Topic: Hi everyone, I'm new here but not new to the game ;)

[suprafoos1]

Hi friends, I've been playing Foosball for about 10 years now, and I've loved every minute, second, reaction, and success from the game.  I recently bought a small table from Tornado, the Whirlwind model with the snap in bearings just so I can get back into the game a bit, nothing hardcore at the moment.  I've done some research on this forum as well as others before I posted just so I had some knowledge before asking any questions.  I think there is a problem with this table.  As many tables that I have played on, I've never seen this before.  Everything is plumb and level with the table, and I put it together myself.  Thing is that the playfield seems to be warped.  the ball tends to roll mostly towards the center and it makes playing a game almost horrible.  I have heard everything from using blocks to push up on the table to flipping it over for a solid month with tiled weights or books on the playfield.  This is just something for me to bang around on at the house, but I would really like the feel of the field when I'm playing.  Any suggestions?

[bbtuna]

did you buy it new? Tornado has had a problem with warped playing surfaces over the last year on their coin-ops, maybe it is an issue with the other models as well

if you bought it new, don't mess around with it, just insist on returning it for a table without a warped surface...Tornado has been willing to "fix" them but that is WAY too much work for the consumer

they need to just replace it and it would be a benefit to them to make sure the next one is level before sending it

however, if you bought it new, then an alternate plan would be to insist on your money back and go out a buy a used coin op because the Whirlwind lists for $1000 and retails for $700 and you can get a hell of a nice used coin op for $700

now, on the other hand, if you picked this up for $50 like a recent poster did, that is a totally different issue

[alaskan thunder]

Yeah if you bought it new, they should replace the surface for free. I got a free replacement from them w/ no questions asked, although I bought the table from Charlie not directly from Valley. I think the replacement came straight from the manufacturer though. Granted, I have bought like 8 tables from Charlie over the years. Good luck and welcome to the board. Keep in mind that even if they do send a replacement, it is a PITA to install a new surface. I wouldnt even know where to begin on a table that did not have a split cabinet...

[bbtuna]

AT explained exactly why I say tell them you want a new table NOT a new surface...I understand it takes some real skill to replace them on a coin-op, it for sure would not be easier on a whirlwind...if I got a table like that, I would insist on THEM replacing the surface or the table

[suprafoos1]

Thanks Friends, that really clears up a lot to say the least.  Just by looking at this thing, I'm going to call up Tornado in the morning.  I'm not even going to attempt to install a new playfield- just looks like a *super* hassle.  This thing must have been warped from the get go.  I've got some younger generation that is really interested in playing, and I don't want to confuse them with a messed up playfield.  It's like putting ice in your milk....just doesn't justify the game.  They have enough trouble understanding exactly what the hell I'm doing when I score a point.   Thanks so much for the info.  I guess I'll be haggling with Tornado tomorrow.

[Ronzilla]

So did you buy the Whirlwind from Tornado, or a 2nd dealer?  How much was it?  They mark up the prices on those so bad.....I cringe when I hear how much players pay for those, upwards of $1000.....If you paid over 400 it's too much, get your money back and buy a used heavy duty Tornado, like a Cyclone II, T-2000, or coin-op.

Good luck!

Ron Olson