New Diamond Pro-Am Review

S

SpencerM

Registered
This review is for a “new” 7’ Diamond Pro-Am purchased last week. I will start with the cons; however, some of them may be related to the local dealer’s handling of the table. In summation, aside from a few cosmetic issues, the table is amazing!

Cons:
1. PRC Finish - gives appearance that it has a dirty film/residue - even after furniture polish was applied. This isn’t evident in the pictures on Diamond’s website. Perhaps I should have done more research.
2. Table was absolutely filthy (inside and out). Why doesn’t Diamond wrap their tables in plastic? Is this the dealer’s fault, or just improper expectation on my part?
3. “Brand New” table has numerous cosmetic imperfections that probably require replacement rails (bothers me) to create “new” perception. Also, the plywood apron has a large quarter-size piece of veneer that’s about to chip-off from bottom edge.
4. Ball collection cutout has razor sharp wood edges (inside edges) that my hands scrape against when removing balls. I have numerous scratches/scabs on my left hand just above my knuckles. Will buy a glove, or attempt to put tape over edges. Seems like something they could easily fix at factory.

While the next two items aren’t necessarily cons, I don’t see them as pros either:
5. The 1-piece slate makes a slight hollow Noise when the ball rolls.
6. The ball return system is blazing fast; however, for late night, home use, it’s LOUD! I will be buying additional padding for the drops.


Pros:
1. Absolutely no comparison to my old Spencer Marston. Aside from the cosmetic imperfections, the table is infinitely better in every aspect. It plays like a dream, and I love the speed and consistency the rails and cloth provide.

2. The leg leveling system is fantastic. I don’t believe the installers even touched the 22-point leveling system. Is this normal? They suggested those wedges are for later down the road when the slate starts to bow/sagg.

3. I love the beefy rails.
 
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That table sounds really suspect to me.

I wouldn't accept a new table w cosmetic imperfections, especially a Diamond. You put New in quotes, is this table new to you or brand new, never played?

I wouldnt think the slate should have an opportunity to bow or sag.
 
The black prc will turn Greyish with a sticky type film if certain cleaners are put on it. I Used a aresol cloth cleaner designed for pool tables and some over spray on the rails damn near ruined it (so I thought) I posted several things on this site and never had any real help. So I contacted diamond myself and they explained the polishing procedure they use. Long story short : liquid beeswax applied for 20 min, and buffed off with a rotary car buffer using a wool pad. And it restores it to new black really quick!!! But it did take about 3-4 purchases of the beeswax before I found the bottle at ace hardware that works the best!!! Don’t sweat the greyness it’s only temporary. Hope this was helpful
 
Unless I missed somthing. Where did it come from ( dealer) who delivered and set it up ?

-Kat,
 
strmanglr scott said:
That table sounds really suspect to me.

I wouldn't accept a new table w cosmetic imperfections, especially a Diamond. You put New in quotes, is this table new to you or brand new, never played?

I wouldnt think the slate should have an opportunity to bow or sag.[/Brand new, never used!

Dealer confirmed it was brand new, never used/played, prior to delivery.
Click to expand...
 
Dave-Kat said:
Unless I missed somthing. Where did it come from ( dealer) who delivered and set it up ?

-Kat,
Click to expand...

You didn’t miss anything. I guess I’m just not comfortable sharing that information in a forum, as I don’t have another Diamond to compare against. Don’t want to jump the gun, if I’m being petty. I’m very particular about my “things” and I don’t know if my cosmetic expectation of “perfection” was realistic.
 
SpencerM said:
You didn’t miss anything. I guess I’m just not comfortable sharing that information in a forum, as I don’t have another Diamond to compare against. Don’t want to jump the gun, if I’m being petty. I’m very particular about my “things” and I don’t know if my cosmetic expectation of “perfection” was realistic.
Click to expand...

