Tornado Tables Saskatoon Foosball (www.saskfoos.com)
Home Events Rules Advice Results Where To Play Links Message Board Contact Us

 

This thread also displays on the following board(s):
Calgary  &  Edmonton  &  Vancouver

Topic: Washington State Open charts

Author: van_can_foos Original Message Posted: Jul 24 2010 2:51AM

http://www.nwfoosball.com

Click on "Live Data" button on the left. I'm not sure how "live" this data is as I haven't seen a refresh yet - but it's somethin'.

Canadians that I can spot...

Craig, Eric, Moya, Jeff A, Tim D, Steve L & Will S.

Go Canucks!



Author: .Garry Reply #1 Posted: Jul 24 2010 3:01AM

Simon=Christian=Jeff are also there from Edmonton with Will.


Author: van_can_foos Reply #2 Posted: Jul 24 2010 3:09AM

Thanks Garry!

I'll watch their progress as well.



Author: .Garry Reply #3 Posted: Jul 24 2010 11:00AM

Charts are not updating???

Talked to Simon last night and him and Justin were playing for B side final, with Christian and his partner sitting in the King seat.

Great showing with 30 + teams in the dyp and a couple of PMs in it-Dunn/Fosner/Martin.

Hopefully the charts will update this week!


Author: S. Edwards Reply #4 Posted: Jul 24 2010 12:08PM

We play Dudra. If we win we play in the final. Canadians are in 1st 2nd and 3rd guaranteed, Will took 5th


Author: S. Edwards Reply #5 Posted: Jul 24 2010 5:24PM

DYP results

Christain won in two games in second match
Justin and me second
Tim dudra third


Author: S. Edwards Reply #6 Posted: Jul 24 2010 7:11PM

Christian and Will playing for king seat OD


Author: Darcy Reply #7 Posted: Jul 24 2010 8:57PM

wow nice work everyone. good luck as the tournament goes on!


Author: S. Edwards Reply #8 Posted: Jul 24 2010 9:00PM

Christian and Will play Eric Dunn and Brad for king seat. 3 canadiansin A side final


Author: S. Edwards Reply #9 Posted: Jul 24 2010 10:20PM

Chistian and Will win king seat


Author: .Garry Reply #10 Posted: Jul 24 2010 10:36PM

Will & Jeff are also playing for King Seat in Am doubles, Simon & Christian still alive in losers bracket.

Way to go Edmonton & Canuckleheads!

How are they responding to the fact that Edmontonians are representing in Open and dyp events and are also playing in Amateur events???


Author: Pushshot Reply #11 Posted: Jul 25 2010 12:25AM

Christian & Will, King seat ,OPEN DOUBLES Boys are coming home with some hardware :)

GOOD LUCK


Author: .Garry Reply #12 Posted: Jul 25 2010 12:35AM

Will & Jeff have King seat in Am doubles with Simon & Christian playing for B side final.

Will & Christian 1st round in am singles...lol

Not a good showing in open singles-Eric/Christian 2 and out??? Simon in B side still- playing Jeff though.Will playing in B side as well.


Author: .Garry Reply #13 Posted: Jul 25 2010 12:57AM

Moya looks like she's doing pretty well.

Sitting in King Seat in mixed with Rick Martin, and playing against Rick in Open Doubles to get to play Eric and his partner for B side final. King Seat in Women's doubles too.


Author: Pushshot Reply #14 Posted: Jul 25 2010 2:11AM

Amateur doubles Christian & Simon play Bob Cassity & Mike Veit for 2ed , Simon has played this team before with Jeff in open doubles & have not had a good outcome.

Let's hope Simon has there number this time.

GO TEAM


Author: S. Edwards Reply #15 Posted: Jul 25 2010 5:26AM

Christian and Will are the north west open champions. Eric and Brad took second.

Roger, I beat Bob Cassidy in am singles and his partner mike in am singles. We are trying for a all Edmonton Am Final.

This tournament has been top shelf the way it's been run, the venue and all the players.

Christian took it to Will by winning his match in Am sigles by the way of a coin toss. Personally I think they should have played rock paper scissors for it.


Author: spinner Reply #16 Posted: Jul 25 2010 7:26AM

Congrats Christian! You the man!!!
fireball must your fav table now hey?
Lol. Good job buddy!



