Used Table Decision Help (Pics Included)...

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pittpanther

New member
Hello everyone... I finally have gotten a chance to go and check out some used tables. Just a little background - my wife and I would be considered beginners, and are not sure how "serious" we will be with regard to learning and playing.

With that said, over the last year or so, I have researched many of the brands, and was initially settled on a Diamond Pro - although my wife was looking for a more furniture oriented table.

After checking out some of the prices on used tables, I was really drawn to the value they offer. Since used Diamond tables are generally few and far between, my choices narrowed to Vitalie and Brunswick. The wife loves the Vitalie's for their appearance, as do I actually. We have space in our basement for any size, but a 7' would fit the best (i.e.: no need to move existing furniture, etc.)

I went to look at two (2) tables yesterday, both of which I really like on their own merits. The 1st is a 7' Brunswick Brookstone with Queen Anne legs:

Brunswick.jpg


It is an near perfect shape and includes a set of Centennials, along with a pool table light, floor stand cue holder and two (2) chairs. The seller and I decided on a price of $1,000 for it. It is only a couple of years old, and saw limited action by adults only.

The next is a 9' Peter Vitalie Chippendale. Amazing looking table - great shape (not quite as good as the Brunswick). It really was stunning. It comes with a pool table light, a cue rack and a set of balls. The guy is asking $6500 for it - but it seems high...! Anyway, here it is: What would a reasonable offer for it be?

Vitalie.jpg


Ok - I know that these two tables are very different in a number of ways - mostly size and price. I think we would be very happy with the Brunswick, but may regret passing on the Vitalie (which according to the seller lists at close to $20K new...?) If my wife and I do get serious with playing and start looking at league play - which would be better for us? Which is the better value/deal?

Any/all comments would be appreciated. Thanks!

Doug
 
I don't have any experience with either table, but I would go for the Brunswick given the information in your post. The main reason is you said you don't know how serious you will become at the game. If you are "testing the waters" it is better to only spend $1000 instead of over $5000. Also, you mentioned league play. I assume you mean in bars, which usually have 7 foot tables. The Brunswick would be closer to the bar tables than the 9 footer. Finally, if you didn't like the table, I believe the used market holds its prices well. So you could unload the Brunswick for probably the same that you paid for it if you got tired of the game or wanted a larger table.

Now, if you think you will be spending a lot of time in pool rooms, I would recommend getting the same tables they have. That would be a used Gold Crown in most situations. Get the same cloth as your main pool room. This way your home table will be closer to the pool room's tables.

Good luck.
 
Great advice iusedtobrich. Minimizing the expense now (until we determine how serious we will be) is one of the major advantages of the Brunswick.

The Vitalie was just so damn stunning...!
 
If you are coinsidering spending $6500 on a used table, why not look at new ones for less. That way you get a warrenty, get to pick wood and finish, felt color.
 
I am primarily avoiding a new table due to their depreciation. Since I am not sure how serious we will be taking playing - I may be looking to sell it and would rather someone else absorb that loss - just hegding my bets. As far as the $6500 asking price, I was planning on offering something significantly less (maybe around $3K) - to which the seller may just not accept.

Deadaim - I actually grew up in Pittsburgh but now live north of Baltimore. In any event, I would prefer not spending more than $3K, and would love to be somewhere between $1K and $2K.
 
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