Harvard table
cambium
reasonably good table, but there are none around where
I live, and the well known brand names are very
expensive, especially if you have to ship them to
Canada.
So, I gave up, and went to Costco, and found a Harvard
model G01800.
It has counter balanced men (I think - they don't move
from where you leave them), 1 1/2 inch side walls. It
has 5/8 solid rods. 4 inch square legs, very solid
with four bolts each, and with threaded leveling pads.
It has 3 goalies. All ABS men. It has a nice rubber
bumper material an inch or so high to protect the
walls. I think it weighs over 200 lbs. Haven't
weighed it.
All materials, including the paying field, are particle
board. the playing field is only about 3/8" thick, but
has a very hard surface.
I'm sure the really good ones have better quality
parts, but this seems pretty good. The price was less
than US$200.
What am I missing? It seems really good. Seems solid.
I'm not saying, 'it's as good as...', but I would like
to know what makes the big names worth five times more?
They must be very cool.
Comments?
Foospaul
> My kids got interested, so I was trying to get a
> reasonably good table, but there are none around where
> I live, and the well known brand names are very
> expensive, especially if you have to ship them to
> Canada.
>
> So, I gave up, and went to Costco, and found a Harvard
> model G01800.
>
> It has counter balanced men (I think - they don't move
> from where you leave them), 1 1/2 inch side walls. It
> has 5/8 solid rods. 4 inch square legs, very solid
> with four bolts each, and with threaded leveling pads.
> It has 3 goalies. All ABS men. It has a nice rubber
> bumper material an inch or so high to protect the
> walls. I think it weighs over 200 lbs. Haven't
> weighed it.
>
I went to Sears tonight and saw the Harvard table you are talking
about. You should get your money back, as there is no precision play
in any way on this table. The table I saw had the handles installed
backwards, so you were playing at the rods of your opponent! It
totally cracked me up lol lol. The ball was a very hard and heavy
slippery plastic white with black octagons soccer ball with no
control. And the men's toes were flat, with no ability to pin or
control. The table surface reminds me of those cheap chalkboards,
with 1/4 inch fiberboard over a painted surface.
I would recommend getting a trade in for the Harvard Air- Hockey
table. Me and my son's had a great time playing with 2 disks at a
time!!
Top of the line TORNADO foosball tables is the only way to go. You
need to go to your nearest bar, pool hall or ? and play on a top of
the line Tornado, and you will see the vast difference. I would love
to see Frederico and Terry Moore have a match on that Harvard! lol
Richard Tench
playfield was turning into a bowl.
--Richard
Rocky Willson
Does the table have round balls. If I remember correctly, the Harvard
table has little white balls with soccer indentations on them that don't
allow for precision, especially when moving the ball slowly.
Other things to look for are: (1) Do the men tighten to the rods
tightly?--on many of the cheaper tables, you have one of two options:
leave the men loose, or tighten them up and break them. The tolerances
on Tornado tables are much better than on the cheepies. (2) How thick
is the playfield? If it is that thin 5/16" particle board type of
stuff, the playfield will probably warp very quickly.
The bottom line is that you really shouldn't expect a table to compare
to a Tornado when you paid RETAIL considerably less than it costs the
manufacturer to build a Tornado.
....................................Rocky Willson
cambium
don't expect any problems there.
Yes, the ball is like a soccer ball, and rat-a-tats
across the table. It also causes it to change
direction when rolling slowly as it 'falls' to one of
its edges. I think I will buy a round ball.
Yes, the playfield is thin, probably 5/16 board
material. I think it is like a very highly compressed
paperboard. I don't think it will warp if the humidity
is relatively constant, as it is in the room where I
have it set up.
Actually, I am an importer, and I have considered this
table according to what it would cost me to make it in
Asia. I really don't know how they can sell it for
US$200, as I am sure it would cost at least $100 to
make. My usual ratio is 5:1 meaning if anything costs
$1 to make in Asia, it will cost $5 at a retail store
in North America. The big chain stores would get that
down, maybe 3.5 or 4:1, but never 2:1.
I understand and appreciate good quality, and would
eventually like to get a really good table, but this
one will do until we find out how serious we are about
it.
"Rocky Willson" <roc...@ix.netcom.com> wrote in
message news:3C1D4BAE...@ix.netcom.com...
EddieEarthscape
for a good table, your harvard table will give many fun years of play time, if
you do get antsy for a better table shop carefully, you can spend from $600.00
to $1200.00
OSTRICHMET
same thing as you, thats why I bought it. Electronic scorer too. I would like
an answer to the same question. Plays and looks great to me for the money.
