What are Cornhole Bags Filled With?

You cannot neglect the importance of cornhole bags for a game of cornhole. One of the most important things to consider when it comes to cornhole bags is the filling material. Many people ask before starting a game of cornhole: what are the cornhole bags filled with?

In this article, we will discuss the different materials you can use to fill cornhole bags, along with the pros and cons of each material. We will also explain how much corn you need to add to a cornhole bag.

What should be filled in cornhole bag

What are Cornhole Bags Filled With

American Cornhole Association states that a cornhole bag can be filled with feed corn or plastic pellets. Plastic-pellet bags are also known as all-weather corn bags.

This statement leads us to one conclusion: the choice of bag material is personal and non-regulated. You can choose any material for a game of cornhole. As long as you are having fun, there is nothing to worry about.

However, each filling material has some advantages and limitations, which can increase/decrease the lifespan and usability of the bags. It is important to know about the pros and cons of each material so you can use your bags for a long time.

Filling the Bags with Corn: Pros and Cons

Dried corn kernels have been traditionally used for cornhole bags. Corn kernels are a good choice because they are inexpensive, lightweight, and easily available. However, its use in the present day has been reduced to a large extent.

One advantage of playing with corn-filled bags in a competitive game is that corn breaks down over time and creates dust. The dust coats the cornhole boards and helps slide the bag in the hole. However, this dust creation can lead to inhaling the dust while playing indoors. Therefore, one must avoid using cornhole bags when playing indoors.

Corn is a natural organic material, and like all organic materials, it is susceptible to decay, mold, and insects. Mold or fungal development usually takes a lot of time, but it can happen quickly if the bags come in contact with water and you don’t store them in air-tight containers. Mold can also lead to corn weevils which turn into bugs in a matter of days. No one wants to play cornhole with bugs! Corn-filled bags can also become dinner of insects lurking around the area if not stored in an air-tight container.

To avoid this, don’t play with corn-filled bags in the rain; secondly, try your level best to keep them dry and avoid leaving them in the open. Humidity speeds up the rotting process. One way to increase the lifespan of your bags is to place them in an air-tight container and place them in a freezer for a few hours. It kills mold or bacteria inside the bags.

Filling the Bags with Pellets: Pros and Cons

Resin-filled bags are also known as all-weather cornhole bags, and their use is approved by American Cornhole Association and other organizing bodies around the US. A resin-filled bag is filled with small plastic beads that are somehow identical to corn kernels in shape and weight. These beads don’t break down over time and don’t create any dust, which makes them perfect for playing indoors. However, plastic bags don’t have the added advantage of a frictionless slide towards the hole.

You can play with these bags in the rain, outdoors, wet grass, or anywhere you like. A simple sun drying will evaporate all the water in the bag. No special storage is required for these bags. However, it is still advisable to store them in a safe, dry place.

The Best of Both the Worlds: Synthetic Corn Pellets

synthetic corn pellets

If you want a corn-like feel with all the advantages of plastic resin, then go with synthetic corn pellets. These pellets are made from durable plastic and don’t rot like real corn.

How much corn is in a cornhole bag?

American Cornhole Association states that each cornhole bag must be filled with approximately 2 cups of corn. The weight of the finished bag must be 14-16 ounces with a rough size of 6 square inches. This is recommended for competitive games and tournaments.

You are at complete freedom to change the weight and dimensions of the bag for your domestic and fun cornhole games. However, making the bag too heavy will not be a great idea as you won’t be able to toss it in the hole without tiring yourself. A too-light bag will result in frequent overthrows.

Final Words

Now that we know which is the best material for a cornhole bag and how many corn/resin pellets you need in it, it will be easier to make yourself a DIY cornhole bag.

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