Author: .Garry Reply #17 Posted: Jul 25 2010 8:22AM

Great job Edmontonians!!!!!

Are you guys going to coin flip for Am doubles if you make it through???

Can you sweep the podium in Am singles????The way the brackets set up, 2 Edmontonians could play for King Seat with Will & Jeff on a collision course in Am singles B side.

Great job Will in Open singles- still alive with a tough road through Lenty then potentially Martin, but his singles game must be on!!!


Author: Pushshot Reply #18 Posted: Jul 25 2010 1:14PM

Congrats to Christian & Will on there BIG win.

Simon, the charts show that matches are called as late as 12:53 am as your match with Cassity,how late did you finish ? your post shows you were on line at 3:26 am. hope you don't have a early start time.

Will plays Veit in am singles.

Keep us updated, these charts are slow, I need my morning fix of foos.




Author: S. Edwards Reply #19 Posted: Jul 25 2010 2:05PM

Will beat Veit and I won my match. Christian lost his match and is now playing jazzy.

We are on NO SLEEP !!!!!


Author: S. Edwards Reply #20 Posted: Jul 25 2010 2:08PM

We finished last night about 2:30. My match with cassity went quick. I two straighted him. The od finals went to the second match. Christian and Will won in 3 games straight in the second match.


Author: Pushshot Reply #21 Posted: Jul 25 2010 2:42PM

Simon sitting in king seat in am singles, AWESOME


Author: S. Edwards Reply #22 Posted: Jul 25 2010 2:56PM

We just won B side AM


Author: .Garry Reply #23 Posted: Jul 25 2010 4:36PM

Looks like Jeff just got knocked out of am singles, Simon in the KS the only Canuck left.

Will beat Lenty and Martin, playing to get to 4th or better in OS.


Author: .Garry Reply #24 Posted: Jul 25 2010 4:51PM

Will lost to Pipken in Os 5/6 good finish.

Tim is the lone Canuck left in OS, bring it home...you freak of nature...j/k


Author: .Garry Reply #25 Posted: Jul 25 2010 5:21PM

they are starting the am doubles final-will & jeff vs simon & christian. Then Simon has the am singles final.probably gonna be tired for the long drive home tho.
too bad they don't have a live video feed.


Author: .Garry Reply #26 Posted: Jul 25 2010 5:58PM

Will & Jeff won Am doubles vs Christian & Simon-don't know if they actually played it though.

Simon is playing the Am singles final,

Tim beat Fosner and is playing Justin in the finals of OS-now there are two freaks of nature in the OS final-go figure


Author: S. Edwards Reply #27 Posted: Jul 25 2010 6:08PM

Dudra is playing really well in spite of himself


Author: .Garry Reply #28 Posted: Jul 25 2010 6:14PM

I think that both those guys have a few ghosts in their closets...lol


Author: .Garry Reply #29 Posted: Jul 25 2010 6:16PM

Congrats to Simon for winning AM singles and Will & Jeff for AM doubles. Can't forget Will & Christian for the big OD win!


Author: Pushshot Reply #30 Posted: Jul 25 2010 6:31PM

This was a great weekend for the canuck's.
Congrats to all.

CHEERS


Author: Chaos_Plus_Three Reply #31 Posted: Jul 25 2010 6:41PM



WOW

It's really great to see the Edmonchucks do so well, it's been a long time coming.

Congrats to all ...


Author: S. Edwards Reply #32 Posted: Jul 25 2010 6:53PM

Dudra took second in OS. He played great. Congrats Tim.


Author: C.A.L. Reply #33 Posted: Jul 25 2010 7:36PM

I believe Edmonton boys took 7 trophies from the Open and Am events.

Take pictures and post it up . The Haul of booty!


Author: Aged Whine & Cheese Reply #34 Posted: Jul 26 2010 3:33AM

To echo Simon, tourney was run great. I hope every thanked Mike Donaldson and his crew for their great work.

Tables are good but need some bugs worked out.

I don't like the corner ramps - they are too shallow so it makes it too easy to do a hit the ball off the back wall and grab with the three bar play. Even I executed some of those against Fosner and Shaw and I can't grab a sack of iron handles with a magna-save button. Also, because they are so shallow it makes it too easy for a goalie running out of time to "accidentally" make the ball go dead by rolling it back toward the side of the goalie.

The ball return mechanism is a good idea poorly executed.