Kevin Skaltsis
recognize. I suspect the company that manufacturers these tables has
decided to have some people get on here and sing their praises. The
original poster stated they wanted an opinion about the table. They came on
a foosball newsgroup and their questions are creating this growing thread,
so that it appears there is some informed discussion about the merits of the
table. As a professional foosball player that has played on the Harvard
table I can state unequivocally that...YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!
If those who are singing the praises of the Harvard table are actually
owners of those tables and you like them...GREAT. You must also understand,
and there is no offense intended here, if you like them it is because you
really do not know how to play foosball. It is the equivalent of buying a
pool cue at Wal-Mart for twenty bucks, and asking professional pool players
to explain the difference between what you just bought, and there $1,500
cue. They look the same to you. Well based on the way you play pool they
probably get you the same game. Unfortunately you choose foosball, and not
pool, and the $200 foosball table will probably be a piece of junk in a
short period of time...again...YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!
Kevin Skaltsis
OSTRICHMET <ostri...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20011217234952...@mb-fg.aol.com...
Dan Sloan
table, but I have strolled through Costco numerous times, and wondered to
myself how they could make a table that nice for so little money. They did
a good job of "borrowing" from Tornado, even the shape and color of the men.
This table is not like the cheezy ones you see at sporting good stores, it
looks very much like a Tornado, and feels pretty solid.. I'm not saying
that it will be nearly as durable, but people buying this are probably not
looking to place it in a bar and have game after game played on it. Also, I
thought your cue stick analogy made a lot of sense, but you can get pretty
damn good at pool with a cheap stick. Hope to see you in Vegas (I swear
there will be no beer train...)
Dan Sloan
"Kevin Skaltsis" <foos...@home.com> wrote in message
news:IzAT7.37745$Xb7.2...@news1.wwck1.ri.home.com...
Kevin Skaltsis
Dan Sloan <dslo...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:eAST7.84130$Sx.22...@news1.elcjn1.sdca.home.com...
> Kevin, I respectfully beg to differ. I admit I have never played on the
> table, but I have strolled through Costco numerous times, and wondered to
> myself how they could make a table that nice for so little money. They
did
> a good job of "borrowing" from Tornado, even the shape and color of the
men.
> This table is not like the cheezy ones you see at sporting good stores, it
> looks very much like a Tornado, and feels pretty solid.. I'm not saying
> that it will be nearly as durable, but people buying this are probably not
> looking to place it in a bar and have game after game played on it. Also,
I
> thought your cue stick analogy made a lot of sense, but you can get pretty
> damn good at pool with a cheap stick. Hope to see you in Vegas (I swear
> there will be no beer train...)
> Dan Sloan
You are damn right there will be no beer train! I won't play Otis again!
LOL Just kidding...I would kill to play him again, of course it would be 3
out of 5. It really sucks that was already the worst tournament in my life
up until that point. Do you have any idea how much worse that made it! LOL
As far as the Harvard table goes...trust me you have to play on it even once
to appreciate how much beneath a Tornado, Bonzini, or any other real table
it is. I would go so far as to say that for $200 it is probably a decent
value. Also, you can't get all that good with a cheap stick. Better than
the rest of the guys in the bar maybe, but better, or as good as good
tournament players...highly improbable.
By the way Congrats on the Ironman win! Great job! Since you are the
Ironman now can I still say I know you? LOL What do we call you now...Iron
Dan? That must go over big with the women...just call me Ironman, everyone
else does. Hope to see you in Vegas too Ironman.
Later
cambium
I'm glad of your post, except for the part where you
suggest I am an employee of the manufacturer - a low
blow if you really read my post.
It is good to read all the contributions to this
thread, as it does put me in the picture as to what I
have and can expect from the table.
I can see that the playing surface probably does not
nearly match what a more experienced manufacturer could
come up with, although it is not all that bad.
I don't know how other tables are constructed, but this
one has a 5/16 playing field of compressed board of
some sort that fits in a slot on either side, and is
supported by three cross members beneath it, grooved to
take steel rods that extend through the sides. The
weak part is the material of the playing field. I
agree that it probably won't stay true for a long time.
I have seen specs on other, more expensive tables that
use tempered glass for a playing field, which would
certainly be and stay true. I am thinking I could
replace this playing field sometime with a piece of
tempered glass. In that case, I can't see any other
obvious weaknesses to the table. The rods are good,
the bearings seem good, and the men are tough ABS. The
table itself is very stable. I am going to get a truly
round ball instead of the soccer ball that comes with
it.
But even so, I do understand your point - quality is
great. I am new to this game. Mainly, I got into it
for my young kids. I haven't even seen a Tornado, but
when I do, I'm sure I will appreciate it for its
workmanship, judging from what I've read about them.
Getting what you pay for is relative though - you can
get lesser and better deals. According to the
feedback, this is a pretty good one, so I'm satisfied
for now.
All the best of the season to you and the others here.
