Diamonds are Popular Tables, What Table is Most Popular Right Now?

Brunswick's boating department does over a billion dollars a year

jason said:
I second that...great equipment and support those who support our industry. Nothing wrong with Brunswick, but Diamond can give them the 5 out. Diamond cares more about our sport. "for pool players by pool players". Did I mention that Diamond doesn't make bowling balls? Not that there is anything wrong with bowling...I like bowling.

Buy American...except for that magazine "Rolling Stone". I support Walgreens, CVS and the other boycotters of Rolling Stone magazine.

Did I mention that Diamond doesn't make boats? :) Not saying there is anything wrong with boating, I love boating!
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Yes, Greg Sullivan is someone I've known for 30 years, I was around when Diamond started and I applaud his aggressive marketing that led to a great Brand Name. I'm certainly a fan of his attempt to bring back the 5/10' table, they are fun to play on.

Brunswick's boating department does over a billion dollars a year while their pool table's have not generated much over 40 million (from my info), and I'm sure that's dwindled down over the years.

I think a room predominantly Diamond makes the most sense, however, I'd probably still have a couple Gold Crowns for "balance". Some people still like their playability.
 
If I opened a room, it would have a few nice Goldcrowns and Diamond 9 footers and 10 valley and 10 diamond barboxes. This would cover what all player prefer. I would say our local poolroom gets more play on the valley barboxes from the bangers than the goldcrowns.
 
jason said:
We are in a global economy and yes, everyone has there hand in everyone else's pocket. We live a high standard of living because of the cheap labor, pour working conditions and sometimes child labor of the chinese and other countries. God bless them for making my $200 Nikes :embarrassed2:. I can't wait for the day when we outsource our neuclear weapon manufacturing to North Korea. Look at the money we will save! :eek:

If Diamond was based in, owned and ran by Chinese, support them if they support pool. Thats all I'm really saying. It's like ordering a shot of whiskey in a rocks glass...it gives the bartender an opportunity to do you a favor. Brunswick isn't going to over pour. In fact, they would probably have to measure it and have it approved by management before you could get it.
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Actually that is not what you said. You used the buy American analogy. Thus, is the Diamond table an all American made table? Does Diamond support more jobs in the U.S. than that of Brunswick? If not, why use the analogy?

If many of the players/halls desert buying Brunswick tables, why would Brunswick not desert sponsoring said tournaments? There is two sides to the equation.
But the difference is, when Brunswick did sponsor events more often, it was done very professionally, and most always made it to television, as Brunswick knew this was the only way to correctly promote and grow the game of billiards.

If people show interests in big businesses products, than big business is going to put money into that interest. If people don't show interest, then big business will not. And then people blame the business for the people's lack of interest. Typical...
 
Diamonds are the future and are my preference. I own a 9' Pro Am with cherry-stained Dymonwood rails and love it. It's indestructible. And when the cue ball is close to a pocket, I strongly prefer Diamond's flush, non-metallic pockets.

Brunswicks are the past. Their metallic pocket castings have scarred several of my cues.

And I agree with others... provide a small variety of tables in your room. Those that have played before will have a table-type preference.
 
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flyvirginiaguy said:
:lmao:

No one has yet answered the questions of where the slate, leather pockets, and rails are made on a Diamond table? If it is the U.S. then that is AWESOME. The rails are made in Germany? The other parts? Slate? If it is Westone it would be China. Who supplies the Dymondwood? Is it a U.S. manufacturer?
Last I looked Brunswick is also an American company, that supplies actually MORE American jobs. So what is the difference?
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It is my understanding Hood Leather http://www.hoodleather.com/ supplys the pockets and the slate is quarried in Brazil.
Not sure about the rest.
 
What are the black marks that get on the object balls on Diamond Tables?

MoonshineMattK said:
It is my understanding Hood Leather http://www.hoodleather.com/ supplys the pockets and the slate is quarried in Brazil.
Not sure about the rest.
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Does anyone know what the black marks are that get on the object balls on Diamond Tables? I noticed it both times I played in Tunica that there were black marks appearing - are they from the pockets?

