Anyone here do pool tables?

[Garet Jax]

Hello all,

I have done quite a bit of research, but it seems the more people I talk to the more confused I get.

The last guy I spoke with said that the big three I have always heard were good (Brunswick, Alhausen(sp?) and Connelly) were not as good as I thought. He gave problems with each one.

He works with a couple of smaller American based builders and says he would not work with anyone who doesn't build in the states.

Anyone here work with pool tables for a living? Where can I go to get more information?

Thanks.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

I've done it on a pool table, but that's another story.

- M4H

 

[Angrymarshmello]

Um, there are going to be problems with ANY brand of ANY product. Anyone can nitpick or have personal preferences/biases towards one brand or another. That's like some domestic car guy saying he'll only buy/work on domestic cars but not on imports because of (various reasons go here). I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to pool tables but that guy is just biased towards certain brands. Fvck him and buy the one within your budget that you like the most.

 

[Garet Jax]

This is one way to look at it.

I am looking to buy an Imperial table online, have it shipped and then hire a local installer. This will save me over $600 (on a $2000 purchase) and get me a much nicer looking table.

The problem is that I have not found anyone who has done this. Most of the people I talk to say it is a bad idea for a number of reasons. The issue is that the people who say this have a vested interest to get me not to do it so I can buy from them. The only people who think it is a good idea are the people selling the tables online.

On one hand I have no way to judge the quality of the table because I can't find anyone who carries it locally. On the other hand, I do not want to spend $600 needlessly.

 

[shopbruin]

I work for a company that sells pool tables on ebay. search for "zbilliards" and check out our prices. or go to www.zbilliards.com

Generally local installers want you to buy from them. They will always say "oh this is bad or that is bad" on and on until you give in and buy their 5k pool table. They only want to work with what they know and nothing else.

We have a nationwide network of installers that should be able to get to your location as long as you're not in the middle of nowhere.

 

[Garet Jax]

Originally posted by: freesia39
I work for a company that sells pool tables on ebay. search for "zbilliards" and check out our prices. or go to www.zbilliards.com

Generally local installers want you to buy from them. They will always say "oh this is bad or that is bad" on and on until you give in and buy their 5k pool table. They only want to work with what they know and nothing else.

We have a nationwide network of installers that should be able to get to your location as long as you're not in the middle of nowhere.

This is one of the companys that has been frequently mentioned by the local providers when I say I am looking online. I have not yet looked at your site, but I will jump there now.

 

[Garet Jax]

Originally posted by: freesia39
I work for a company that sells pool tables on ebay. search for "zbilliards" and check out our prices. or go to www.zbilliards.com

Generally local installers want you to buy from them. They will always say "oh this is bad or that is bad" on and on until you give in and buy their 5k pool table. They only want to work with what they know and nothing else.

We have a nationwide network of installers that should be able to get to your location as long as you're not in the middle of nowhere.

Who manufactures the tables that zbilliards sells?

 

[shopbruin]

our tables are manufactured overseas in china. they're still high quality tables and we have several to choose from.

 

[toekramp]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
I've done it on a pool table, but that's another story.

- M4H

stole my post...guess it was too obvious

 

[Garet Jax]

Originally posted by: freesia39
our tables are manufactured overseas in china. they're still high quality tables and we have several to choose from.

freesia39,

The money I seem to be saving by buying online is quickly evaporated when I have to pay for crating, shipping and installation. Also, even though the local places are charging an arm and a leg for the install, none of them will support me in any way (without more money) afterwards. Also, if I have any sort of warranty issue with the table, then I have a large hassle with getting the wanrrantied piece from the online firm. If and when I get the warranty part, I will have to pay again to have someone install it.

I have priced the same table (same manufacturer and legs) online and with a local firm.

The online firm is going to charge me:
$1395 (table and accessory kit)
$154.16 (Shipping)
$200-$500 (installation)

The local firm is going to charge me:
$1900 (table, accessories, delivery and installation)

The best case is $1749.16 vs $1900. The worst case is $2049.16.

Assuming I can find someone local to do a professional install for $200, then I save ~$150, but I have effectively no warranty or support.

The savings is not that compelling. Am I missing something?

 

[austin316]

whatever you do, make sure you get a slate table, and make sure you have it professionally installed. you'll be happy with whatever you buy as long as you follow those rules.

 

[Garet Jax]

Originally posted by: austin316
whatever you do, make sure you get a slate table, and make sure you have it professionally installed. you'll be happy with whatever you buy as long as you follow those rules.

This is good advice. The problem I am having is sorting through the muck that everyone is spewing. It seems like everytime I talk to a new pool table place, the person contradicts at least one thing I heard previously. It is very frustrating.

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: Garet Jax

Originally posted by: austin316
whatever you do, make sure you get a slate table, and make sure you have it professionally installed. you'll be happy with whatever you buy as long as you follow those rules.

This is good advice. The problem I am having is sorting through the muck that everyone is spewing. It seems like everytime I talk to a new pool table place, the person contradicts at least one thing I heard previously. It is very frustrating.

You aren't going to go wrong with Brunswick. They are expensive, but they are worth it.
You need to get slate. Slate is heavy, and it's expensive. Make sure it's fairly think too. Avoid plywood at all costs.
Get it professionally installed. Installing one is *not* a fun way to spend an afternoon. Leveling it will.... make your hair skip grey and just go straight to falling out.

These have just been my experiences and a pool enthusiast. I'm no professional.

 

[Nitemare]

Why do you need anyone to install it?

Get a neighbor to come over to help you get it inside(Provide beer and pizza)Just get yourself a level for Lowes and maybe something solid to go under a leg or 2.

35 bucks max.

 

[Busie23]

Originally posted by: freesia39
I work for a company that sells pool tables on ebay. search for "zbilliards" and check out our prices. or go to www.zbilliards.com

Generally local installers want you to buy from them. They will always say "oh this is bad or that is bad" on and on until you give in and buy their 5k pool table. They only want to work with what they know and nothing else.

We have a nationwide network of installers that should be able to get to your location as long as you're not in the middle of nowhere.

I have read good things about your company. Can I ask what you do there?