If you're thinking of hiring a professional pool table installation company to come out and help you set up your game, you're making a wise choice. A good crew can see to it that you get everything set up correctly and in such a way that you will be able to get many hours of enjoyment out of your game. Even before you get to that point, however, you need to make sure you purchase a game that meets minimum standards of quality. Whether you're buying a new game or a used one, there are some things you should inspect before you lay out your money.
The Felt
There are several different kinds of cloth you'll find covering billiard tables. But whether you choose to go with a traditional wool blend or a worsted material, there are a few standards you should expect from the felt. If buying used, you need to pay careful attention to the kind of wear you see on the surface. Check for any holes or worn parts that could upset the game. If you're hiring a pool table installation company, talk to them about the problems you find with the cloth and see what they will do for you in terms of replacement.
The Pockets
You're likely to find one of two types of pockets when looking at billiards games. The first kind is the most common when talking about home entertainment games: the drop pocket. This basically serves as a small basket which has the capacity to hold several balls. The second-more commonly found in higher end games and those found in public spaces-are those that act as a chute, carrying scored balls down into the replacement rack. Which kind you prefer is up to you. Neither type particularly improves the game in any demonstrable way, so it is mostly up to individual preference and budget. Just make sure that, whichever type you're looking at, it is in good condition.
The Cabinetry
If you find problems with the pockets or the felt, it's usually not going to cost a lot of money to have a professional pool table installation company fix the issue. Problems with the cabinetry can pose a bigger, and more expensive issue. Be very cautious when buying a table that has obvious problems with its basic construction. If you're on a budget and simply want something to mess around on, style and elegance may not matter much. But no matter how casually you want to play the game, you'll want to make sure that nothing is interfering with the playfield itself. Be wary of any cracks, stability issues, or water damage you find.
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