I would think this adds to potential "skidding," and I wonder if there's a way to eliminate this factor, maybe a different type of pocket?
 
CJ Wiley said:
Does anyone know what the black marks are that get on the object balls on Diamond Tables? I noticed it both times I played in Tunica that there were black marks appearing - are they from the pockets?

I would think this adds to potential "skidding," and I wonder if there's a way to eliminate this factor, maybe a different type of pocket?
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CJ - It's from the dye used on the black leather pockets.

I periodically wipe down the inside of my pockets with alcohol-based hand sanitizer. That seems to help.

I also wipe them down periodically with leather conditioner as well... mink oil or duck oil works. Just make sure that you remove the excess.

The black marks are significantly lessened in size and quantity but they still remain a minor nuisance.
 
I see, that makes sense, it's just strange that they've not discovered ...........

cigardave said:
CJ - It's from the dye used on the black leather pockets.

I periodically wipe down the inside of my pockets with alcohol-based hand sanitizer. That seems to help.

I also wipe them down periodically with leather conditioner as well... mink oil or duck oil works. Just make sure that you remove the excess.

The black marks are significantly lessened in size and quantity but they still remain a minor nuisance.
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I see, that makes sense, it's just strange that they've not discovered a way to prevent it from happening. It's really obvious after a day or two of play.

I think Diamonds are every bit as good as any table I've played on, they're just different. If they could come up with a way to prevent the "black spots" from that leather it would be a great improvement.
 
CJ Wiley said:
I see, that makes sense, it's just strange that they've not discovered a way to prevent it from happening. It's really obvious after a day or two of play.

I think Diamonds are every bit as good as any table I've played on, they're just different. If they could come up with a way to prevent the "black spots" from that leather it would be a great improvement.
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Yes, the black spots are a nuisance. Perhaps I could volunteer my services as the in-house pocket conditioner? :D

Here is my idea:

1. Decide whether you want the size of the future building to dictate the amount of tables and overall set up (offices, small/big kitchen, counter space, ball cleaning area, etc.)..........or whether you have an amount of business space in mind and you'll find a building that will support that. Basically, either find a building and put a business in. Or have your business plan set-up....and find a building to go around it.

1a. Would you rather rent or own the building?

2. Will this business support leagues?

3. Will this business support action matches?

4. Will this business support streaming or TV tables set-ups? ;)

5. What other services will this business offer? Kitchen, pro shop, etc.

6. Will you offer personal instructional times? Will you allow traveling instructors to come in and rent an area for a day or two?

7. Will there be any alcohol?

8. Most importantly......are you hiring? :wave3:


In my mind's eye, I could could actually see 1 business with the counter space/kitchen/whatever right in the middle. "The Hub".

On one side, 12 (or so) Diamond or Gold Crown 9-footers, all cut to the same spec. Probably 4.5" pockets. No smaller than 4 7/16". This would work well for serious leagues and serious players, as you have quality equipment, plus uniformity.

Now, on the other side of "The Hub", you could have either 12 Diamond or Valley barboxes for the casual players. Customers could have a choice of either paying table time or using the coin-op feature. Fairly generous pockets to encourage play for the newbies.

Behind "The Hub", in the very back....opposite the front door, would be a closed-off, small action room. Maybe 2 Diamond 9-footers AND 2 Diamond 10-footers, both cut tight and right. Only pro's, road players, action junkies, trick shot artists ;) or trusted regular customers allowed in there.

So, people walk in the front door and immediately see "The Hub". You ask them if they are there for league/serious play or casual fun. Then the staff funnels them to the left or right. If you know the clientele, or THEY know the action password, you'll be able to point them to "the back", if need be.

There, I've just spent $100K on tables for you, plus who knows what for everything else.

I think $200K should about cover it with enough left over for a double platter Diamond ball polisher. :thumbup:
 
Around my area, there are a few rooms with Gold Crowns and absolutely no rooms with Diamonds. Diamonds make a table that looks good and plays even better. I'd love to play on 9' Diamonds if I had the chance.

