contender tables

willam

willam

Registered
I am planning to get an 8 footer table for home.
I've been looking at various models and I am considering a contender.
I really like the fact that they are made by Brunswick and the price tag is not bad either.
I would like to hear opinions on these tables, quality, how well they play, etc.
TIA.
 
The Contender series is the bottom of Brunswick's line of tables and subsequently they use alot of cheap materials in their construction.I wouldn't recommend buying one new as they just arent a good value IMO.If you're looking for a good inexpensive used table I would check your local craigslist or billiard retailer for Kasson tables.They aren't in business anymore but they're still very common and a very good value,usually around $500 or so for an 8 footer.Hope this helps
 
I don't know much about that line, but you are usually getting what you pay for.
I would look for a good used table. The resale value on tables is terrible, so you should be able to get a nice used table for a reasonable price (as stated above on e-bay, craigslist, newspaper, etc).
It may take you a little longer to find what you want, but that is the "price" you pay for getting a good table at a good price. Usually instant gratification costs more.:wink:
 
onepocketron said:
I don't know much about that line, but you are usually getting what you pay for.
I would look for a good used table. The resale value on tables is terrible, so you should be able to get a nice used table for a reasonable price


Great advice. Tables are cheap on craigslist list now.......people are making room for gym equipment that they'll use for 4 weeks and sell at a yard sale in the summer. Circle of life: pool tables, gym equipment, pool tables, gym equipment........:thumbup:
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I have a table from the contender series and overall am mostly satisfied. I seen a more expensive Brunswick frame and then the contender series frame and was not at all concerned about the quality of the table. The only thing I will change on my first re-felt is making the pockets tighter which I have already began to discuss with a mechanic.

IMO, the table is solid and Brunswick puts its stamp on it so I doubt it is extremely cheaply made.Table plays good and looks equally as nice, which was important for us going into the house. Is it a gold crown? No, but still a pretty decent table IMO.
 
willam said:
I am planning to get an 8 footer table for home.
I've been looking at various models and I am considering a contender.
I really like the fact that they are made by Brunswick and the price tag is not bad either.
I would like to hear opinions on these tables, quality, how well they play, etc.
TIA.
Click to expand...

The best word to describe the contender is "thin". I would prefer this over a chinese table though.
 
I've had good experience finding brunswick gold crowns on craigslist for $1500 and under (my current one cost me $900, which included $100 delivery charge...but I set it up myself). Don't settle for a Contender unless you get a really good deal on it.
 
willam said:
Could you please elaborate on that?
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Yes, a thin frame causes the center of the table to sag when you have a few hundred pounds of slate, not to say this can't be corrected with shimming, but I feel the shimming that usually needs to be done is excessive. secondly, when pulling the cloth I can feel the frame move, I do pull the cloth extreme tight though. As for the slate, it's thickness is 3/4" and the standard is 1". The rails are the best part of this table as with any brunswick home table, but they use a cushion called Tru-speed which is similiar to the superspeed but without the canvas backing. Again this isn't a bad table its just really thin.
 
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