Everyone loves the glamour and mystique surrounding a billiards table. Teenagers and adults alike like nothing more than a friendly game of eight-ball, or straight pool. A good eyes, patience, and skill are required for this game, and you and your family may spend countless evenings relaxing with a good-natured game of billiards. All that is needed is an open space, such as a basement room, some good pool sticks, or cues, billiard balls, and of course, a pool table. Now here the sport gets a little pricey. A new pool table, depending upon quality, can run anywhere from a couple of hundred to a couple of thousand dollars. Buying a used pool table is a good alternative, especially for beginners, who may be reluctant to invest a large sum of money in a sport which they have not yet mastered. Here are some things to look for when purchasing a used pool table.
When going to look at a table, it may be a good idea to take a long a friend, particularly if that friend knows a little something about the game of billiards. It is not uncommon to request that a shot or two be taken on the table, in order to test the surface quality. Bringing along a small leveling tool is a practical idea as well. Place the tool on the table to test for any warping, and also for extreme tilting of the table, indicating weakness in the supports. The felt surface ought to be free of rips and mends. A pool table’s surface ought not to be mended, if it is ripped or damaged, it needs to be fully replaced in order to be functional. A mend may impede the travel of the ball, thereby rendering the table undesirable. Be aware that purchasing such a table will require reupholstering, which is an added expense.
If you or your friend is an experienced pool player, it is wise to execute a series of bank shots in order to test the rubber lining the edges of the table. Many times a table is not properly maintained, and the rubber becomes soft and pliable. Your ball should project easily off the sides. If it does not, the edging may need to be replaced. Once a ball has been sunk into a hole, it should travel easily to a receptacle for the balls, usually located either on the side of the table, or at one of the ends. The cue ball (the white one) is a different size than the rest, and should travel to a different receptacle. If these conditions are not met, there may be a blockage, or a crack in the pockets. Reach down into the pocket and feel for any rips, tears, or debris. The pockets should be clear. Feeling the surface with your hand is the best way to check the table’s worthiness. A new piece of felt may cover pits and dents. The surface of the table should be smooth and level. The legs of the table, while adjustable, should be uniform. A warped table may be adjusted to overcompensate on one side to hide a tilt. Adjusting all the legs to their lowest point will give you a true view of the condition of the table.
Inquire as to the material used for the table’s surface. A slate-top table, while giving the smoothest ‘ride’ to your ball, is also the heaviest to move. Newer tables may use lightweight materials, which, while not giving the same quality to the table, may be better suited to a beginner, while offering better portability. Ask about accessories. To play the game you will need billiard balls, including a white cue ball, sticks, chalk, and a rack. Optical equipment is also sometimes offered, such as a bridge stick and a short stick.
Shop around, and don’t be afraid to bargain. A pool table is a cumbersome object, and the person selling it is probably almost as anxious for a sale as you are.
