I bought a second hand HW-16 that appears to have been kit upgraded to a 16.5. It has the original foam platter. I've never experience a problem with slipping, but I have had a record or two seized by the vacuum wand. The LP stood still while the platter spun under it. I need to work on the wand's adjustment it appears, but I'll deal with it when my new wand arrives. The used one looks well used.