What to look for in a 6x12 table

nme007

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I would appreciate any education someone can give me on what is the best snooker table to look for in the 6x12 size. I will be in the market for one and would like to know my options. I am aware of the obvious in checking to make sure the rails are good, need to know more about which ones are built the best. Thank you for any advice!
 
The best playing tables of the more common kind would be Riley or BCE, both make steel block or mahogany versions.
The steel block tables have a little more rebound and consistency, but a good solid mahogany rail can play pretty good, that is what I have and it plays great with new rubbers and match cloth. They have been the staple of snooker clubs in the UK for decades. They currently use Star for WPBSA and Wiraka's for the IBSF but very hard to find used.
There are other great tables from the past such as Thurston, Willie Holt, Karnham etc but are not as common, Brunswicks can be okay in a pinch but
Steer clear of Dufferins, Olhausens or Nationals.

When looking at condition, watch for the pocket brasses or plates being loose or splitting where the pins go in the rail and make sure it rolls true across the whole playing area, bowed slate is a pig to replace.
 
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6x12 advice

Thank you for that information. I want to make sure I do plenty of research before taking the plunge and I really am thankful for any advice. I was looking at a older Brunswick but not really sure what I would be getting into with a 40's era table. I want something that is very well built so I only have to buy one!
 
The best playing tables of the more common kind would be Riley or BCE, both make steel block or mahogany versions.
The steel block tables have a little more rebound and consistency, but a good solid mahogany rail can play pretty good, that is what I have and it plays great with new rubbers and match cloth. They have been the staple of snooker clubs in the UK for decades. They currently use Star for WPBSA and Wiraka's for the IBSF but very hard to find used.
There are other great tables from the past such as Thurston, Willie Holt, Karnham etc but are not as common, Brunswicks can be okay in a pinch but
Steer clear of Dufferins, Olhausens or Nationals.

When looking at condition, watch for the pocket brasses or plates being loose or splitting where the pins go in the rail and make sure it rolls true across the whole playing area, bowed slate is a pig to replace.

The IBSF actually now have a contract with "Shender" to provide tables for all of their events.

There are a multitude of Chinese manufactured snooker tables available now and all are generally very good quality, but the "Star" tables are excellent.
 
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