I’ve bought 3 new tables and all came in perfect condition!
 
mvp said:
The black prc will turn Greyish with a sticky type film if certain cleaners are put on it. I Used a aresol cloth cleaner designed for pool tables and some over spray on the rails damn near ruined it (so I thought) I posted several things on this site and never had any real help. So I contacted diamond myself and they explained the polishing procedure they use. Long story short : liquid beeswax applied for 20 min, and buffed off with a rotary car buffer using a wool pad. And it restores it to new black really quick!!! But it did take about 3-4 purchases of the beeswax before I found the bottle at ace hardware that works the best!!! Don’t sweat the greyness it’s only temporary. Hope this was helpful
Click to expand...


Looks like Ace sells several different brands of beeswax. Can you confirm the one you had success with?
 
SpencerM said:
This review is for a “new” 7’ Diamond Pro-Am purchased last week. I will start with the cons; however, some of them may be related to the local dealer’s handling of the table. In summation, aside from a few cosmetic issues, the table is amazing!

Cons:
1. PRC Finish - gives appearance that it has a dirty film/residue - even after furniture polish was applied. This isn’t evident in the pictures on Diamond’s website. Perhaps I should have done more research.
2. Table was absolutely filthy (inside and out). Why doesn’t Diamond wrap their tables in plastic? Is this the dealer’s fault, or just improper expectation on my part?
3. “Brand New” table has numerous cosmetic imperfections that probably require replacement rails (bothers me) to create “new” perception. Also, the plywood apron has a large quarter-size piece of veneer that’s about to chip-off from bottom edge.
4. Ball collection cutout has razor sharp wood edges (inside edges) that my hands scrape against when removing balls. I have numerous scratches/scabs on my left hand just above my knuckles. Will buy a glove, or attempt to put tape over edges. Seems like something they could easily fix at factory.

While the next two items aren’t necessarily cons, I don’t see them as pros either:
5. The 1-piece slate makes a slight hollow Noise when the ball rolls.
6. The ball return system is blazing fast; however, for late night, home use, it’s LOUD! I will be buying additional padding for the drops.


Pros:
1. Absolutely no comparison to my old Spencer Marston. Aside from the cosmetic imperfections, the table is infinitely better in every aspect. It plays like a dream, and I love the speed and consistency the rails and cloth provide.

2. The leg leveling system is fantastic. I don’t believe the installers even touched the 22-point leveling system. Is this normal? They suggested those wedges are for later down the road when the slate starts to bow/sagg.

3. I love the beefy rails.
Click to expand...

All the cons are odd to me but #4 is something no one has to like. If I were Diamond this would be a major concern for me....that ain't:frown: right.
 
SpencerM said:
Looks like Ace sells several different brands of beeswax. Can you confirm the one you had success with?
Click to expand...

It’s howards feed n wax, comes in a liquid honey type feel. I put it on about once a month. I was told the beeswax sticks with a high speed buffer was better but you could damage the table so I went the liquid route lol
 
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I hope you get all of the issues worked out to your satisfaction. This is the 1st time of heard of anybody not being completely satisfied w/ their new Diamond.

Mine should be arriving around the beginning of May, can't wait! I went with the Dymalux Charcoal.

Regards,
John
 
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SpencerM said:
Can somebody post a high quality, up-close, picture of the top rail (poplar), and the Diamond logo? I can’t seem to post a picture, for reference.
Click to expand...





This pic is two tables ago, lol it’s not the current diamond I have


















Only pic I have on hand, this table is dirty by black standards
 
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My 9ft charcoal pro-am is two years old. Looks like new except for the cloth.

Yes the ball return is loud, but once you're playing and zone out, I don't even notice it.

Delivered and setup by two guys from Diamond. One guy pretty much did the entire setup which hardly took any time.
 
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gxman said:
My 9ft charcoal pro-am is two years old. Looks like new except for the cloth.

Yes the ball return is loud, but once you're playing and zone out, I don't even notice it.

Delivered and setup by two guys from Diamond. One guy pretty much did the entire setup which hardly took any time.
Click to expand...

Do you have any pics of yours?

Mine is also being set up by Diamond. I was told that the noise of the ball return is somewhat dampened if the table is placed on carpet.