"Kevin Skaltsis" <foos...@home.com> wrote in message
news:IzAT7.37745$Xb7.2...@news1.wwck1.ri.home.com...
Dan Sloan
my hair, and don't believe me, but I still use it. Anyway, speaking of
playing Otis, Mike Yore beat him at World's for a beer, and then agreed to
play him double or nothing. In the rematch, Mike was only allowed to use
one hand, and barely lost, 5-4. It was one of the most entertaining matches
I have ever seen.. Mike, if you're reading this, I haven't forgotten that I
owe you a beer in Vegas.
Anyway, Kevin, I'll see you in Vegas, or maybe in AZ if you decide to go to
the tournament in Feb. (always a good time).
Take care,
Dannews:S0UT7.37824$Xb7.2...@news1.wwck1.ri.home.com...
Otis
Dan the Ironman of Memory?
Dan S. I should have never let you leave your room with that
bucket of beers. It was you (not me) who lost to Mike Yore for a
beer. I was the one who won it back by playing M. Yore (he could only
use his left hand). Like you said I won 5-4, but remember(?), I was
goofing off big time and I believe these were M. yores words "I picked
the wrong scrub to play today!".
Otis
ps. Mad Props on the Ironman.
see you in AZ.
pss. Kevin S. that 3 out
of 5 match sounds good
and should be more difficult
for me. I'll play you in
Vegas if you like.
Kevin Skaltsis
I hope you and your family enjoy your foosball table, and as I stated in one
of my posts...it is probably a decent value for $200.
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
cambium <gwood...@home.com> wrote in message
news:Y5VT7.20352$OY3.3...@news3.calgary.shaw.ca...
Kevin Skaltsis
> Right now my pick-up line is still, "I know that guy Kevin." They look at
> my hair, and don't believe me, but I still use it.
Becareful that line could probably get you thrown out of places.
> Anyway, speaking of
> playing Otis, Mike Yore beat him at World's for a beer, and then agreed to
> play him double or nothing. In the rematch, Mike was only allowed to use
> one hand, and barely lost, 5-4. It was one of the most entertaining
matches
> I have ever seen.. Mike, if you're reading this, I haven't forgotten that
I
> owe you a beer in Vegas.
> Anyway, Kevin, I'll see you in Vegas, or maybe in AZ if you decide to go
to
> the tournament in Feb. (always a good time).
AZ is a great tournament. I would love to go to that. Time will tell.
Happy Holidays!
Kevin Skaltsis
You have just given me the ultimate in motivation to make it to Vegas. You
were a slick one, bank shots from the goalie rod, but that won't happen
again. I have had to live with the demons of the "beer train" for almost a
year. If I get to Vegas, I will definitely exorcise those demons!
Kevin Skaltsis
Otis <cdet...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:47aa360.01121...@posting.google.com...
cambium
"Kevin Skaltsis" <foos...@home.com> wrote in message
news:uQZT7.37848$Xb7.3...@news1.wwck1.ri.home.com...
David Humphrey
be for $200. I may do some material upgrades on the unit, like
replace the legs with ones that go straight to the top of the table
instead of bolt on to the "skirt" as they do. I'm a little afraid to
exert too much "will" on the table there, and my rear player came from
Greece, where the tables were 8' long and you really cranking the rod
for power. So it wouldn't be too great to tear the legs out of this
one...
But overall, I am VERY impressed with what you get for the money. I
put in some of the "Premier" style balls, bought the old "Premier"
rubber handles for it, and am now testing the play of different style
men on the table surface. I'm pretty happy, considering.
I have a lot of old tables from the 60's, 70's (when I *really* played
a lot), and never quite got too far into the Hurricane Tornado style
of play (yet). So for me it might be easier to please. There's no
pinching on this table surface yet, but we'll see how things go once
it gets broken in.
-Ace
Smurf1
I did was sand down all the edges of the balls. This allowed me to pinch
easier. The second thing I did was order some real foosballs.
I would be interested in how different men play on this table.
"David Humphrey" <knights-of-ni*no-SPAM*@mediaone.net> wrote in message
news:me572usnshef74kro...@4ax.com...
Tom Rosati
> I must have just bought the same table at Sams Club for $219. I thought the
> same thing as you, thats why I bought it. Electronic scorer too. I would like
> an answer to the same question. Plays and looks great to me for the money.
I just bought the same table on sale at Sears for $219 its actually
pretty decent quality. I'm not a big fan of the soccer balls so I went
out and purchassed the real deal and it made a huge difference. The
soccer balls gave groves on them which make the play on them pretty
uneven. Also, the electronic scoring doesn't work on one goal! Its not
a huge deal since I wouldnt even use it anyway but does anyone know of
a place on the web that has the electronics layout of this table or
does anyone have the same issue? Please let me know!!
Thanks!
Tom