A couple of weeks ago I was in Blowing Rock, NC. for a week and played on my first diamond as well at Family Billiards in Foscoe... A nine footer w/blue Simonis cloth. It was an outstanding table and well maintained. The owner was super friendly as well, showing me his Gus and chatting it up...
Anyway, the table was great, and I was impressed too...is it any better than a Gold Crown that is maintained just as well? I'd say that's a flip of the coin...
Either one would suit me...but I like the fact Diamond is more involved in promoting the sport...but it would still be a tough decision. Until I move somewhere with a room big enough to fit a 9footer, I'll keep flip flopping back and forth...