About quality of different pool tables??

Question

does anyone know of some sites that tell about the different quality of pool tables and the way to tell what is the best pool table. we are going to get one for christmas but we don't know anything about how to pick out a good one.

Answer 1

Stick with these brands and you'll be alright:

Olhausen, Brunswick, Diamond, and Connelly.

There are other decent brands out there, but these are readily available in just about ever city, and have a good selection in different price ranges.

The best thing to do when looking at tables is go to actual pool forums and ask around. There are a ton of crappy, bargain basement, chinese made tables that are complete c**p, so if you just blindly look for tables and pick one based on price, you'll probably end up with one.

Answer 2

You can't go wrong with a Diamond

http://www.diamondbilliardproducts.com/i...

Answer 3

Brunswick or Diamond are the best and they have different price ranges.  Make sure you get a solid one with thick slate...also get the best quality cloth you can; it makes a huge difference.

Answer 4

Make sure you get a one inch slate.  How well the table plays depends on the job the assembler/felter does.

Answer 5

It depends on what you're looking for, DO NOT buy on name alone.  Just because it say's Brunswick does not by default make it a good table, same with Olhausen.  Most companies make a few different lines.  Look into the differences between them.  My recommendations are to look for AT LEAST a 1" slate with a wood backing to attach the cloth (hardwood backing recommended but not required, you probably won't be getting it reclothed as often as a commercial table so an MDF or plywood backing is fine plus they're less prone to expansion and contraction due to temp and humidity), Olhausen only does a 7/8" slate.  Next, look at what the cabinet is made out of.  Is it a laminate? a veneer? or is it solid hardwood?  and if solid is it poplar? oak? maple?  How does it come? is it a knock down or does the cabinet come together?  As for that made in China bit... Brunswick is getting almost all of their stuff made overseas and putting the pieces together here in the US, some of it is good others aren't.  Don't make a snap judgement based on the origin.  Take some time look at it.  Expect to spend around $2000 or above for a good table that will last for years and stay strong, you can get decent for $1000 - $2000.  Also consider what you'll be putting on it.  The table itself isn't the only consideration on how it plays.  You can spend $5000 on a table and it can play like $^!@ if you put a cheap cloth on it and it isn't leveled properly.