Cornhole Bag Speed Guide: How to Choose the Right Bag Speed
Cornhole Bag Speed Guide: How to Choose the Right Bag Speed
If you've ever shopped for professional cornhole bags, you've probably seen speed ratings such as 5/8, 6/9, or 7/10. But what do cornhole bag speed ratings actually mean?
Understanding bag speed can help you choose a set that matches your throwing style, playing conditions, and skill level.
Whether you're buying your first set of professional cornhole bags or looking for a new tournament set, this cornhole bag speed guide will help you understand the differences between slow, medium, and fast bags.
What Is a Cornhole Bag Speed Rating?
A cornhole bag speed rating describes how quickly or easily each side of a dual-sided cornhole bag slides across the board.
Most professional cornhole bags have two different playing surfaces:
Slow Side: Provides more friction and control.
Fast Side: Slides more easily and is often used for pushing bags or finishing near the hole.
Speed ratings are generally represented on a scale from 1 to 10.
A lower number indicates a slower playing surface, while a higher number indicates a faster playing surface.
For example, a bag rated 5/9 has a slower control side rated around 5 and a faster slide side rated around 9.
Keep in mind that speed ratings are useful as a general guide. They are not a universal scientific measurement, and a 7-speed fabric from one bag manufacturer may feel different from a 7-speed fabric from another.
Cornhole Bag Speed Chart
| Speed Rating | General Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Very Slow | Extreme blocking and specialized shots |
| 4–5 | Slow | Blocking, control, rolls and cuts |
| 6–7 | Medium | Balanced play and versatile shot making |
| 8 | Fast | Sliding and controlled pushes |
| 9 | Very Fast | Aggressive pushes and hole-friendly play |
| 10 | Extremely Fast | Maximum slide and challenging conditions |
The right speed depends heavily on your throwing style and the conditions you're playing in.
Understanding Slow-Side Bag Speeds
The slow side of a cornhole bag gives players more control over where the bag stops.
Slow sides are commonly used for:
- Blocking the hole
- Landing short on the board
- Roll shots
- Cut shots
- Controlling fast boards
A slow-side rating between 4 and 5 can provide excellent stopping power.
A medium slow-side rating between 6 and 7 provides more versatility and is often easier to use for players who don't want their bags stopping too far short of the hole.
Understanding Fast-Side Bag Speeds
The fast side is designed to reduce friction and help the bag slide toward the hole.
Fast sides are commonly used for:
- Slide shots
- Push shots
- Collecting multiple bags
- Playing through blockers
- Finishing near the hole
- Playing in humid conditions
A speed 8 fast side offers a balance between control and slide.
Speed 9 and 10 bags are designed for players who want maximum movement or need additional speed when boards become slow.
What Does a 5/8 Cornhole Bag Mean?
A 5/8 bag has a slower control side rated around 5 and a faster side rated around 8.
This is a versatile speed combination that can work well for players who value control.
The 5-speed side can be useful for blockers and strategic placement, while the 8-speed side provides enough movement for traditional slide shots.
What Does a 6/9 Cornhole Bag Mean?
A 6/9 bag is one of the most versatile speed combinations.
The 6-speed side provides moderate control without being excessively sticky, while the 9-speed side offers plenty of slide and push capability.
This type of speed combination can be an excellent choice for players who want one set that performs well in a variety of situations.
What Does a 7/10 Cornhole Bag Mean?
A 7/10 bag is designed for players who prefer faster play.
The 7-speed side still provides some control, while the 10-speed side offers maximum slide.
Faster bags can also be helpful when playing in humid conditions where both the bags and boards may play slower than normal.
Best Cornhole Bag Speed for Beginners
Beginners generally benefit from a balanced bag that isn't extremely slow or extremely fast.
A good starting range is approximately:
Slow Side: 5–6
Fast Side: 8–9
This gives new players enough control to develop a consistent throw while still providing enough speed to reach the hole.
Extremely slow bags can make it difficult for beginners to reach the hole consistently, while extremely fast bags may slide off the back of the board when thrown too aggressively.
Read Our Guide to the Best Cornhole Bags for Beginners
Best Cornhole Bag Speed for Advanced Players
Advanced players often choose their bags based on the types of shots they prefer to throw.
Players who rely heavily on blockers, cuts, and rolls may prefer a slower control side.
