Chaz, you claim that the top of the table is alot more fun to play on than the bottom. Can you give an in-depth analysis as to why this is? What's your top side to bottom side play ratio, and have you tried the bottom side at all player counts?
You did it. You beautiful human being you. You used Star Wars Rebellion with the Zen Bins on the Watson. Exactly what I was looking for. God Bless you.
Do you have any idea when they are going to have the Watson (or any of the models) back in stock? Went to buy one after watching this but they were sold out, for what seems like a while now.
The game toppers do look great, but I just can't justify the cost (or storage) right now. Otherwise, the Watson + that little board to make it into a smaller topper looks great. Would sit right on our kitchen table with little issue. Some day - hoping they're around for a while so I can get one when I can afford/store it. :)
I noticed in your video when you showed the game topper the table underneath was sticking out. Was that on purpose to show that it is just a table topper or does it not fit tables perfectly and always has some showing underneath?
It was primarily to show how it fits on the table. And also because I got the 5 foot long "Watson" Game Topper, and I was showing it on a 6 foot long table in the video. If it was sitting on a 5 foot table, none of the table underneath would have been sticking out. I hope this is helpful information! :)
Good question, and I'll be happy to answer it best I can. Could you give an example of what would cause the warping? From hanging over the table? From leaning on its edge over time? The materials themselves? Let me know what kind of edge warping you're thinking about, and I'll provide my thoughts based on my research and experience so far. :)
I have a crokinole board that over hang the table and the board started to warp downward from the gravity. How is this built to prevent the wood from warping due to the overhang.
Ah, I see now. I believe there are a couple of things that Kevin built in to help prevent that type of warping. First, there are cross-bars that run along the bottom to help stabilize each half. Also, since the railing around the perimeter is heavy-duty aluminum, I think that will also help keep the table from bowing or bending over time. But Kevin himself will be the expert on the subject, and I'm sure he'd give better examples than I can. In case it helps you, I located the contact form on his Game Toppers website at: www.gametoppersllc.com/contact-us.html If there's any other questions you think I can help with, let me know! :)
That's a good question, and one that I'll try to answer just for myself, and not for other people. (Since everyone plays differently-sized games, with different space preferences.) But for me, I usually use Star Wars Rebellion as my test for a game with a really big footprint. If a table can accommodate that game fairly comfortably, then I feel it can handle most any game. That's why I chose Rebellion as one of the games I set out on the table in the video. I thought the Watson table did provide enough room. (I admit I was surprised, I was imagining it would be smaller.) Hopefully, the scene in the video that shows Rebellion on the table will be helpful in determining if you think the Watson provides enough table space for the games you want to play on it. I hope this helps you out!
The vac-formed trays are an upgrade made by Zen Bins. And hey, I've even done a video about them, if you'd like more information: czcams.com/video/A1cPqbItuJ0/video.html 😀
It's certainly a possibility. :) (Then again, I'd be concerned that it would look like showing off.) Oh no! I just realized that I will be out of town during the next EGG Game day on November 4th! Nooo! EGG Game days are the best! Be sure to say "hi" to everyone for me, and play some extra games!
ever thinking of making your own? im in the process of making drawings for a one with tons of over engineered overgeeked out stufflet me know if you would like the drawings once finished
I'll be doing this because I could only import the mats, not the topper, to the UK. The Holmes would be the perfect match for my two square 41cm foldable but very sturdy tables. I use one or both together, depending on the game. I got the 36" x 36" and the 36" x 72" blue stitched-edge mats. For the base, I'll be using 18mm thick plywood at 40" x 40". The rails will be 2" tall, 2" deep, but the fourth will be attached by magnets. The second table half will be 38" x 40" along the rails, but the surface will be 34" x 36", and when attached to the first half, will be 36" x 72", exactly the same as the Holmes. 2" of the first half stick out past the rails for the 4th rail to straddle on, preventing it from being nudged out of place. The rails on the 2nd half stick out by 2" to fit around the 2" of the first half. Its going to be heavy, but there's no danger of warping.
I will admit that, while editing the video, I did have a moment where I facepalmed and said to myself, "you forgot to put on long pants for the flip test." 🙄
I was really hoping that the Game Toppers would be affordable (for me, I mean) but, unfortunately, they're still out of my price range. I found another table top gaming table set up also on KS right now called GamerBoardz that you can have custom sized. Not quite as nice, overall, but still more affordable and would get the job done. I get the feeling it might not meet its financing goal but I'm going to keep an eye on it. You can check it out at www.kickstarter.com/projects/1441839499/gamerboardz-custom-sized-board-gaming-table-tops
just saw the product you mentioned, and there is no reasons to buy that and pay shipping when it can be DIY, and certainly if you end wanting to do it yourself, for sure you will want to make something way better.
