Hi Pete,
Thanks for the feedback.
Regarding that wisepick review site.
1. Although I don't agree with it, I've seen far worse review lists. That's not an unreasonable list.
2. Having two Garlando tables would raise some eyebrows, but to their credit
- it's not an 'unknown' brand, it's just as widely distributed in the U.S. One of the top five European table manufacturers, especially in Italy, Austria, and southern Europe.
- it's hard to argue with their being the top 'outdoor' table since so few quality manufacturers have prioritized an outdoor table (unfortunate). Jason in Minneapolis, bring his outdoor Garlando to the Lyndale block party every year.
- I'd love to play on their top Garlando to evaluate their ranking, but much would come down to your weighing of criteria. Most competitive players in the U.S. would add to the Tornado criteria/weighting: 'it's what everyone else is playing on' or 'it plays like a Tornado' If you discount that item (e.g. because you/your friends/your family never play on Tornadoes) then it's easier to let cost and safety/telescoping rods amount to a better table.
I think one of the biggest divisions in going on the market for a table is whether you'll spend any time playing on Tornadoes (in leagues, bars, tournaments). If you want to play on that style it constrains your options (to Tornado, Warrior, Shelti, Fireball, SureShot/Perfomance Games, and Brunswick tables).
Regarding what table to buy on your budget:
1. You can absolutely find a good table for $800 or less, but your options are:
A. Buy a brand new Warrior like that on your link.
B. Buy a used table, and be patient discerning on the table hunt.
Regarding Option A:
Dave Gummeson, one of the best players in MN, called it the 'best table dollar-for-dollar on the market.' I think that was his honest assessment and I agree with him. It is not a better table than any high-end Torando models, but Tornado doesn't make a table that good at that price point. No one does.
You can play high quality foosball on a Warrior, in fact it's even a little easier to do so on that table (it has a great foosball design). Here's a link to an earlier demo video of this incarnation of the Warrior: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpkYvL4Fzss.
If you're being uncharitable, (paraphrasing a friend) a Warrior will seem a little like a toy where a high-end Tornado will seem like a piece of sporting equipment. That's a bit strong, but it's straight-forwardly less durable, has weaker rods/bearings and a worse ball return mechanism. But it's a third of the price new, so what do you expect. You can have great fun on that table, get better, and it'll last for years if you take care of it.
Regarding Option B:
At least once a month a really nice used table (Tornado or otherwise) within your budget on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Even in the $100-250 range. I've purchased many different coin-op tables for under $700 online. You just have to be a little more patient, checking once or twice a week and move fast when they're available. If they are priced to move (under $500) they'll move very fast. If they're overpriced (used tables above $800) they'll be available for a while until the seller is willing to negotiate down.
Just play on and examine any used table before purchase to see how much/if any upkeep/repair will need to be done.
Happy Table Hunting! Hope to see you on the table some time. Stop by Jimmy's Pro Billiards or Mortimer's when you're in town.
Cheers,
-Skip
