Newbie looking to buy a table

[Mike Woolvett]

Hello everybody, new member here from Kitchener looking to get into Arm Wrestling. I am looking to buy a table and wanted to get some feedback from people in the know before putting down the money.

What do you guys recommend for someone who is looking to get into the sport recreationally and maybe dabble in competitions in the future? I have been looking at the Eliminator table sold here : www.eiyc.com/tables.htm

Opinions? Recommendations? Thanks in advance,

[Deleted]

Depends on how much $ u want to invest. But I bought one from Guy Windover from Peterborough, it's a tournament ready table that I also use at weekly practice... Best money I ever spent! Cannot go wrong with it.

[Eric Roussin]

I've pulled on the Eliminator table a couple of times and am not a fan of it. It is not built to WAF (World Armwrestling Federation) specs. The elbow pads are not offset. Also, from what I remember the pin pads are lower than they should be. Closer to one inch instead of two inches higher than the elbow pads. It's not the sturdiest of tables. What it has going for it is it's relatively inexpensive. It is probably the most popular table among people who are new to the sport, as it's really the only table that is effectivelty marketed online (for example, no other tables are sold on eBay).

In summary, the table is fine if you're looking for a cheap table on which to practice. But if you want to practice on a table like the ones used in competition, you should try to buy one made by an armwrestler. There are three or four people who make and sell tables in Ontario - most charge $500 to $600.

[Mike Woolvett]

I was afraid that it would not be great quality, glad I asked for some advice before ordering. I would like to use a table that is well put together and indicative of what would be used in a competition. $500 - $600 is pretty expensive however.......... Who are the people in Ontario that are building proper tables?

[Eric Roussin]

Guy Windover lives in Buckhorn and his tables run about $600. Gerald Ronald lives in Listowel (a bit closer to you) and his tables are in the $450 to $575 range. Both are on the message board almost daily. I would suggest shooting them a PM or sending them an email.

[Deleted]

Actually I am making knurled WAF handles now which have raised my table cost to $700. They are WAF complete.

[Jay Riehle]

Not to take anything away from Guy but I bought a table off Gerald Ronald about 3 years ago & it has been through more wars than my Great Grand Daddy lol. Anyhow I live in Guelph now & if you'd like to take a look first hand your more then welcome to come on over & do some pullin. Thanks a bunch

[Mike Woolvett]

Thanks for the invite Jay, I will have to take you up on that. I actually work out of Guelph.

Guy, are your tables a set cost or is there a way to build them per order to make them a little more affordable? When I read $700 I lost a couple years off my life.

Looked under the members directory and didn't see Gerald Ronald listed, how do I get in touch with him?

[Jeff Oosterveld]

last time i seen buffer he was at a Tim Horton's on the 401
no just joking if you and if your interested we practice ever Sunday at 1 in drayton and every wendsday at 7 not this wensday though teaswater fair is on friday night private message me i will give you Gerald's phone number . or call me at 1519 638 0217

[Steve Noonan]

I often leave waterloo at noon or soonsunday to go to teeswater thunder practice and get back about 6pm your welcome to go for a practice with me also..there is one of buffs tables there we always pull on also.. pm me if interested.

[Deleted]

Hmmm, gonna go about this diplomatic like. Buff and I have had this discussion ourselves.

First off so to not make this a whos is better discussion, I own a Buffer Deluxe Camoflage Table. Love it!!!!!

Secondly there is a reason that the Eliminator table is cheap (cost), because it is cheap (built). And its still $175 to $299 so $250 - $350 shipped. I bought one before Buffers. Immediately the bolts started falling out and we couldnt use it anymore. Nice. Contacted the company and they wouldnt return my calls. Nice.

I have talked at large to many in the sport and yes you can get cheaper made tables. But any table I have seen that has lasted beyond its value was not a cheap one. There is a reason. They take a large amount of time and energy to build. Much more that most people think. Kinda like a labour of love. If I charged my time per table at $10 an hour, it would cost around $800 to build one. Not including materials. Not including the $800 for a welder, $600+ spent on a lathe, grinders, files, air staplers.......... etc. Get the picture.

I am thinking of a lesser design like some of the ones in the states but my concern is that in short time it will be add this and add that and next thing you know I am building the first table? I may I dont know. But I have come to the crossroad and I urge Buff to do the same, charge what its worth! Otherwise if its too cheap, why would I want to spend hours of MY TIME building tables? Your right $700 is alot of money. But how much did you spend on booze last year?? Priorities. ;D ;D ;D ;D

If this seems like a rant it partly is and partly just wanted to get it known if you think Buffer and I are making much off this little enterprise then I urge you to take up the building process. I took one look at Buffers when I bought it off him and I immediately saw the TIME put into it let alone the material, and I told him straight up, HE WAS NOT CHARGING ENOUGH!!! Ask him he will tell you. I would almost guarentee he has built all his at some sort of loss. How long can he or I do that before money or desire runs out???

My suggestion to you Mike is to pull with the boys above. Get some experience, and you will see over time at different clubs and tourneys, the difference between good and cheap. This rant really isnt aimed at you, just want people to stop and think about why things cost what they do.

Guy

[Jay Riehle]

I agree 100% Guy. An armwrestling table is an investment not to be taken lightly or it will lead to disappointment. Anyhow Mike, Gerald's user name is "G Ronald" if you were still wondering. If you would like send me a message with your schedule & we'll grip up when time permits. I have Kettlebell training on Thursdays & pull with Jeff & the boys on Sundays @ 1pm.

[Deleted]

Great post Guy! Like I said, I paid 700$ for Guys table. I picked the pattern and colours. All my teamates chipped in to buy it.... And they love it. I ve owned 3 tables, and you get what u pay for! Not only is Guy's table the best in terms of quality, stability, and design that I ve owned, I'm quite certain it's the best out there! I would ve even paid more, that's how happy I am with it.

[Marc Vachon]

Guy's tables own all other tables.

They're OSOME!!!!

[Jeff Oosterveld]

Mike i guess what guy is trying to say is dont waste your money on cheap crap there is more than enough good tables out there all around you and people wanting to train near you that all your going to have to do is do alittle traveling there is a team in Hamilton there is a team in London there is a team in dray ton there is ateam in Harrison there is a team in teas water so come out and learn the proper way to pull so you dont get hurt and your around in the sport as long as your 7 or 8 hundred dollar investment into a table

PS that's just the area near you