The blue table surface is a little painful. It reminds me of the colour you would paint a three year old's bedroom. All it needed was some pink unicorns painted on the surface to complete the imagery.

The tables have to be absolutely identical with no differences in lighting or leveling so that I don't have to listen to all the prima donnas whine about why they shouldn't have to play on this particular table or why they should get to play on that table. Jeepers creepers people. ADAPT!!!! OVERCOME!!!! Plenty of whining will be left over to direct at your opponent's pathetic skill level and unconscionable quantities of luck. You don't need to waste all that good clean fun ragging on an inanimate object.

For the most part the tables were pretty good. Very easy to grab balls, even without taking my hands off the rods. Yes, that is a triple entendre.

Rods are nice and light allowing me to execute a pull shot without rattling my dentures around.

Tables are definitely "freak of nature" friendly. You should like them Garry. Given that I actually had a three bar on the tables, you might even be able to get one (assuming you can figure out how to control the ball without putting it in a back pin). j/k

OK, time to watch my taped Doctor Who. It was great seeing everyone from Cowtown. I hope you all got back safely. And Simon, thanks for whining in my ear about how the other three guys didn't want to get ready to leave despite the long drive you had ahead, only to have me discover the three of them waiting in the lobby wondering where you had gotten to.


Author: C.A.L. Reply #35 Posted: Jul 26 2010 7:14AM

Lots more to chat up next time we greet the returning troup of Edmonton players of this " Fireball " they did experience.


Author: S. Edwards Reply #36 Posted: Jul 26 2010 7:18AM

There are a few stories


Author: S. Edwards Reply #37 Posted: Jul 26 2010 9:19AM

Made it back this morning 12 1/2 hours from hotel to Christians. If I wake up I will post the few pictures I took.


Author: Will Reply #38 Posted: Jul 26 2010 10:32AM

Wow what an awesome weekend.

Tables played great. A few really minor issues but all in all the tables are cool. You can walk the ball on a roller like nothing else, it is so easy, even better than warrior tables. Also the release on any shot - 2 bar or 3 bar - is just so fast and hard. The rods travel so smoothly on the bearings and the table surface is grippy. It made cutting and spraying the ball really accurate. Brush passing was awesome, wall passes were easy, everything was really good from that aspect. Also the table is the coolest looking (except for the men which look stupid) of any table i have played on.

Jeff and Christian were both awesome partners. I don't think anyone except for maybe Simon would have predicted that Christian and I would win open doubles. It was a dream come true for us, winning a tournament of that size as true underdogs with that many good players is an awesome accomplishment and I could not possibly be more proud!

Jeff was also an incredible partner in Amateur Doubles, it was fun to play against Christian and Simon twice in the event also. I was the only person the entire weekend to block Christians 5 bar well, and by well I mean maybe 5 blocks in the entire final. I shot very well and Jeff chipped in with a couple goals in the final. It didn't really seem fair playing in Amateur after winning Open.

Simon played wicked in Amateur Singles.

Combined in all 4 events that I played I only lost 3 matches, which was pretty sweet! I guess in the DYP I had two more losses but that is different.

We need to play more singles in Edmonton, we had a bit of a weak showing considering the dominance that we had on all of the doubles tournaments.

All in all Canada had:
1st in Open Doubles,
2nd in Open Singles,
1st in Womens Doubles,
1st in Amateur Doubles,
2nd in Amateur Doubles,
1st in Amateur Singles,
1st in DYP,
2nd in DYP,
3rd in DYP,

We had Canadians in every single final except Womens singles. Way to go everyone! Congrats Tim Dudra also on 2nd in Open Singles.

Can't wait until the next tournament!


Author: RezaREX Reply #39 Posted: Jul 26 2010 11:26AM

Will don't forget we had a canadian in 2nd open dubs as well. 50 bux dunn wins open doubles. Post more later sleep now


Author: .Garry Reply #40 Posted: Jul 26 2010 11:40AM

"I only lost 3 matches" and a coin flip...lol




Author: hardboiled Reply #41 Posted: Jul 26 2010 11:54AM

"It's really great to see the Edmonchucks do so well"

Seconded. Well done guys.


Author: S. Edwards Reply #42 Posted: Jul 26 2010 2:37PM

Uh oh


Author: Will Reply #43 Posted: Jul 26 2010 2:49PM

Oh ya Christian is right sorry Eric for forgetting about your 2nd place finish on the list.

