I've been educating myself on table builds in advance of a purchase. It' tough to get past the marketing speak and get to the real guts of what is important and how to compare models/brands.
In looking at some of the major brands (Connelly, Olhausen, etc) and reading on here and other places, it seems that the key bits are;
1) solid wood all around (legs, frame, rails)
2) good slate, 1" plus, Italy or Brazil,
3) good rails/rubber, K55 or K66, 3+ bolt mounting
4) made in the USA doesn't really guarantee anything but I would prefer it myself
Note: I know the felt matters but that really seems the same at the level of tables that I am looking at.
Does that sound about right?
Assuming so, I am getting even more confused as I am finding some smaller vendors who also seem to meet these criteria (Kincaid Billiards in TN, Plank and Hide in OH, sure there are others). So other than playing the tables and comparing, which is hard to do unless they are all in the same place, how do I tell the difference? Are there aspects to my 4 criteria that would distinguish one versus the other? Am I missing key things that I should consider? Lastly, am I over thinking this? I'm certainly not a professional nor do I expect to be. I'm looking for a good recreational table that will last for a long time as this is only one I intend to ever buy (unless I'm wrong and I do indeed go Pro :smile: )
Any help, guidance, or opinions are appreciated. I feel like I'm overwhelmed with info.
In looking at some of the major brands (Connelly, Olhausen, etc) and reading on here and other places, it seems that the key bits are;
1) solid wood all around (legs, frame, rails)
2) good slate, 1" plus, Italy or Brazil,
3) good rails/rubber, K55 or K66, 3+ bolt mounting
4) made in the USA doesn't really guarantee anything but I would prefer it myself
Note: I know the felt matters but that really seems the same at the level of tables that I am looking at.
Does that sound about right?
Assuming so, I am getting even more confused as I am finding some smaller vendors who also seem to meet these criteria (Kincaid Billiards in TN, Plank and Hide in OH, sure there are others). So other than playing the tables and comparing, which is hard to do unless they are all in the same place, how do I tell the difference? Are there aspects to my 4 criteria that would distinguish one versus the other? Am I missing key things that I should consider? Lastly, am I over thinking this? I'm certainly not a professional nor do I expect to be. I'm looking for a good recreational table that will last for a long time as this is only one I intend to ever buy (unless I'm wrong and I do indeed go Pro :smile: )
Any help, guidance, or opinions are appreciated. I feel like I'm overwhelmed with info.