That said, If I were opening a pool room, I would probably end up going with the tables that the other rooms in the area do not have. My best guess is that if my area was loaded with rooms full of Diamonds, I'd probably jump at the chance to play on a Gold Crown. Differentiating yourself from the other rooms via the equipment could be a big way to get more players into your room... even if you aren't the closest room to them, they may still come to you because they like your equipment more.

Diamond or Gold Crown... doesn't really matter. They both play great. But being different than the competition just may earn more business in the beginning... then it's up to the staff to keep the business.
 
Between the room owners section, and the for sale section, it seems whole pool rooms that are closing have been looking to get rid of a number of quality tables like GC's and Diamonds.

I'd just wait until a room doesn't make it for whatever reason, and make a deal for a bunch of tables at one time so you can figure out a way to minimize the cost. You could probably get almost everything you need in one shot...diamond lights, balls, maybe a cleaner and the software/computer that tracks time.

Get your liquor license, find a good location, and the rest is up to you.
 
Diamonds

Not even a question in my mind.. DIAMONDS hands down. Best tables out there, period..

Another reason for Diamonds is JUST IN CASE things don't work out as expected, Diamonds hold their resale value MUCH higher than ANY other table..

I only have 3 8ft Diamonds in my place (ordering a forth soon). But it turned my place from just a place to shoot pool, to THE place to shoot around here.. May not work for everyone everywhere, but we do not have any halls within 45 mins of us, and the 'Build it, they will come' mind set worked for me so far...

Good luck CJ, and thanks for all that you do for our beloved sport.. :thumbup:
 
I would certainly be in the market for some used Diamond Tables

bud green said:
Between the room owners section, and the for sale section, it seems whole pool rooms that are closing have been looking to get rid of a number of quality tables like GC's and Diamonds.

I'd just wait until a room doesn't make it for whatever reason, and make a deal for a bunch of tables at one time so you can figure out a way to minimize the cost. You could probably get almost everything you need in one shot...diamond lights, balls, maybe a cleaner and the software/computer that tracks time.

Get your liquor license, find a good location, and the rest is up to you.
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Yes, I would certainly be in the market for some used Diamond Tables. I intend on buying them all new, however, if there were some Diamonds (bar tables or 9'/10'tables) in good condition I would buy them used and have them "polished up".
 
CJ Wiley said:
Does anyone know what the black marks are that get on the object balls on Diamond Tables? I noticed it both times I played in Tunica that there were black marks appearing - are they from the pockets?

I would think this adds to potential "skidding," and I wonder if there's a way to eliminate this factor, maybe a different type of pocket?
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I used Simonis cloth as a liner to cover the inside of Diamonds pockets. No more black marks!
 
Diamonds. Get a good mix of 7' and 9'. You can keep cost down by buying some "tournament used" tables. Get your game plan going, then work out a deal to buy the tables from the Derby or Tunica next year.
 
This sounds like a great idea,

Doug said:
I used Simonis cloth as a liner to cover the inside of Diamonds pockets. No more black marks![/QUOTE]

This sounds like a great idea, I wonder why they don't do something like this at the tournaments?

Maybe someone should give them a "heads up" to try this or something to keep the marks off the balls. This is a serious issue I would think, those black marks will make the balls skid more.
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Black Marks

I think I heard somewhere that Diamond sells replacement pockets that will not mark up the balls, but I think it was around $600 per table or something for them.. Kinda pricey to fix a problem that should have been fixed by now by Diamond..

The Black marks aren't too bad if the balls are cleaned anyways on a regular or daily basis.. Mine are done 4-5 times a week depending on the usage in the Diamond double ball cleaner (best money I ever spent by the way, lol...)
 
I need to buy pockets for 7 of my tables due to the fasteners being broken off before I purchased the tables. The person at Diamond I spoke to said they are offering undyed pockets. No dye, no black marks.
 
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