1st in Open Doubles, Will Stranks and Christian Dunn
2nd in Open Doubles, Eric Dunn (and Brad the honorary canadian)
2nd in Open Singles, Tim Dudra
1st in Womens Doubles, Moya Tielens
1st in Amateur Doubles, Will Stranks and Jazzy "Tuffs" Jeff Schnieder
2nd in Amateur Doubles, Christian Dunn and Simon Edwards
1st in Amateur Singles, Simon Edwards
1st in DYP, Christian Dunn
2nd in DYP, Simon Edwards
3rd in DYP, Tim Dudra

Really good showing Canada!


Author: Red Pepper Reply #44 Posted: Jul 26 2010 3:37PM

I liked the 5 bars after a while, but hated the brush series on them. I learned a stick series by the time Open Singles started which worked alright for the most part.

Absolutley hated the 3 bars, couldn't shoot for the life of me in most of my matches. This seemed to be a common problem with a lot of the players I talked too (Jason, Jack, Ryan). If you tried to play with any sort of speed and confidence, like you would on a Tornado, you would end up losing the ball. Tic tacs on the 5 don't really work that well (sorry Tuan - Tony S does a stationary Stick series, Pipken did a near side brush weave). By the time Sunday came around, it seemed like most players didn't even want to play any more.

The Venue was really good, but like Warrior, I find it to be an "even-ing the playfield" type table.

I find the table better then warrior, but still not my preferred cup of tea.

That being said, It was a good tournament. hotel was nice, staff treated everyone good. Good rates, free breakfast if you woke up in time, etc.


Author: S. Edwards Reply #45 Posted: Jul 26 2010 4:24PM

The tables were ok but they needed some modifications. The laminited coming unglued next to the wall made the ball very bouncy. The oversized handles reminded me of my father in laws oversized arthritic grips on his golf clubs.

Some times the table made a funny whinning noise but it turned out to be Dudra complaining how bad he plays along with all of his ailments. Luckily he gets bored quickly and the sound fades away

the rods were fast and light. Rollovers were easier to hit than normal. I had trouble with my pull. And forget about the easy smooth setups you are use to on a tournado. The surface around the two bar area had a few undulations.

The wack-a-mole ball return was frustrating as you never new which hole the ball would pop out on. The mechanism would hide the ball from time to time and you had to bend down to rattle the lever.

The tournament was ran extreamly well and only one screaming match broke out it was a little intense after the guy was kicked out of the tournament and stated he was coming back with a gun to shoot the ref.







Author: S. Edwards Reply #46 Posted: Jul 26 2010 4:29PM

"The Venue was really good, but like Warrior, I find it to be an "even-ing the playfield" type table."

I agree 100% with this statement


Author: Superfly Reply #47 Posted: Jul 26 2010 4:51PM

Yeah ... i hate tables that allow everyone to play their best game .


Author: Aged Whine & Cheese Reply #48 Posted: Jul 26 2010 5:17PM

I don't think Jeff or Simon is suggesting the table allows everyone to play their best game. I think they were suggesting that the table limits the creativity and control that the top players utilize. I think they are also suggesting that the Firechicken makes it easier for the lower level players to compete because ball grabbing is so easy and cheap-o three bar possessions are up because of the shallow ramps and absence of goalie rod wingers. Therefore, the are suggesting that it "evens the playfield" by limiting what the best can do and assisting the weakest.

I'm not sure I agree with their assessment but there might be some merit to it. It was hard to do fast lateral movements under the rods (although I only tried it on the two bar). In other words, rapidly moving the ball from pull position to push position and back was difficult. This may be because the ramps start to come into play at the extreme ends of the two bar movement and make it difficult to stop the ball and instantly reverse without having to prevent it rolling forward first.

I thought the three bars made shooting easier but I didn't try to shoot many rollovers so I cannot speak for any problems rollover shooters were having. That said, the table did not seem to limit the variety of competitive shots. A push-kicker won Open Mixed, a pull shooter won Open Singles, a rollover shooter won Open Doubles, and Simon won Amateur Singles.


Author: Aged Whine & Cheese Reply #49 Posted: Jul 26 2010 5:23PM

Actually, I may be wrong about the push kicker - did Moya and Rick come second or first in Mixed?


