And as usual we will identify what we consider the best for each category.
Below is a quick guide summary of some of the best pool table reviews we have provided.
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The definition of mini pool (for us) is a table that is 4ft in length or less.
Trademark Games Mini Pool Table Review
Our top pick budget mini pool tableis The Trademark Games Mini Pool Table.
This is perfect for small kids or if older kids / adults just want a quick bit of fun.
It comes with a ball retriever on both sides, two cues, balls, a triangle and chalk.
This version is small, in fact its really small, compared to some other mini models.
Fancy a quick game?
Dont want to leave it out when not in use?
So who do we think this is aimed at?
In our opinion its a great gift for young kids.
Older kids and teenagers will probably want to play on a larger table.
It comes with two cues, a triangle, chalk and pool balls.
When it arrives, you simply add the four small legs and then youre ready to play.
It costs a little more, but you get a lot more for your money.
The Playcraft Sport Bank Shot 40-Inch Pool Table is our tip pick mini table top pool game.
Solidly built and just the right size for a great bit of fun for kids and adults alike.
Its also very easy to move about if you want to play pool in different rooms or areas.
At 44 its slightly bigger than the Playcraft and does have a bigger feel to it.
We suggest this is great for up to 8 years olds, or if you have limited space.
The folding legs are a real space saver.
This can easily be stored under a bed or at the side of a closet.
This is made from strong hardwood and it has really responsive speed cushions which are very responsive.
It really is a quality small pool table.
Some adults have mentioned that they have enjoyed playing on this as much as their kids and grand kids.
It can be stored away under a bed, in a closet or behind a closet.
Set-up time is really quick and it looks and plays great.
The cushions are very reactive which will allow for some great bank shots.
The Voit will arrive with everything it’s crucial that you get started.
The Voit 48 Billiards Table Set will be a great addition to any family home.
This can be enjoyed by older kids, teenagers and adults alike.
Its a free-standing, sturdy pool game for a very reasonable price.
Folding Pool Tables
You get the best of both worlds with a folding pool table.
Its also portable so it’s possible for you to set-up at different locations.
I have not included mini folding pool tables here as they are included above under the mini section.
Below are tables that are above 4ft in length.
It also looks fantastic.
Although its not a full size tournament model, you soon forget this once you start playing.
The cloth is a good quality although some purchasers mention it plays a bit slower than a professional table.
Thats not a problem for beginners and intermediate players.
You will also receive a polyester bag to keep it in or transport it when not in use.
The Hathaway Fairmont 6 ft. Portable Pool Table is one of our favorites.
It mixes style, performance and portability into one great package.
This is a great starter table for kids to play on.
I started with a very similar table to this and loved it.
Its big enough for young kids to have a really fun time enjoying this great game.
Its sturdy and good value for money and would make a great gift.
7ft Pool Tables
As the size increases, so do a lot of your options.
Below are 3 different types of 7ft options to consider based on price and bed material.
This version looks like an arcade style game.
It comes with adjustable leg levellers to ensure you achieve a true roll.
For the price this a great choice.
Both experienced and novice players alike have commented on how well the MD plays as well as looks.
This is one we would be happy to own.
From its color Cherry / Brown, to the tassels on each pocket.
It certainly adds to the old school look to it.
The bed on the Fat Cat is not slate, nor is it MDF / Wood.
Its accuslate which is a mixture of particle board coated with a pvc material.
It comes with a 7 year non-warping guarantee.
So is it as good as slate?
Similar to MDF beds, the balls will not roll as fast or as far as a slate bed.
Personally, I like the more modern looking options available, however, this is just my opinion.
Below are three options for your consideration.
Hathaway Hustler 8ft Pool Table Review
The Hathaway Hustler comes in both a 7ft and 8ft option.
It has the look of a pool table that you will find in an arcade or bar.
Nothing to fancy, but still good-looking.
In our opinion this is more of a budget 8ft table.
The bed is MDF, so definitely not a slate bed.
The cushions however respond really well to rebounds and bank shots.
It comes with a ball returner so the balls will not get stacked up in the pockets.
Although one purchaser did comment that the ball opening could be a little wider.
The Hathaway Hustler 8ft Pool Table is at the budget end of the 8ft market.
You will need to pay more if you want a good quality slate table.
It will also last longer as Slatron can be susceptible to warping over a period of time.
The metal frame provides stability and will take a lot of play time.
Its not a quick job.
And if they were made of metal, you would pay more money.
Many pro players rave about Diamond tournament tables.
These are obviously are fantastic which come with an appropriate price tag.
