Pool table buyers guide

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For many pool table shoppers, the experience of shopping for a new pool table can be a little tricky. So we created this guide to help you navigate the maze of true and not so true information you will encounter. Our purpose is to also help you realize the dream of owning a quality pool table that will last your family for generations. In the guide, you'll learn what to look for when shopping for your new pool table such as:
 
Tip 1: Play on the table
This statement seems elementary, but you would be surprised how many people who purchase a pool table don’t play on it in the store.

Rolling balls across the table with your hand, testing a table in a heavy winter coat, or shooting with un-chalked cues just doesn’t work. The time you spend really trying out a pool table will directly impact your satisfaction with the pool table you purchase.

Helpful Tips

Be sure to shoot several games on the table you wish to purchase and plan to spend some time doing it. Al least take the following shots:
• Break a well racked set of balls
• Single and double bank shots
• Down the rail shot

Focus on the roll of the ball. This will be the most critical par of testing a pool table. If the ball doesn’t roll smoothly across the pool table bed or doesn’t roll in a straight line, the pool table you are playing on is probably not the one for you.

Make sure you try your shots with a quality cue, your own or the store’s. Look for the store to offer you a cue to test out. This is an important part of making the right choice, and it can be a lot of fun.

A great playing table has many parts to it– cushions, cloth, slate, rails, humidity of the room and more. Trying a pool table without a quality cue of some sort is similar to test-driving a car with bald tires; it just doesn’t work the same.

Look for stores that really want you to try out their tables.

• Does the sales person hover, making it uncomfortable to take shots?
• Are the pool tables displayed without cloth?
• Do they offer cues to test the tables?
• Do they have at least one floor model completely assembled?
• Is there a “test table” to try out and take your time doing it?

If the answers to the questions above are not positive you should really consider the establishment you are in. Do they care about you getting the best experience or are they just there to sell pool tables? You have to think... “I love how this plays, this HAS to be the one!”

Tip 2: Compare pool table technology
Nothing will cause sheer eyeball-piercing headaches more than the following words:

• 3 piece slate
• Cushion profile
• Top liner
• Center braces

The dirty little secret of the pool table industry when speaking about table construction is this. For the most part, there are just a few suppliers to the industry; most of them are located in China, Malaysia and Vietnam. These companies are huge companies that are really not in the business of making strictly pool tables and game room products. They make anything and everything related to furniture that requires a wood component.

Attempting to compare imported pool tables is similar to playing the horses at your local race track; at best it is an educated guess. And unless you have spent some time studying pool table technology from a third-party source you have no choice but to believe the sales person in front of you. Here are some things to consider in just one example.

Are you looking at a solid wood, veneer or laminate table? Now what thickness is the frame 8/4”, 1” or 3/4”? What’s the difference? Which is thicker? 1” right? Wrong – 1” is thinner than 8/4”!!! How many slate braces are in the frame; does the brace run head to toe or side to side; does it matter? Does the frame have a top liner? Is the top liner important? What is a top liner? And on and on and on….

Here is something to really consider that is something you, yourself, can measure. Playability! How true does the ball roll? When the ball strikes the cushion is there just a thud? How responsive is the cushions rebound? Sales people can say anything they want about their table but the proof is in the pudding. Remember, do yourself a favor and play on the table you are considering!

Remember the pool table you played on as a child? It was probably made in the U.S.A. That table you played on as a child probably had a solid wood frame, rails, legs and aprons. In other words… it was built like a tank.

Today if you are looking at a pool table chances are that most if not all of the supposedly wood components are at best high density fiber board or in most cases plain ole particle board. You probably won’t be able to tell the difference visually since they are very good at apply fake wood grains to fool you into thinking you’re getting solid wood.

Also when shopping for your new pool table don’t assume the country of origin based on the name of the company or tag lines that may have American in it. If you’re not sure ask to see the boxes the table components come in. It probably says MADE IN CHINA.

SO THE FOCUS SHOULD REALLY NOW SHIFT TO THE WARRANTY.

Before making your purchase, take the time to sit down and read the warranty. If nothing else look for any exclusions to the warranty, such as “Climatic Conditions”, “Improper Use” and the worst one “Level of the Table”. Isn’t a pool table supposed to be level?