It's not a notion. It's a level of standard certian materials are held up to. Like comparing a metal fork from a dollar store vs a high end store. Their both metal forks but one bends in my hand and melts from oily skin. The other, doesn't. Saying something is aluminum tells me nothing. Saying it's military grade tell me it's made to last for years under pressure.
Unfortunately my table is an inch too long for the Watson, so I would have to get he a Holmes...which means the absolute BARE BONES(no wood finish, mat upgrade, or side inserts) would ONLY cost me $699! This is what they are calling “affordable”????? As much as I would like a game table topper, I would need to cover a 3 x 5 table with four side trays for a max of $400 to consider it budgetable, never mind “affordable!
It is a ton more affordable than buying a full table. Yes, $400 is a ton of money but for people that play board games a ton this could make it easier / better for some.
I'm not sure how much you might think something like this should cost? Between R&D costs and actual production and assembly of a product like this, I think the cost is very reasonable. I can't afford one either at the moment but this is far more attainable then the $10,000 game tables you see at the various conventions. I think this is perfect.
Love the fact you do a clear pros and cons section
Great review Chaz! This is the best review I've ever seen of anything ever. I'm so sending you stuff soon to review. : )
I saw these in person at Dice Tower Con, they look great, and seemed very sturdy too. Looking forward to the kickstarter starting up later today!
Chaz, you claim that the top of the table is alot more fun to play on than the bottom. Can you give an in-depth analysis as to why this is? What's your top side to bottom side play ratio, and have you tried the bottom side at all player counts?
5:56 😂😂😂 Chaz, I love you
You did it. You beautiful human being you. You used Star Wars Rebellion with the Zen Bins on the Watson.
Exactly what I was looking for. God Bless you.
Do you have any idea when they are going to have the Watson (or any of the models) back in stock? Went to buy one after watching this but they were sold out, for what seems like a while now.
The game toppers do look great, but I just can't justify the cost (or storage) right now. Otherwise, the Watson + that little board to make it into a smaller topper looks great. Would sit right on our kitchen table with little issue. Some day - hoping they're around for a while so I can get one when I can afford/store it. :)
You answered almost all my questions. The only thing you missed is how easy/hard is it not knock out the add-on cup holders, etc?
You're still the premier online Tenzi reviewer, I see.
Oh, happy day. :|
Still waiting for the Slapzi review. :)
Ha thats my friend at GenCon in your video. He did the kickstarter for this table topper.
Are there likely to be any Game Topper suppliers outside the US? I'm in the UK, for example.
Awesome review ...but the shipping for to me in HI is like $300+
I noticed in your video when you showed the game topper the table underneath was sticking out. Was that on purpose to show that it is just a table topper or does it not fit tables perfectly and always has some showing underneath?
It was primarily to show how it fits on the table. And also because I got the 5 foot long "Watson" Game Topper, and I was showing it on a 6 foot long table in the video. If it was sitting on a 5 foot table, none of the table underneath would have been sticking out. I hope this is helpful information! :)
Ah Inis, so good.
You looked at the Game Anywhere Table?
I'm concerned about warping at the edges than tipping. What are your thoughts on that?
Good question, and I'll be happy to answer it best I can. Could you give an example of what would cause the warping? From hanging over the table? From leaning on its edge over time? The materials themselves? Let me know what kind of edge warping you're thinking about, and I'll provide my thoughts based on my research and experience so far. :)
I have a crokinole board that over hang the table and the board started to warp downward from the gravity. How is this built to prevent the wood from warping due to the overhang.
Ah, I see now. I believe there are a couple of things that Kevin built in to help prevent that type of warping. First, there are cross-bars that run along the bottom to help stabilize each half. Also, since the railing around the perimeter is heavy-duty aluminum, I think that will also help keep the table from bowing or bending over time.
But Kevin himself will be the expert on the subject, and I'm sure he'd give better examples than I can. In case it helps you, I located the contact form on his Game Toppers website at: www.gametoppersllc.com/contact-us.html
If there's any other questions you think I can help with, let me know! :)
I had the same problem trying to say Game Toppers instead of table toppers...I feel better about my life choices now..
