Ring toss games or horseshoe games are almost the most fun at a tailgate party. Everyone knows how the game is played – it’s in the national consciousness. The echoing ker-clunk of metal ring on stake is almost deafening in parking lots and a sweet, sweet sound that says ‘fun’ with every contact. Judging by the number of successful throws, beer-drinking is no impediment to the game. There are a lot of sets out there. But if you want to know where to find the best ring toss sets then read on!
Did you know that there is a National Horseshoe Pitchers Association of America? Yes, that is what ‘NHPA’ stands for. It’s official, the art of Ring Toss (interchangeable with the game of horseshoe pitching) is a serious sport, not just something played by drunks in a parking lots at tailgate parties.
That being said, some of my favorite throwing games have been played with a bunch of inebriated, liquored-up buddies and Ring Toss is one of the best. You need some equipment of course, so I thought I would take a look around at the choices and see which ones measure up.
There are many kits on the market from Target, K-Mart and other chains but those put together by specialist suppliers seem to stand up to all the stuff you can throw at it way better. Choosing an NHPA approved set designed by the pro-players is vital. This will ensure high quality and balanced playing parts without defects so you have more control over your game. High quality materials and finish will prevent chipping, abrasion, corrosion and weathering. Of course, if it’s ‘Made in USA’ there’s a guarantee of quality and you’re creating some job opportunities for the locals. It’s worth the investment to buy a good set that will last for years. Let’s start with the best, the highly rated Pro brands.
St. Pierre American Professional Horseshoe Set
St. Pierre American Professional Horseshoe Set
This Professional American horseshoe pitching set is designed by a former world champion. It’s approved by the NHPA for professional and tournament play. The shoes are engineered to ring the stake with a dead fall, and more weight is forged into the toe calks (tips) for better balance in the turn and its longer tips grab the stakes for more ringers. Ideal for leagues, clubs and serious players. This set includes 4 American horseshoes, 2 solid steel 24″ long stakes, the official rulebook according to the pro leagues, and court layout instructions. St. Pierre shoes are drop forged of solid steel and then given exclusive smooth, electrostatically applied baked-on powder coating, a finish that’s more resistant to chipping, abrasion, corrosion and weathering than ordinary paint. You can’t beat powder coating for durability and lack of rusting though they can chip during normal wear. The finger positioner lets you play like a pro and the raised thumb grip allows for flipping. Only St. Pierre offers this durable, attractive finish. The weight is distributed for maximum balance and control, and each component meets the official size and weight requirements of the National Horseshoe Pitchers’ Association. Made in the U.S.A.
HINT: The powder coating may chip and if you need to repaint, don’t throw the item away. It is easily fixed by sanding off rough edges and loose paint, use some spray metal primer, dry that coat and then recoat with the matching spray metal paint. Keep some on hand and touch up your gear and you will prolong the life of your set.
Some people like to set the stakes in concrete stands which they then transport to the parking lot. This stops them from loosening during the game. They need to protrude 15” out of the ground.
This set is shipped in a plastic container but I would invest in a better carry bag to keep it in so that you don’t lose the parts.
St. Pierre Presidential Edition Horseshoe Set
St. Pierre Presidential Edition Horseshoe Set
The St. Pierre Presidential Edition Horseshoe Set lets you enjoy the unique design and quality of a professional set along with an eye-catching durable wood storage case. Each horseshoe has a specially created tip that will circle the stake with a better balance and a heavier fall and this allows more ringers to be thrown. Those who enjoy a friendly competition or love the game of horseshoes will surely enjoy the top quality of this set. Set of four professional-quality horseshoes 2 silver and 2 gold. Professional-quality steel horseshoes. Durable wood storage/carrying case included. Tip is created for better balance and heavier fall. Includes 2 x 24-inch stakes which can be mounted into a concrete block when you are in the parking lot.
High quality rig and this version has a great carry case. The shoes are silver and gold, but many users like to spray paint to their team colors which is obviously great and the added bonus is that the rings are easier to see when they fall.
Gordon Professional Pitching Horseshoes
Gordon Professional Pitching Horseshoes
Fills the bill for size and quality as they are NHPA Sanctioned for Tournament Play.
Tough as nails as they are made blacksmith style, with drop-forged construction and they are made from carbon steel.
The finish is a high quality electrostatic black surface, rust proof as long as you care for it as you would a seasoned iron pan. (oil it)
Guaranteed for a year against breakage.
They weight more than a kilo or 2 pounds 8 oz which is classed as ‘medium weight’ for competition. (Your package will be around 5 pounds).
Note that there are no stakes with this pair of shoes; you need to supply your own.
Many World Champs swear by this brand for its choice in colors, durability and finish and its forged shape is very player-friendly for all levels of the game, pitching styles and skill levels. Note that some people who buy the colored, powder-coated ones leave the tips colored and sand-blast the rest of the paint off. Your choice!
They are made in China but to the USA Gordon company specifications.
Tejo (alternative for those without the strength for Horseshoes)
Tejo Pro Game Set
Tejo is a new addition to the tailgate party game scene, patent pending with its proprietary material disks and target. Most people are addicted after the first game. Anyone can play – kids of all ages and adults. It’s very lightweight. Strength does not determine playing ability. It won’t weigh your tailgate party games kit down and very easy to transport in its own carry-bag. It’s sort of like a combination of horseshoes and bocce or petanque and special site or equipment are not required.
Rules and how to play are included and the set is almost indestructible.
Made in the USA which these days is really unusual!
Cactus Beverage Cooler Ring Toss Game
Here’s a combo of a game and a drinks cooler. More of a toy than a sports set, it can be taken to the tailgate party site, inflated at your party, filled with ice around the base to keep it stable. There’s a set of light-weight rings to toss over the arms of the cactus.
Nice little novelty item, but for hard-core players and drinkers, it probably wouldn’t last very long. Great for kids’ parties though.
Vinyl Inflatable Alligator Ring Toss Game
Inflatable Alligator Ring Toss Game
OK, so you root for the Florida Gators NCAA football team? Then this (also inflatable) cute ring-toss game might just be for your tailgate party. Another inflatable, it’s a ‘gator indeed. Has a perky tail and head over which you, drunk or sober can pitch lightweight rings and keep score.
You might think this is a little below you beefy pro horseshoe toss champs but it is cheap and a lot of fun, not just for kids’ parties but for parking lots where the more injurious games are prohibited. And hey, the whole family can play this.
HINT: if you find the ‘gator deflates, put a square of duct tape over the mouthpiece after you blow it up.
Front Porch Classics Tailgaters Ring Toss
Front Porch Classics – Tailgaters Ring Toss
Champion Sports Rubber Horseshoe Set
Champion Sports Rubber Horseshoe Set
While this set is somewhat of a toy, its benefit is that it is perfect for indoor-outdoor tailgate party games. I mean, you are not going to want to be throwing your forged iron rings around inside the man-cave, are you? This set fills that indoor need as it has rubber mats that hold the stakes up so you don’t need to dig holes for erecting the targets. Come to think of it, that’s OK for the parking lot as well as you don’t want to hammer spikes into the blacktop. The kit is completely self-contained, made of durable, multicolored plastic and rubber, and will withstand quite a bit of punishment, travel to the parking lot for the tailgate party, heavy play and throwing in the back of the truck to take home. Made in China.
More St Pierre sets
This is where to find the the legendary St. Pierre sets
