Most here would say go with a tornado hole pattern used with the coinop TP split bushings. Although this hole pattern is a little more complicated, it is worth the effort. They are really tough, inexpensive, and have stood the test of time. I think it is the best choice, however, bar handles must be removed to remove the rods. This is a good thing or a bad thing depending on the exposure to theft or vandalism.
http://shop.foosball.com/fts-110-047.htmlAlternatives I would consider would be:
Shelti Dynamo style plugs, really cheap, really easy to machine hole, but makes bar removal difficult. Not so bad for casual use tables. A really wide variety of tables use this bushing design for home or mid range models. Shelti has chosen it for the profoos III coin table for use with their qpq rods or stainless so it must be good.
http://shop.foosball.com/fts-110-369.htmlI personally love the fire ball bushing design (half split type / half fixed type ). It allows rapid bar removal as the handle passes through one side of the bushing holes. These bushings are pretty hard to source, but not impossible as they are popular in asia. To take advantage of the removal system it requires fireball figure spacing and slightly shorter rods. If you can find a reliable source, fb bushing is a wicked choice. Ullrich is similar I believe.
http://www.kicker-store.com/index.php/en/6/spare-parts/bearinghttp://shop.ullrich-sport.de/category.php?id_category=17http://www.kickerkult.de/epages/61190833.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/61190833/Products/3640The warrior lift out design is quite interesting. I'm not sold on the durability of the slotted sidewalls, but it is likely ok. These bushings are priced well and readily available for now. They come in 14mm I believe so they may need to be bored out to 5/8" 16mm if the mold thickness allow it and if you want standard 5/8" rods and figures.
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On the low end of the scale is the Harvard type screw in bearing. It is used on a large number of low end tables, pretty tough yet wears quickly. It has been a standard for a long time, dirt cheap, and found on the shelf in game room stores. It is changeable from the outside without bar removal. Very cheap if you shop around ebay and amazon.
https://www.thompsonsportinggoods.com/product/2-pc-screw-together-bearing-w-bevel-side/I would stay away from the bearings with the three fasteners or ball bearings... they tend to crack up...
https://www.thompsonsportinggoods.com/product/small-economy-plastic-rod-bearing/In summary, if I was dreaming I would research and work toward a fireball system... since I live in reality, I think your best choice is Tornado if you are willing to work a more complex hole pattern. You will have a reliable source of parts for a long time.
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