Newbie- new table advice

[Casey]

Now I realize I'm probably going to get beat over the head from some people for asking a question like this as I'm sure you guys hear it over and over.
BUT....I'm a "somewhat poor" player, I was actually pretty good as a kid but then parents got divorced, table was sold and I never got to play. Well I've decided I want to get back into it so I'm looking at tables.
At first I thought I don't need anything all that great, I'll just get a used table. Then I started researching and reading about worsted speed cloth and super-fast rails and the such.
All that made me think I should really get a new table, I don't want to buy a used table with "dead" cushions because I'm pretty much starting over in the learning process and would like something good to learn on.
My price range is under $2,000 or just barely over even though I'm sure many people will say its impossible (for a good table) I'm hoping that price will include delivery, setup, and everything.

My first choice would be Olhausen but I can't find a dealer online in my area that list their prices on Olhausen tables. (I live in Maryland)
From what I've heard Champion Billiards are so over priced they are pretty much out of the question.

I've found many dealers online offering tables between $1399 - $2000 that sound like good tables but I don't want to end up with a junk table that just has good Simonis cloth on it.

I've found many dealers in my area selling tables like this one:
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/fur/461153357.html
which is from
http://www.hottubsandpooltablesoutlet.com/pool_tables.htm

or like this these:
http://www.scootersbilliardsupply.com/pooltables/cameomah.htm

http://www.beringerbilliard.com/prem_ambrosia.html

My fear is that I find a table that is 100% solid hardwood, 1" slate w/ wood backing, no-veneer, good cloth, and then after I buy it find out it really is just a crap table.

Any advice would be much appreciated, I would have posted this in the newbie sections but most replies in that section suggest posing here.

Thanks!

[bradb]

I've mentioned this in earlier threads but I'll save you some time looking.

At your price range you will probably have to go with a 4 x 8.

Get 3/4" to 1" slate. The under bed can be laminate wood, the only solid wood you will need is on the top rails. Turned wooden legs look nice but they are decoration only and add to the cost. Get a good quality cloth, tour addition is cheaper than Simonis 860 which is the best. You do not want napped cloth unless you are going for a snooker table. Shaved cloth (Simonis for example) is what most small tables use now.

Warning... do not buy a Chineses made table!! they look good but have poor quality wood. Be sure its a name brand like the Olhausen, Diamond, or Brunswick.

If you want to play on a tournament quality table ask for the tight pockets. Put 2 balls side by side in the pocket they will almost touch on a tight table, other wise a standard table has a 5" opening at the mouth.

I wish I knew some of this when I bought my table.

Hope this helps. -brad

[Casey]

Thanks for the reply

8 x 4 is the size I'm looking for.

So you wouldn't buy a table that is not from the top few manufacturers even if all the specs looked good and it was made in North America?

It would be better to get say an Olhausen with lesser specs (MDF w/ veneer, slate w/o wood backing, thiner cabinet, etc.) instead of a lesser known table with better specs for the same money?

Looking at different tables, I was under the impression that having large solid wood center support beams were a good thing, until I read posts on here where someone said center support beams were a sign of a poor quality table. How do you feel about that?

Thanks again...

[mantis]

I agree. If it is a table you want to play on a lot, get a good one. I would add Connelly to the list. The last time I checked, Brunswick, COnnelly, and Olhausen all had a starting point for their quality tables at about $2200 for an 8 footer. It would be nice to add simonis cloth, but your price is going to go up from there. You can always change that later.

[bradb]

<blockquote><font class="small">Quote Casey:</font><hr> Thanks for the reply

8 x 4 is the size I'm looking for.

So you wouldn't buy a table that is not from the top few manufacturers even if all the specs looked good and it was made in North America?

It would be better to get say an Olhausen with lesser specs (MDF w/ veneer, slate w/o wood backing, thiner cabinet, etc.) instead of a lesser known table with better specs for the same money?

Looking at different tables, I was under the impression that having large solid wood center support beams were a good thing, until I read posts on here where someone said center support beams were a sign of a poor quality table. How do you feel about that?

Thanks again... <hr /></blockquote>

I'm no table expert and probably none of us are, its just that we know you can't go wrong with the name brand tables. I don't know about the center beam designation... a good table has a thick beams and cross members, thats a given. But its how they fasten to the table and support the slate thats the thing. Actually laminate ply is better than solid wood, its less likely to crack or warp.

With the good tables you know that all the dimensions, rails and pocket specs are to US pool standards. I mentioned in another thread on tables that some US manufactures buy the tables from China and assemble them here and call them US made, but they still have the inferior wood and under bed construction. They have really slick looking brochures and the table look good but there is a reason they are cheaper. The specs that are often mentioned mean nothing the ads can be deceiving.

Over time a good table will hold up and always play well, thats the MOST important thing. Check a post by Big Rig Tom on that. He had some bad experiences with a cheap table and finally got a used Brunswick.

Connelly is a good table also.


-brad

[1Time]

Here's some pool table buyer's guides. Maybe there's something there that will help.

http://reviews.ebay.com/Pool-Table-Buying-Guide_W0QQugidZ10000000000058208?ssPageName=BUYGD: CAT:-1:LISTINGS:1

http://www.prolinebilliards.com/buyerguide.html

http://www.viscountpools.com/buyersguide.htm

http://www.greatersouthern.com/homerec/billiards_buying_guide.html

http://www.fogdog.com/fog-billiard-table-buyers-guide--bg-2269559.html

If I were to buy based on these guides, I'd probably get a table I didn't like and end up going to the pool hall to play. I can't imagine buying a table without first playing on it. As a lower level player buying a new table, I think you're best off buying the model owned by someone you trust who plays pool well and says it's a good table, and then cover it with your fabric of choice.