What's a good make of pool/ billiards table to buy without spending a fortune?

Question

I'd like to buy my husband a pool/ billiards table for Christmas new or used, but don't know what makes are good. I have less than $1,000.00 to spend. Can anyone help me

Answer 1

Yes very good advice From both At least a Thumbs up for both

Answer 2

You can find a used table in excellent condition for $1,000.00. Try the link below to help you in your search for a table.

I would include your husband in on this though even if it was supposed to be a surprise. I would think very highly of a woman that wanted to buy me a table. I would want to know about the purchase though because there is some information she would need but might not know about unless I helped her.

What name brand table, what size table to look for, a 7', 8', or 9', what type and color of table clothe, a table with or without a ball return, pockets with or without shims, a wood or laminated finish, 1, 2, or 3 piece slate, and maybe what kind of rubber the rails are made out of.

It's just something to consider.

Answer 3

For a good table at less than $1,000.00, you'll need to look at used tables.  Brunswick, Olhausen and AMF all make really nice tables - I've had a 7' Brunswick I bought new w/ accessories 8 years ago for $1,500.00 that still looks and plays great.  Most new 7' tables wtih accessories will start at about $1,200.00.  Two tricks to getting a better deal on a new table: (1) buy at the end of the winter season when they want to reduce their inventory, and (2) consider buying a new table with a scratch, dent or blemish on the table.

A few other thoughts:

1.  You DEFINITELY want one with a genuine slate top.  You can get ones new with synthetic tops for under $1,000, but you'll notice the difference in how they play right away.

2.  Make sure you get the right size of table for your rec room; I had to get a 7' table instead of an 8 or 9 foot table due to space constraints.  Candidly, since most bar tables are 7-footers, I like it because it lets me practice on the size where I might be competing.  If your space it limited you can sometimes do a larger table with shorter cue sticks, but I don't recommend it. http://www.brunswickbilliards.com/ has info on what size table will fit in what size of room.

3.  Under normal play, the felt on a home table usually lasts for about 10 years and costs about $300 to replace, so factor that in when selecting a used table.

4.  Seriously consider having the table professionally disassembled, moved and resassembled at your place if you buy used.  This costs a bit but helps make sure that it's level and the rails are as straight as possible, and it saves you a lot of time and headache.  Ditto for re-felting the table.