This thread is 16 years old.
Several of the posters above are well known here, not anonymous trolls. What is your name?
It appears that the instructor's website in that video -- learnbilliards.com -- and the website of the associated billiard supply business -- sanfordbilliardsupply.com -- are both no longer working. I wonder if the guy in the video sold those tables in his supply business.
As far as used at colleges.... I talked to a local supplier. He talked to a rec center manager at a large university and they were not interested in getting a solid table for the dorms in spite of the fact that college tables tend to get a lot of abuse. So they got low-end home-style tables.
I meant no disrespect to any forum members here but many of you all are anonymous. Of course the Imperial Eliminator tables are low end budget which is reflected in the price but for those out there like myself that are just looking for a decent budget 7ft slate table to play on recreationally on occasion and fill a space that would normally be taken by another couch set, I'd rather have a pool table than sit on my duffy watching TV.
From my research on this forum, there are only two used pool tables that are truly worth buying and recommended: a Brunswick Gold Crown (1-4) and a Diamond pool table. As far as a 7 footer, the only table recommended on this forum is a 7 ft Diamond table. The Brunswick Gold Crown tables seem to only come in an oversize 8 ft or 9 ft table. From what I gather on this forum, stick with only the 9 ft GC. So for those looking for a table like me that has a room that can only accommodate a 7 ft table or possibly squeeze in a regular 8ft table (Room size is 19' 5" x 13'2"), realistically, it is only recommended to get a Diamond table. However, there is no way I'm dropping 8k+ on a new table and have to wait 6 months and finding a used 7ft Diamond table is not easy, on the rare occasion you do come across one here in Cleveland, Ohio, it is usually a used bar table that has been used extensively and they want $6500. So what other option is there? Sometimes you come across a used 7 ft Imperial Eliminator which usually is $500 or less but several years old, probably needs new rails and cloth with a few scratches. You'll end up close to the price of a brand new Imperial Eliminator table when you have it re-clothed and new rails put on.
From my understanding, the Imperial Eliminator table has MDF (or whatever non-solid wood), laminate, metal frame, plastic pockets and 3 piece 1" slate. It comes with a lifetime warranty and everything you need to start playing pool. Imperial has been in the business since the 50's, so it is likely you'll always be able to get parts when needed. From what I gather from owners of the table over a long period of time is they hold up just fine. Some people here say the bolts can come loose over time and the table gets unleveled which I can see if some fat people are leaning on the table with their gut pushing on the table or you have sex on the table. However, regular folks with common sense playing recreationally on occasion, I think the table is doable. My local billiard dealer Clark & Son here in NE Ohio is a well respected dealer that has been in business since 1960 and Tim Clark, the owner, says the Imperial Eliminator is a great option for the money and it is his best seller and he has not received any complaints from his customers over the years. I know he is trying to sell some tables but he gave me a lot of detailed info many different tables. He said he rarely gets used 7 ft tables and when he does they sell fast.
The Imperial Eliminator is a step up from any table I ever owned. I've owned two tables, both cheap Harvard 7 ft wood tables and we had fun playing on them so I know the Imperial Eliminator will be just fine for my needs. We'll see. if it is ends up being trash I'll post it on this forum. Otherwise, tell me what other 7ft table should I get besides a Diamond? From what I hear, Olhausen tables have trash pockets that spit balls out. What about a custom made table? My local dealer Bullseye TC Naz in East Lake OH makes custom solid wood tables. I was given a quote for this table in a 7ft size, T.C Naz Wilmingtom. It is made of maple solid wood and can be customized with various stain colors:
Constructed from solid wood, the Wilmington table features a classic straight body design and sturdy square legs. Its timeless aesthetic and reliable craftsmanship make it a durable and stylish addition to any billiard room. Comes with choice of black/brown fringe or shield pocket New felt in...
bullseyetcnaz.com
This custom T.C Naz table is about $400 more than an Imperial Eliminator, about 3k OTD and takes about 4 weeks to me made. Should I get this one? However, if the stained solid wood table gets some damage or nicks on the finish, it will not be as easy or cheap to replace any parts like it will for the laminate on the Imperial Eliminator. So the Imperial table is going to much cheaper to own and probably a bit more durable. As far as resale value, any table you buy new you're going to lose at least 2k on it, even on a new Diamond table. I'd rather only have to pay $2500 and lose 2k than pay 8k and lose 2k or more on a Diamond table. Imperial Eliminators are only good for $500 on the used market, automatic 2k loss but it bottoms out about $300 to $500. A Diamond table can bottom out much lower on the used market depending on the demand for it in the area. Buying a used Brunswick GC, will lose little money when reselling it and it makes the most sense to get one but again my room will not accommodate an oversize 8ft or 9 ft GC table, so this option is off the table.
From my understanding, Brunswick makes a table similar to the Imperial Eliminator, the Black Wolf, but is a grand more but about the same build quality so you are just paying for the name.
