If you play a lot of cornhole, you’re probably already familiar with the beanbag. However, there are plenty of people out there who have no idea what’s inside a cornhole bag.
So, what exactly is in a cornhole bag? And does it really matter what is in the cornhole bag when you play?
About Cornhole Bags
A cornhole bag is a square bag filled with stuffing. Traditionally, they were filled with corn, but that is no longer the standard. Cornhole bags should measure 6 inches by 6 inches. While the weight might not be exact, they are meant to weigh 15-16 ounces apiece.
Of course, if you’re looking for official bags, you may want to consider bags that are certified by the American Cornhole Association.
Fabric and Appearance
There is no specific rule that says a cornhole bag must be made with a certain material. However, competitive bags are generally made with duck cloth material on one side and microfiber cloth on the other.
The most common type of material used is any heavy, plain-woven cotton.
Players like duck cloth because it slides well on cornhole boards. In competition bags, the duck cloth side allows the bag to slide, and the microfiber side forces it to stop. Competitive players can use the bag to their advantage.
There is no right or wrong color for the bags. In fact, many people get custom cornhole bags with unique prints. There are just two tips here:
- Each team should have different colors
- The bags should be easy to spot by color
Apart from that, if the bags are the right size, you can do what you want for the fabric and appearance.
Bag Filling
If you want the official answer, cornhole bags have whole-kernel corn in them. This was the original design of these bags, and it’s still used for official bags. Cornhole bags have two cups of corn poured into them.
Corn doesn’t last forever, though, even though it’s dried. This means that the corn does degrade over time and the weight or feel of the bags can change.
While most official bags still have corn in them, it has become increasingly common to use resin pellets instead. There are a few reasons for this, but it boils down to not wasting corn and using a material that will last longer.
If you want to try to make your own cornhole bags, you can easily buy resin pellets. They can be found online. And it’s just as easy to buy the bags already made!
Plastic Pellets Vs. Corn Kernels
So why different materials? Does it really matter what’s inside the bag?
Regardless of the ingredients, all bags weigh about the same. A standard bag is 6 x 6 inches and should weigh between 15 and 16 ounces.
Some people have even been known to fill their bags with sand, although this is not as common.
When it comes down to it, it’s a matter of preference.
Pellet-filled bags have some things going for them. They can be made with recycled materials, so they’re considered an eco-friendly approach. Those plastic pellets are also not as likely to degrade like corn, so they should last longer.
Resin pellets are washable and inexpensive. They are easy to find and it’s a common material. These pellets are also weather-resistant and pest-resistant.
Corn, on the other hand, can decay; it can gather pests; and it can be affected by adverse weather. Generally, it’s not terribly expensive and it is the official material of tournament cornhole bags.
You can use feed corn in these bags, which is easy to find at a farm supply store.
One more note here. While feed corn is the official filler, the American Cornhole Association will allow bags that use a filler like weather-friendly plastic pellets.
Does It Affect Your Play?
The material in your bag really should not affect your play at all. While you may become used to the material in your bag, try to remember that all the bags are still the same size, shape, and weight.
Both the American Cornhole Association and the American Cornhole League allow bags besides corn. The ACL is a bit more lenient. In both leagues, your bag is not allowed to leave behind residue on the board, because this could lead to a forfeit.
Custom Bags and Boards
If you are looking for custom bags or boards, let Skips Garage help you out. We have a variety of solutions for every style. Our bags are filled with corn to fit the association standard.
You will find that all our cornhole bags are made with the best materials. We use duck cloth, and all bags are triple stitched to give you the most durability. Contact us today for your cornhole gaming needs. We’re happy to help! You can also view our Cornhole Bags & Accessories Page to start browsing!