Which is easier to work on?

oneball

oneball

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I'm biting the bullet and buying either a Brunswick GC VI, a Black Wolf, or a Diamond Pro Am.

I value the opinion of the guys who make these things play right above pretty much anyone else's, which is why I'm asking here:

Which of these are your favorite and least favorite to work on? Which is the best constructed?

I think most likely they all play about the same. Kinda leaning toward Diamond just because it's made in the US.
 
The Back Wolf shouldn't be in the conversation as it's not at the same level as the Gold Crown or Diamond. Wait to make your decision until the Gold Crown VII is announced.
 
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Diamond is superior in each aspect.
The only advantage of a GC is that it can be broken down and moved easier. If you can roll a Diamond in on a cart, it's the clear winner.
Much easier to level and re-cover. No fighting with corner castings or bolting the rails back together. One Piece slate.
 
I am experienced in installing all 3 tables. My opinions are based on my own personal hands-on experience.

At this time, I would recommend against buying a Gold Crown VI. There are far too many components, no instructions, and the quality control is lacking. You would need a highly experienced, highly skilled, and very conscientious installer, in order to have a high quality installation.

Much of the same could be said for the Black Wolf Pro (the standard Black Wolf isn't even worth mentioning in the same conversation), though it is quite a bit easier to work on. However, I would anticipate some frame sagging, at some point in the future.

The Diamond Pro Am table design eliminates the need for a highly skilled installer. While it takes some care to properly deliver/install the table, it is FAR simpler, in comparison to the Brunswick offerings.

From the truck to the room, a Gold Crown VI is approximately a 10 hour install (when performed by a highly qualified and conscientious installer). After which, there will be a considerable amount of dunnage to dispose of.

A Diamond Pro Am delivery/install is approximately 45 minutes (assuming that the installer levels the table with the leveling wedges).
 
bradsh98 said:
I am experienced in installing all 3 tables. My opinions are based on my own personal hands-on experience.

At this time, I would recommend against buying a Gold Crown VI. There are far too many components, no instructions, and the quality control is lacking. You would need a highly experienced, highly skilled, and very conscientious installer, in order to have a high quality installation.

Much of the same could be said for the Black Wolf Pro (the standard Black Wolf isn't even worth mentioning in the same conversation), though it is quite a bit easier to work on. However, I would anticipate some frame sagging, at some point in the future.

The Diamond Pro Am table design eliminates the need for a highly skilled installer. While it takes some care to properly deliver/install the table, it is FAR simpler, in comparison to the Brunswick offerings.

From the truck to the room, a Gold Crown VI is approximately a 10 hour install (when performed by a highly qualified and conscientious installer). After which, there will be a considerable amount of dunnage to dispose of.

A Diamond Pro Am delivery/install is approximately 45 minutes (assuming that the installer levels the table with the leveling wedges).
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Wait a minute, Brunswick is selling pool tables in excess of $10K that do not come with any assembly instructions???? i am an auto tech with decades of experience, I usually toss out instructions and figure out how to assemble things on my own, it would have been nice having assembly instructions for my used GCI when I bought it and had to disassemble it, everything is not immediately obvious on how to disassemble.
 
fastone371 said:
Wait a minute, Brunswick is selling pool tables in excess of $10K that do not come with any assembly instructions???? i am an auto tech with decades of experience, I usually toss out instructions and figure out how to assemble things on my own, it would have been nice having assembly instructions for my used GCI when I bought it and had to disassemble it, everything is not immediately obvious on how to disassemble.
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I was able to source instructions for the Black Wolf from an online source, not affiliated with Brunswick.

I couldn't find any instructions when I installed the Gold Crown VI's that I've done. In fact, there were even some left over parts that I couldn't find a good use for.
 
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Thanks for the input guys.

It's insane to me that you can't get an installation manual for the GC. I talked to my local dealer about the VII , he tells me they won't be in production for several months (though they were announced). Idk if he's just really trying to hard sell a VI though.
 
oneball said:
Thanks for the input guys.

It's insane to me that you can't get an installation manual for the GC. I talked to my local dealer about the VII , he tells me they won't be in production for several months (though they were announced). Idk if he's just really trying to hard sell a VI though.
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Sounds about right. Oscar is swapping out all his Gold Crowns for the VII at Hard Times Sacramento and he said they will be there in September.
 
bradsh98 said:
I was able to source instructions for the Black Wolf from an online source, not affiliated with Brunswick.

I couldn't find any instructions when I installed the Gold Crown VI's that I've done. In fact, there were even some left over parts that I couldn't find a good use for.
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I'm in the market for a 9' table with 3-piece slate. What's your opinion on ProAm vs Professional? I also prefer drop pockets.
 
TrxR said:
I don't believe the Pro-Am is available with drop pockets.
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I've heard you can special order it but you basically have to beg them to do so. I have no idea if this is true. I wish I had gotten drop pockets on mine, getting balls out kills my back. I'd rather walk than bend at that angle. If I'm practicing I'll usually stuff car wash sponges in the pockets.
 
jtompilot said:
I'm in the market for a 9' table with 3-piece slate. What's your opinion on ProAm vs Professional? I also prefer drop pockets.
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AFAIK, the Professional only comes with drop pockets and IMO, is a much better looking table compared to the Pro-Am.
 
jtompilot said:
I'm in the market for a 9' table with 3-piece slate. What's your opinion on ProAm vs Professional? I also prefer drop pockets.
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If you want drop pockets, you really can't go wrong with the Professional. It has a strong frame, and should stay fairly stable. Any 3-pc slate Diamond can be a bit challenging to install, as you need to bond the slates together, before leveling. It takes some skill, to get it right. Though, I believe that the Professional is a bit easier than the Pro-Am.
 
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