You have $4,000, what table do you buy?
- Thread starter metal5d
- Start date
diamond of course...................mike
Diamond Professional!!!!
Olhauson Champion Pro!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Souped up GC I or II with ball return or a Diamond Pro.
Buy this one you have any sense...
Brand new condition, not even a scratch on it.
My buddy bought it brand new last year when he built his addition. He just took a job offer in Colorado and needs it gone within the next 3 weeks or it is gonna sit in a storage container for 5 years till he gets back.
I am serious, not a nick in it anywhere as my buddy is the most fanatically meticulous person you have ever met.
Was $4000.00 brand new.
It's a Brunswick
Brand new condition, not even a scratch on it.
My buddy bought it brand new last year when he built his addition. He just took a job offer in Colorado and needs it gone within the next 3 weeks or it is gonna sit in a storage container for 5 years till he gets back.
I am serious, not a nick in it anywhere as my buddy is the most fanatically meticulous person you have ever met.
Was $4000.00 brand new.
It's a Brunswick
A GCIV in good shape OR a Diamond Professional.
The Diamond ProAm in 9' isn't bad either. Nice table. Plays great. I'm a little wary of the frame design and slate configuration...but the one's I've shot on were totally level and played well.
I have a GCIII that is in perfect condition. Bought it used, and it was 100% immaculate with no scratches, dents, wear - nothing. As if it came out of a showroom (previous owner never used it). It might be worth getting an older model IF the condition is near perfect. I'd buy this table all over again if it were up against a beat-up GCIV. If condition is equal, I'd go with the better playing features of the GCIV or Diamond Pro. Time marches on, and there's no stopping it, so older model tables, unless owned by someone who doesn't ever use it, or someone who is very anal and keeps it perfect - will not be in great shape. Most used GC's are kind of scuzzy. I got lucky.
The advantage of the newer tables - Diamond Pro and GCIV - is that they are engineered more for players. The pockets do not have that nasty plastic sticking up that you can't rest your cue on without getting that rubbery/plastic streak on it afterwards (I hate that). They sit flush on the GCIV, and even if you do scrape the shaft against it as you stroke a shot, it won't leave gunk on your cue. The Diamond's pockets are not flush, but they are a nice leather that slides well. It won't leave crud on your shaft either. Some people will say that is never a problem at their local pool hall, because they've learned to just make a closed bridge over it, or use a V-bridge while over a pocket. This elevates the cue more than if you weren't over a pocket. This is done to avoid that dredded plastic pocket. So in a way, a home table with nice pockets like a Diamond or GCIV might spoil you.....
Both of these tables have nice WIDE rails so you can really get your hands on them for nice bridging. Also, the GCIV and Diamond Pro do not have the counters built into the rail. That is the only dislike I have of my GCIII. I don't like counters on the table. They also do not have big metallic name/brand plates on the rails either. All rails are smooth and flush. They have 1" slate, and GOOD slate. Not all slate is made equal. I've seem some lesser local brands, and their slate is horrible. Stick with the big names.
So - I'd definately search for one of these. Do not compromise and get a lesser table because you figure you can get a quality light in the deal also. Go all out and get the best table you can possibly afford. Later on you can get a nice light, or you can even build one that will be every bit as bright and functional as far as not making shadows under the rails - if you're looking to save money. Lights can always come along - great tables do not.
Ball return is aweful. Now, ball return properly set up on a home table should be OK. I don't like it because it makes too much noise. Trust me, first time you hit a ball in a perfectly quiet home, you'll know what I mean. As you are in deep concentration, you don't want the THUD and CLANK sound of balls running through the return. That's mostly my opinion. I just like hearing my tip hitting the cue ball, the cueball hitting the object ball, the OB hitting a rail or a pocket (and the sound of the balls rolling on the cloth). It is quick and it is over.
If you practice by drilling all around in different pockets, set up shots, and walk around and pull balls out and run them - ball return is bad. It is easier to walk around and grab them for that practice drill, or as you change shots or drills, and easier than having to walk to the end and bending over and trying to scatter them or having to roll them to one corner where you might stash them while you shoot a particular shot over and over 15 times.
If you practice by racking the balls, breaking them, then running them - ball return is better as you don't have to collect them. Also, if you practice by playing straight pool by yourself and you can frequently run a decent amount of balls - ball return is good.
