top-notch, and so is the performance.
3. Barcaloo Weather Resistant Cornhole Bags (Sand Filled): Budget Pick
If you're on a budget, the Barcaloo Weather Resistant cornhole Bags are definitely worth considering. Priced just under $14 for 8 bags, it doesn't get any cheaper or better than this. You can buy multiple of these sets for large events or parties, and it won't put a hole in your pocket! You may wonder, why are these priced so cheap?
Well, the only difference here is that these bags are actually filled river sand instead of the plastic pallets or corn kernels. Rest specs like the size, weight, and overall build quality are similar to our top picks. It's weatherproof and quite durable as well. They have a nice heft to it and feel solid in hand. The only difference here is how the bag feels in your hand. As the filling is sand, it's not as soft as corn or plastic pallets.
Final Note:
The Barcaloo Weather Resistant Cornhole Bags may be cheap in price, but it's built sturdily, and you can be sure these bags are going to last a long time.
4. Toysharing Corn Filled Cornhole Bags - Traditional Feel
For the most authentic cornhole playing experience, you got to use the corn filled bags. The feel, weight distribution, and how the bag slides across the board is totally different. And not to forget, due to constant throwing, the dust from corn settles on the board, making it super slick over time!
The real corn filled bags from Toysharing are built to regulation specifications. The double-stitched burst resistant seam along with the premium 10 oz cotton duck cloth further adds to the durability of these bags.
You get 8 bags in the set, and there are a whopping 19 color combinations to choose from. You also get a mesh carry bag to store and carry the cornholes bags conveniently. And lastly, these bags are backed by a lifetime warranty, so reliability should be the last thing on your mind.
Final Note: Toysharing Corn Filled Cornhole Bags are basic and are perfect for family outings, tailgate parties, and casual play. Backed by a lifetime warranty, you can't really go wrong with these.
5. PROLINE 6"x6" NFL Cornhole Bean Bags: Show your team spirit
Show your pride for the team and play with officially licensed NFL cornhole bags. Whether you're a Dallas Cowboy fan or New york giants, you can personalize these bags to your liking and make a statement in the next pre-game outing! It also makes up for an ideal gifting option or for fun-filled tailgate parties for anyone who is a die-hard NFL fan and who also happens to love Cornhole.
Coming to the construction, the bags are built as per regulation specifications and come filled plastic resin pallets. The outer fabric is heavy-duty duck cloth with double sewn seams for longevity.
Final Note:
The proline NFL cornhole bags are ideal for anyone who likes to show support for his/her favorite NFL team.
Buyer's Guide to Cornhole Bags: Anything But A Toss Up!
While looking for cornhole bags, you need to keep a couple of factors in mind, mainly type, surface, and price. You also need to consider whether you want to play with a regulation bag or non-standard one. As per regulation rules, the cornhole bag should be measure 6''x6'' and weigh 15 to 16 oz.
Below we've described each factor in details:
Key Considerations
<Type>
Broadly there are three types of cornhole bags:
- Traditional corn filled bags: These are the original bags that have been used in cornhole for decades. The bags are filled with natural whole corn kernels and put inside the bag. The downside of these bags is that they degrade and break down over time, are prone to mold formation, and attract rodents/pests.
- All-weather plastic pallets/sand-filled bags: Instead of the corn, these bags use plastic pallets or sand, which also makes them weatherproof and more durable. The downside is that these aren't that soft and have a different feel than the traditional bags.
- Double-sided (Stick and slide) plastic pallets filled bags: These are pro-quality bags used mainly in competitions and by serious players. It comes with two sides; one is a slippery side, and the other is a sticky side. This gives the players more control and capability to throw precise shots. They're also filled with plastic pallets and are the costliest type of cornhole bags available. They also come with various speed ratings from 1 to all the way up to 20. Higher the speed rating faster, the faster the bag will slide.
<Surface>
People tend to play cornhole on all sorts of surfaces, from grass, gravel, concrete to even beaches. But you need to use a specific type of bag on certain surfaces, mainly due to durability concerns. So, let's if you play on concrete or gravel ground, it's best to use cheap corn-filled bags rather than using costlier resin bags.
The rough and sharp surface has the tendency to damage the bags faster, and you would not want to risk your costly cornhole bag. Similarly, if you play on grass or breach, you can use any bag, be it the cheaper corn-filled bags or costlier plastic resin bags.
<Price>
Cornhole bags are available in prices as low as $20 for a set of 8 bags to as high as $80 for a set of four bags. The pricing difference mainly comes down to the quality of the filling material, outer fabric, and stitching.
The corn-filled bags are generally the cheapest, generally costing less than $20. They're ideal for recreational and casual play but need proper care for longevity.
Between $20 to $30, you get all-weather bags filled with plastic pallets. They're ideal for beginners to serious play and are quite durable.
Post $30 bracket, you get into competitive cornhole bags. It comes with higher quality pallets and fancy covers on each side (suede and duck cloth). They're ideal for serious players who participate in leagues or tournaments and need precise control on how the bags slip and slide.
<Material>
All cornhole bags may look the same, but they vary significantly in terms of build quality and the material used. That's why some bags break along the seam on the first throw itself while some last for years. Look for bags with outer fabric made of at least 10oz duck cloth. The seams must be double sewn for extra rigidity.
On the cheaper bags, you may find the plastic pallets leaving dust every time the bag hits the deck. This is because the pallets are breaking down due to the constant hitting and banging. You should be looking for large resin pallets as filling material as they are sturdier and long-lasting.
Let's Wrap Things Up
While cornhole is a chilled out backyard game, if you choose the right cornhole bag, the experience can be further elevated. Your performance during the game depends a lot on the kind of bag you use and play with.
I sincerely hope this in-depth cornhole bags buyer's guide could educate you about various types of bags available in the market, and hopefully, you could pick the right one.
If you've any further questions, please comment below.
