Help with Pool Table Info.

duber34 · Dec 17, 2004

I'm in the very early stages of shopping for a Pool Table and I find myself with more questions than answers. So, I figure I'll ask all of the knowledgeable folks here at TBN for some opinions.

Slatron tabletop VS Slate tabletop: Pro and cons of each? I would have to assume that Slate is better only because the tables using real slate are more $$$$ /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif (Is Slatron bad though?) Also 3/4" thick VS 1" thick? Is there that much of a difference between the two? One piece top or multiple piece?

Particle board side rails VS Solid wood side rails: I'm not a great advocate of particle board but if it's kept dry, it does remain pretty stable. Now I'm not a good pool shooter by any means. But if I line up a bank shot, I'd like to know that the ball will come of the rail at the expected angle. I'd hate to be fighting inaccurate rails as well as my poor skills. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

7', 8', 9' table? I think a 9' table is out only because of space considerations. I'd like an 8' because I guess they are the most common? Is a 7' table too small?

I haven't shot pool seriously since my college days. I know with practice I will get better. I'm stuck here...... should I get a low end table for $500.00 - $700.00 and hope it's good enough for my current and future skills or should I buy a mid range table $1100.00 - $1400.00 and grow into it?

The table will be kept in my basement. It's not a 100% finished basement but it has heat and the foundation walls are framed and covered with knotty pine tongue and groove. The floor is bare concrete except for the places that we have some area rugs thrown down. We keep a dehumidifyer running 24/7. Is this a bad environment for a pool table? (I'm thinking warpage)

I'm sure I have more questions but can't think of them right now. I'd sure appreciate any answers y'all can give. Thanks for the help!!!!!

Regards,
Dave

PS There are so many different grades of balls out there. What are the differences other than price? Thanks again.

rdln · Dec 17, 2004

I think this is the first pool table q on TBN, but glad to help.

I could not help you with slate vs. slatron except if you are setting it up yourself there are tedious slate prep procedures that need to be done which might not have to be done with slatron.

particel board is going to be covered with a very hard and durable formica type laminate that is more dent resistant than any solid hardwood. And wont warp due to its consistent material composition.

And as far as size, 9 is regal, 8 is classy, 7 is good if you want to practice for the bar room.

TWINKLE_TOES · Dec 17, 2004

duber34, depends on your goals for becoming a pool shooter. Most home tables I am aware end up with a ping pong table on top that the wife uses to fold clothes.

If you want a good table go slate 1" . A 4 1/2 by 9 table is a regulation tables 4 x8 and 3 1/2 by 7 are compromises due to space limitations. I doubt you can buy a true slate one piece table. A cue stick is 57" or longer so size the table to fit where you don't have interference. A 4x 8 table requires a room 14 by 18 minimum. A name brand 4 1/2 by 9 three piece slate table will set you back $2000+. Stay away from ball return tables. Get a professional installation also with a tune up after 60 days. If you want to get good, take lessons, you will progress 10 times as fast if you get a proper start. Don't sit on the rails or you will get kicked out of the pool hall.

A 7 foot table is more fun for unskilled players than an 8 foot or 9 foot.

Look around for a "Valley" table. It's a slate table, plays well and you can often get a pretty good deal.

getut · Dec 17, 2004

I was under the impression that 8' table is legal size for 8 ball, 9 ball and the like, but that 9' tables were snooker tables. Well I paused for a minute before posting this and found...
7' ft, 8ft, and 9ft are all considered regulation sizes, but professional tournaments are done on 9ft tables. The snooker table I was thinking of is actually a 12' /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif table. Wow.. thats big.

TWINKLE_TOES · Dec 17, 2004

getut, <font color="blue"> Wow.. thats big. </font>
In addition to the table being big the balls are smaller and the pockets tighter. Snooker players are incredible. The precision of snooker is up a notch from fourteen one rack or nine ball. Eight ball is for Bars and fun. Three cushion Billiards is a whole different story, pretty much a lost art in this country. Willie Mosconi run out 725 balls in 14-1 rack exibition. (memory fades a bit on this number) pool is a fascinating game.

JimR · Dec 17, 2004

This is a hard question to answer. Are you looking to be good or just to have fun and a place to hang out? I have a 9 foot Olhausen with leather pockets. I bought it at the end of the season for $1800.00 installed. A 7 footer is too small. 8 feet is good. 9 feet is the better. Learn to shoot on a 9 footer and kick butt on an 8 footer. My table is slate. I wouldn't buy one that wasn't. I would also stay away from particle board sides or any other part that was particle board. I see you don't want to spend a lot of money on this. I would suggest finding a used slate table and install it yourself or hire someone to install it for you. They are not that hard to do if you have any DIY experience. Filling the joints on a 3 piece table is done now using wax and an iron. Pulling the felt is a learning experience. The tighter you pull it the faster the balls. Too tight is not good. Also a used table can be recovered cheaply. The bunks come apart pretty easily and you could refelt them also. Why go cheap when you could have a nice table for the same money and some work. You mention lack of space in your basement for not wanting to get a 9 footer. is it the poles holding up the floor. If so you can span between them and move one back. I did that in my basement before I built my garage where the new table sits now. I had a used 9 footer in my basement years ago.

TWINKLE_TOES · Dec 18, 2004

Jim R hit it on the head <font color="blue">Learn to shoot on a 9 footer and kick butt on an 8 footer. </font> Buy Jim's table.

Egon · Dec 18, 2004

Best check in with Paul Neuman of " The Hustler " fame for a few good tips on survival after the practice kicks in.

Really enjoyed playing but seemed to suffer from spatial deprivation.

Largest size and heaviest slate possible would be my choice.

Egon /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

duber34 · Dec 18, 2004

Thank you all for your input. It's obvious to me that I still have a ton of "hands on" shopping to do. I've shopped the web for hours and looked at many different tables. I guess I've always known in my heart that I'll be needing to spend at least $1500.00 - $2000.00 unless I happen to find a really sweet deal on a used one.

I want to get good at shooting pool but not for any other reason than it being something I've always wanted. I'm not looking to go out bar hopping and kick peoples butt or hustle them in any way. (My bar days are quite a few years behind me! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Besides it's so much less hastle and safer to stay home and imbibe a nip or two.) My biggest concern would be trying to save money up front and then being disappointed with the table down the road. I would like the table to be as true and flat as possible. I'd hate to hear myself say "I could have made that shot if it wasn't for this lousy table"

I'm planning on an 8' table. Making room for a 9' is just out of the question right now. (With the way my basement is laid out, I'd need to buy a new house to fit a 9 footer! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif ) Also, a slate top and no ball return. Beyond that....... it's wide open.

So, I guess I'm all set to go out and do some hands on shopping today. Going out the weekend before Christmas is probably NOT the smartest move but........ what the heck. I did the rest of my Christmas shopping over the web and had everthing delivered to my door. It was so easy, I've decided that I need to feel a little shopping pain in order to appreciate the holiday. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Thanks again!

Peace,
Dave

TWINKLE_TOES · Dec 18, 2004

Egon, in the movie "Husler" Jackie Gleason shot all of his shots. He was a real "player". Paul Neuman's shots were staged. The same was true for the "color of money"