Best Accessory Kit

[ThisIsMyUserNam]

So I bought a table (yee-hah! And thanks everyone for the advice). I want to get a good accessory kit, but I didn't get a good feeling from the ones being sold where I bought the table (he had a no-name brand for $99, a Brunswick Heritage for $399 and a Brunswick Centennial for $499). I got the tournament cloth, so I'm told I should get better balls to avoid scratching it. So I want to get a good quality long-lasting kit, but would rather not break the bank. Advice? Someone said Aramith Super Pro is great, and I saw that on billiards.com for ~$450. The Aramith Standard set is $235. Would I notice the difference? Is it worth it, or is it only for pros? Other sets/websites I should consider? Also, I'm putting the table in my garage, should I get a table cloth to cover it?

 

[Brian in VA]

I can't speak to the starter kits very much as I don't know what's in them. I will tell you that a set of balls should last a lifetime on a home table so don't scrimp. I'm a fan of centennials because they just look right to me on my old Anniversary.

I recommend a cover for your table no matter where you put it. When not in use, my table is always covered. It's just cheap insurance against "stuff happening."

Good luck with your new toy!

Brian in VA

 

[TheBook]

The AZ Market Place has competitive pricing. You can find the ball sets a lot cheaper than what you have seen. They are under $200, the Tournaments are about $215.

Depending on how competitive you are the Super Pros will serve you well. For a upgrade go with the Tournament. Cents are nice but not worth the money for the cosmetics.

I would also get some of those racking templates and or a Delta rack.

 

[Rod]

Actually the balls do not scratch the cloth, its the other way around. Dirty cloth can cause premature wear on the balls. If in a dusty climate a table cover is a good idea. A table brush and a canister vacuum are good to have as well.

You can buy new ball sets for a lot less money. I recently bought a new set of Centennials on ebay for $96 which was a good deal. Super Pros can be bought in the $150 range. Buy a premium ball set like the Centennials or Super Pros. For home use they could last a life time if not abused and kept clean.

Rod

 

[ThisIsMyUserNam]

I'll check the marketplace. I'm hoping to get a kit rather than have to buy piece-parts if possible. Seems like the choices are Centennials ($499), the Aramith Super Pro (470 but I have to buy a separate cover which the others contain), aramith standard (~250). I also noticed the Olhausen Platinum Package (their highest end) is only $300 with a cover, which seems like the best deal. Does anyone have experience with that set?

 

[Shaft]

Table cover, delta-13 rack, cue rack/stand, the best balls you can afford, make your own ball polisher (plans and pics on this forum), ultimate tip tool, Dr Dave's Video Encyclopedia of Pool Shots, practice, practice, practice.

 

[Rod]

I'll check the marketplace. I'm hoping to get a kit rather than have to buy piece-parts if possible. Seems like the choices are Centennials ($499), the Aramith Super Pro (470 but I have to buy a separate cover which the others contain), aramith standard (~250). I also noticed the Olhausen Platinum Package (their highest end) is only $300 with a cover, which seems like the best deal. Does anyone have experience with that set?

No but check out this link first unless money is no object.

http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_tr... +Super+Aramith+Pro&_sacat=See-All-Categories

 

[Shaft]

Forgot this:

You can buy a chunk of chalk and get white powder all over your clothes and your cloth...

Or, you can get a pack of 10 spandex gloves on eBay for $6. They last a long time, work great, and keep your table and shafts clean.

 

[Shaft]

I'll check the marketplace. I'm hoping to get a kit rather than have to buy piece-parts if possible. Seems like the choices are Centennials ($499), the Aramith Super Pro (470 but I have to buy a separate cover which the others contain), aramith standard (~250). I also noticed the Olhausen Platinum Package (their highest end) is only $300 with a cover, which seems like the best deal. Does anyone have experience with that set?

FWIW, According to the Saluc website, who makes both brands of balls, the chemicals and quality control for Aramith Super Pro = Centenials. They are the same except for the cosmetic looks. (I really do prefer the look of the Centenials, though.)

Aramith also makes a new formula now ("Duramith"?), that is supposed to be better than the Super Pro. (We pool players will believe anything.)