The fact of the matter is this – there are ways to tell if what you are being told is really true. You can make a better educated purchase by researching the product you are considering, the manufacturer and the store selling it. If the pool table on the floor display looks shoddy, it probably is.

Focus on the details of the table, and if it appears unstable, ask why. If the rails are not in a straight line, ask why. If the finish seems uneven, ask why. Ultimately, what is represented on the floor is most likely what will be delivered to your home.

Tip 3: All pool table cushions are NOT created equal
No matter what anyone tells you, this is not true that all 100% pure rubber cushions are created equal. Cheap fillers have been used in billiard cushions for years. However, more and more billiard manufactures are making cushions from 100% pure gum rubber. Of the five grades of rubber available, only the highest grade should be used but unfortunately that is usually not the case. Premium-quality rubber is processed with chemicals and pigments to increase accuracy and produce consistent play. To prevent the tendency of rubber to revert to its natural soft state, a special “anti-reversion” chemical should be used. And because of scientific advances in the curing of rubber, canvas control fabric is no longer needed with modern day cushions.


For optimum performance you want cushions that comply to a true K-66 face profile, which has been the standard of the industry for nearly a century. Also you want cushions that are made in the U.S.A. It is less expensive to import them, but any reputable manufacture should not be willing to sacrifice quality on the most important part of your table.

Any manufacture using high quality cushions should offer a Lifetime Warranty on their cushions.

That’s right... a lifetime warranty. So the next time someone says, “All pure rubber cushions are the same,” you will know the truth.

“Just Play On It”

Tip 4: Don't put too much emphasis in online reviews or purchasing online
Everyone loves getting advice from others we trust. Be it friends, family or the Internet, we crave information about the products we consume. I wouldn’t buy anything over $500 without checking out what other people had to say about it.


I strongly encourage you to research what you are buying; I’m not suggesting otherwise. But, be fair to yourself when collecting information about products. Keep in mind that each person has unique and individual needs. One person’s negative or positive experience with a particular product may not reflect your own experience due to your varying requirements. 

Also be wary of false information on some manufacturer’s websites. There are always two sides to every coin, and each manufacturer will hype up its own product by trashing its competitors. Keep in mind there are many pool table manufacturers, and they are all looking for an edge.

Again, it is ok to research and get ideas, but please don’t believe everything you read online. Similarly, don’t purchase a particular pool table just because your parents, brother, sister or friend down the road just bought one. Be sure it is the right one for you by spending the time in the store to make the right decision. 

It is never a good idea to purchase a pool table online. First of all, do you know what the pool table plays like? If it ships to you and you don’t like it, now what? What if there is a problem with it; who will take care of the issue?

These are just a few of the things to think about with an online purchase. Additionally, prices on manufacturers’ websites are typically inflated because they encourage the consumers to shop at the local store that sells their product.

Again research is ok, but please take the time to buy a pool table the right way, in a store you trust.

Tip 5: Buy the feature not the benefit
This is easily one of the biggest mistakes you can make when purchasing a pool table. Our industry is one of the worst perpetrators of beating you over the head with technical mumbo-jumbo and many other “names” of features. But what do all of these features mean?


When you’re shopping for a pool table most salespeople will be quick to spout off 5-6 features about the table you are considering, give you a price, and ask if you would like to purchase now. That is the game.

A pool table expert should always ask you questions, and listen to what it is you need out of your pool table. As covered in Tip 7, pool tables are no longer just a wood and metal box with a green felt, they are so much more than that today. This is why it is important to believe in the benefit of feature, and get the most benefit from each feature.

HERE IS AN EXAMPLE:

FEATURE
Slate - this is a feature found in most tables $1500 and higher today, so it is very prominent and popular. But do you know what slate does for you? No doubt if you have been shopping for a pool table you have heard this feature pointed out before.

BENEFIT
Slate - provides the finest stone playing field available which will hold its shape for the life of your pool table. 

If the sales person you are working with is not able to communicate the benefit each feature provides, maybe you should shop elsewhere. A true home entertainment professional will be able to explain the feature, advantage of the feature, and each and every benefit on the table you are considering.

