Italian slate vs. South American

9BallPaul

9BallPaul

Banned
From the little I've been able to learn, Italian slate is preferred by upper-tier table makers, but South American slate dominates the market.

Is there a player alive who can discern the difference simply by playing on it? How? Anyone know what Diamond uses?
 
Actually, the main reason that Italian was preferred is the fact that a while back, the south American slates didn't have the same machinery cutting and milling them. They have now, for the last few years at least, and actually, the SA slate tends to be harder, from what I understand. The Italian slate guys definitely have better ad budgets, though. As for Diamond, I would assume that they, like pretty much every other manufacturer, use a mixture of both. I don't know that for sure, but slate shouldn't ever be an issue for any major manufacturer. (unless you ask a biased source, lol)
 
muttley76 said:
Actually, the main reason that Italian was preferred is the fact that a while back, the south American slates didn't have the same machinery cutting and milling them. They have now, for the last few years at least, and actually, the SA slate tends to be harder, from what I understand. The Italian slate guys definitely have better ad budgets, though. As for Diamond, I would assume that they, like pretty much every other manufacturer, use a mixture of both. I don't know that for sure, but slate shouldn't ever be an issue for any major manufacturer. (unless you ask a biased source, lol)
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Thanks for that informative response, muttley. But what about playability? Is there possibly a difference and could anyone tell?
 
Chances are, you have played on both many times at your local pool room. But, if not, I have never been able to tell the difference. Nor have any of my friends mentioned anything after playing on the SA slate, when they were unaware what it was.
 
Diamond use to use Italian slates, but have since switched over to Brazilian slates because they're much harder than the Italian slates. Some of the major differences between Italian slates and Brazilian, Italian slates are mined from underground mines, while Brazilian slates are mined from open quarry's. Italian slates are easier to flex when leveling them, and easier to drill, but also are easier to break or crack. Brazilian slates are very hard and hold the flatness very well, provided they are first machined flat. They are also hard to drill, and hard to flex when leveling. One of the biggest reasons Diamond switched over to Brazilian slates was because of less breakage during shipments, and over the years, Italian slate has become quite a bit more costly. As far as being able to tell what kind of slate someone's playing on...not a chance! Noticeable differences in the slates is that the Italian slate has a more darker gray look to it, while the Brazilian slates have more of a lighter slightly gray look.

Glen
 
Thanks RKC

realkingcobra said:
Diamond use to use Italian slates, but have since switched over to Brazilian slates because they're much harder than the Italian slates. Some of the major differences between Italian slates and Brazilian, Italian slates are mined from underground mines, while Brazilian slates are mined from open quarry's. Italian slates are easier to flex when leveling them, and easier to drill, but also are easier to break or crack. Brazilian slates are very hard and hold the flatness very well, provided they are first machined flat. They are also hard to drill, and hard to flex when leveling. One of the biggest reasons Diamond switched over to Brazilian slates was because of less breakage during shipments, and over the years, Italian slate has become quite a bit more costly. As far as being able to tell what kind of slate someone's playing on...not a chance! Noticeable differences in the slates is that the Italian slate has a more darker gray look to it, while the Brazilian slates have more of a lighter slightly gray look.

Glen
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Can't imagine there's any more to know than that. Thanks, pal.
 
9BallPaul said:
From the little I've been able to learn, Italian slate is preferred by upper-tier table makers, but South American slate dominates the market.

Is there a player alive who can discern the difference simply by playing on it? How? Anyone know what Diamond uses?
Click to expand...

South American and please please don't forget Chinese do dominate the market. However, this is not due to quality only price, so what does that say about those using it?
 
Brazilianj vs Italian

"However, this is not due to quality only price, so what does that say about those using it?"



The main reason Diamond went to Brazilian slate is the hardness and tendency to stay flatter than Italian. Italian can be too flexible. Remember Diamond does a lot of one piece tables - with a lot of leveling points.

Until you work with slate, you do not realize how flexible it is. The Italian slate would have a tendency to 'sag' when on any kind of span. Also when you raise a leveler, you are basically affecting many areas of the slate bed. And you do not want it to change over time.

Diamond's choice had nothing to do with cost. Diamond almost always goes the way of what is the best material. I am sure RKC reasons of shipping damage played a part - as I would think that delivery time might also. But the bottom line was the finished product was better with the harder, flatter, Brazilian slate.

Mark Griffin
25 year table mechanic
Partner - Diamond Billiards
CSI-BCAPL-USAPL-NCS
 
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