It’s easy to see why foosball is the preferred pastime for many people. Unlike playing pool which requires a master’s degree in handling a long stick or table tennis which is equally demanding, foosball is much more approachable. It’s compact, which means it doesn’t take up much space, and it doesn’t require much footwork. When it comes to foosball tables, one name that stands out is Tornado.
Tornado foosball tables have been used in World Championships since 1986. The brand is recognized for its unique and different design, which has become a feature that gives Tornado foosball tables its distinct look as compared to other tables. Here, we are going to take a look at the top features of a foosball table and the top products by Tornado.
Top Tornado Foosball Tables
The following are some of the top Tornado Foosball tables that are available in the market today:
Tornado Tournament 3000
The T3000 is considered to be the best of the best when it comes to Foosball tables. It is a professional tournament table, which means it comes with all the bells and whistles one would expect from a high-end product. The T3000 comes in both coin and non-coin configuration.
Some of the features of the Tornado T3000 include brushed aluminum laminate, sturdy handles, patented 3-piece bearings, counterbalanced players, and a positive 9-ball drop. The goal and match counters are the same as used in tournament play. This table also features a thin-wall bearing which offers better ball control.
You can check out the current price of the Tornado Tournament 3000 table by CLICKING HERE.
Pro and Cons
Pros
- Optimal control
- Sturdy and well built
- Counterbalanced men
- Hassle-free leveling
Cons
- Assembling the men on the rods can be challenging
Tornado Elite
The Tornado Elite foosball table is a well-made product that offers superior quality and high-end features and wood finishing which makes it the ideal choice for home or office use. The table offers unmatched stability during gameplay. The thick MDF cabinet offers a sturdy and solid foundation, giving you a table that’s been designed to last.
This foosball table features solid chrome steel rods and easy-grip wood handles. The side ball return system makes it convenient to retrieve the ball. The Tornado Elite comes with three goalies.
You can check out the current price of the Tornado Elite table by CLICKING HERE.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Zero dead spots
- Solid chrome steel rods
- Tornado’s patented split bearing
- Solid wood handles for better grip
Cons
- Plastic men
- Difficult to assemble men on the rods.
Tornado Classic
The Tornado Classic offers a nice alternative to the high-end T3000 and Tornado Elite tables. Not only are these tables less expensive, but offer the same high quality as Tornado’s more premium tables, making it the ideal choice for home use.
The Tornado Classic features a black body and legs, with black and yellow men. The thick cabinet with laminate finish has been built to last for years. The hollowed-out steel rods are sturdy while being easy to operate. The handles are made of solid wood which provides a better grip for shooting. The table also features leg levers, which makes it easy to level the table for uneven surfaces.
You can check out the current price of the Tornado Classic table by CLICKING HERE.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Solid wood frame
- High-quality steel rods
- Features a side ball return system
- Thinner bearing design lessens the gap between the players and the wall
- Patented design made from high-quality urethane prevents chipping or cracking
Cons
- 3 goalie style
- Heavy design makes it harder to move around
Tornado Sport
If you want a bare-bones version of the Tornado foosball table, then Tornado Sport should be right up your alley. This table does not feature many of the high-end specs you would expect from a brand like Tornado but still delivers on quality, which makes it a great option for those who are looking for a less expensive version of the Tornado foosball table.
One of the downsides of buying a basic Foosball table like the Tornado Sport is that it doesn’t come with some of the features that you would expect to find in a Foosball table, such as counterbalanced men. But the Tornado Sport makes up for it by having players with the best foot design of all its tables. That coupled with the solid fittings and bearings means that investing in the Sport version is not a complete loss, especially if you don’t expect to go pro any time soon.
You can check out the current price of the Tornado Sport table by CLICKING HERE.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Sturdy design
- Features a side ball retrieval system
- Solid steel rods for faster rod spins
- Features wooden handles for better grip
- Hassle-free leveling
Cons
- Difficult to assemble the men on the rods
- 1-goalie option only
- Players are not counterbalanced
- No ITSF certification
- Plastic men
Types of Foosball Tables
There are also various types of foosball tables that are available. This makes it easier for you to find one that suits your needs.
- Standard Foosball Table —The various types of foosball tables include the standard foosball table, which is the most commonly used table which can be found in homes and offices.
- Tabletop Foosball Table —The tabletop foosball table is a compact version, which comes without legs and needs to be placed on a tabletop.
- Combination Foosball Table — Combination game tables offer more than one game along with foosball. This offers a variety in the games you get to play using the foosball table, which includes, chess, checkers, shuffleboard, table tennis, and air hockey, just to name a few.
- Coin-Operated Foosball Table — There’s also a coin-operated foosball table, which is quite self-explanatory. This also happens to be the most expensive type of foosball table available in the market today.
Must-Have Features in a Foosball Table
The features of a foosball table mainly depend on its type and the manufacturer. While these features may vary, some are considered must-haves for every foosball table. The following are some of those features:
Counter-Weight Men
Counterweight of counterbalanced men are an important feature of any foosball table, mainly because if the head of the men weighs more than the legs, it will keep spinning and will need to be constantly readjusted for striking the ball or defense. With counterweight men, the head and the toes weigh the same, which means if you turn the men upside down, they stay that way.
1 or 3-Man Goalie
Most foosball tables come with two setups: one man or three-man goalie. It is this setup that will determine the difficulty level of the game. In most high-end tables, you will have an option, but the one-man goalie is considered the standard.
Adjustable Legs
Having adjustable legs ensures that the playing field if fair. Making the tabletop level will ensure that the ball doesn’t skew to either side of the table. Having adjustable legs means that the whole family can play regardless of their age or skill level.
Side Ball Returns
Foosball tables come with two ball return options. The first allows the ball to return to the side where the players stand. The second option is the tables where the balls are returned on the end sides of the goalposts.
Out of the two, side ball returns are considered more convenient. It also means that you can place the foosball table against the wall since the ball return slots are located at the sides where the player’s stand.
Rods and Handles
The rods and handles of a foosball table are also two important features of any table. Steel rods are considered the best option since they are sturdier. The steel rods need to be hollow, which makes them lighter, which makes it easier on the hands.
Wooden handles offer a better grip, but foosball tables also feature plastic handles. Regardless of the material the handle is made of, it’s best to choose either a square or octagonal shape handle since they offer better grip and are more effective when it comes to shooting.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. These were our top picks for Tornado Foosball tables. You will find that all of these tables offer something for everybody and come with different price tags so that everybody, regardless of their skill level can enjoy playing on a high-quality Foosball table.
