Benefits of a 9-foot table vs. 8-foot -- what's the consensus?

9BallPaul

Banned
As announced earlier, I'm selling my condo along with my pool table. I originally chose 8 feet because it can be converted to ping-pong, whereas you can't play that game on a 9-footer.

In my new place, I'll have room for a 9-footer and a free-standing ping-pong table.

Clearly, I'll get more practice on longer shots, so that should help my game. But by practicing on the 8-footer, it's a less severe transition to the bar table, where I've been known to knock back a few and hold the table for a bit. And when I do play on big tables now, it's usually a quick transition.

Anyone have experience with this? Thanks in advance.
 

Black-Balled

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
For me, the main advantage is the consistancy between home play and tourney play, tourneys being only on 9'ers.

YOu have stated in the past that you are a home player. Doubt you'd see a whole lotta difference.

That said, I think one finds most 'real' tables are 9'. I don't see a whole lotta GCs or Diamonds in the 8' size for sale.
 

Big Perm

1pkt 14.1 8 Banks 9 10
Silver Member
Grew up on small tables, so never really have a problem adjusting down.....IMHO, you'll be happier with a 9 footer for practice reasons.....it really allows you to let your stroke out.....also, it's better for 14.1 and 1 pocket....

Another option is to meet in the middle.....you could always to an oversized 8.....but I still think you'd be happier with a 9 in the long run....
 

3andstop

Focus
Silver Member
It all depends what an individual wants to get out of their pool game. Everyone has different needs.

The purest wouldn't consider anything less than a 9 footer. But a home, knock em around, now and then player, that isn't concerned with being the best they can be, and not being hopelessly addicted to the game can settle for an 8 foot or even a 7 foot table.

There are definitely two different groups of pool player. Pool room players and bar room players.

Aside from the size difference, I can't remember ever seeing a quality 8 foot table. I suppose they are out there, but when I think of 8 foot tables I think of a much cheaper product.
 

mikeyfrost

Socially Aware
Silver Member
If you play one hole or straight pool the 9' is the obvious best option. I spend most of my time on 9' tables and I played a guy on an oversize 8' table and played pretty good. I'm thinking if the room dimensions are no longer an issue get the bigger table. Its super hard to sell an 8' table so you will most likely lose on it big time. See if your local pool hall will buy your table or put it on craigs list.

9' table over any other table unless you are a bar table specialist in which case still buy a 9' table to practice on!
 
S

skip

Guest
My home table is an oversize 8 foot. An I find that a 9 foot is much easier for me. Balls after break seem to spread more. I don't seem to get hooked as much. :wink:
 

strokerace

"The Hustler"
Silver Member
As announced earlier, I'm selling my condo along with my pool table. I originally chose 8 feet because it can be converted to ping-pong, whereas you can't play that game on a 9-footer.

In my new place, I'll have room for a 9-footer and a free-standing ping-pong table.

Clearly, I'll get more practice on longer shots, so that should help my game. But by practicing on the 8-footer, it's a less severe transition to the bar table, where I've been known to knock back a few and hold the table for a bit. And when I do play on big tables now, it's usually a quick transition.

Anyone have experience with this? Thanks in advance.

9ft...is the only way to go..its much easier to play down going from
a big table to a smaller one..but if you find a deal on a oversized
8ft dont hesitate..there is only 4 inch differance in the two..tables are
length x half length dimensions..so a 9ft..is 50"x100" and oversize
8ft..is 48"x96"..this measuring is done on all tables to my knowledge..
stick with a nice pro table if you can..Diamonds have different rails
than most..they use a K55 and most others use a K66..i went with
an Olhausen Pro 9ft with the AccuFast Rails..plays great and got
it for a lot less than a Diamond..of course got to have 860 Cloth..SA
 

realkingcobra

Well-known member
Silver Member
9ft...is the only way to go..its much easier to play down going from
a big table to a smaller one..but if you find a deal on a oversized
8ft dont hesitate..there is only 4 inch differance in the two..tables are
length x half length dimensions..so a 9ft..is 50"x100" and oversize
8ft..is 48"x96"..this measuring is done on all tables to my knowledge..
stick with a nice pro table if you can..Diamonds have different rails
than most..they use a K55 and most others use a K66..i went with
an Olhausen Pro 9ft with the AccuFast Rails..plays great and got
it for a lot less than a Diamond..of course got to have 860 Cloth..SA

Don't mean to correct you, but an oversized 8ft playing surface is 46" x 92"...Diamond's 8ft is 45" x 90":grin:
 

cheapcues.com

Cue Dealer
Silver Member
I think adjusting to the smaller table is easier than the other way around. Especially if you use fast cloth at home on your 9 footer and the bars you go to use slower cloth. If the bars you play at use 860 or other fast cloth you may overhit a when you go to the small tables. If that's the case I guess you could put 760 on your 9 foot home table.

Also I may be mistaken but when you put a ping pong conversion top on a pool table it is an inch or so higher than regulation, so the new place will be good for your ping pong skills as well.

-Mike
 
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