Best Cornhole Bags: Every Type Explained Side by Side
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All weather, dual sided and ACL approved bags compared to find the best cornhole bags for your game.
Cornhole bags look simple, but the bag you throw changes how the game feels. Classic all weather canvas bags slide fast and suit backyard play, dual sided bags let you choose between sliding and sticking on each throw and ACL approved pro bags meet league rules for serious players. This guide to the best cornhole bags compares each type side by side so you can choose bags that match how and where you play.
We start with a comparison table, explain each type, compare pro bags with standard canvas bags, then cover how to choose, care tips and answers to common questions. Every set in the table above is sold new on Amazon US. Cornhole bags are heavy, so keep throwing lanes clear of small children and pets, and play on flat ground to avoid trips and falls.
Types of Cornhole Bags Compared
All weather canvas bags are the best budget choice, dual sided bags are the best all round upgrade, ACL approved bags are best for league and tournament play and replacement 4 packs or themed sets suit fans and DIY board builders.
| Type | Best For | Pros | Cons | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All weather canvas | Backyard, beginners, tailgates | Cheap, durable, weatherproof | One feel only, can be slick | around $18 to $22 per 8 |
| Dual sided slide and stick | Improving players | Choose slide or stop each throw | Costs more than basic bags | around $28 to $45 per 8 |
| ACL approved pro | League and tournament play | Meets ACL standards, consistent feel | Highest price | around $66 to $100 per 8 |
| Replacement and themed | Fans, DIY boards, lost bags | Mix colors, team logos | Varies by brand | around $15 to $40 |
All Weather Canvas Bags (Budget)
All weather bags use heavy canvas filled with plastic pellets instead of real corn, so they will not mold or attract critters. The GoSports Official Regulation set of 8, at around $22, lists 6 by 6 inch, 16 ounce bags, reinforced double stitching and a canvas tote. The JMEXSUSS set of 8, at around $21, uses duck canvas, 15 to 16 ounce bags, a carry bag and a 1 year warranty.
These suit backyard games, beginners and tailgates. They slide more than corn filled or pro bags and have only one playing surface.
Because they are so affordable, all weather bags make sense as a second set for the beach or camping, where sand and water would ruin nicer bags.
Dual Sided Slide and Stick Bags (Mid Range)
Dual sided bags have one slick side for sliding into the hole and one grippy side that stops on the board. The EunHo Professional set of 8, at around $35, and the CoHoBgs regulation set, at around $28, both use dual sided designs. The resin filled Patriotic Series pro set, at around $45, adds a competition style feel.
These suit players who want more control and plan to improve their game.
New players can start by throwing the slick side most of the time, then use the sticky side for blocking shots once they get comfortable. That learning curve is part of the fun.
ACL Approved Pro Bags (Premium)
Pro bags are built to the American Cornhole League's standards for size, weight and performance. The Bags Viper-R ACL Approved set, at around $100, and the Bags Cobra-F ACL Approved set, at around $66, are made for league play. The Play Platoon Pro set, at around $55, lists dual sided bags built to ACA standards, weather resistant resin filling, reinforced stitching and a carry case from a US veteran owned company.
These suit league players and anyone who wants consistent, tournament style bags.
Pro bags often feel stiff at first and play better after a break in period, so expect them to change slightly over the first few sessions.
Replacement 4 Packs and Themed Sets
Replacement and themed bags help you refresh a set or show team spirit. GoSports sells 4 bag sets at around $15 in 16 colors, so you can mix and match two sets. YouTheFan's officially licensed NFL and NCAA sets, at around $40 for 8, list dual sided slide and stop bags, regulation 6 by 6 inch size and 16 ounces with team logos.
These suit DIY board builders, fans and anyone replacing lost bags.
Themed sets, like GoSports' wedding bags with 4 Mr and 4 Mrs bags at around $20, also make fun party and event gifts.
Pro Bags vs All Weather Canvas Bags: Which Should You Choose?
Choose all weather canvas bags for casual backyard games, family parties and tailgates where durability and price matter most. Choose dual sided or ACL approved pro bags if you play often, want control over each throw or join a league.
On price, canvas bags win at around $18 to $22 for 8. On control, pro bags win with slide and stick sides.
