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

[hang-the-9]

I have played on several very well setup Gold Crown tables that were every bit as good as any of he Diamonds I played on. Just need a good table mechanic to set them up. Two rooms in particular had AMAZING Gold Crowns, the now closed Brighton Billiards near Boston and the newer Amazin Billiards room also near Boston. Every pocket had the same cut and size, rolls and banks were as good as you can get. First time I played in Amazin, my son and I walked in for a tournament, I went to practice with some guy I never seen before, and ran two racks from my fist shot of the day. The well setup tables just give confidence to the player, I swear a table that does not mess with you by spitting out balls that hit in the pocket or that bank weird will bring up anyone's game.

I'd pick a well setup Gold Crown over a "normal" Diamond, which I find are usually setup to roll too fast and the rails are a bit too bouncy.

 

[hang-the-9]

---- produces. GC can be Diamonized as you know. I believe Hardtimes in Belflower has all GCs? I think they are successful.

Just a few weeks ago I played on a GC that was setup with Diamond Rails and the Tournament Blue Simonis cloth, it played very well, although a bit faster than what I like. It looked a bit odd looking at it, like someone scooped out the middle of a Diamond table and plopped it inside a GC shell. Looked nice, just not used to that look.

A mix of tables would be ideal, or at least a mix of pocket sizes, Casual players like to see balls drop even if they hit them in off 3 other balls and 2 random rails. It's a good shot even if it takes 4 seconds for the ball to finally drop in the hole to them LOL.

Some "reserved" tables for regulars and the better players with 4.5" or so size pockets, it also makes the shooters feel special that they get their own tables. I've always liked playing on the "house" table.

 

[flyvirginiaguy]

I hate going to a tournament in a place that has different table types.

This is very true. I also would rather play on one or the other for a tournament weekend.

And yes, if you payed full retail for a new GC you would be mad at your money. But does anyone pay full retail? I would hope not

 

[Thepip]

CJ Great to hear about you opening up your own place I only wish it was in the state of NC in the Raleigh area.

From an APA players point of view Skill level 4 in 9Ball skill level 5 in 8Ball.

Depending what type of Billiard room you are putting together and where there will be an APA, TAP or BCA leagus running out of your new place this is what I like to see. As many 9' foot tables that you can fit along with at least 4 7' foot tables. The 9' tables should be a competitive table with standard pockets that would fit 2 balls that are drop pockets to make the play fun along with faster play. At least 2 of the 9' tables should be shimmed to tighter pockets for people who play masters league or want that competitive feel.

When it comes to league play you don't want a bunch skill level 2-5 players banging balls for 2 hours in 9 ball because they cant get it in the pockets making for a super late night. It's also very frustrating to a new player just joining a league becoming discouraged because everything rattles in the pockets. As they get better they can move over to the shimmered tighter pocket tables. Remember it all about having fun right.

The reason I did not mention a specific brand or table is because it all comes down to cost and what you are willing to play with and what you budget is too keep the felt and table operational. I play on both Diamonds and Brunswick and I am not going on the road any time soon so I think you could guess on what size pocks I would rather play on.

Thank you again CJ for your continued contribution to the sport your story and life is legend, keep running the racks!

 

[jhanso18]

Most popular table in the USA is a Valley barbox, by far and away.

For pool players though, I would say a combination of 9' adn 7' Diamonds, with a Gold Crown mixed in for good measure.

 

[Doug]

I'm curious what the "table of choice" is for everyone, I will be opening a Pool Room soon in the DFW area and I'm starting to initiate some R&D to find out what kind of tables are most popular and why.

Please list your favorite table and describe why you like it, no "table bashing", let's keep it positive, we all know everyone has their own preference for many reasons, what is yours?

Since your location will be the DFW area I can't imagine opening a room with used tables regardless of the brand. For the most part your clientele would expect and be able to support upscale amenities and reject seconds IMO. If you're looking to save money don't open a pool room as you likely know more about than will any responders. So then, the table of choice being the question here, it seems to me you have to go with what is perceived and may be the best table and that has to be, at the moment, a Diamond. Why invest in competitive brands and then have to be sure to set them up to play like Diamonds? Brunswick, probably the closest second choice, has the financial wherewithal to compete easily with Diamond but chooses not to; yet. As to sizes of table, again, you already are more acquainted with the demographics of DFW than any posters here. The only real credible tip I would suggest to you is: Don't fall prey to the old but true adage, "How to make a small fortune in business is to start with a large fortune".

 

[Black-Balled]

...The only real credible tip I would suggest to you is: Don't fall prey to the old but true adage, "How to make a small fortune in business is to start with a large fortune".

For real?

I go'd to bidness school and never be hearin that for some advice, yo.

 

[Houstoer]

CJ I remember reading in a thread that Randy G said he was going to Ok City to practice on diamonds before Vegas because DFW doesn't have any. Sounds like the obvious choice then would be have Diamonds (at least some). Aloha
Ed

 

[mike253]

If you want to know what kind of tables to get, find the busiest room in your area and see what they use. I'm not talking about the room with the most "action", I'm talking about the room with the most paying customers.