Author: .Garry Reply #50 Posted: Jul 26 2010 5:31PM

And I have seen Simon shoot all those shots as mentioned...sometimes on the same possession.

Every table does have their nuances. The downfall is we always compare to a Tornado because of their consistency/durability/playability(sometimes-depending on the day of the week they are built...lol).

As long as it's level-each table forces the fooser to adjust their game. I for one had a difficult time on Warrior 2 bars(or slow balls) which took away a large part of my game, but looking back I didn't adjust to the table as I should have! I kept doing the same thing that I always did on a Tornado, which didn't work on the Warrior. That is not a knock on the Warrior, it's a knock on me.

Had I been a Warrior player firstly, then switched to a Tornado, I would have had to change my game accordingly, so why wouldn't the reverse be true??


Author: Aged Whine & Cheese Reply #51 Posted: Jul 26 2010 5:49PM

Wise words Garry.

The ability to adapt is important. I had a nice chat in Seattle with old man doubles player Trinidad Esquivel who has played on many different tables over the years. Trinidad closely echoed what Garry said. One of the skills you need is the ability to adjust to differences in tables.

I would add that, if a particular type of table is not good for your passing series or for your shot, then is that the fault of the table? I would suggest it may be the fault of the passing series and/or shot you have chosen. For example, a fast tic-tac five bar may work great on Tornado because of the wide toe but the choice you make in electing to use the tic-tac five bar is that you may only be able to pass your series on tables with wide toes.

As a brush passer, I prefer a table with grippy balls/toes. However, I am aware that if I find myself on a table without those, I may find myself without a five bar. It was my decision to choose that series and just like the positive consequences of the decision are to my credit, the negative consequences of that decision are my fault.


Author: Superfly Reply #52 Posted: Jul 26 2010 6:06PM

Actual Tim, what i am saying is that the Fireball table allows everyone to shoot their best shot better. This means that once they figure out what that shot is (on the fireball)... it will be even more successful for them (on the fireball) than shooting their best shot on the Tornado. Hope that makes sense.

Just my humble opinion.


Author: Chatter_Box Reply #53 Posted: Jul 26 2010 6:11PM

YaY! good job guys!!!

I think Tuesday we should

.... you know play some foos....


Author: S. Edwards Reply #54 Posted: Jul 26 2010 6:15PM

Thanks for the Shot Garry

The most frustrating problems I had was on 2 bar set shots. I adjusted to a decent 5 series and shot my rollover better than on tornado. I had no problems after figuring that out other than my set shots from two bar. When you can't get the ball to stop rolling and you now have to set it up 8" from the wall to find a flat spot or run out of time trying to set up or abandon the shot completely. Luckily for me I have a decent roller to fall back on.

Garry what would you do to adjust if your back pins didnt work on the fireball. You have no backup shot. Oh, I know you could always cut your finger. That worked last Thursday!


Author: S. Edwards Reply #55 Posted: Jul 26 2010 6:16PM

Last Tuesday


Author: .Garry Reply #56 Posted: Jul 26 2010 6:56PM


"Garry what would you do to adjust if your back pins didnt work on the fireball".

Don't need a backup.

It's not a matter of adjusting my 3 bar- when I have played on other tables, it's the 5 or the 2 that is the biggest adjustments to make. The only table that I had issues with on my 3 bar was Dynamo.

Having 2 or 3 shots works for some people, take it as a compliment that you can execute 2 of them at a high efficiency when needed.


Author: S. Edwards Reply #57 Posted: Jul 26 2010 7:16PM

Combined in all 4 events that I played I only lost 3 matches

you lost two in am singles
you lost two in open singles
you lost one in open doubles

that's 5 matches


Author: C.A.L. Reply #58 Posted: Jul 26 2010 7:23PM

Any of the players able to employ Bank shots from their 2 Bar ?

What kind of Ball Type was used during the tournament ...Fireball's sticky or faster ball? The colour was ...?


Author: S. Edwards Reply #59 Posted: Jul 26 2010 7:26PM

The great thing about this tournament was we went down as a team and pooled all our winnings to pay for the trip. We all had a lot of fun outside of the foos room and so many funny things happened we were laughing most of the time. There were some funny moments right Christian? I'm glad I got to go with these guys. It was a riot even without the foos.


Author: C.A.L. Reply #60 Posted: Jul 26 2010 7:28PM

Simon was that tally in regards to Will's losses for the Tourny ?

