Topic: Fireball as a multi-table

[Anderson]

Does anyone know anything about this ability? Anyone from Fireball want to chime in?

I'm referring to this picture http://www.tablesoccer.com/ts_html/Multi-play.jpg

I'm getting a table at the Atlanta tournament in a few weeks and I'm really interested in being able to experiment a little at some point.

[Old Meister]

All I know is, like the picture shows, that it has the capability to accept different types of rods and men easily. I understand that there is even a method for height adjustment of the men. I'll be interested in how it goes for you.

[papafoos]

I had a slight problem with the gray on blue.  I'll bet the blue on blue could be a real adventure.  We may have to come up with some rule regarding contrasting colors.

They still need to work on the ball returns and the Ace Ventura haircuts.  The table plays really well though.  I'm a diehard Tornado player with over 35 years on Tornado.  Time will tell on the quality issue.

[Anderson]

It would appear that all one has to do is design and sell the bearings and then you'd get the rest from different table manufacturers.

[Anderson]

About the grey on blue, I've seen that for the Texas tournament, but the Florida and Milwaukee tourneys were red and black men. I agree that the grey might pose some difficulties.

[BradLaurine]

Brad Laurine told me that... Oh wait, I'm Brad Laurine. The Ace Ventura haircut, that is perfect!

Grey on Blue is weak and won't be used again. Red and Black seems to be the popular choice.

The Multi-Play table is in the future plans to be introduced. The concept is solid, the engineering is getting nearly done. Some rods naturally fit the table. Others, like the Bonzini don't fit with out a major bearing change... So don't hold your breath for this to hit the US as a table for sale this year.

Dennis might bring one to the FIREBALL US Open in Oct. Just for kicks and giggles...



Brad Laurine   

[Anderson]

Well Brad, I can tell you that the Bonzini bearing would be most important to me because that is what I play on most, but maybe that will change when I get my table. I gather from your post that all this requires a different table, but it seems to me that it's just a matter of having appropriate bearings. I see from the picture that the bearings are designed with different hole placements(heights). I can see that Bonzini would be the most extreme because of the height of the men and being a completely different style of rod.

This idea would be an option that would blow away the other tables, although I guess you can do it on any of them by just designing retrofit bearings. I can't wait to play Fireball just because of what I've heard about the toe design and the ability to do backpins and banks, but since I'm still going to play Bonzini(and LOVE it, but get rid of that cork ball Alan and use the ITSF ball) it would be nice to get some practice without having to fork out $2300+ for a table.

[Comfort Player]

Brad,

In your post you say "Some rods naturally fit the table".    Which ones ?   I understand the Bonzini fit requires new bearings and could be the most difficult, but what about Tornado for example ?   Can the current table accept Tornado rods ?  What abut Tornado men if I'm not an Ace Ventura fan ?

While we are on the subject of changing out parts, is Fireball going to sell replacement parts in the US ?  I have looked all over the web and cannot find replacement parts for the Fireball tables.  If I can use Tornado, or some other table parts, that would be fine too, just need to know if they would fit before ordering them.

[jinhopark]

I would be most interested in knowing if the nearly indestructable Fireball black anodized rods would fit on the Tornado table.  I believe they have the same weight and "feel" as the Tornado rods (although there has been some variability with model year to model year even within Tornado tables) along with the added benefit of keeping it's shape regardless of the abuse it takes...sounds like a better alternative than the now scarce Merkel rods.  I wonder if someone could confirm the diameter of the rod and the drilled holes for the men/handle?

I would also be interested in bringing along those Fireball soft rubber handles...they felt great, and in many cases would eliminate the need for wraps.

I may be mistaken, but the Fireball tables themselves aren't so readily available for purchase...so I can only imagine that obtaining parts for the table would be even more difficult.

For now I am a Tornado-guy...and so the ultimate table for me would be the latest T-3000 with the Fireball black anodized rods and handles.

[Comfort Player]

Brad, Brad ??   


Bueller......Bueller...... 

[BradLaurine]

Bueller... that too was funny!

I know that the Tornado rod fits if you either cut a little off the end. 7/16" seems to be correct. Or undo the side rail bolts and expand the table. (pain in the butt)  I have not tried the 5 rod.

A multiPlay table is on the boat as we speak.

Dennis has this and the coin op that is going to be at Austin and Maryland in Oct. Jim Steven, Tony and Useless will be there.

I hope everyone will take the time to come play in Austin or in Maryland!

The Tables have been Americanized and are getting closer to the way we all will like.
Three man tables
Flat surface
Less slope on the rail
Better pins
Black rods
Cool score beads
BETTER BALL RETURNS!!!!
Over all better table but really not that much needed to be changed... Okay, yes it did...

Look forward to everyone coming out!

Brad Laurine

[Old Meister]

Brad, tell Dennis that he is getting close and not to change TOO much. While the multi-table idea is THE FUTURE! On steroids! ( I really believe it is), I think that his direction of making everyone happy simply translates into making another Tornado. We already have a Tornado table. So Brad, what do you want? You know the game, you have seen the different styles , all the way from the TS years to Bonzini and Legend and WARRIOR. If the best you can do is recreate the Tornado table then, well, give me a break. And I know I'm being hard on you guys in saying that. Brendan, with his Warrior table, was true to his vision. He knew what he was trying to offer and I really appreciated his efforts. And that's not to say I don't appreciate what you and Dennis are trying to do. I just think that at some level you have to identify what your table shoud play like and promote that.

[BradLaurine]

O M,

You just did tell Dennis.

I understand completely the thought factor.

Clone or what?

I know that the USA PRO Table actually will play better than the Tornado. Nobody will believe it or want to believe it until the day comes that it has proven to all of us that the table is here to stay. The debate will continue forever in all circles.

To EVERYONE;
I said PLAY BETTER. I did not say it was built better. Again, I did not say that it will be built better. I said play better.

It will be more playable due to different elements that this table and manufacture will have more options than any other table.
Besides when was the last time a manufacture came looking for advise from the actual people who play the game? BF came close or for that matter getting closer. But nobody has taken the steps like Fireball and the team that surrounds Dennis.

I will continue to look for the great input for the coin op that will hit the streets in Austin and Maryland in Oct.

Thanks, Brad

[Comfort Player]

The Tables have been Americanized and are getting closer to the way we all will like.
Three man tables
Flat surface
Less slope on the rail
Better pins
Black rods
Cool score beads
BETTER BALL RETURNS!!!!
Over all better table but really not that much needed to be changed... Okay, yes it did...

Brad,

I bought my table at the Washington event and we are loving it.  Are the Black rods now standard on the Tour table ?  Can I get any of these upgrades for my table ?   I know these changes were made to make the table "better"  So I would like the opportunity to make my table "better" as well.  

Any progress on the balls ?  We discussed in Washington that Fireball was close to delivering a rounder, better ball.  

[Anderson]

Brad, when you say the Multitable is on the boat, do you mean the idea, or we're waiting for it to be shipped? I'm hoping it only calls for a different set of bearings, seeing as how I already bought my table. I currently have a Tornado 3-rod cut to fit(3/8" was tight;7/16" would have been better) and my TS rods will fit when I get them cut. I'm hoping for a different set of bearings, interchangeable, for the Bonzini rods. I'll have a Garlando 3-rod by the end of next week. All of these rods  work under a standard 5/8" diameter, and can be done on many tables. What makes Fireball unique is the ease of changing the rod without disassembly because of the two piece bearing. I can change a rod in less than thirty seconds and that's taking my time. I realize that I'll have to change the bearings on BOTH sides for a Bonzini rod, so it will take longer.