Topic: Tornado vs Bonzini

[bmtran]

So I've only ever played on a Tornado table.

And it looks like I might be headed to France as a study abroad. I figured if they played foosball where I'm going, I'd totally want to play. But... as it's France, I figured they'd probably be playing on French tables.

But I'm wondering how Bonzini tables play and if there's any skills that I could learn on Tornados that could help out when i make the switch to Bonzini. Anything come to mind?

[Alan Cribbs]

Where do you currently live?
I'm heading out tomorrow for the VA State Foosball Chamionships on Bonzini tables.
If you are able to hit a Bonzini tournament in the U.S. it might help you prepare for the transition.
Our largest event will be coming up in October. We'll have players from Canada and the U.S. and possibly Czech. will be represented.

It's an interesting table that has been around for many years. Longer than most. Some shots are more adaptable than others, but you will see more variety than ever in France. Plus we have quite a few players now from the U.S. that visit France for the annual World Championships.





Later,

Alan

[ZekeNDestroy]

Alan,

Where does one buy a Bonzini table, and how much do they cost? Used vs new?

Thanks,

-zeke

[Alan Cribbs]

Zeke,

You can order them from my  company, Bonzini U.S.A.
In our retail stores and specialty item businesses they run $2,395.00.
Registered Bonzini U.S.A. Tour players receive a $200.00 discount off a new table.
Most players want a tournament table because of the telescopic rod conditioning after a tournament event. Brand new out of the box, there is a slight grinding noise because the internal rod is actually going through a final beburring process. New rods move smoothly, but the noise is a little irritating for a vetern player. As the Bonzini table is played more, it becomes smoother and the noise deminishes. A tournament table runs $1,995.00 plus shipping. Given that the Euro is running at $1.59, if we ever can start gaining back with the U.S. dollar, we will be able to lower the price. But for now, we're just gutting through the cost. I receive a containing 3 days ago (72 tables and spare parts). and it was the most expensive shipment to date for our business.

We've got a kick ass tournament this weekend and will be back in the office Monday morining.

Later,

AC

[alaris]

IMO, Switching from Tornado to Bonzini is not as hard as going from Bonzini to Tornado.   The Pull, push or pull kick are the main shots that will be good for you to start with. Rollover takes a little work but can be figured out in a short period of time.

I partnered up with a tornado guy last week that is in process of learning Bonzini. Wow, his five bar was fantastic!! With  just a few more hours on the 3 bar and he will kick sooo much butt. You will too! 


Good luck and keep on foosn'

Rebecca Terry

[alaris]

Oh yea, playing foos in France is fantastic! If you have large hands you might want to invest in some larger handles from Alan before you go. The tables in the bars have the very small, doorknob type handles.

Be prepared to see some shots you have never seen before!  Good Luck!


Rebecca Terry 

[thebodygroove]

You might want to try a Euro Pin since that is what most Bonzini players use in the offense. Works for clearing the defense as well.

[Alan Cribbs]

The Euro pin is definately the major shot. Most French nationals shoot it closed hand method, while neighboring countries that play on Bonzini use the palm roll method. If I had to do it all over again, I probably would have developed the palm roll. It has alot less strain on the wrist and elbow. As I start to age out of the game competitvely, I'm using the palm roll method more and more.

Later,

Becca, Staunton is beautiful. Get on up here!

Alan

[alaris]

Leaving the house now Alan, See ya in a few hours!

BLT

[PatRyan]

UGH!  all of these Bonzini pin shooters 

The pull shot can be VERY effective on the Bonzini Table.  The deadman is HUGE!  Just set the ball a bit forward (in front of the rod) and don't draw the ball back too far during the sideways motion.  Squaring the ball is alot easier on the Bonzini than on the Tornado.

5-man passing translates very well to the Bonzini, very little adjustment.  Definitely get some american style handles, as the doorknob handles are difficult to play with.

[Alan Cribbs]

Pat,

Ugh all those pull shooters
What's up with the Monster Push Kick you're hammering?
Options, options, options!

Thanks for the set-up support yesterday.

AC

[foozkillah]

You "Ugh"'s bring to mind one of the French (?) or other finals where Rico exclusively used a great pull shot to win it.  I think it was on YouTube.

Bonzini would be great for me if they were really the old "French" style... missing or easily replaceable handles so you could bring your own handles.  I guess it isn't practical stateside, because they don't have enough organized playing places with tourneys to merit having bare rods like I've seen over there.

I still have my "eightball" I got in Belgium and "cigar" grips I got in MontMartre from my junior high days.

[PatRyan]

And those handles may still work.  Most of the Bonzini players have their own handles for the tournament (any a variety of them at that).  The handles jst screw off and screw on, very easily replacable.