5 matches ..(plus 2 more for D.Y.P )


Author: S. Edwards Reply #61 Posted: Jul 26 2010 7:28PM

They used the tornado ball. I only had two banks shot on me. Stopped one.


Author: S. Edwards Reply #62 Posted: Jul 26 2010 7:37PM

yes 5 match losses plus two more in the DYP.

I don't think he is counting the loss to Christian because they didn't actually play or the match they lost playing the OD final.


Author: S. Edwards Reply #63 Posted: Jul 26 2010 7:40PM

Tim, I'm glad your posting your comments today. If your memory is as good as mine by tomorrow I will probably have forgot I was even at the event.


Author: Will Reply #64 Posted: Jul 26 2010 7:40PM

Simon - One that I "lost" in Am singles was a coin flip to christian which I offered to just let him win because I had asked to withdraw from that event anyway.... We did really lose a match in Open Doubles... but when you never go to the "B" side and you win the final it does not feel like a loss or even really count as a loss in my opinion, because you win the match.

Carey - Banks were similar to on the warrior - I only hit a few in matches but had a really cool warm up with a guy named John Lee or something and we were banking the heck out of eachother in goalie wars.

Christian "aka Tub Boy" Dunn.... Seriously what type of person locks the door to the bathroom and falls asleep in the tub! We thought he fell asleep on the toilet... tried to break in and take a picture of him sitting there lol.

We really did have a blast, I don't think I could have laughed any more than that over the course of a weekend. We have way too many inside jokes now... Eh Kay Dee!


Author: C.A.L. Reply #65 Posted: Jul 26 2010 7:42PM

I think more importantly is the Wins he had to get to finish were he did.

This is really the same for all you players from Edmonton too.

Moya placed 2nd I believe in Mixed Doubles with Rick Martin ....not posted as another Canadian in the top three finishes on events entered.


Author: Will Reply #66 Posted: Jul 26 2010 7:44PM

1st in Open Doubles, Will Stranks and Christian Dunn
2nd in Open Doubles, Eric Dunn (and Brad the honorary canadian)
2nd in Open Singles, Tim Dudra
1st in Womens Doubles, Moya Tielens
1st in Amateur Doubles, Will Stranks and Jazzy "Tuffs" Jeff Schnieder
2nd in Amateur Doubles, Christian Dunn and Simon Edwards
1st in Amateur Singles, Simon Edwards
1st in DYP, Christian Dunn
2nd in DYP, Simon Edwards
3rd in DYP, Tim Dudra
2nd in Open Mixed, Moya Tielens


Author: Will Reply #67 Posted: Jul 26 2010 7:47PM

That list is getting ridiculous.


Author: S. Edwards Reply #68 Posted: Jul 26 2010 7:51PM

"Simon - One that I "lost" in Am singles was a coin flip to christian which I offered to just let him win because I had asked to withdraw from that event anyway.... We did really lose a match in Open Doubles... but when you never go to the "B" side and you win the final it does not feel like a loss or even really count as a loss in my opinion, because you win the match."

YaYa - I just want to make sure your head still fits through the door at gateway!

I thought it was...Ay Be See!



Author: Aged Whine & Cheese Reply #69 Posted: Jul 26 2010 7:54PM

Simon wrote: "Tim, I'm glad your posting your comments today. If your memory is as good as mine by tomorrow I will probably have forgot I was even at the event."

What comments? I have posted no comments here. What event are you talking about? Why am I on this website?


Author: S. Edwards Reply #70 Posted: Jul 26 2010 7:54PM

who the hell are you?


Author: Aged Whine & Cheese Reply #71 Posted: Jul 26 2010 7:58PM

And on this Canadians doing well topic, for those of you who might care, my wife's team won gold in the Mixed event at the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival last weekend. Her women's team won silver in the Women's event, only losing to China. The Chinese team is, essentially, a professional dragon boat team. So I go to Seattle and bring back some bling, but Rebecca out-blings me once again.


Author: Red Pepper Reply #72 Posted: Jul 26 2010 9:07PM

And Johnny, sorry man, I don't think is a back pinners table. So, I don't know what you played on Vegas, but it must have had different men. The plane that you would use it too small to make it very effective, IMO. Rick Martin shot on me a bit with one but it wasn't nearly as strong as his push kick (which raped me in doubles, but I blocked it better in singles).