On durability, both last well, though canvas bags shrug off rough handling. On weather, both use synthetic fill instead of corn. On league eligibility, only ACL approved bags meet official rules.
Many players keep a cheap canvas set for parties and a pro set for serious games.
How to Choose the Best Cornhole Bags
Size and weight, fill and fabric, playing surface, intended use and care matter most. Here is what to check.
Regulation Size and Weight
Regulation bags measure about 6 by 6 inches and weigh about 16 ounces, as GoSports, JMEXSUSS and YouTheFan list. Consistent size and weight across all 8 bags give predictable throws. Lighter or oversized novelty bags feel different and may not suit regulation boards.
If you mix bags from different brands, keep each team's 4 bags from the same set so both sides throw similar bags.
Fill and Fabric
Plastic pellet or resin fill resists weather, mold and pests, while traditional corn fill can rot if wet. Duck canvas and heavy canvas, used by GoSports and JMEXSUSS, are tough and slide well. Pro bags often use suede style fabric on the stick side and smoother fabric on the slide side.
Double or reinforced stitching, like GoSports', helps stop pellets from leaking out after heavy use.
Slide and Stick Surfaces
Single sided canvas bags slide in a fairly fixed way. Dual sided bags let you choose: the slick side slides toward the hole, the sticky side stops near it or blocks. Board finish and weather affect slide speed too, so a dual sided bag adapts better to different boards.
Humidity can make boards stickier, so dual sided bags help you adjust on muggy days.
Intended Use and Who It's For
Families and casual players should choose durable all weather bags. Competitive players should choose dual sided or ACL approved bags. Fans may prefer licensed team bags. If you have a board set already, match the bag colors for easy team play.
Kids may enjoy lighter play, but regulation bags are fine for older children with supervision. Shorten the throwing distance for younger players instead of buying lighter bags.
Storage and Portability
A carry bag or case keeps all 8 bags together. GoSports includes a canvas tote, JMEXSUSS and Play Platoon include carry bags and YouTheFan includes a carry case.
A case with a handle or strap is easier to carry from the car to the tailgate.
How to Make Your Cornhole Bags Last Longer
Store bags indoors in their tote, away from moisture and direct sun. Let wet bags air dry fully before storing.
Brush off dirt and sand after outdoor games. Spot clean with mild soap and water rather than machine washing unless the maker says it is safe. Check seams for loose stitching and repair early to prevent pellets from leaking.
Pro bags benefit from gentle use at first while they break in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are expensive cornhole bags worth it?
For league players and frequent throwers, yes. Pro bags offer dual sided control and consistent feel, and ACL approved bags meet league rules. For casual backyard games, budget all weather bags are plenty.
What features matter most when buying cornhole bags?
Regulation size and weight, weatherproof fill, durable fabric and the playing surface you prefer matter most. Competitive players should look for dual sided or ACL approved bags.
Contrasting team colors also make scoring easier from a distance.
How do I maintain cornhole bags?
Brush off dirt, spot clean with mild soap and let bags dry fully before storing them in a tote or case. Avoid leaving them outside overnight.
Keep pro bags apart from wet gear.
How much should I spend on cornhole bags?
Expect around $18 to $22 for a set of 8 all weather canvas bags, around $28 to $55 for dual sided sets and around $66 to $100 for ACL approved pro sets.
Themed and licensed sets usually fall in the middle.
How long do cornhole bags last?
With care, many sets last several seasons. Pro bags break in over time and play better after some use. Replace bags when seams split or they lose their shape.
Rotate sets if you play often.
Can I use corn filled bags in the rain?
It is best not to. Corn can swell, rot and attract pests when wet. Plastic pellet and resin filled bags, like GoSports' and Play Platoon's, are made to handle damp conditions.
Dry any damp bags right away.
Final Thoughts
The best cornhole bags match how seriously you play. Choose GoSports or JMEXSUSS all weather bags for backyard fun, EunHo or Play Platoon dual sided bags to improve your game and Bags ACL approved sets for league play.
For more backyard guides, see the best soft coolers, the best pool floats for adults, the best garden chairs and the best solar garden lights. Then compare current prices in the product table above.
