

"A pool table is also a beautiful piece of furniture," he adds, "so pick something that looks nice to you and best matches your home decor." Dave Alciatore, Ph.D., PBIA advanced instructor and the dean of Billiard University. So, which pool table is right for your space? "The most important factor is making sure the room is large enough to accommodate the table size you choose," says Dr. But whether you love hosting friends, need something to fill your basement bar, are looking for a screen-free wintertime activity, or just want to fine-tune your shot, it's easy to see the draw of having one at home. Without a doubt, billiards tables take up ample space and sometimes cost a pretty penny.
#Brunswick bristol ii pool table review professional
But, remember, no matter the value, number of slates, or style of table, proper professional setup is key to getting the best possible roll.A beloved indoor game requiring strategy and precision, people have been playing pool for centuries.

I’d recommend a three piece slate over one solid slate if given the choice. This is why the pros prefer to shoot on a three piece slate pool table as opposed to a one piece. They must take into consideration the type of flooring and construction of the cabinet that will support all of the weight.Ī three piece slate, leveled properly, will without a doubt give you superior play. Experienced mechanics must take great caution when leveling multiple pieces of slate. They are a matched set left to the billiard mechanic to level properly. Three and four piece slates start out as one piece, but are cut during the milling process. Thicker slates have less imperfections and are usually permanently framed with pieces of wood to further support it when atop the pool table cabinet. Three piece slates tend to be at least 1/4″ thicker than their one piece cousins. No amount of shimming or tweaking can remove these. Especially on the bigger 8′ slate pieces. There can be natural low or high spots in the stone. There is the issue of leveling the playing surface. I can also tell you that there is a performance downside to owning a one piece slate pool table. This is why it costs more to move or service these types of tables. When there are stairs involved while moving a one piece slate, it is not just tricky, but downright dangerous carrying all of that weight. They are more difficult to move through hallways, narrow doorways and corners. They are difficult to maneuver when refelting your pool table. One piece slates weigh approximately 450 pounds. If you’re asking me, a billiard mechanic with 24 years experience moving all types of pool tables, I’ll tell you it is a pain in the behind to struggle with a one piece slate. This is true, but remember that smooth doesn’t always equal level. It is a perfectly smooth surface all the way across. A one piece slate has no seams to affect the playing field. When they purchased the table (around 35 years ago), they were told that a one piece slate was far superior. If you ask an owner of a one piece slate furniture style pool table, they will likely give you a different reason. These Fusions don’t really move around the room, but the up and down motion of the legs necessitate the one piece slate.

These Fusion Tables, like the coin operated ones, have a special frame that holds the slate snug. If you ask an Aramith Fusion Pool Table owner, they’ll tell you they love having a 3/4 inch one piece slate because it allows their pool table to lower to dining height, then raise again to playing height with a single click. When the pool table is put back into position final leveling is dialed in by commercial grade leg levelers. The cabinet holding the slate wraps and hugs the slate, so that even when the table is tilted on it’s side (experience required), it remains locked into place. But, these commercial pool tables are constructed differently. Moving a pool table in one piece can really mess up the seams where the three pieces meet on a three-piece slate. These coin-ops have a 3/4 inch one piece slate for this reason. If you ask a bar or pub owner, they’ll tell you that they often have to move their coin operated pool tables around for special events. It’s the age old question: What’s better a three piece slate pool table or a one piece slate? Well, that all depends on who you’re asking.
