What are the basics of buying snooker tables? Is this what you are searching for? Well, this is the guide that you have been looking for. We have discussed all the important factors that you need to consider and some of the best brands that you need to know. Read more.
What Is Snooker?
Snooker is a cue sport that shares a resemblance with the famous game of pool. The game is usually played on a rectangular billiards table that is covered with green textured cloth called baize. The table also has six holes placed at the longer edges of the table at equal intervals.
The game was primarily played by British officers who were stationed in India. However, other people soon played the game as well.
The primary objective of the game is simple. You have to pocket more balls than your opponent. Balls come in varied colors and have different valuations. Even though the genus of the game is similar to that of the pool, snooker is a completely different game with its own set of rules and penalties. As a result, the snooker table differs from the pool table in certain aspects.
What To Consider While Buying A Snooker Table?
Several people buy snooker or billiards tables just for their aesthetic value. If that is what you are after, then you can pick and choose any of the tables, as they mostly look the same. But if you want something that is aesthetic as well as functional, there are certain things you need to remember.
Before you can go ahead and plan on buying yourself a billiards table, you need to understand certain things that you have to consider. Here are some of the factors that you need to consider before you can buy yourself a brand-new snooker or billiards table.
Size
Size should be the very first thing that you need to understand. Snooker tables can be a huge commitment. They are expensive, heavy, and are not easily replaceable. Therefore, you jump on the bandwagon; just take a second and gauge the size you are going for. If you have a big or standard size, you will have the space to move around. This will enable you to space your shots effectively and generously. But if you are a casual player, you can go for a smaller table. This will take up less space in your house and will also help you and your friends to have a good time.
Slate
Slate is the next important aspect that you need to consider before you buy a snooker table. A professional snooker table will come with slates that are made up of real rocks that are flattened using complex machinery. Slates should last for a lifetime, so only buy snooker tables that come with proper rock slates. Do not go for metal or wooden slate, as they wear down over time.
Cloth
While buying a snooker table, you need to be extra mindful of the cloth that is stretched on the slate. A professional snooker table will come with a cloth that is soft and fuzzy to the touch. In cheaper snooker tables, manufacturers add a thin sheet of fuzzy paper which will tear after prolonged usage. If the texture of the cloth is off, you will not be able to play your shots effectively. Always go for a table that is thick and has a double-weave textured fabric on the slate.
Cue And Balls
Just as the table is an integral part of the game, cues and balls are important as well. Professional snooker cues are usually made with hard rock maple wood or ash wood. You should consider the tactile feel and the weight of the cue before you invest your money in it. Do not go for plywood cues, as they break quite easily.
In the same way, do not go for thick plastic balls. Snooker balls must be made up of hard resin. This gives these balls it hard yet bouncy texture. While buying the balls, you need to know the right weight of the ball as well. The ball should not be too light or too heavy.
Frame And Legs
The final thing that you need to know about is the frame and leg of the table. If you are buying an expensive snooker table for your house, you must invest in the best. The table must have premium hardwood at the very core of the frame. Subsequently, crossbeams should support the heavy slate and the table top.
Apart from the frame and the slate, the table must also have a good set of legs to support the overall weight. What is the point of buying a table that has weak legs and cannot even support the weight of the slate. Always buy tables that have hardwood legs that are reinforced from the inside. While some tables come with four legs, others come with six legs. I personally prefer the six-legged variation as it provides added support.
Leading Manufacturers
Snooker table manufacturing is a huge business. There are approximately 100 big names that build these tables for regular as well as professional usage. Here are our top brands If you are planning on buying a new snooker table for your home. Here are our top picks:
- Predator
- Xingpai
- FURY
- Shender
- RILEY
- CYCLOP
- WINOMIN
- Lion Sports
- Imperial International
- JOY
- Brunswick
- ALEX
- Adam
Closing Statement
In summation, buying snooker tables is a huge investment. You must have an idea of what you are getting yourself into. These tables are not at all cheap, and you must not approach the subject blindly. I hope this guide helped you to understand the important aspects of buying the right snooker table for your home. Keep following our page for more such content.
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