Hang around on AZ and everyone will tell you "Get Diamonds/Gold Crowns with 4.25 inch pockets and don't get house sticks because real players bring their own!!". Reality is, "real" players are going to be a very small % of your income. They may gamble tens of thousands of dollars, but chances are, they aren't spending more than the cost of a soda or 2 + table time at your place. Like it or not, you have to cater to the people that show up at your place, spend 4 hours eating/drinking/socializing, and happen to play 3 or 4 mind numbingly horrible games of pool.

Say you have 15 tables in your room.. something like 10 league cut 9' Diamonds or Gold Crowns, 2 tight 9' tables, and 3 coin op 7' tables would work. Assuming the tables are in good shape, good players will tolerate bigger pockets if they have to, but bad players won't hang out and spend money if they're forced to play on tight tables that frustrate them. Also, if you plan to run any leagues (APA, BCA, etc.), you'll want enough tables that are the same so that you can have 6-10 teams all playing on similar equipment.

 

[Schwinn]

What I would do is get diamond pro am and gold crown 9 footers. Then have diamond and valley 7 footers too.

 

[jalapus logan]

I hate going to a tournament in a place that has different table types. You never know what you are gonna get and maybe it is just goz I am one dum, but I invariably step on my winkie soonere or later, flipping from one to another.

I agree with the above sentiment as well. Having a mix of brands just cheapens the feel of the place in my opinion. Mix of table sizes, sure. Mix of styles, nah, just feels trashy and low rent usually. Also, I will cast my vote for uniformity of playing conditions. This means pick one pocket spec and stick with it. I hate gaffs and having a mix of table specs is just irritating to me.

All told, go with diamond products IMO for the reasons that have already been mentioned. At least with those, you don't need some special mechanic to set it up to play right out of the box. Just my opinion and my experience.

Cheers and best of luck to you.

 

[CJ Wiley]

I'm leaning towards Diamonds for that reason

CJ I remember reading in a thread that Randy G said he was going to Ok City to practice on diamonds before Vegas because DFW doesn't have any. Sounds like the obvious choice then would be have Diamonds (at least some). Aloha
Ed

Yes, I'm leaning towards Diamonds for that reason and after you get used to them they're fine to play on. The rails create some unusual angles, but it's fair for both players.

Thanks, Ed, hope all is well with you.

 

[jason]

I like Diamonds.
Because...
!) they play great
2) they do more for the sport than any other table company.

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!

 

[ChopStick]

I understand that brass poles are also quite popular with pool players. You might want to consider putting one of them in over in the corner.

Diamonds or Gold Crowns is fine with me. Clean is the most important thing for me. When I walk into a room I look for the cleanest one. The other thing is the layout. It should be done is such a way as to discourage traffic through the playing area. There should be a fence between the front tables and the bar area where all the people are going to be walking around. When you step into the playing area it is to play not stand around and bullshit. Or put a fence between the casual and serious playing areas. I have seen that done before. You don't get to play on certain tables unless you are a known player.

 

[scratchs]

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!

Diamond doesn't make the balls or cloth either.. That said..I'd go with Diamond too. I own an Olh..an like playing on Bruns. too...as long as the table is str..an level I'm good to go..

 

[Houstoer]

CJ -- just thought of something else. Valley just came out with a new table that is supposed to rival and play like a diamond. A friend here has a bar and just installed four of them. I will tell you they do play real close to a diamond. they are sweet and I believe cheaper than the diamonds. Might be worth looking into.

 

[flyvirginiaguy]

Buy American...

:lmao:
I laugh every time I see this. Not because I do not support buying American made products. As I always buy American when I feel it is a superior product, and/or feel it is really made in the U.S. But lets face it, many so called "American made" products use many many off shore parts.

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?

 

[Matt]

My favorite setup is a Diamond Professional 9-footer with the Pro-Cut (4.5" corners) drop pockets, the newer profile rails, and matching light with the diffuser grate.

For a pool hall, the League-Cut pockets might be a good compromise between the serious and casual players. The bar boxes are also hard to ignore from a business perspective. Around here, where 9' tables are common in pool halls, I would go with all 9' League-Cut tables with the exception of one Pro-Cut "house" table off to one side and 2-3 bar boxes on the other side.

 

[Underclocked]

I don't know what to tell you CJ except that if I found a deal on these http://www.gabrielsbilliards.com/pool/ I would probably leap on it. A while back someone was selling several of those Signature Pros here at a very good price. Don't know if they ever sold them all and don't know if that helps a dern thing.

I don't believe I've read a single negative comment about those tables.

Those aside, economics would decide for me between Diamonds or Brunswicks. Best of luck to you with the new room.

 

[jason]

:lmao:
I laugh every time I see this. Not because I do not support buying American made products. As I always buy American when I feel it is a superior product, and/or feel it is really made in the U.S. But lets face it, many so called "American made" products use many many off shore parts.

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?

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!

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.

The difference is Diamond seems to care more about the players and the sport than corporate Brunswick does. All Brunswick has to do is show they really care to promote the sport, but that is not the case. At least anymore IMO. That said, they still make fine tables.