What to look for in a pool table – Part 2

#5 – 100% Gum Rubber Cushions

All billiard companies claim to use 100% pure gum rubber cushions. These companies neglect to tell you that their 100% gum rubber cushions are made in China and can also contain up to 25% fillers made from clay and silica. Unfortunately, the extra fillers cause the gum rubber to break down in as little as two years. These rubber cushions are susceptible to heat, cold, UV light and humidity. They have a life expectancy of as little as 3 to 5 years.

Olhausen Billiards is the only company to offer a lifetime warranty on their AccuFast cushions. Their rubber cushions are made in the U.S.A. exclusively for Olhausen Billiards. They have produced over 50,000 sets of rubber with no warranty claims.

#6 – Sale Prices

Many online and local companies show you a fancy looking pool table with an MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) of $4,895.00 and a special Internet price of only $1,895.00. Wow! What a deal! It sounds too good to be true…and it usually is. Unfortunately, unless you can find the identical pool table elsewhere at the MSRP price, you will never know if it’s truly “ON SALE”.

Your best bet is to purchase your pool table from a local reputable billiard specialist who can stand behind the product and warranty.

#7 – Professionally Installed

Before you buy a pool table, take into consideration some of the qualities mentioned above, such as solid wood vs. MDF particleboard, warranty, delivery details and origin of parts. A pool table is not only a beautiful piece of furniture, but a precision piece of equipment. A pool table plays well only when properly installed by professionally trained technicians who are employees of the company from which you are buying your table.

If you think a subcontractor or delivery staff from a company that sells everything from swimming pools to home appliances, will take the time to properly install your pool table… think again! Most of the time, you will be disappointed. Most pool table warranties are only valid when installed by a certified dealer who can visit your home to inspect and fix the problem. A subcontractor cannot give you the same level of support as a certified dealer who has their own in-house factory trained installation technicians. Do you really think the subcontractor will return to your home to fix the level on your pool table or billiard fabric that is not properly stretched or poor workmanship?

All of our pool tables are professionally installed by technicians who are actual employees of American Billiards and Outdoor Recreations.

#8 – Name Brands

If you have never heard of the brand name, it is because it may have recently been created to give you a sense of security. After all, if you haven’t shopped for a pool table before, you probably can’t name the top three billiard manufacturers and so a “made up” brand name with a nice story or catchy slogan can be misleading. Even if you have heard the name before, they may not be honest about their current manufacturing practices and are hoping you don’t do your research.

For example, Brunswick Billiards uses the tag line “Authentic American” but we all know that their tables are made in China. American Heritage Billiards tricks us with their name but again we all know that their tables are also made in China.

Buyer Beware! Do your research and buy from a reputable local retailer who will stand behind the product and services. Most of all have fun with your new pool table!