When it comes to buying a pool table, you find a lot of brands in the market. Some brands have unique designs while other brands specialty lies with their durability. But how to find the perfect pool table for yourself?
Here we are discussing the top six brands whose pool tables are not only famous for their designs but also their durability, their gameplay, their felt etc. A good pool table is one which comes with all the aspect right. such as;
Brunswick is one of the most recognizable names when it comes to pool tables. With more than 170 years of history behind them, they had withstood all the tests and hardships and turned the company into a global brand name.
Brunswick legacy goes back in 1845 when the founder of the company started making its first ever pool table. The inspiration for the pool table came from the wood.
Brunswick himself said that if it is made of wood, why can’t we make it. They build their legacy by creating the best. You can see the innovation.
They have achieved the super accuracy and consistency, and that is the best thing in any product to maintain its legacy.
It was a family business — John Moses Brunswick, who was an immigrant to America. When he saw the pool tables of an esteemed London Manufacturer, John Thurston, Brunswick saw the opportunity to get into the business of billiards.
In 1845, the M.J. Brunswick Manufacturer started producing its first of many pool tables. As the business bloomed, in 1850 Abraham Lincoln purchased a Pool table from Brunswick and the Company rocketed in the market.
From the 1890s to 1920s, Brunswick understood the market value and set the standard for the billiards. Even during the GREAT DEPRESSION and WORLD WAR II, Brunswick never lost hope, but instead, they gave people some leisure in such saddened days.
Brunswick success came with time and patience. Whenever they saw an opportunity, they introduced something new.
They went with the over-all nation’s likeness and interest. The legacy of Brunswick endures such long way to the top with the help of the following factors;
Brunswick give extra attention to their pool tables when they are being made. They never compromise over materials and always give their best.
They guarantee their products. Their products are made up of following materials which make them outstanding.
Nut Plates and Washer:
All the nut and the washers are specially designed — the nuts are made in such a way that they create a 70% more torque, causing more tightness ensuring a solid connection between rails and the slate.
The hardened dome washers ensure that the rails are placed accurately and fixed properly. They are specially designed to make sure that the loosening of the nuts and washers over the time does not happen.
Cushion:
Cushions are such an important part of the pool table. If they are not up to the standard, they might cause rail looseness. Brunswick super speed cushions give more consistency and control over the rail.
High-Pressure Bonding:
Cushion rubber bonding and placement are essential concerning the rails. Brunswick has achieved that accuracy and consistency through their super controlled machines which bond the cushions with such a precision that has been the trademark of the company for over 70 years.
Rails:
Brunswick wood rails are outstanding. They are cut, shaped and fixed through machines in such a way that ensures high level gameplay. The rails are always made up of solid wood.
Construction:
All the joints and wood are attached and fixed with each other with the help of the machines. These machines are specifically designed to make sure that the fitting of the frame and the cushions are all up to the standard.
Excellent work in the joinery of the solid hardwood ensures perfect games and superior performances.
Wood Work:
All the solid wood used in the pool tables of Brunswick are kiln dried up to 6-8% moisture level. Then they are stained and sealed to avoid any further moisture absorption.
Slate:
The specially designed slate is according to the BCA specifications. It is machined-cut and refined. And all four sides are checked again and again for accuracy and balance. Only after that, the slate is ready to be placed.
Brunswick Pool Table Types:
Brunswick now produces pool table in different categories. Ever since they became a global brand for the pool tables, they now produce for every aspect of life, and they want everyone to enjoy a good game on a professionally made pool table. They have a variety of pool table. they have
Wood:
They also work with variety of different woods. Giving them different colours and themes is one of their ways of interacting with their clients. Such as
Price:
The price range is from $1,500 – $40,000. Their prices usually depend upon the wood and then their management.
Olhausen brothers butch and Don, worked with their father in setting and covering pool tables. When they moved to California, they started their own company for delivering and setting the pool tables.
Then came a sparkling opportunity. In 1973, these two brothers bought a manufacturing company to whom they used to deliver, for only $1000. And that was the start of their brand. They are now producing almost 33000 pool tables annually.
They work hard to give you the best, and that’s why they give a life time warranty. Their main focuses are the premium SLATE.
The take their pride in their wood. Hardwood from Northern-west America where trees have tight grain giving more grip to wood.
Price Difference:
The price difference between the two brands is so visible. An average Brunswick pool table ranges between $2,000 – $20,000 while an average Olhausen Pool table usually starts from $2,150. It is almost impossible to compare their price with such a big difference.
Hardwood Construction:
Both brands use hardwood. Olhausen gets their timber from North America while Brunswick uses primarily wood from South America.
Cabinet:
The knock-off cabinet of Brunswick vs. the unilinear framed cabinet that come factory pre-fit. Not everyone can set and assemble a pool table by themselves, so a factory pre-set is a what people usually opt for.
Cushion Rubber:
The super speed cushion of Brunswick and the accu-fast cushions of olhausen stand their own place. It usually comes down to personal preferences.
| Brand | Brunswick | Olhausen |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,500 – $40,000 | $2,150 – unlimited |
| Wood | South America + North America | North America |
| Cushion | Super-speed | Accu-fast |
| Nut | Reduces Torque | Wont bend and easily gripped during installation. |
| Design | Varies | Limited |
| Sizes | 7-foot, 8-foot and 9-foot | 7-foot and 8-foot |
| Accessories | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | Life Time | Life Time |
Their specialty lies with the leg work of the pool table. Their elaborate wood work and giving them a modern touch all along make these pool tables a home accessory yet an indoor sports enjoyment. They have following main aspects;
Frame Work:
Each leg is attached to the table frame with the help of specially designed aluminum nuts and bolts. Many pool tables manufacturers use cross beams but Spencer Marston uses two center beams to bring stabilization to the pool table.
