Price check: Pool table?

[bassteban]

What does a decent pool table go for? My wife just suggested a $200 Sears unit to lure my 12-yr-old son off the computer & video games. I'm sure it would work- at least for a while- but I'm unable to imagine a 2 bill unit that is not a complete and utterly useless POS.

[EricF]

For that price, I wouldn't expect much. IMO, a crappy pool table isn't very enjoyable.

[bassteban]

Originally Posted by EricF

For that price, I wouldn't expect much. IMO, a crappy pool table isn't very enjoyable.

Agreed. Again, not really considering the one she showed me, and I doubt she is either, but a good one would be nice.

[Jinro]

IIRC what makes a good pool table (and an expensive pool table) is the slate top used to make it perfectly level.

[MJ5150]

Anything worth buying on CL around here has been $700 and over, used. I'd like to get one.

-Mike

[jmattbassplaya]

I'm not a pool expert by any means, but a lot of it comes down to materials and the size of the table itself. The ones you're seeing at Sears are definitely all wood and are short sized tables. This leaves them more prone to warping over time. A real table either won't use wood (slate) or they will have the wood reinforced to prevent that. The last time I was in an actual billiards store I saw tables going for $1.300 or more. Go to an actual billiards store and ask them for some advice on finding a decent used table.

[bassteban]

Good stuff, thanks. I was pretty sure slate needs to be involved & I wouldn't get away under 5 bills, and I'm guessing that would be a steal for *good enough*

[XtreO]

Why is playing pool better than gaming Skyrim?

[iamlowsound]

Look used and get it professionally set up. There is a huge difference in a table that is set up correctly and one that isn't. There are some surplus billiards places that sell slate tables starting at $800-900 including setup, so that is something to look for as well. The biggest thing is making sure that you have enough space for the table, it might require you to buy a bar sized table, not a regular sized table. Have the measurements of the room with you when you go to buy one and the sales guy can help you sort out the size of table that you need. Don't buy a snooker table unless you intend on only playing snooker, you can play snooker on a billiards table if you enjoy playing both.

lowsound

[bassteban]

Originally Posted by XtreO

Why is playing pool better than gaming Skyrim?

Not sure if you're asking me, but I do not mean to get into which is better- or whether one thing is indeed better than the other- just seeking input from *the Voice of Experience*

[Tsal]

Originally Posted by XtreO

Why is playing pool better than gaming Skyrim?

Yeah.. a pool table isn't going to cut it. I'd try an electric guitar (bass.) or a paint ball gun instead.

[bassteban]

Originally Posted by Tsal

Yeah.. a pool table isn't going to cut it. I'd try an electric guitar (bass.) or a paint ball gun instead.

I am not sure what you & XtreO are talking about. No idea whatsoever, actually.

Edit: Ah- you editted whilst I replied.
Well, again- I'm not looking for advice on whether this is the *way to go* or whatever. On that note, he plays violin & has other interests- it's not some desperate situation where he's locked inside 24/7 & doesn't interact w/anyone in the real world. We spent a few days w/friends earlier this year- they had a pool table & we wore it out, so I'm certain this would be a good thing overall. Just trying to make an informed decision, if it ever comes to that. Thanks just the same.

[Tsal]

Originally Posted by bassteban

I am not sure what you & XtreO are talking about. No idea whatsoever, actually.

That a pool table is mostly going to get only one comment out of your kid: "boring." If you're trying to lure him off, use an appropriate bait.

[Lee H]

SEARS TABLES ARE ABSOLUTE JUNK...

check your local CL for a used table. With people losing their houses and being forced to downsize, tables are a common commodity.

I used to shoot in a lot of larger scale billiards tournaments. When I was playing a lot, I ran into good deals on tables all the time. My own table is a 1946 Olhausen, that I found in a garage. It was all oak, with a 1 inch slate. It took some work to restore it, but I enjoy it

[bassteban]

Originally Posted by Tsal

That a pool table is mostly going to get only one comment out of your kid: "boring." If you're trying to lure him off, use an appropriate bait.

Um, please read my(editted)previous post. W/all due respect, you don't know my son.

[jp58]

Our old apartment building had one installed and everything for $750. I think it was reinforced wood, but it played well and was level so it was perfect for college age kids to dink around on.

[Tsal]

Originally Posted by bassteban

Um, please read my(editted)previous post. W/all due respect, you don't know my son.

You, sir, of course know your family best. In any case, it's a pretty big item and an investment - I personally would not get a $200 table, either - so I might propose you could consult your son about how cool he thinks a pool table would be.

Perhaps you could give him a "gift card" of few hundred dollars as an Xmas gift, to be used in something you all might enjoy. One possibility, of course, being the pool table.

[Skitch it!]

Used pub style slate beds go for around $400 here, I love pool, always played it. A particular friend used to play for wagers of $780 a match, too hot for me

I think it's a good thing for sure, my 2 pence.

[duff beer]

A $200 pool table will play like a $200 acoustic guitar...

[i_got_a_mohawk]

+1 to what everyone else has said.

You need slate or it just ain't worth it!