Which Non-Coin Op Tables Have got The Gully Ball Return System?

[TheWizard]

Hey Guys, how's it going?

I'm wondering if you guys can help with something that has been winding me up, just a little bit.

I have been look for a 9fter that has got the old fashioned type ball return system, where each pocket has a gully, the runs to the centre of the table, into a central gully that runs to the collection box

I find this syle of ball return alot faster and also less mainteainence, as I find that balls don't jam up in this type of return system, compared to other ball returns that have 2 long return rails under the side rails of the table, and they are a constant heartache, which is what I'm looking to avoid.

Now, I know that the SAM K-Steel has the system I'm looking for, but I hate how they play, and so, I'm wondering which other tables out there has got the older and better style of return system?

The reason I'm asking is I'm looking at potentially buying a table and renting a large enough room to house the table, but I want to make sure that I can get a table that won't be a heartache having to walk laps round the table, just to rack the balls every 5 minutes, and to not have to keep unjamming balls in the return system

Any suggestions of makes/models, as well as any advice on the pro's and cons of each make/model of table as reguards overall playability, will be greatly and truely appreciated as always

Thank you in advance,

Willie

 

[selftaut]

Willie, I believe the diamond pro-am has a good ball return system, also the brunswick metro would do it I think.

Kev

 

[realkingcobra]

Hey Guys, how's it going?

I'm wondering if you guys can help with something that has been winding me up, just a little bit.

I have been look for a 9fter that has got the old fashioned type ball return system, where each pocket has a gully, the runs to the centre of the table, into a central gully that runs to the collection box

I find this syle of ball return alot faster and also less mainteainence, as I find that balls don't jam up in this type of return system, compared to other ball returns that have 2 long return rails under the side rails of the table, and they are a constant heartache, which is what I'm looking to avoid.

Now, I know that the SAM K-Steel has the system I'm looking for, but I hate how they play, and so, I'm wondering which other tables out there has got the older and better style of return system?

The reason I'm asking is I'm looking at potentially buying a table and renting a large enough room to house the table, but I want to make sure that I can get a table that won't be a heartache having to walk laps round the table, just to rack the balls every 5 minutes, and to not have to keep unjamming balls in the return system

Any suggestions of makes/models, as well as any advice on the pro's and cons of each make/model of table as reguards overall playability, will be greatly and truely appreciated as always

Thank you in advance,

Willie

From what you're describing for a ball return system, only one table has that kind. The Diamond ProAm series are the only tables built today with that kind of a system period. On a 9ft ProAm, the complete size of the table can be a drawback, as it comes fully assembled. But, if I know more about your location, I can tell you if it can be installed or not...there are some options with these tables that no one is really aware of except me, as I would be the only one to take on installing one of these tables out of the normal roll it in, bolt the legs on, flip it over and level it. Anything other than that, then I am it, trust me on that one!!!!...LOL One of the advantages of the Diamond ProAm series of tables, is that they just don't lose their value from new to used, no other tables built today by anyone can make that claim, after all...how many manufactures have a standing offer to buy back ANY tables they've ever sold?????

Glen

 

[TheWizard]

Thank you guys for replying, I really appreciate it

RKC, I see what you're saying, but there are a few major problems to start with which prevent me going for a Diamond table....

1. The ONLY distributor of Diamond tables in Europe is Gabriel Billards Tables, and I believe they're based in Germany, and it would simply far too expensive for me to have a table shipped from Germany, to have installed here in Northern Ireland.

2. My top budget possible would be around ?3K and that includes, shipping, installation, lighting and accessories, etc.

3. If I'm able to find a room to rent, it'll be a 90% chance that there'll only be a single dooryway, to try and bring the table parts in, and so the idea of trying to installed a pre-built table would be impossible, even if the legs were detatched from the base unit itself.

It is a long way off, but I'm certain that I want to start looking around for various tables now and be able to plan this out properly.

I have also been contemplating on having a table custom built for me, by a British Manufacturer, but I imagine that the price for the table alone, would be a little above my budget, but I'll wait and see what their response is

I was going to get a Brunswick Centurion, but since there aren't any pics of that table with the gully return system, I don't know if that table has the particular ball return system that I'm looking for or not, and so, I'll give that a miss and Olhausen don't seem to have ball return options at all, but I do know that they offer some models in a 5x10 option

In the meantime, I'll have to keep on looking I guess, if I had the money, I would go for an antique Brunswick with the original lightning ball return system, as they have the return system that I like, but I ain't got $10+K to burn

Thank you once again guys, your suggestions and advice really is appreciated

Willie