2 questions about tables

[Positively Ralf]

1. Are drop pocket tables preferred over ball return tables due to ball maintenance? I was talking to the owner at a hall and he said the reason he prefers drop bucket is because it prevents chipping on balls.

2. I know people will suggest either the Gold Crown or Diamond tables, but does anyone have any experience with the Olhausen Pro tables? I've been watching some of the world 14.1 tournament held in jersey a few years ago and they were on olhausens. I'm sure it was because they were the sponsor but they do look like nice tables.

 

[JoeyInCali]

1. People who play straight pool or one-pocket prefer the ball return.
For practice, it's easier to deal with drop pockets. You just pick up the ball from the pockets and go. A lot less maintenance too.

2. Olhausen Pro has plywood frame. The pockets are huge but have terrible angles. The corners are infamous for their " Olhausen rattle".
The rails are also a lot shorter than Diamond and GC's. The cushions last a long time but do not bank like a true K55 or K66.

 

[SC02GTP]

Ball return tables are also noisy. The more moving parts, the more maintenance that is required. Drop pockets offer ease of use and are easy to maintain.

Those tables are not that great. There was a big room here that used them and all of the players hated playing on them. The quality is just not there like old Brunswicks and Diamonds. As mentioned before, the pockets and rails have inherent design issues. The pockets fit into the rails with a straight lag bolt. Over time and use, the wood is worn out around the lag bolt and the pocket sags. This means replacing the wood that was lost to correct the issue which in turn means the rail.

 

[GoldCrown]

Personal choice only. I like a ball return so I do not have to parade around the table.

Drop pockets are more convenient for One Pocket

Drop pockets have nothing to do with balls not chipping. The butcher/hacker that recovered our clubhouse tables used way too many staples for the cloth. The balls would contact the staples thus chipping them. Also brads used to secure pockets causes chipping, A bad pocket installation equals damaged balls.

Also a drop pocket table might be a few hundred dollars cheaper when buying new.

Sometimes a ball gets stuck in the ball return...but not a big deal.

 

[mvp]

Drop pockets are convenient for solo practice and maybe noise if you need to be quiet. And drop pockets are usually fancier looking tables because there's no need for the rail systems underneath.

 

[pt109]

Drop pockets are convenient for solo practice and maybe noise if you need to be quiet. And drop pockets are usually fancierlooking tables because there's no need for the rail systems underneath.

Say what?....







.....loves ball return tables

 

[TheBook]

Both have good points and bad.

You have to wait for the ball in the ball return if you scratch, then dig it out.

Ball returns are noisy.

It is easier to drop balls on the floor when taking them out of the cavity.

Harder for some as they have to bend over or get on their knees to take them out. And usually there is always one that stays in the return so you have to send a ball down a pocket to get it out.

With drop pockets I don't mind walking around the table to get the balls out. It provides a little more exercise. If two people are playing they usually get the balls out as they walk pass the pockets. Faster than one getting them out of the tray.

Also easier to get the balls out when practicing. Especially when setting up balls at both ends of the table to do certain drills like putting a ball on the center spots and continue shooting the CB around the table to get position on the ball at the other end. You keep replacing the ball and continue the run as long as you can.