Regards,
John
 
getting my 7 foot diamond recovered Thursday. only 8 months I have had it, but I got it in July, and it was really hot, so I got my sweat and body oils on the rails. tried everything to clean them, no luck. the table felt is ok, but I will change the felt, and come up with some new rules when it starts to get hot again. I will always wear a long sleeve shirt, and also a glove to help keep the new felt clean.

love my Diamond table:):)
 
judochoke said:
getting my 7 foot diamond recovered Thursday. only 8 months I have had it, but I got it in July, and it was really hot, so I got my sweat and body oils on the rails. tried everything to clean them, no luck. the table felt is ok, but I will change the felt, and come up with some new rules when it starts to get hot again. I will always wear a long sleeve shirt, and also a glove to help keep the new felt clean.

love my Diamond table:):)
Click to expand...

I tack nailed down the plastic trim around the ball return, mine was loose, other than that lovin the diamonds, I also go my last one in July, bout due for some cloth myself lol
 
I played on one of those tables one time. The biggest problem I had was the balls kept going in the holes they cut into the side and corners of the table. Then I would have to reach down and get them out from underneath.
 
SpencerM said:
This review is for a “new” 7’ Diamond Pro-Am purchased last week. I will start with the cons; however, some of them may be related to the local dealer’s handling of the table. In summation, aside from a few cosmetic issues, the table is amazing!

Cons:
1. PRC Finish - gives appearance that it has a dirty film/residue - even after furniture polish was applied. This isn’t evident in the pictures on Diamond’s website. Perhaps I should have done more research.
2. Table was absolutely filthy (inside and out). Why doesn’t Diamond wrap their tables in plastic? Is this the dealer’s fault, or just improper expectation on my part?
3. “Brand New” table has numerous cosmetic imperfections that probably require replacement rails (bothers me) to create “new” perception. Also, the plywood apron has a large quarter-size piece of veneer that’s about to chip-off from bottom edge.
4. Ball collection cutout has razor sharp wood edges (inside edges) that my hands scrape against when removing balls. I have numerous scratches/scabs on my left hand just above my knuckles. Will buy a glove, or attempt to put tape over edges. Seems like something they could easily fix at factory.

While the next two items aren’t necessarily cons, I don’t see them as pros either:
5. The 1-piece slate makes a slight hollow Noise when the ball rolls.
6. The ball return system is blazing fast; however, for late night, home use, it’s LOUD! I will be buying additional padding for the drops.


Pros:
1. Absolutely no comparison to my old Spencer Marston. Aside from the cosmetic imperfections, the table is infinitely better in every aspect. It plays like a dream, and I love the speed and consistency the rails and cloth provide.

2. The leg leveling system is fantastic. I don’t believe the installers even touched the 22-point leveling system. Is this normal? They suggested those wedges are for later down the road when the slate starts to bow/sagg.

3. I love the beefy rails.
Click to expand...
The finish on my 3 year old Diamond 7-foot smart table is a satiny duller finish which I think is standard, and which I personally prefer to a higher gloss finish, but everyone has different preferences. I assume you would have had to custom order a high gloss finish if you wanted it.

As far as whether you actually received a brand new table if you ordered one, I ordered mine custom brand new, but the first time we re-covered the rails it was obviously from the staple indentions that the rails had been covered and used before - likely a tournament used model table and rail tops. This kind of bothered me, since I paid considerably extra $$ for the supposed newly constructed table as opposed to a tournament used model, but it looked and played well, so I didn't pursue it.
 
ChrisinNC said:
The finish on my 3 year old Diamond 7-foot smart table is a satiny duller finish which I think is standard, and which I personally prefer to a higher gloss finish, but everyone has different preferences. I assume you would have had to custom order a high gloss finish if you wanted it.

As far as whether you actually received a brand new table if you ordered one, I ordered mine custom brand new, but the first time we re-covered the rails it was obviously from the staple indentions that the rails had been covered and used before - likely a tournament used model table and rail tops. This kind of bothered me, since I paid considerably extra $$ for the supposed newly constructed table as opposed to a tournament used model, but it looked and played well, so I didn't pursue it.
Click to expand...

T. used tables are only $500 less.
 
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