Your budget is listed at $4000. That should be plenty fine for finding yourself a GCIV or a Diamond Professional in good to great shape. I don't believe any other brand or type of table plays as well or offers the same conditions - these are the best. At that price, you should be able to get a barely used one which would be like buying a brand new one but not paying the premium. Some others might find you deals where you might be able to up that budget $500 and find one of these tables NEW.
Here's a GCIV on Ebay, new, for $4,500.
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-BRUNSWICK-GOLD-CROWN-IV-POOL-TABLE_W0QQitemZ150004795958QQihZ005QQcategoryZ21213QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
When you get your table, you will be spoiled. The new cloth, lively rails, and level surface will make playing at the pool hall less fun at first. You'll be able to actually slow roll a safety that you'd never attempt at the pool hall because of fear of curving. Having a nice new set of Aramith Super Pro's will also spoil. Your set will have 1-15 all the same size, not 1-9 more worn out than 10-15 which causes racking issue and gaps. Your wooden rack will also be in shape too. Table will rack easy and perfectly - no Sardo needed. IF the spot was marked correctly, and the rack is not tilted when you rack - expect the wing ball to go in A LOT in a rack of 9-ball. Being clean, they will not induce as much THROW as dull or filthy balls at the pool hall. You might have avoided certain types of multiple rail position shots in at the pool hall due to heavily worn out and soiled cloth as well as half-way dead rails - but at home, you'll be able to execute some really cool shots. This actually gives you an opportunity to learn parts of the game that just aren't possible in certain pool halls due to the tables. Practicing certain shots on bad conditions makes it so difficult to gauge real performance that the shot becomes trivial and then annoying.
The best part of it all, is being able to shoot in your boxer shorts, listening to music you like, with no smoke around. Ahhh the luxury! Sorry, went off on a tangent there - I'm excited for you!
The Diamond ProAm in 9' isn't bad either. Nice table. Plays great. I'm a little wary of the frame design and slate configuration...but the one's I've shot on were totally level and played well.
I have a GCIII that is in perfect condition. Bought it used, and it was 100% immaculate with no scratches, dents, wear - nothing. As if it came out of a showroom (previous owner never used it). It might be worth getting an older model IF the condition is near perfect. I'd buy this table all over again if it were up against a beat-up GCIV. If condition is equal, I'd go with the better playing features of the GCIV or Diamond Pro. Time marches on, and there's no stopping it, so older model tables, unless owned by someone who doesn't ever use it, or someone who is very anal and keeps it perfect - will not be in great shape. Most used GC's are kind of scuzzy. I got lucky.
The advantage of the newer tables - Diamond Pro and GCIV - is that they are engineered more for players. The pockets do not have that nasty plastic sticking up that you can't rest your cue on without getting that rubbery/plastic streak on it afterwards (I hate that). They sit flush on the GCIV, and even if you do scrape the shaft against it as you stroke a shot, it won't leave gunk on your cue. The Diamond's pockets are not flush, but they are a nice leather that slides well. It won't leave crud on your shaft either. Some people will say that is never a problem at their local pool hall, because they've learned to just make a closed bridge over it, or use a V-bridge while over a pocket. This elevates the cue more than if you weren't over a pocket. This is done to avoid that dredded plastic pocket. So in a way, a home table with nice pockets like a Diamond or GCIV might spoil you.....
Both of these tables have nice WIDE rails so you can really get your hands on them for nice bridging. Also, the GCIV and Diamond Pro do not have the counters built into the rail. That is the only dislike I have of my GCIII. I don't like counters on the table. They also do not have big metallic name/brand plates on the rails either. All rails are smooth and flush. They have 1" slate, and GOOD slate. Not all slate is made equal. I've seem some lesser local brands, and their slate is horrible. Stick with the big names.
So - I'd definately search for one of these. Do not compromise and get a lesser table because you figure you can get a quality light in the deal also. Go all out and get the best table you can possibly afford. Later on you can get a nice light, or you can even build one that will be every bit as bright and functional as far as not making shadows under the rails - if you're looking to save money. Lights can always come along - great tables do not.
Ball return is aweful. Now, ball return properly set up on a home table should be OK. I don't like it because it makes too much noise. Trust me, first time you hit a ball in a perfectly quiet home, you'll know what I mean. As you are in deep concentration, you don't want the THUD and CLANK sound of balls running through the return. That's mostly my opinion. I just like hearing my tip hitting the cue ball, the cueball hitting the object ball, the OB hitting a rail or a pocket (and the sound of the balls rolling on the cloth). It is quick and it is over.