However you may be able to grab a used deal off the internet.
Some other options are below which are based on coin operated tables but not quite as expensive.
its safe to say that these guys know a thing or two about making great billiards and pool tables.
They offer two main categories their coin operated tables and their Bayside home / office use pool tables.
Basically these are similar to the coin operated tables except they dont require a coin operation to play.
Both models come with separate cue ball returner.
As well as the two types, you also have a choice of two sizes 7ft and 8ft.
They are built for constant heavy use and will take hours and hours of home use play time.
It may look like a contemporary of traditional piece of art but it will play fantastically well.
If you’re free to afford it and the design fits, go with a pro table.
Its perfect for your games room or man cave.
Best Pool Table for The Money
We know this is subjective.
An included table tennis top adds another dimension of competitive fun within the same space.
Includes all the accessories you’re gonna wanna play pool and table tennis.
Certain to provide hours of competitive gaming fun for you, your friends, and family.
Pool Table Buying Guide
There are a few things you should consider when buying a pool table.
After all, they are a not cheap so you want to ensure you are receiving value money.
So what are the things you should understand and look out for?
Available Space
One of the most important things to consider is your available space.
Mini Pool TablesMini pool tables can fit in almost any room of the home.
As their title suggests, they are mini tables and usually range between two to four feet in length.
The versions with legs may also come with foldable legs which makes storage a lot easier.
Simply store the tables under the bed or in a closet or garage.
Also, an added benefit on the table top and fold away legs versions are their portability.
The Bed
The bed is what the playing surface is what sits below the cloth.
There are generally two types natural stone or man-made options.
Below is a description of the more popular bed materials.
SlateThe tables you will play at the pub or arcade will be slate bed tables.
Slate is a natural stone product.
These are more expensive than man-made wood based tables because of the price and weight of slate.
However, in our opinion, and that of many pool players, slate also plays a lot better.
The average player will have better cue ball control playing on the slate bed tables.
Slate is the preferred option to other materials because it can provide a perfect level surface once finely honed.
It will not warp or deteriorate over time and the ball runs faster.
Also, the slate will not deteriorate with time, you simply replace the cloth that sits on it.
Slate bed pool tables tend to either come with a 1 piece bed or a 3 piece bed.
This is why a lot of on-line slate bed pool tables will be 3 piece slate tables.
MDF, Accuslate and SlatronThese tables are for the home use market.
MDF is short for medium density board.
Accuslate is made from high compressed fibre board which reduces the chance of warping.
Slatron is another artificial slate option which is compressed wood.
They are not slate but have a go at mimic the feel of slate surfaces.
They cost less to make and ship to customers, they are lighter and can be quickly mass-produced.
This also means they cost less to buy.
There are also a number of high-end contemporary pool tables that are made of metals and plastics.
In the end it comes down to personal choice and budget.
A slate bed table will need to be supported by materials that are strong enough to keep it together.
Ball Retrieval
There are usual two types of ball retrieval.
It is returned to a small box like area for you to pick up when re-racking a new game.
If you have ever played on a coin operated table you will understand how this works.
This is the same principle without paying for the game.
Style
Pool and billiards tables can come in various shapes and sizes.
The lower end models can all look pretty similar.
However as your budget increases, so do your design options.
Installation / Set-up
This will depend on the size and quality of your pool table.
Obviously a mini or fold-away table will require minimal set-up time.
The larger tables, especially slate tables are a 2+ person job to set and install.
Remember this if you are going to set-up the table yourself.
it’s possible for you to purchase coin operated pool tables to use at home or in the office.
Self returning tables are tables that do not have a coin operation.
Price
The price of pool and billiards tables vary significantly due to all of the above factors.
Mini pool tables can start as low $20 depending on the size and quality of the materials used.
The larger the table, the more materials are required.
Especially if you have made a large investment.
To help clean the cloth, most tables will come supplied with cloth brush.
Brushing the cloth one way only also puts far less stress on the cloth than brushing in multiple directions.
Another solution is to lightly use a vacuum to clean the dust using a vacuum brush attachment.
Like with the manual brush solution, always vacuum brush in one direction only, from top to bottom.
Remember to be very careful and you do not want to rip the cloth by being heavy-handed.
When not in use, keep you table safe with agood pool table protective cover.
Avoid Spillage
Keep drinks and food away from the table.
Continued exposure to strong lighting will fade the coloring and dry out of the table-cloth.
Humidity
The materials used for your table will determine the optimum humidity levels.
A common sense approach is required with humidity levels.
