Pick a table…new AE Schmidt vs used California House?

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pmb9484

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I know seems silly. I think most would pick the Schmidt. Question is really about value

so I have been looking for a while for quality table that meets the aesthetic needs of my wife. I showed her 100’s of tables and the one she likes most that fit the bill is the AE Schmidt Nile. Can’t find any used and new is going to run me $8k-8.5k all in on 8ft

Recently came across a really pristine used California House City table which the wife also liked. I can probably be all in under $4k.

I haven’t seen much about California House but my impression is they are a solid USA made table probably a tier below AE.

We are both casual players getting more into it and hope to teach the kids but not playing league/tournaments as of now. Play weekly.

What are peoples thoughts? Is AE that much better or is the California a better value?

Thanks in advance for any feedback
 

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pmb9484 said:
I know seems silly. I think most would be the Schmidt. Question is really about value

so I have been looking for a while for quality table that meets the aesthetic needs of my wife. I showed her 100’s of tables and the one she likes most that fit the bill is the AE Schmidt Nile. Can’t find any used and new is going to run me $8k-8.5k all in on 8ft

Recently came across a really pristine used California House City table which the wife also liked. I can probably be all in under $4k.

I haven’t seen much about California House but my impression is they are a solid USA made table probably a tier below AE.

We are both casual players getting more into it and hope to teach the kids but not playing league/tournaments as of now. Play weekly.

What are peoples thoughts? Is AE that much better or is the California a better value?

Thanks in advance for any feedback
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I assume the Schmidt costs considerably more $? If $ is not a factor, I would go with the proven reputation and quality of AE Schmidt.

I re-read your post after my first paragraph above. If you’re looking for value / playability, you can certainly do better than $8-9K for the AE Schmidt 8 foot table. I just don’t know anything at all about California House tables as to whether that’s an American made table or an imported Asian table.

If you’re not in a huge hurry and willing to put in the time needed to look for a used table, I’m sure something as good or better than those two options will come up, depending on the area where you live.
 
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pmb9484 said:
... What’s issue with these?
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I hadn't heard of the brand until this thread. Their website seems to say the right things, such as not selling you a table too big for the room. Is there any way you can get to a retail outlet? Or even better, Sacramento? I think for home use it will be fine and it's nice to have a brand new table.
 
pmb9484 said:
What’s issue with these?
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The main issues with typical home tables are soup bucket size pockets, inferior rubber and rail construction and pocket facing angles, not enough rail attachment bolts for consistent rebounds when balls are hit near the ends of the rails. The overall weight is usually about 3 to 400 pounds shy of what a commercial table will be, and weight is very important. They just aren’t a players table.
 
Like others, I have never heard of this brand, and it looks like they build custom furniture tables. Not usually a player’s table.

That being said, if you are casual players, then I would stick with :

Happy spouse, happy house.

Freddie <~~~ I think that’s what they say …
 
Based on your needs...

Casual player...
Teaching kids to play...
Wife has your testicles in her purse.. Lol

The California will probably be just fine for you. If you can go play a few games on it before you buy, you will probably find it meets your needs at a much better price.
 
AZ might be the wrong place to discuss your particular needs in billiards….I wouldn’t pay a thou for both tables…unless to flip.
 
pmb9484 said:
We are both casual players getting more into it and hope to teach the kids but not playing league/tournaments as of now. Play weekly.
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Here's a point to consider. Your level of interest could evolve over time and as you evolve, your equipment knowledge will evolve as well. If you (or both of you) become more serious about playing, table aesthetics will drop down several notches on the "wants" list and playability will shoot to the top and these two tables are not player's tables. If it gets to that point and you crave a better playing table at home, you'll be stuck with either of these tables as you will not be able to sell them for anything near what you paid for them. They simply aren't desirable. If you are dead set on this level of table, be patient and buy used. IMO, these tables are not worth what they cost new.
 
Thanks for the input everyone (minus the one douche bag)

Realize everyone on here is stuck on diamond and GC. Honestly thought the Schmidt was considered a top tier table but understand everyone’s point of view
 
pmb9484 said:
Honestly thought the Schmidt was considered a top tier table but understand everyone’s point of view
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Maybe in year's past but even their commercial line was a grade below Brunswick. As most have stated, it's okay for home use/casual play. That's why I stated some self evaluation was needed. If you plan to stay in that lane, it should suit your needs but if you see yourselves evolving past "casual" player, there are better options available that may call for some compromise on the aesthetics (purely subjective). Diamond used to have a home table line, not sure if they still do. Maybe you should give them a call to see if they have other table designs not represented on their website.
 
rexus31 said:
Maybe in year's past but even their commercial line was a grade below Brunswick. As most have stated, it's okay for home use/casual play. That's why I stated some self evaluation was needed. If you plan to stay in that lane, it should suit your needs but if you see yourselves evolving past "casual" player, there are better options available that may call for some compromise on the aesthetics (purely subjective). Diamond used to have a home table line, not sure if they still do. Maybe you should give them a call to see if they have other table designs not represented on their website.
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Yea agreed. Will check out what else diamond has.

In the end, this has been helpful since it seems that Schmidt isn’t going to be substantially better than the California House so if I can get the used Californis House for under 2K then move it setup and felt for like 1K. Probably be worth it abd can upgrade later if I become more serious
 
pmb9484 said:
Yea agreed. Will check out what else diamond has.

In the end, this has been helpful since it seems that Schmidt isn’t going to be substantially better than the California House so if I can get the used Californis House for under 2K then move it setup and felt for like 1K. Probably be worth it abd can upgrade later if I become more serious
Click to expand...
Sounds like a solid plan.
 
pmb9484 said:
Thanks for the input everyone (minus the one douche bag)

Realize everyone on here is stuck on diamond and GC. Honestly thought the Schmidt was considered a top tier table but understand everyone’s point of view
Click to expand...
AE Schmidt is known for being a solid playing table. Some upscale Billiards / Sports bar chains have them and they are well built, quality tables that are more aesthetically attractive than a Diamond or GC.
 
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