Durability
A big part of what makes any foosball table durable is the thickness of the cabinet. Most cheaper tables tend to move during play, and in the long run this leads to wear and tear. The Shelti Pro Foos II Deluxe has a 1.5″ thick cabinet, the same thickness as the Tornado T-3000, priced at over $2,000. The Deluxe also weighs 235 lbs, which gives it the kind of heaviness that will last.
A table priced in this range is going to be made with quality top to bottom, and the Foos II is no exception. The ABS constructed men are automotive grade and have been computer tested at ball speeds over 100 mph. Translation: they aren’t going to break, no matter how hard you play. The machine-trued stainless steel hollow rods and naturally lubricated nylon bushings are built to last. The Mahogany Laminate exterior is chip resistant.
The 0.75" playfield has a thickness seen on very few tables out there. A thicker playfield equals greater durability. Shelti tables are made in the USA. Typically, USA made tables have higher quality.
Gameplay
The feature I always look for in a higher priced table is counterbalanced men. Some of them don’t have this feature, such as the Tornado Sport. For intermediate and advanced level players, this feature is a must. It allows players to keep the men horizontal to the surface, so the ball can go through cleanly.
This feature is not created equal among tables. Some tables have counterbalanced men, but they don’t always stay where you want them to. With the Shelti Deluxe table, you can park the men at any angle within 360 degrees. This really gives the table a professional feel.
I mentioned the durability of the 0.75" thick playfield earlier, but it also provides another benefit. It stays level long-term. A thinner field might warp over time, leading to dead spots. A 3/4″ field is as thick as you will find on any table, and this ensures level play throughout it’s lifespan.
The table weighs 235 pounds (some list it at 255) giving it the kind of stability that players desire to have during play. The last thing anyone wants is a table that wobbles, causing the ball to move because of it.
The hollow rods are light and fast, creating the kind of speed that skilled players desire. They are QPQ™ treated, providcing more resistant to corrosion. It also adds lubrication, which helps the men and handles fit like a glove. The nylon precision bearings help create the smooth action that players expect from a table in this price range.
Also included is a stay-in-play trim that goes around the playfield. This keeps the ball moving so it never comes to a stop. The side ball return is more convenient than the end ball return seen primarily on less expensive models.
Aesthetics
The Shelti Pro Foos II Deluxe has a beautiful Mahogany Laminate Exterior. The light wood handles, white walls, and green play surface provide a really nice contrast. The red and black men are very sharp. It’s an expensive, heavy-duty table, and it shows.
Who's It For?
The Foos II Deluxe is designed for teenagers, adults, intermediate and advanced level players who want the best of the best. It has all the features you could ask for in a table.