That being said, the other complaints; I agree with the 2 bar set up that Simon was saying. It limits you a bit when you can't set up the ball on the wall. Pretty much everyone set it up on the line. Banks were really good on this table, better then Tornado. Morgan (Mitch's old goalie) was blasting some good ones in our dubs match.

And yes, you must adapt to every table, I just had a hella time doing it on the 3 bar. I think if these were the regular tables, instead of Tornado, the same players would eventually find their ways to the top, with maybe some added life given to the old timers, since you cannot force anything on this table.









Author: RezaREX Reply #73 Posted: Jul 26 2010 9:53PM

What an amazing trip!!!

I think this tourny is right up there with vegas for the most fun tourny I've been to. Thanks to Simon for driving the whole time and to Jeff and Will for the endless comedy.

I found the table to be 75% Tornado and 25% warrior in terms of play. Personally I loved the Fireball table for really one big reason that hasn't been mentioned. The rods/bearings are amazing. The rods never needed to be lubed and every rod was consistent no matter what table you played on. You can torque the hell out of them too and really get some snap on your shots without fatiguing the metal. Like others have said it was a breeze to walk the ball on a roller which really allowed me to read defenses a lot better without worrying about losing the ball. Contrary to what someone had said about pickups I personally found it much harder to grab loose balls than on a tornado. It seemed that if you tried to pin a moving ball it would squib out much more often than a tornado. Not that this is a bad thing it just takes some adjustment. The playing surfaces however are a different story. They were not consistent between tables especially on the edges. Some tables you could setup the ball closer to the wall than on others from the 2-row. Some tables you could do off the wall passes no problem and others the ball would jump 2 inches when it hit the wall. Personally I didn't have trouble with brush passes but the catching angle is slightly different. The ball return is a mess but I like the theory. Tic-Tacs are much easier than on a warrior and I would say on par with tornado given a level table and surface. They had one ITSF model of fireball there with heavier rods which played closer to a tornado but I did not like it at all. The lighter stronger rods trump any other issues I have with the table. The legs are also hollow and can be filled with sand for extra weight as the tables would sometimes lift off like a warrior. Fortunately the Edmonton boys had enough sand in our bags to weigh all the tables down accordingly. Another thing I really liked was how rough you could be without affecting the play. You could shake and bump the wall fairly hard without resetting the ball which is nice for real intense players.

There were tons of great people there and it was cool to meet Kathy Brainard (co-author of "The Foosball Almanac") and her son Robbie who almost took out Simon for the Am Singles title. There were quite few up and comers there in the under 20 category. If they continue to develop the NW will have some stiff competition. We even found an Oilers fan from Cali even though his son is a Calgary Flamer. The tournament was run very well and the venue was excellent. Basically we could walk out of our hotel room into the tournament room which was nice.

Shoutout to Brad Laurine my DYP partner for coaching me mentally through some rough matches early on. Also for letting me watch his defense all DYP long so I could score at will on him in the OD final.......except he bricked me.

Right now I'd have to say I enjoy Fireball equal to Tornado but once the next revision comes out and addresses a lot of the issues I can easily see myself switching sides to Fireball.

Congrats to all the players who did well and way to represent Canada!!!!

Will you were a sick goalie....defense wins championships. Thanks for playing with me and keeping my mental game in check. Champions baby!!!

Simon you were a sick goalie....defense is overrated. Thanks for scoring all those rockets to make my life a lot easier. We should rematch those am doubles chumps...I mean champs cause they got nothin'!

Back to bed......



Author: Desmond Reply #74 Posted: Jul 26 2010 11:00PM

I am proud to foos with players of this calibre! Congrats guys. What were your total payouts if you don't mind me asking?


Author: S. Edwards Reply #75 Posted: Jul 26 2010 11:07PM

Just over 1300. Enought to pay for our hotel, entry fees, gas and a case of beer


Author: S. Edwards Reply #76 Posted: Jul 27 2010 12:04AM

One of the reasons the rods feel so light is the man is 14 grams lighter than the tornado man.


Author: domi nate Reply #77 Posted: Jul 27 2010 10:30AM

Jazzy is allowed in the US!?


Author: ButHeDoesntLookAsian Reply #78 Posted: Jul 28 2010 1:42AM

Way to go Canada on the fine showing at the NW Open!

