How do tables differ in playability?

[crappoolguy]

If the tables all have the same cloth, and same size slate how do they differ? What makes a bad table play bad? Is it all about the cushions? I don't get why some tables play super fast when they have the same cloth as a slowish playing table... could anyone just explain the whole thing to me? Thanks.

 

[magnetardo]

If the tables all have the same cloth, and same size slate how do they differ? What makes a bad table play bad? Is it all about the cushions? I don't get why some tables play super fast when they have the same cloth as a slowish playing table... could anyone just explain the whole thing to me? Thanks.

There are a TON of variables that can contribute to a table playing poorly, I'll give you a couple quick ones.

1. bad assembly, many a crappy mechanic has turned a gold crown into a pile of crap. if they do not install the cushions at the right height it cold severely slow the table down.

2. if you're mainly talking about speed humidity is a major cause in this.

3. poor materials all k-66 or k-55 cushions are not built the same.

4. just because slate is the same thickness does not mean it is the same,
undersized slate tables all seem to bank short imo

I am sure alot of the guys on here can give you more info.

 

[realkingcobra]

If the tables all have the same cloth, and same size slate how do they differ? What makes a bad table play bad? Is it all about the cushions? I don't get why some tables play super fast when they have the same cloth as a slowish playing table... could anyone just explain the whole thing to me? Thanks.

Your question can not just simply be answered just like that. It's almost like saying that if all the pool players play with 2 piece cues, and play with the same balls, on the same cloth, on the same pool tables...how come some players are better than others?

All pool tables very in the kinds of rail rubber, slate pocket cuts, pocket openings, pockets, cloth etc... Some tables are just built to be sold to unknowing customers, that have no idea how a table should play...because there's a market for those type of buyers...while others that know something about this game, want more from a pool table, so they seek out better built tables.

There's a lot that goes into building a "Better" pool table that most manufactures just don't see the need to spend the money on to improve their pool tables, because they're going to get sold anyway, so why should they care!

Ever played on a Sears Best pool table, then went and played on a Gold Crown or a Diamond? If you can't tell the difference between pool tables, then you're not a player.

Even the tightness of cloth can change how a table plays, even if it's the same cloth on more than one table in the same place.

Glen

 

[JCJR]

So what your saying is the setup of a table is important. Then would the ease of setting up a table be the answer? That is, a table that is easy to setup and take the guess work out of setting it up properly would be the difference?

 

[Dartman]

So what your saying is the setup of a table is important. Then would the ease of setting up a table be the answer? That is, a table that is easy to setup and take the guess work out of setting it up properly would be the difference?

With the table itself it's the quality of the parts that make up the table.
For example, a table with pressboard rails will not play the same as a table with maple rails altho either type rail would be installed in a similar manner.

Setting up most tables is fairly generic. It's the quality of work done by the installer that makes a big difference in how a table plays. A good installer relies on experience, not guesswork.

As RKC noted, some mfg's build tables to compete on price rather then quality. The imports come to mind here and altho I've seen some that look really nice the pieces and parts can sometimes be a real pain to assemble correctly because or poor quality design.

 

[Club Billiards]

With the table itself it's the quality of the parts that make up the table.
For example, a table with pressboard rails will not play the same as a table with maple rails altho either type rail would be installed in a similar manner.

Setting up most tables is fairly generic. It's the quality of work done by the installer that makes a big difference in how a table plays. A good installer relies on experience, not guesswork.

As RKC noted, some mfg's build tables to compete on price rather then quality. The imports come to mind here and altho I've seen some that look really nice the pieces and parts can sometimes be a real pain to assemble correctly because or poor quality design.

The best answer yet...quality of materials, quality of workmanship. I think all other variable besides environmental come back to these two.

Well, said, Dartman.