If you practice by drilling all around in different pockets, set up shots, and walk around and pull balls out and run them - ball return is bad. It is easier to walk around and grab them for that practice drill, or as you change shots or drills, and easier than having to walk to the end and bending over and trying to scatter them or having to roll them to one corner where you might stash them while you shoot a particular shot over and over 15 times.
If you practice by racking the balls, breaking them, then running them - ball return is better as you don't have to collect them. Also, if you practice by playing straight pool by yourself and you can frequently run a decent amount of balls - ball return is good.
Your budget is listed at $4000. That should be plenty fine for finding yourself a GCIV or a Diamond Professional in good to great shape. I don't believe any other brand or type of table plays as well or offers the same conditions - these are the best. At that price, you should be able to get a barely used one which would be like buying a brand new one but not paying the premium. Some others might find you deals where you might be able to up that budget $500 and find one of these tables NEW.
Here's a GCIV on Ebay, new, for $4,500.
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-BRUNSWICK-GOLD-CROWN-IV-POOL-TABLE_W0QQitemZ150004795958QQihZ005QQcategoryZ21213QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
When you get your table, you will be spoiled. The new cloth, lively rails, and level surface will make playing at the pool hall less fun at first. You'll be able to actually slow roll a safety that you'd never attempt at the pool hall because of fear of curving. Having a nice new set of Aramith Super Pro's will also spoil. Your set will have 1-15 all the same size, not 1-9 more worn out than 10-15 which causes racking issue and gaps. Your wooden rack will also be in shape too. Table will rack easy and perfectly - no Sardo needed. IF the spot was marked correctly, and the rack is not tilted when you rack - expect the wing ball to go in A LOT in a rack of 9-ball. Being clean, they will not induce as much THROW as dull or filthy balls at the pool hall. You might have avoided certain types of multiple rail position shots in at the pool hall due to heavily worn out and soiled cloth as well as half-way dead rails - but at home, you'll be able to execute some really cool shots. This actually gives you an opportunity to learn parts of the game that just aren't possible in certain pool halls due to the tables. Practicing certain shots on bad conditions makes it so difficult to gauge real performance that the shot becomes trivial and then annoying.
The best part of it all, is being able to shoot in your boxer shorts, listening to music you like, with no smoke around. Ahhh the luxury! Sorry, went off on a tangent there - I'm excited for you!
poolplayerrm
Registered
Best table for 4 grand
I would buy a Pro-Cut Diamond Professional with a Diamond Light. I play in Raleigh, NC and there isn't a Diamond in site. The closest one is 1.5 to 2 hours away.
I would buy a Pro-Cut Diamond Professional with a Diamond Light. I play in Raleigh, NC and there isn't a Diamond in site. The closest one is 1.5 to 2 hours away.
I love my Gold Crown but It's LOUD. When you pocket a ball it wakes the dead. The best table I ever played on was a 7' Brunswick that had padded pockets and a silent ball return. This was circa 1975 though and I don't know if Brunswick still makes such an animal. It was a thing of beauty. Now if they made that same table in 9', that would be the one I'd buy.
Bola Ocho
He's right on the money - I have the same set up - GC III 9 foot table. You do get spoiled. Only thing I would add is how to care for it. If you get Simonis cloth - vacuum it regulary with a bristle attachment - use quick clean once in a while and clean your balls with a ballstar machine - you will have PERFECT playing conditions. You do get spoiled when you go to the pool hall and balls skid all the time.
He's right on the money - I have the same set up - GC III 9 foot table. You do get spoiled. Only thing I would add is how to care for it. If you get Simonis cloth - vacuum it regulary with a bristle attachment - use quick clean once in a while and clean your balls with a ballstar machine - you will have PERFECT playing conditions. You do get spoiled when you go to the pool hall and balls skid all the time.
If you are not in a hurry you might check on a Diamond Pro used in the DCC. They are probably one piece slates and a real bear to move by hand though. The Diamond Light is pricey, also the best light I know of.
pharaoh68
Banned
Don't settle for what's available and don't purchase just anything.
If you are spending $4,000 and making an addition like that to your home, you should make the best possible choice. Go with the Diamond. It is the best playing table on the market, hands down. You won't be disappointed.
If you are spending $4,000 and making an addition like that to your home, you should make the best possible choice. Go with the Diamond. It is the best playing table on the market, hands down. You won't be disappointed.