It was so great that so many of you have had a chance to try the Fireball table. Three years ago it was a pretty good but not yet a great table due to weaknesses in the handle, rod, and men. The handle only had a soft outer and inner core and stretched around the pin hole after a while. The rods were not QPQ and therefore not very strong at that time. And the man’s toe was totally different - large and heavy. Dennis told me about all of the fixes he had in mind but I didn't know how good they would turn out.

So, I bought 6 sets of Tornado men and brought them with me to China when I came back late last year. I was planning to switch out my Fireball table’s men to these men and to live with the rod and handle. But after the improvements to the rod, handle and man I didn't have to do anything. I do echo some of the sentiments with regard to brush passing, ramp, 2 ball pull setup etc. But still all in all it is a very good table and at 1/3 the price of a Tornado it is a very good value. It should be noted that my prices include a big cost on shipping and duty for Tornado’s to import and no discount below retail vs. lower production costs, wholesale prices, low shipping and no duties for me for Fireball.

I also like how Dennis is listening to the players and incorporates the new designs in future models. The table is not there yet in all areas but is definitely very good in some areas but is getting better every year in its weaker areas. I am not working with Dennis in promoting Fireball internationally but am selling the table here in Shanghai and holding my tournaments on it.

I am glad to see that most have a favorable impression of the table. Maybe soon I can stop reading posts about "crappy Chinese rods and tables". For the most part Chinese tables are crap but not all of them.

We will have to see how the tournament scene goes for Fireball. A big advantage that Warrior, Fireball or any other lower cost table manufacturer has in running tournaments is the ability to sell off the tournament tables after the event because of their price point. My preference as a player is still Tornado but not by THAT much. If I was organizing the tournament and was able to sell all/most of my tables afterwards that is a HUGE benefit to me and my cash flow, and is the weakest part of the Tornado tournament decision for any promoter.

I have consciously been quiet about talking up the Fireball and am just happy that once again there is some competition in place to make sure the players are well served. I wrote about the table in the past because I was the only person who posts online in our circle of players who had access to it at that time.

If Warrior can correct their table quality and longevity issues maybe they can re-enter the scene as well. I just hope that the days of throwing unrealistic prize money to make up for something lacking in the table or the tournament experience are over. Foos should pay out on prize money that the numbers say it should for a sport that does not attract mainstream television, paying customers to watch, etc. Anything else is an unhealthy, short term fantasy IMO.

Don’t mean to get on a soap box or anything but been wanting to say this for a long time but players I respected needed to try the table out first to give it any relevance. What is really funny is that while you guys are getting to experience Fireball tables now in North America, we now have 4 new Tornado coin-ops that just came to Shanghai. Another promoter is trying to make them work on a coin-op basis. I don’t know how well it will work out but it is very sweet having both tables to play on here in Shanghai. No tournies yet on Tornado but hoping to help him get those going in the future.

We also have some new players coming here. Mike Sames from the U.S. is moving to northeast China soon and a Turkish/German guy who is on the Turkish nat


Author: Linda Reply #79 Posted: Jul 29 2010 6:27PM

http://www.fireballtablesoccer.com

"Canadians Dunn and Stranks surprise field to win open doubles"


Author: S. Edwards Reply #80 Posted: Jul 29 2010 10:15PM

What! No mention of the Washington State Open Amatuer Singles Champion! What a jyp. Complete BS.


Author: Aged Whine & Cheese Reply #81 Posted: Jul 30 2010 1:35AM

Was there an Amateur Singles competition? I probably wouldn't have mentioned it either.

At least you didn't get referred to as a "veteran" with the obvious implication that the person is ridiculously old.


Author: S. Edwards Reply #82 Posted: Jul 30 2010 6:52AM

Good point but I sure layed a licken on all those 15 year olds. Something our OD champs couldn't do besides I wasn't the oldest one there were a few around your age. And there was no mention of the wrap I lent Will or the ball I gave them to use for the match.


Author: Aged Whine & Cheese Reply #83 Posted: Jul 30 2010 1:39PM

Those self-centred prats need to learn to give credit where credit is due. Shame on you Christian and Will. If Simon lent you his wrap and allowed you to play with his balls then the victory is Simon's.

Besides, Simon needs all the accolades he can gather right now; he will soon have to suffer the stigma of being a "veteran".


This thread does not accept replies because:

The last post to this thread is more than 30 days old.