Topic: Fireball Tables

[FreeSoil_Fooser]

So I'm looking for a table, and really leaning towards a Fireball. My local league is a Tornado league, but there's lots of Tornado's for me to play on and honestly I am not at all impressed with Tornado tables. I could go on about why, but that's not what this is about.

So here's my question. I'm looking at the Fireball website and it doesn't look very active. Most of the products are out of stock, including essential things like balls and bearings. I also can't find any dealers that sell Fireball tables. What's the deal with that?

My concern here is that I might be buying into a company that isn't going to exist in 5 years. I don't want to have a worthless table when a bearing wears out or a man breaks and there's no replacement parts. The table looks amazing and it is a way better value than the obnoxiously high prices of Tornado, but I don't want to make a $1000 mistake.

Any advice or thoughts?

[snake eyes]

Uh Tony Spredeman endorses the Fireball I think your ok  with that decision,,,could be that the demand for replacement parts is being driven by the tours they have had lately. I have played on the Fireball and while Tornado is my 1st choice the Fireball is def a close 2nd.  Snake

[Foos_Consigliere]

The Fireball is a good table. The best way to buy one is after a Fireball tournament like the one in NY held recently by Greg Mendel.
There was one for sale in Dallas for $600.
But if your not impressed with the current Tornado Coin - op I don't know what you want. Could you be more specific?  It is the best Tornado has made for years.  I went to the $20,000 Texas State championships that had 50 or so new Tornado Coin-Ops. For the first time in my foosball career table maintenance was not required the entire weekend. Amazing. Silicone to taste and play. That is evidence they have their game together again at the factory.

I like the Fireball and did well finishing 5th in Open Singles in my first Fireball regional event. I plan on owning one eventually mostly because I want to play internationally in Fireball events. If you are still and aspiring US player looking to improve your game a Tornado is the place to start. If you have no desire to aspire in the US tournament scene and want a good table with multi-shot capability then the fireball is a fine choice. If you are a seasoned Tornado player wanting a fireball for multi-table and international travel then maybe get a fireball so you can practice for Tornado on local commercial tables and play on the fireball preparing for fireball events. 

I have owned 60 or so Tornado Coin Ops all on commercial locations. The one they are making now is awesome. I will soon buy a Tornado Coin Op and will eventually had a Fireball beside it. Even after 17+ years of Tornado experience, I still want the table I will be playing tournaments on the most first. 

What rank are you? What are your locals like?
What tournaments do you plan to hit in 2013?
 How many Tornado? How Many Fireball?