help me shop for an air hockey table

TheShanMan

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Well, we've decided to go with an air hockey table in the upstairs room of our game building instead of a pool table since it will work much better from a space standpoint (i.e. give us room for other stuff like a tv/couch area and maybe a foosball table).

I know nothing about these other than that dynamo appears to be top of the line. Don't know anything about them so I don't know if it's possible to get it upstairs, or if it's within my budget. Probably looking to spend around 500 or less.

Looking on the local CL, the one that looks like the best of the bunch is a Harvard Arena 7' table. I also see one with no make or model which might be OK but until I know make or model it would be hard for me to judge. See attached images.

Can anyone comment on either of these 2 models, or any general advice on what to look for and maybe how much to expect to pay? I'd like it to be 7-8 feet and quite durable. I wouldn't mind if it's coin-op if it's possible to convert to .984's or put it on free play. Also bear in mind I'd need to be able to get it upstairs.
 

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A 7' "home use" table isnt bad, but if you've played alot of games on an 8' dynamo you will notice a difference. The pucks are also different in size, home use tables use a 2.5" puck and Dynamo's use 3" I believe. Basically you get what you pay for. You can usually find good used ones on CL reasonably prices (got mine from CL), just make sure the surface isnt warped or the puck will have alot of hop to it (youll also have a little more hop with a home use versus a Dynamo). If your on a budget and your going upstairs with it, I would go that route. If money is no object and you can get a group of buddies to help you move it, get a Dynamo.

On a side note (not to hijack), I've thought about buying a combo pool table/air hockey table (I'm sure you can figure out what I'm referring to), anyone have any comments on that one?
 
I'm sure I can round up people to carry it - it's more a question of whether it's even possible to get it up there. Do you mind me asking how much you paid for your dynamo? Is $500 or (hopefully) even less a pipe dream? My sweet spot would probably be around a few hundred bucks for a used one in great shape, but if a couple extra hundred would make a huge difference in quality/gameplay then I'd probably spring for it. But if we're talking a grand or something like that, forget it.
 
Well I can tell you that a few retailers around here sell used Dynamos for around $2k...so you figure non retail at half, at best....I can't see you getting a nice condition one for under $1k.
 
I have had both a Dynamo and a home table and if I were you I would wait it out for a Dynamo. They can be had in your budget if you are patient, I got mine for $100 from the local Scandia.

My home table was a Rhino that they sold at Costco which I believe was just a rebranded Harvard table. It looks just like the Dynamo Pro style table, black with blue playfield. Those can be found on craigslist once in a while for under $200 used. Great home table, dual motors, but does need a very simple modification to the goal because they are very small from the factory. Home pucks and mallets suck so I would buy some commercial ones if you do buy a home table. Heavier pucks so they don't fly off the table all the time.

I would wait for a Dynamo cause it's worth it, but good luck getting those upstairs cause they are freakin heavy. We got the home table upstairs and it was a pain and it was about half the weight.
 
I used to see them for $1000-$2000. Then when everyone was foreclosing on their homes, there was a steady stream of them for $200- $500. Probably somewhere between those 2 now. If I ever have the space for one, I will definitely get a full size one. Kinda like a pool table, the smaller ones just never feel right.
 
Did a crazedlist search on the west coast and I do see some for less than a grand, but then again no idea what the condition is. Someone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but looks to me that I shouldn't hold out for a dynamo - even if it's possible to find a good one under a grand, they don't appear to pop up very often at all, so I'd have to be willing to haul it on top of going over budget just for the purchase itself.

So how about good quality full size home models? I'd especially like input on the 2 I mentioned since they're available right now, but I want overall suggestions on what are the better tables to look for.

EDIT: couple more posts suggesting I should still consider dynamo.
 
Don't rule out the Ice Fast Track air hockey. I think one of the best tables, plus stainless steel surface. Be patient and you can find one in your range.

I found a guy that I made a deal with to buy one for $600. Went to pick it up and it was in excellent shape. Sitting right next to it was an identical twin.

I made a deal with him to buy both for $1100.

Brought them home. Listed the second one on craiglist and sold it within a week for $1300.

Moral of the story. Be patient.
 
I am not as Knowledgeable as Welove80s about the spec's, but I do know that "home" units are not near as fun (or safe) as the professional units.

I've played my share of them from the teenage years until now (49) and the pucks will stay on the table much better and speeds are much faster on the professional tables.
On home units you will spend half of your time picking the pucks off the floor or tending to the other players eyes or face from flying pucks if you get agressive on the pay like we do.
Pucks on professional tables are heavier and stay on the table better, corners are not normally rounded I don't think, mallets are bigger and heavier, table thicker and straighter, fans stronger, etc.
But again, it's what you are willing to spend and how long you intend to keep it.
If no one plays it, it's a waiste of money.
I rarely play the retail units found at academy,costco,etc because they are just not fun.
My $.02
 
I would definitely go with a high end full size home unit if I don't go with a commercial one, so don't worry about talking me out of a cheap costco one or something like that. :)
 
There was a Dynamo Hot Flash for sale on Tacoma, WA craigslist last week for $200. I'm sure it long gone though. There was a heard about it n here, but I'm sure the ad is off by now. They are out there, but don't show up all the time.

But trust me it's worth it.
 
Shanman, I personally like the look of that one in Damascus. Something about the blue/yellow combo that feels more "arcade-like". Plus it would work well if you ran some blacklights up there.

However, you may make a mistake by buying a flashy color like this if you're gonna try to do a conservative color/ decor theme upstairs. If the plan up there is nice seating, plasmas, and earth tones, perhaps a standard white or black surface is the way to go?

At the very least, air hockey tables are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much more plentiful on craigslist than our favorite arcade machines. Wait a week and 5 more will show up.
 
Apparently you misunderstood. I don't have a Dynamo, and I can't see myself paying close to a grand for one (as nice as they are). I have a Chicago Gaming 7' "Home Use" table. Paid $30 for the table, which was working, but a dog had chewed up the scoreboard wiring and it cost me about another $45 to fix that, so $75 total. For the price tag, I cant complain, but nothing beats a Dynamo if you can swing it and haul it.
 
yeah, there was a Hot Flash (blacklight) commerical Dynamo on CL that went to a local collector a week or two ago up here... $200, but i remember the scoring or something wasn't hooked up.

i've seen other commercial units pop up for well under $500, some nearly free ($100 or so.) there was a working old school metal-top (my favorite), probably 30+ years old, that the owner ended up literally giving away to get it out of his garage; really too bad i don't have the space.
 
Yeah, there does seem to be ones popping up on craigslist all the time. I would just be patient Jeff. The perfect one will show up sometime.

I would love to have one too, but no room at the time. I really am holding out for a commercial Dynamo. It is really the only game my wife wants. Of course I have one of these taking up about half of a garage bay too. Frickin' huge.

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