@Keanu Derek - for reals?! Do they have the Oscar winning film, Spam?
Do you think the Watson size is big enough for most board games or do you think it is too cramped?
That's a good question, and one that I'll try to answer just for myself, and not for other people. (Since everyone plays differently-sized games, with different space preferences.)
But for me, I usually use Star Wars Rebellion as my test for a game with a really big footprint. If a table can accommodate that game fairly comfortably, then I feel it can handle most any game. That's why I chose Rebellion as one of the games I set out on the table in the video. I thought the Watson table did provide enough room. (I admit I was surprised, I was imagining it would be smaller.) Hopefully, the scene in the video that shows Rebellion on the table will be helpful in determining if you think the Watson provides enough table space for the games you want to play on it. I hope this helps you out!
Thank you so much! :)
You got vac-formed trays with your copy of SW Rebellion?? I just got the lousy FFG trench :(
The vac-formed trays are an upgrade made by Zen Bins. And hey, I've even done a video about them, if you'd like more information: czcams.com/video/A1cPqbItuJ0/video.html 😀
Ahhh okay. I've got a feldherr foam insert now, but was just checking I wasn't shortchanged! Would have been unlike FFG ;)
Next Eugene Game Gala are you going to bring this?
It's certainly a possibility. :) (Then again, I'd be concerned that it would look like showing off.) Oh no! I just realized that I will be out of town during the next EGG Game day on November 4th! Nooo! EGG Game days are the best! Be sure to say "hi" to everyone for me, and play some extra games!
ever thinking of making your own? im in the process of making drawings for a one with tons of over engineered overgeeked out stufflet me know if you would like the drawings once finished
I'll be doing this because I could only import the mats, not the topper, to the UK. The Holmes would be the perfect match for my two square 41cm foldable but very sturdy tables. I use one or both together, depending on the game. I got the 36" x 36" and the 36" x 72" blue stitched-edge mats. For the base, I'll be using 18mm thick plywood at 40" x 40". The rails will be 2" tall, 2" deep, but the fourth will be attached by magnets. The second table half will be 38" x 40" along the rails, but the surface will be 34" x 36", and when attached to the first half, will be 36" x 72", exactly the same as the Holmes. 2" of the first half stick out past the rails for the 4th rail to straddle on, preventing it from being nudged out of place. The rails on the 2nd half stick out by 2" to fit around the 2" of the first half. Its going to be heavy, but there's no danger of warping.
11:20 Nice gams!
I will admit that, while editing the video, I did have a moment where I facepalmed and said to myself, "you forgot to put on long pants for the flip test." 🙄
looks great except I was hoping for a square table.
You forgot to mention, you can set it up in the bed before going to sleep, to have sweet sweet dreams at the PairOfDice Paradise... ;P
I was really hoping that the Game Toppers would be affordable (for me, I mean) but, unfortunately, they're still out of my price range. I found another table top gaming table set up also on KS right now called GamerBoardz that you can have custom sized. Not quite as nice, overall, but still more affordable and would get the job done. I get the feeling it might not meet its financing goal but I'm going to keep an eye on it. You can check it out at www.kickstarter.com/projects/1441839499/gamerboardz-custom-sized-board-gaming-table-tops
just saw the product you mentioned, and there is no reasons to buy that and pay shipping when it can be DIY, and certainly if you end wanting to do it yourself, for sure you will want to make something way better.
never understood the notion "military grade"
It's not a notion. It's a level of standard certian materials are held up to. Like comparing a metal fork from a dollar store vs a high end store. Their both metal forks but one bends in my hand and melts from oily skin. The other, doesn't. Saying something is aluminum tells me nothing. Saying it's military grade tell me it's made to last for years under pressure.
Unfortunately my table is an inch too long for the Watson, so I would have to get he a Holmes...which means the absolute BARE BONES(no wood finish, mat upgrade, or side inserts) would ONLY cost me $699! This is what they are calling “affordable”????? As much as I would like a game table topper, I would need to cover a 3 x 5 table with four side trays for a max of $400 to consider it budgetable, never mind “affordable!
The 36'x36' is $400..... this is um not quite um affordable
It is a ton more affordable than buying a full table. Yes, $400 is a ton of money but for people that play board games a ton this could make it easier / better for some.
I'm not sure how much you might think something like this should cost? Between R&D costs and actual production and assembly of a product like this, I think the cost is very reasonable. I can't afford one either at the moment but this is far more attainable then the $10,000 game tables you see at the various conventions. I think this is perfect.