Signing off

So I think its time to get out there and look at some tables. I can't tell you where to go or what to buy. That is up to you.  Don't forget to ask questions, read reviews and look around. Don't buy the first one you see. There will always be that same deal or a better one around the corner. Good Luck!

The Balls have it!

We have also found that cheap balls will also reck your cloth. We sold a table to my brother in law and he chose a black worsted felt, but he bought cheap balls. Well after playing a while the felt started showing white burn marks everywhere and he assumed it was from the quality of the felt. Well little did he know but it was from the standard non phenol balls set he was playing with. Regardless of the quality level, all balls are controlled along seven basic criteria: density, balance, diameter tolerance, roundness, color precision, surface polish, and brilliance. I'm cutting to the chase and recommending the Aramith Balls or Belgium Balls. Aramith balls are proven to outlast standard non phenol balls 5 times as long and they are easier on your tables creating a much more cost effective product. With its Vitrotech technology, the ball surface is completely through-hardened, giving it its unique transparent vitrified surface and increasing the surface density and hence its longevity. Its very fine molecular structure has been engineered to resist to the high-friction temperatures when the ball slips into roll. As its surface doesn’t rough up, it keeps its smooth polish a lot longer and won’t rough up the cloth either.  These are beautiful balls and has several affordable options if your on a budget.

You got game

Ok I'm kind of to the point where I am not sure where to go from here. There is a few more things to think about, such as slate and felt. The slate is the bedrock of the table and if thats not flat, smooth and level then  your game is really going to suffer. Your options are None-slate for example - particle board, 1" 3 piece italian slate, or 1 piece slate. I recommend the 3 piece, they are easier to take down and move. It also makes  a sturdy playing field.  The type of felt also makes a big difference on the playing field. In general there are two different kinds of pool cloth, wool and worsted wool. Wool is woven with yarn that is made from long and short fibers twisted together to make a bulky yarn with a fuzzy surface. It is less expensive, but shows marks, tends to pill which causes the ball to run slower and is less durable and sheds fibers. Worsted wool is woven with yarn that is combed to remove the short fibers, making the cloth smoother. This is more expensive, the balls run faster with consistent speed, more durable and will not compress to form gullies on the table.The density of the cloth is the important factor when choosing billiard cloth.  The closer the ball is to the slate the faster the ball will run. Humidity and the tightness of fitting are two factors which also have an impact on speed.  Thick heavy cloth from coarse wool with a loose construction will reduce speed of play.  When purchasing a pool cloth consider the construction of the cloth over the weight to ensure you are buying a quality product.  My recommendation is a worsted felt.  Last thought is; if your table is not level, slate is not smooth, and cloth is installed incorrectly; then it doesn't matter the quality of materials you buy. Hire someone who knows what they're doing!

Quality, built to last

Another thought when buying any game table...Are you buying this to last? Or is this temporary until....? In our house I've been told that when the kids are grown and gone and when all the animals are gone, I can get new furniture and carpets. I don't like it but know the kids and animals will just tear them up.I also can remember growing up and getting a beautiful, new and expensive dinning room table. Right away my dad bought a table top protecter, that looked like wood, placed that over it and then always covered it with a table cloth. I always thought it was silly to spend that kind of money on something and then cover it up so no one can see its beauty. Now as an adult and a parent of 5 kids, I can understand fully why he did what he did. What I'm trying to say is buy what you can enjoy today. If you have a bunch of kids, you might not want to buy a fancy fancy table. This doesn't mean you have to buy a cheap table. There are quality built, durable tables that will fit your needs. Teak wood has many good qualities and hardness is one of them. I would recommend teak legs and side rails for durability or a contemporary style with chrome or other finishes.

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again

Just a thought for those that just realized a pool table is out of the question. Let me just say there are a couple of fun solutions out there. There is a fooseball table, a air hockey table or even a poker table. All these choices are smaller and doesn't need as much space. Dart boards are a must, also. So if you don't have the room or money for a pool table, look into these other options. These also range in price and remember cheap is usually cheap!

Whats your style?

Now that you have an idea of how much you can spend you need to think about style. All pool tables are not the same.  There are traditional wood tables that range from simple to elegant. Contemporary tables that are sleek and stylish or there is the retrofit look. Another aspect is do you want pockets or ball return, slate or non-slate. This is not a huge decision. Just look around your house or room that will hold the table and see which style fits the best. Unless of course your starting from scratch, then the sky's the limit!

Here is a few examples of different styles

What's in your wallet?

OK so like with everything you need to decide how much you want to spend, or how much you have to spend. This will really make a difference on what you buy. Remember the cost does go beyond the table. You will need at least sticks and balls, so make sure you make an allowance for these as well. I would suggest that if your budget is under two thousand dollars and you want a good quality table to look for a used table. Let someone else spend a fortune on the table to find out it collects dust and buy it for a fraction of the cost. Personally I recommend quality over new. A cheaply built table might be more affordable but you will regret it. Also the right felt and balls make a huge difference.  If your anything like todays normal, you  probably don't have a bank full of money but want the best your money can buy. Hopefully with a little resourcefulness you can afford all your heart desires.