Now, from what I know, Vinnie’s is one of the few places in the GTA that has Tornado foosball tables (4 as a matter of fact) and has regular tournaments on them. I’ve never played on a Tornado, and having started and developed on Italian style tables, I was accustomed to a few things. Having seen a lot Tornados on the internet, and now in real life, I’m very aware of all the differences vs. the Italian tables. Well, enuff looking, it was time to test the sucker out!
You’ll notice that the foosballs that come with a Tornado are of a different texture. I don’t know if this is supposed to help with the pinning but it was A LOT easier to do pins on this table. Those guys who love to pin on the Fabis will love this table. Aside from pinning, passing between the guys on the 3-bar actually felt easier, as I had no problems doing my signature 1-3-2. It was performing the cuts that took a little getting used to. I tried a couple 2-3s and 2-1s but with minimal success. A few things though, we wasted a game’s worth of foosballs cuz they were a lot bouncier and would ricochet into the net. It was a pain in the ass getting the ball out of the corners, there were no ramps! Having those two extra guys on the goalie bar felt extremely weird, and the thing rotates 360 degrees! That is one thing you’re gonna have to get used to if you play on this table the first time around. That, and the heavier bars (they go through the table so watch it!) and thicker cabinet.
No competition to speak of that night, maybe next time. Yes, there will be a next time. I had no expectations going in and honestly, I ended up liking the table. I believe you guys should give the table a try and form your own opinions. Having run out of tokens (check out their site for a deal), it was time to go. Vinnie’s has an upstairs (where the Tornados are) and I read there was a Garlando (the popular table in Montreal) downstairs. To my surprise, there were 2 Fabi tables down there too. All they need now is a Bonzini/Rene Pierre table and they’ll be the Ultimate Fooshall! So if your downtown, and got an itch to Gitz, swing by Vinnie’s and pop a few.
‘Til the next foos review, see you at the Green chairs!
The President of the Bar Games Association