Tip 6: Select the right size pool table
Sounds obvious right? You would be surprised how many people order a 9’ pool table only to find that it doesn’t fit downstairs. Or, maybe you thought that an 8’ Professional meant something other than a 46” x 92” pool table size.


There are many reasons to change the size of pool table you are shopping for, not limited to the following:

Other furnishings in the room
Room structural restrictions
Increased/decreased room dimensions
Age or skill level of players

When able, it is best to select the biggest size pool table your room will allow. However having the room to “roam” while playing will result in less interference during play and ultimately create a more enjoyable game.

POOL TABLE ROOM SIZE CHART
This chart will help you choose the table size that’s best for your playing area. (The 4’ x 8’ is by far the most popular size table for the home and the standard cue length is 58”).

Tip 7: Get the pool table you truly want
There are three ways you can buy a pool table. First is what you see is what you get. No custom options, ZERO. Second option is you have tables that you may be able to choose a 2nd finish… WOW! Or you may even get lucky and have the option of a 2nd leg style also… exciting stuff, I bet you can barely contain yourself.


In my opinion, when you are investing in your new pool table why not get what you want, how you want it. The third way to buy a pool table is “total customization”. The options are almost unlimited such as: 

Table size
Wood species
Rail style
Sight material and shape
Finish
Leg style
Cloth color with embroidering
Name tags engraved with your family name.

The problem with option #3 is there are very few manufactures that can pull this off since most pool tables are made overseas. Any American made manufacture “SHOULD” be able to do this and have it delivered to your home within 30 days.

Why settle for the same ol’ same ol’? Your Home Entertainment professional should be able to show you 100’s of options so you can build the table that “fits” your style and budget perfectly.

Tip 8: Protect your pool table from yourself
It is important to protect your pool table from yourself. No matter how clean you are, there are some simple things that everyone does that cannot be controlled… these simple things are known as “accidents”:

• Spill drinks
• Drop food
• Pet Accidents

These “accidents” and more can create a dirty and stained playing surface. They can be distracting and just downright ugly. Worst of all, they could have been avoided. 

In the span of 3 to 5 years, a normal bed cloth will lose most of what is referred to as the knap. Therefore loosing consistency and accuracy. Not to mention body oil and sweat from your hands can also cause discoloration. Add pets into the mix and you can include hair to the list of items affecting your game.

Traditional table covers do little to prevent stains; however they are great for keeping pet hair and dust off your pool table. In addition to a quality cover we suggest a stain proof pool table cloth that will keep all of the “spills” from staining the playing surface of your table. Cloths come in over 30 different colors to perfectly match your décor. Spills can be wiped away with a clean rag.

Use a table cover and stain proof cloth together for the ultimate 1-2 punch and your pool table will be clean and new looking for years.

Tip 9: Make an investment in quality
By far this is the most important part of this guide, and why I saved this best one for last. Just like Dad used to say, “You get what you pay for”.


Will a $1500 pool table provide an adequate experience? It will for a short period of time, most likely 2-3 years. Regardless of what the warranty says, life of a $1500 pool table is in the realm of 3-4 years. It will no doubt last the warranty period. All pool tables last. But warranties simply cover workmanship and materials, not quality of play and long term happiness for your family and friends. Can you afford not to have that?

It is very important to know a pool table that sells for $1500 is not the pool table of the past that could be handed down from generation to generation. Again, remember what Dad said, “You get what you pay for”.

Tip 10: Purchasing based on name recognition only
Don't be tricked! When a salesperson tells you a particular brand is based in Wisconsin or Texas or maybe Ohio, don't assume that is where the product is manufactured because it probably isn't. What they are saying is the company's corporate headquarters and/or warehouse is based there but we can assure you their tables are not manufactured there. Also maybe your grandfather had a well know brand that was great quality and made in America. Problem is that same manufacture hasn't made their table in the U.S. since the late 1980's. Other manufactures try to trick you by using the name American in their name or tag line. The truth is most if not all of their product's are... MADE IN CHINA!

Tip 11: The worst mistake of all - Purchasing on price only
We can not say it any better than this...
"The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price is long forgotten"
-Benjamin Franklin

If your not seeing double or falling asleep, check this out: Why buy an Olhausen pool table?

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