Slate:
Slate thickness is most important element in the manufacturing of the slate. Usually it is required to be 1 inch thick by the BCA (Billiard Congress of America). Spencer Marston does not settle for anything but the best. They offer all tables with 1 inch thick, 3 levelled slate.
Rail:
Cushions are the most important aspect of the rail system. All spencer Marston cushions are made of 100% pure gum rubber and are cured to a true k-66 face profile.
Wood:
Brunswick gets their hardwood from South America and North America while Spencer Marston gets their wood from South America.
Slate:
Brunswick pool tables slates and Spencer Marston’s slates are both up to the BCA standard. I inch thick and 3 layered slate for the professional tournaments.
Price:
Brunswick price usually starts form $1,500 – $40,000 while Spencer Marston pool tables prices usually starts from $2,000 – $4,000. Spencer’s price may vary due to their elaborate designs.
Nuts and Bolts:
Brunswick’s nuts and bolts are specially designed to reduce the torque as maximum as possible while Spencer’s nuts and bolts are designed from special aluminum fibers. They hold the woodwork nicely and tightly.
| Brand | Brunswick | Spencer marston |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 7-foot, 8-foot and 9-foot | 7-foot and 8-foot |
| Price | $1,500 – $40,000 | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Wood | South America + North America | Hardwood from South America |
| Accessories | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | Life time | Life time |
| Nut and bolts | Torque resistant | Special aluminium designed |
Over the past decade, this is that one brand that has the fastest-growing customers. With their unique designs, their quality work and superior customers service, they have landed themselves in market as a strong competitor. They provide with unique yet durable pool tables.
Wood:
Legacy wood work varies. They usually prefer their customers demand but majorly they prefer their hardwood from North America. While Brunswick gets their wood from North and South America.
Slate:
Legacy slate is usually not 3-layered but they prefer what their customers demand. The more professional pool table, the more slates are added. While Brunswick pool tables have 3-layered slate.
Price:
Brunswick price usually starts from $1,500 – $40,000 while Legacy is almost near the Brunswick in the starting price with $1,700. Legacy pool tables can go up to $15,000. Since legacy is more of the customers brand, their price value change with demands.
Nuts and Bolts:
Due to heavy designing and woodwork, legacy tries to put minimum nuts and bolts while Brunswick nuts and bolts are special designed. Their pool tables have a lot of nuts and bolts for tight framework.
| Brand | Brunswick | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,500 – $40,000 | $1,700 – $15,000 |
| Size | 7-foot, 8-foot and 9-foot | 6-foot, 7-foot, 8-foot and 9-foot |
| Wood | South America + North America | Solid Hardwood |
| Nut | Solid nut work | Minimum nut work |
| Accessories | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | Life time | Life time |
Formed by a group of pool table players in 1987 in Louisville Kentucky, Diamond pool tables was a random idea. Their idea was simple, create a pool table that surpasses all quality issues and craftsmanship, a brand quality pool table.
They introduced their tables in major tournaments. They took comments about their pool tables from professional players and worked according to that and tried in perfecting pool table up to high-level standards.
Since the owners of this company were pool players once; they knew perfectly what they were planning for. They wanted a pool table which was full of equipment and was readily available for everyone.
They worked on the simplest things. Wood for instance, easily accessible yet durable. The designs were unique, and the construction was up to the standard.
Wood:
Diamond gets their timber from South America while Brunswick wood is from North and South America.
Slate:
Brunswick slate are what you can call trend setters. They are up to the BCA standards while Diamond’s slates are also up to the BCA standards.
Price:
Price variation is not much with the basic starters between the two brands Brunswick and Diamond. But as their pool tables varies and as professional they get, the price difference gets higher. Brunswick can go up to $40,000 while Diamond can go up to $7,000.
Nuts and Bolts:
Brunswick have specialized nuts and bolts which reduces torque in specification while diamond nuts and bolts work with tightness. They prefer a strong grip.
| Brand | Brunswick | Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 7-foot, 8-foot and 9-foot | 8-foot and 9-foot |
| Price | $1,500 – $40,000 | $2,000 – $7,000 |
| Wood | South America + North America | South America |
| Nut and bolts | Reduces torque and fasten strong grip | Strong grip |
| Accessories | Yes | Yes |
| Design | Varies | Varies |
| Warranty | Life time | Life time |
It was formed in the outside of Cleveland, Ohio. American heritage has grown into one of the worlds’ largest furniture making company. Its pool tables are made from scratch. They domestically stained them and built them.
They started making their first of many pool tables in 1987 from scratch. They bring the wood, cut into shapes accordingly and stain them. They make more of custom-made pool table as per customer’s demands. They have various style namely as under;
Price:
Price differences cannot be compared as American Heritage have no set price. They set the price according to the customer and style in which they make the pool table. While Brunswick pool tables have set prices from $1,500 – $40,000. Brunswick pool tables can also vary with design and special occasions.
Wood:
American Heritage gets their wood from South America while Brunswick wood is from North and South America.
Nuts and Bolts:
Brunswick nuts and bolts are torque reducing while American Heritage nuts and bolts are minimum.
| Brand | Brunswick | American Heritage |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 7-foot, 8-foot and 9-foot | 6-foot, 7-foot, 8-foot and 9-foot |
| Price | $1,500 – $40,000 | As Per Design |
| Wood | South America + North America | Hardwood |
| Accessories | Yes | Yes |
| Design | Various | As per client requirements |
| Warranty | Life time | Life time |