Players who favor aggressive slides and pushes may prefer faster bags.
Many advanced players carry multiple sets with different speed ratings so they can adjust to changing boards and weather conditions.
Read Our Guide to the Best Cornhole Bags for Advanced Players
Best Cornhole Bag Speed for Humid Weather
Humidity can have a major impact on how cornhole bags perform.
When moisture increases friction between the bag and the board, bags often play slower than expected.
For humid conditions, many players prefer faster speed combinations such as:
6/9
7/9
7/10
Having a faster fast side can make it easier to push through traffic and reach the hole when boards become sticky.
Read Our Guide to the Best Cornhole Bags for Humid Weather
How Board Conditions Affect Bag Speed
The same bag can play differently depending on the board.
Factors that affect speed include:
- Board finish
- Board cleanliness
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Moisture
- Dust and debris
A bag that feels extremely fast on a clean indoor tournament board may play noticeably slower during an outdoor summer event.
This is one reason competitive players often carry several different bag sets.
How Humidity Affects Cornhole Bag Speed
Humidity is one of the biggest variables in outdoor cornhole.
As moisture levels increase, additional friction can develop between the bag fabric and the playing surface.
A 5/8 bag that feels perfectly balanced indoors could feel significantly slower during a humid outdoor tournament.
Players who regularly compete outdoors may want to carry a faster set specifically for these conditions.
Does Breaking In Cornhole Bags Change Their Speed?
Yes.
New bags often feel stiffer and may play differently before they are fully broken in.
As the fabric softens and the bag becomes more flexible, it may react differently on the board and around the hole.
Always evaluate a bag's true performance after it has been properly broken in.
Learn How to Break In Cornhole Bags
Should You Own More Than One Bag Speed?
If you play competitively, yes.
Having multiple speed options allows you to adjust to:
- Fast boards
- Slow boards
- Indoor tournaments
- Outdoor tournaments
- Humidity
- Temperature changes
- Different playing strategies
A versatile bag collection might include:
Control Set: 5/8
Everyday Set: 6/9
Fast Set: 7/10
This gives you options for most playing conditions.
How to Choose Your Cornhole Bag Speed
Ask yourself these questions:
Do you throw hard or soft?
Softer throwers may benefit from faster bags.
Do you like throwing blockers?
Consider a slower control side.
Do you throw roll shots?
Look for bags designed for controlled movement and roll potential.
Do you prefer slide shots?
Medium-to-fast bags may work best.
Do you frequently play outdoors?
Consider having a faster set available for humid conditions.
Are you a beginner?
Start with a balanced speed combination before moving into highly specialized bags.
Find the Right Cornhole Bags for Your Game
There is no single perfect cornhole bag speed for every player.
Your ideal bag depends on your throwing style, skill level, board conditions, and the types of shots you like to throw.
For many players, a versatile medium-to-fast combination is a great starting point. As your game develops, experimenting with different speeds can help you find the bag that feels most natural in your hand and performs best for your style.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cornhole Bag Speeds
What is the best cornhole bag speed?
There is no single best speed. A balanced 6/9-style combination is a versatile starting point for many players, while slower or faster bags may be better for specific playing styles.
What do cornhole bag speed numbers mean?
The numbers indicate the approximate speed of each playing surface. Lower numbers represent slower surfaces with more friction, while higher numbers represent faster surfaces with more slide.
Are cornhole bag speed ratings universal?
No. Speed ratings are generally manufacturer estimates rather than a universal standardized measurement. Bags with the same listed speed can perform differently depending on fabric, construction, break-in, weather, and board conditions.
What speed cornhole bags should beginners use?
Beginners often benefit from a balanced bag around the 5–6 slow-side and 8–9 fast-side range.
What speed bags are best for humid weather?
Faster bags are generally more useful in humid conditions. Speed combinations around 6/9, 7/9, and 7/10 can provide additional slide when boards become sticky.
Do cornhole bags get faster after breaking them in?
Breaking in a bag changes its flexibility and how the fabric interacts with the board. The resulting speed change varies depending on the bag's materials and construction.
Why do my cornhole bags feel slower outside?
Humidity, moisture, temperature, dust, and the condition of the board can all affect how quickly a bag slides.
How many sets of cornhole bags should I own?
Casual players may only need one versatile set. Competitive players often carry multiple sets with different speed combinations so they can adapt to changing conditions.