Topic: Value of Pre-Valley Cyclone

[SteveS]

I have been looking for a Tornado table for the last few weeks, and have run across an older pre-Valley Cyclone table.  This older Cyclone has the gray marble laminate, 1-piece cabinet, end ball returns, and boot levelers.  In talking with the owner, it seems to be in excellent condition and should not need any new parts.  It is also just about an hour away so I can pick it up in person.

I would like to offer the seller a price that is fair to both of us.  I am not looking to get a deal, I just want a good older table at a fair price.  Does anyone have an idea what a table like this would be worth?

Thanks.

[bbtuna]

how much are you willing to spend?  no one here will recommend the Cyclone becuase for a few dollars more you can own a coin-op and the difference is very big...

i will give you the advice everyone gets and there are many people on here that will tell you the same and many people who purchased the lower table only to re-purchase the coin-op and they admit, to the person, that it was a mistake to go Cyclone (or earlier) first

slow down, don't buy on emotion - you have been thinking about this and many people in this position pull the trigger because they are close just because they are hungry to get a table

take a little more time and make a good decision the first time...if you buy right, this will not only be a table that plays better, it will be a table that can last you 20 plus years or as long as you want AND the coin-op has a better resale value

I will work through pricing and choices on coin-ops with you after I know you will go in that direction but for now, I will tell you that coin-ops range from about $450 (for oldest Brown Marble)-$1150 (for latest model tournament used which is still like brand new)

[SteveS]

bbtuna:

I appreciate and understand your advice on getting a coin-op table, it's just that I don't think I really need one.  I am not a tournament player, and cannot envision a circumstance where I would become one.  This table will mainly be used for casual entertainment among my family and friends in our rec room.  I do however want a foosball table that is well made, and the older Cyclones seem to be just that.  I also like the looks of the older models - it's kind of a retro thing.

[chance37]

how much are youg getting the table for?  if its a few hundred bucks you can get a coin op for about the same and whether you want to take any advice youd be MUCH MUCH happier with a older "retro" looking coinop....cabinet opens which makes fixing problems easier......the weight of the table makes for better play....plus the end ball returns suck IMO......u should be able to find a coin oip for not too much more keep your retro appearance and who knows you might get addicted and then youd kick yourself for not getting a coin op.....trrust me noone has ever bought a coin op on here and said boy I wish id got that cyclone or whirlwind.......But I cant count how many people have bpurchased a cyclone or other home model and REGRETTED it.....

[bbtuna]

chance has it right...even if you aren't planning on being a serious player, why settle for something that is comparatively junk...the cyclone you are looking at must be very old since i have never seen one with end returns...are you sure it is a cyclone?  anyway, for a cyclone that old, anything more than $100 is probably too much

i have learned over the years you never regret buying quality, but I can't count the number of times I have regretted trying to save a few dollars rather than doing the right thing the first time

again, coin-ops are not just for tournament players, they are for people who want
1.  a quality playing experience
2.  to get a good value
3.  want a table that will last
4.  people who want a chance to resell their table if they change their mind about playing

with a Brown Marble coin-op, you should be able to buy it, ship it, and maintenance it (fix any thing that might be worn) for under $650 and you should be able to turn around and sell it for somewhere near that entire cost 5 years from now