Topic: This worth buying? TP2000

[mst1228]

Hi.  I'm pretty new to these forums but have been reading a lot about tables.  We're trying to find a solid table for our office and I got a lot of good info from this post: http://foosball.com/forum/index.php?topic=2704.0

I found this on craigslist today: http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/spo/4202787995.html

Was hoping someone could take a look at the photos.  I know you can't see a whole lot, but maybe enough to spot something right away that would deter someone from purchasing it.  Also possibly letting me know if this seems like a good deal.

I spoke with Charles at Tornado and tried to describe it to get some more info.  He said because of the 25th Anniversary stickers it was likely made in 1997 or 1998.  The best info he could give me was to check the quality of the cabinet.  If that cabinet is solid, he thought it was a pretty good deal.  He told me they still provide any replacement parts for the table if we needed them sometime down the road.

Not sure what type of advice anyone else can give for when I go take a look at it, but any information would be much appreciated.

Thanks a lot,

Max

[Uber_Nick]

Solid table.  It's not a TP2000 but a Coin Op (which I've seen called "T2000").  Coin Op is considered better for resale and therefore more desirable, even if the other parts are identical..  Price is just a touch on the higher end but not a bad deal at all.  Especially if the rods are in good shape and the table is cared for.  Judging by the wraps on the handles, a knowledgeable player has been using this for practice and has probably kept it in good shape. 

I'd go for a visit expecting to buy.  Try spinning the two-man rods in circles and see if they wobble.  If they do wobble, it means the rods are bent and will need replacement for 40 bucks a pop.  Check the play surface to make sure there's no warping or bubbling, which you shouldn't see for this table.  If there's no problems, then it's a good buy.  Otherwise I'd pass until you can find a better price.

[TSR_Brad]

Seeing as the table has wrapped handles, it's likely it's owned by a tournament (or at least serious) player... which usually means it's been maintained fairly well.  It also appears to have a vendor sticker along with the coin mech so it's also likely it spent time in a location. That could also mean it's had it's share of stuff spilled on it. Tables of that vintage were pretty solid but went through a period of chrome flaking from the rods. 

If you're actually in the Twin Cities area, the best way is to go take a look. You might also think about posting an inquiry on minnesotafoosball.com. There are a couple of people around that could set you up with a decent table.

[mst1228]

Thanks a lot for the reply.  We pooled some cash at the office and have enough to buy it.  I'm going to meet the seller tomorrow with plans to leave with the table.

I had called Charles just to see if he knew any more about this specific model, and he dated it in the mid-late 80's, no later than '93 based on the playfield logo and the handles.

If it is indeed that old, and the table is in good condition otherwise, do people still like this table and we can plan on it lasting a while longer?  We've been playing on a crummy Sportcraft the past month or so and people are starting to get pretty excited about that game so we wanted to step up.  If the table is in good shape, we'll definitely notice and it'll be worth the dough?

Thanks again for checking it out for me, I appreciate the info!

Max

[mst1228]

Hey Brad,

Thanks as well.  Yes, we're located downtown Minneapolis and I'm going to check out this table tomorrow.

I know it's not a good trait to have when making a purchase, but we're so excited to get a decent table and I was worried we would have to wait too long to find something else.

Are you around the Twin Cities as well?  Do you think we'd have good luck on the Minnesota Foosball forum if we wanted to give it a shot?

[TSR_Brad]

Hey Brad,

Thanks as well.  Yes, we're located downtown Minneapolis and I'm going to check out this table tomorrow.

I know it's not a good trait to have when making a purchase, but we're so excited to get a decent table and I was worried we would have to wait too long to find something else.

Are you around the Twin Cities as well?  Do you think we'd have good luck on the Minnesota Foosball forum if we wanted to give it a shot?

Yup, St. Paul. If you play foos around the Twin Cities, the MN site is someplace you should check out.