How to Choose the Right Cornhole Bags

A Complete Guide to Speed Ratings, Materials & Play Style

Choosing the right cornhole bags can make a bigger difference in your game than you might think.

Whether you're playing casually in the backyard, competing in local tournaments, or working your way toward the highest levels of competitive cornhole, the right bag can help you play more consistently and make the shots you want to make.

But with different materials, speed ratings, constructions, and playing styles to choose from, figuring out which bags are right for you can be confusing.

We'll break down everything you need to know about cornhole bags, including speed ratings, fast and slow sides, materials, bag construction, and how to choose the right bag for your playing style.

---

What Makes a Good Cornhole Bag?

A good cornhole bag should be consistent, durable, and suited to the way you play.

The best bag for one player isn't necessarily the best bag for another. A player who likes aggressive slides may prefer a faster bag, while a player who relies on blocking and controlling the board may want a slower, more controllable option.

When choosing cornhole bags, consider these factors:

• Speed rating

• Fast vs. slow side

• Bag fill

• Material

• Construction

• Durability

• Your playing style

• The playing surface and board conditions

Understanding each of these will help you find a bag that fits your game.

---

What Are Cornhole Bag Speed Ratings?

Cornhole bag speed ratings describe how quickly a bag is designed to travel across the playing surface.

You'll commonly see bags described with ratings such as 5/9, 6/10, 8/9, or 9/5. or similarly 50/90, 60/100, 80/90, or 90/50.

When a bag has two numbers, each number represents one side of the bag.

For example, a 90/50 bag has:

• 90-speed side: The faster side designed to slide more easily.

• 50-speed side: The slower side designed for more control and blocking.

The exact feel of a bag can vary depending on the board finish, humidity, temperature, and other playing conditions, but speed ratings provide a useful way to compare bags. Think of it as more of an average rather than a direct comparison. For example, a 62-rated slow side compared to a 65-rated slow side will likely be the same speed of bag but what's importantt to note is that they are labeled within the 60's so it's fair to assume this will be a good idea for players seeking better control and blocking power.

Why Do Cornhole Bags Have Two Speeds?

Dual-sided bags give you more options during a game.

Instead of being limited to one playing characteristic, you can choose which side to throw depending on the shot you're trying to make.

You might use the faster side when you need to:

• Slide around another bag

• Push a bag toward the hole

• Make a longer slide

• Move bags down the board

You might use the slower side when you want to:

• Block your opponent

• Stop a bag from sliding too far

• Control the center of the board

• Create a more difficult path to the hole

This versatility is one reason dual-sided bags have become so popular among competitive players.

---

Fast vs. Slow Sides: Understanding Dual-Sided Cornhole Bags

So, should you choose a fast bag or a slow bag?

For most modern competition cornhole bags, you don't have to choose between the two. Dual-sided cornhole bags feature a fast side and a slow side, giving you two different playing characteristics in one bag.

The speed of each side can vary from bag to bag, but the concept is simple: use the side that best fits the shot you want to make.

Fast Side

The fast side of a cornhole bag is designed to move more easily across the board.

A fast side can be useful when you want to:

• Slide around blockers
• Push another bag toward the hole
• Move farther down the board
• Make an aggressive slide
• Take advantage of a faster board

If you're thinking, "I need to blast through here," the fast side is typically the one you'll want to use.

Slow Side

The slow side is designed to provide more friction and control on the board.

A slow side can be useful when you want to:

• Block your opponent
• Place a bag in front of the hole
• Control how far your bag travels
• Set up a strategic shot
• Keep a bag from sliding too far

If you're looking to make a controlled placement or build a block, the slow side can give you more control.

Why Dual-Sided Bags Are So Popular

Dual-sided construction gives players the flexibility to change their approach from shot to shot.

You might throw the slow side to create a block, then switch to the fast side when you need to slide around it. The same set of bags can give you options for blocking, sliding, pushing, and hole shots.

That's why dual-sided bags have become a standard choice for competitive players.

When shopping for cornhole bags, pay attention to the speed rating of both sides. A bag rated 9/5, for example, is designed with a faster 9-speed side and a slower 5-speed side.

The right speed combination ultimately comes down to your throwing style, board conditions, and the shots you want to make.

---

What Type of Cornhole Bag Should a Beginner Buy?

If you're new to cornhole, you don't necessarily need the fastest or most advanced bag available.

Instead, look for a bag that is:

• Easy to control

• Durable

• Consistent

• Comfortable to throw

• Versatile enough to help you develop different shots

A dual-sided bag can be a particularly good choice because it lets you experiment with different speeds as you develop your throwing style.

As your game improves, you'll start to understand whether you prefer faster, slower, or more specialized bags.

---

What Cornhole Bags Are Best for Competitive Players?

Competitive players typically want bags that provide predictable performance and consistency.

At this level, small differences in speed, slide, and control can have a significant impact on your strategy.

Competitive players should consider:

1. Speed

Choose a speed combination that complements your throwing style and the conditions you typically play in.

2. Consistency

Every bag should perform predictably. Consistency becomes increasingly important as you improve.

3. Construction

Look for quality materials and construction designed to withstand repeated play.

