Regarding the bearings. It will probably play reasonably well if the owner took care of it by changing the bearing oil, generally every 5 years or so.
The original question related to "new condition." If you want to assure that the table is playing at its very best you can eventually take the bearing apart and look at it. The ball and/or the thrust plate will or will not show signs of wear. They are easily replaced. [Actually if there’s a flat spot on the ball it can be removed, turned, and re-glued in.] At the VPI forum people will tell you how to do it yourself. Or VPI will do it for you. Consult with them as to their charge.
In any event, as others have noted, the potential of the HW-19 is certainly greater than the Traveler.
The original question related to "new condition." If you want to assure that the table is playing at its very best you can eventually take the bearing apart and look at it. The ball and/or the thrust plate will or will not show signs of wear. They are easily replaced. [Actually if there’s a flat spot on the ball it can be removed, turned, and re-glued in.] At the VPI forum people will tell you how to do it yourself. Or VPI will do it for you. Consult with them as to their charge.
In any event, as others have noted, the potential of the HW-19 is certainly greater than the Traveler.