4. Regulation/Competition Standards

If you're competing, make sure the bags you're using meet the requirements of the organization or event you're playing in.

5. Versatility

Dual-sided bags allow you to adapt your strategy without switching between completely different sets.

---

How Does Bag Material Affect Performance?

The materials used to make a cornhole bag can influence its feel and performance.

The two most important areas to consider are the bag fabric and the fill.

Bag Fabric

Different fabrics can create different levels of friction against the board.

Some materials are designed to provide a slicker surface, while others provide more grip and control.

For dual-sided bags, the two sides may use different materials or constructions to create different playing characteristics.

Bag Fill

The fill inside a bag affects its weight, feel, durability, and how it behaves when it lands on the board.

A quality cornhole bag should maintain its shape and performance through repeated use.

For competitive players especially, consistency from throw to throw is critical.

---

How Your Playing Style Should Influence Your Bag Choice

One of the best ways to choose cornhole bags is to think about how you actually play.

The Aggressive Player

You like to attack the hole, push bags, and make big slides.

Look for: A faster bag or a dual-sided bag with a fast side.

The Strategic Player

You prefer blocking, placement, and controlling the board.

Look for: A slower bag or a dual-sided bag with a controllable slow side.

The Versatile Player

You change your strategy depending on the board and your opponent.

Look for: Dual-sided bags with a meaningful difference between the two speeds.

The Beginner

You're still learning your throwing style and developing consistency.

Look for: A versatile, durable bag that allows you to experiment with different speeds.

---

How Board Conditions Affect Your Bag Choice

Your bags don't play in a vacuum.

The board itself can dramatically affect how a bag moves.

A slick, fast board can make a bag play faster, while a board with more friction can slow it down.

Environmental conditions can also affect gameplay.

Humidity: Moisture can change how bags interact with the board.

Temperature: Changes in temperature can affect how materials feel and perform.

Board finish: Different finishes create different levels of slide.

This is another reason why experienced players often carry bags with different speed characteristics. Having options allows you to adjust when conditions change.

---

ACL PRO vs. ACL COMP vs. ACL REC: Which Is Right for You?

If you're shopping for cornhole equipment, you've probably seen different competition levels and product categories.

At AllCornhole, you can choose equipment based on your experience and how seriously you play.

ACL REC

Designed for recreational players and backyard games, ACL REC equipment is a great starting point for players who want quality equipment without necessarily needing professional-level gear.

Best for: Backyard players, casual games, and newer players.

ACL COMP

ACL COMP equipment is designed for players who want to take their game more seriously and compete at a higher level.

Best for: Competitive recreational players and tournament-minded players.

ACL PRO

ACL PRO equipment is built for players who demand high-level performance and want competition-ready equipment.

Best for: Serious competitive and professional players.

Not sure which level is right for you? Start with how often you play and where you play. If you're primarily playing backyard games, REC may be all you need. If you're regularly competing, COMP or PRO may make more sense.

---

What Cornhole Bags Should You Buy?

There's no single "best" cornhole bag for every player.

The right bag depends on your skill level, throwing style, preferred speed combination, and playing conditions. Most modern competition bags feature dual-sided construction, giving you a fast side and a slow side that you can use for different shots.

As a general guide:

Player Type	Recommended Bag
Beginner	Versatile dual-sided bags that are easy to control
Backyard Player	Durable dual-sided bags suited to recreational play
Competitive Player	Competition-level dual-sided bags matched to your playing style
Aggressive Slider	Bags with a faster side suited to slides and pushes
Strategic Blocker	Bags with a slower side suited to blocking and placement
Versatile Player	Dual-sided bags with a wider range between the two sides
Advanced/Professional Player	Competition-level bags selected based on preferred speed, feel, and playing style

The goal isn't simply to find the fastest bag or the most expensive bag.

The goal is to find a bag that gives you the right combination of speed, control, and versatility for your game.

---

How to Find Your Perfect Cornhole Bag

If you're still not sure which bags to choose, start with these five questions:

1. How often do you play?

Occasional backyard games don't necessarily require professional-level equipment.

2. What's your throwing style?

Do you prefer sliding, blocking, pushing, or a combination?

3. Do you want one speed or multiple speeds?

If you want maximum versatility, consider a dual-sided bag.

4. Where do you play?

Think about whether you primarily play at home, at tailgates, or in organized competitions.

5. Are you trying to improve?

If you're serious about becoming a better player, choosing a consistent bag and learning how it behaves can be just as important as choosing the right speed.

---

4-Bagger Loading...

Choosing the right cornhole bags doesn't have to be complicated.

Start by understanding speed ratings, then think about your playing style, skill level, board conditions, and goals.

If you prefer aggressive slides, look for a faster bag. If you rely on blocking and placement, a slower bag may suit you better. And if you want the flexibility to change your approach from shot to shot, dual-sided bags can give you the best of both worlds.

Most importantly, choose bags that are consistent, durable, and designed for the way you actually play.

Whether you're playing in the backyard or competing at the highest level, the right bag can give you more control over every throw.

Ready to find your next set? Explore AllCornhole's selection of cornhole bags and find the bag that fits your game.