Rating of the best billiard tables in 2022

Billiards has a lot of advantages. It is useful for maintaining physical fitness: after all, in the process of playing without grueling workouts and expensive simulators, endurance increases, all muscle groups work, the nervous system strengthens, and the eye improves. Each played game is individual, it develops the techniques of strategic thinking. Finally, it is pleasant and prestigious: in your free time, relax with friends over a couple of games, invite guests to an equipped billiard room at home or in the country.

However, this requires a high-quality billiard table. After all, the slightest defect will affect the accuracy of the strike, and cheap materials and components will entail damage and repair. We offer a rating of the best billiard tables in 2022, based on customer reviews.

How to choose a billiard table

The choice of a billiard table is a responsible matter, because it is purchased for decades. The best manufacturers use the quality standards set by the Russian International Billiard Sports Federation, achieving a perfect fit of the components, a perfectly smooth surface.

It is advisable to take into account the main selection criteria in order to initially purchase a solid table. What to look for:

• game type;
• room dimensions;
• components;
• price.

Game variation

According to the type of game, billiard tables are:

• for Russian billiards (pyramids);
• for the American pool;
• for snooker.

Russian billiards (pyramid) - the most popular variety in Russia. Tables used are 9-12 feet with a standard 68mm ball. However, seven or eight feet with smaller balls will do. Shortened cues are provided for rooms with protruding parts.

american pool - dynamic and interesting, suitable for entertainment, because it has a simple technique. The table is used 7-9 feet, with 57.2 mm balls, large pockets (135 - 150 mm). Suitable for a country house or apartment, because it does not take up much space.

Snooker is a beautiful professional game, difficult for beginners. It is not used for home entertainment, as it requires a large playing field (10-12 feet), a special cloth with pile directed in one direction. In this case, the pocket is several millimeters larger than the diameter of the ball.

The size of the billiard table is expressed in feet, corresponding to the length of the playing field. The width is twice the length. How to choose - depends on the type of billiards, which is supposed to play.

Room dimensions

When buying, it is appropriate to take into account the size of the room, then the game will bring pleasure, and not annoyance due to lack of free space. To correctly calculate the area of ​​​​the room, you need to add 160 cm on each side to the size of the playing field for Russian billiards, 145 cm for American pool.

A nine-foot pool table requires a room with a minimum wall length of 545 and 420 cm. To play Russian billiards on a 12-foot field, the minimum room dimensions are 670 by 495 cm. If less, there are too many dead zones where it is impossible to turn around with a cue. For any kind of game, the size of a room of 5x7 meters is suitable.

Components

The billiard table has the following components:

• legs;
• frame (frame);
• playing field;
• cloth;
• sides;
• pockets.

legs – are made of hardwood (oak, ash, birch, etc.), resistant to changes in temperature and humidity. The use of coniferous wood for these purposes is unacceptable. The way the legs are made affects the stability of the structure. They are machined from a parallelepiped formed by re-glued planed bars. Through the holes in the upper part of the legs, they are attached to the frame with bolts. The lower end with a faceplate is equipped with a bolt resting against a thrust bearing that regulates the level of the playing field.

Frame - support, frame of the whole structure. The main requirement for it is the inadmissibility of rocking and deformation. It consists of two long longitudinal, two short transverse sides with a thickness of 30 to 45 mm and internal ligaments. The frame is made of high quality wood in one of four variations:

• board;
• re-glued solid wood;
• plywood 30-40 mm thick, lined with veneer;
• re-glued array with veneering and veneering.

The rigidity of the structure is provided in the latter version. It turns out the best, most reliable frames that do not stagger, are able to withstand the loads of the playing field slabs, and prevent drying out and deformation of the wood. In inexpensive Chinese-made models, cheap woods are often passed off as mahogany because of the similarity in color, but they are much different in price, much inferior in quality and durability to their counterparts from veneered valuable wood.

In the processing of glued solid wood and plywood, reliable manufacturers use the technology of press-vacuum drying, during which:

• wood is stabilized, excluding deformations;
• the natural color of wood fibers is preserved;
• get the best quality.

playing field - the main component on which the game takes place. The playing field slab is made of wood, stone or natural slate. The most durable and durable is traditionally considered elastic, smooth natural graphite shale ardesite, the so-called ardesia. Provides accurate, silent, fast roll of balls. Such models are acquired by sports clubs for professional competitions.

Recommendation: when deciding which one is better to buy, be sure to take into account that in the manufacture of playing fields for inexpensive budget models, manufacturers use affordable composite materials, more often chipboard or MDF.

The prepared sliced ​​layers are ground to the desired thickness, holes are made for pockets, fastenings to the frame. Rarely, the playing field is made of a single plate, more often it is 3-5 parts up to 45 mm thick. So that the seams between the plates are not felt, they are smeared with putty, carefully polished.

The slabs of the playing field account for the bulk of the mass. This ensures the stability of the frame and the entire structure during operation. In this case, it is advisable to take into account the strength of the frame.

Cloth - the component that is subject to replacement, because over time, even with good care, spots, scuffs, and roughness appear. For a perfectly smooth playing field, this is unacceptable, so it is better to replace the felt in time so as not to start the process of wear of the boards, which will lead to the need for serious expensive restoration.

Unlike usual, billiard cloth has a number of features:

• wool fibers of the same length are used;
• after weaving, the fabric is sheared and processed to prevent the appearance of pellets;
• the technology of ultra-dense weaving is used, which makes it impossible for dust to enter during operation.

The cloth is usually made from a mixture of natural wool and nylon in varying proportions, with an ideal smoothness for balls to glide over. Only pure wool thread is used in snooker. The classic color of billiard cloth is dark green, but many manufacturers produce different shades. For the pool, blue fabric is used. The world's most famous manufacturer of durable fabric for billiards, optimal in density and composition, according to buyers, is the Belgian company Iwan Simonis. When deciding how much a quality cloth costs, it should be understood that the average price cannot be cheap. Tip: It's better to overpay for durability than constantly re-upholstering the playing field.

boards - a monolithic wooden structure, for the manufacture of which only hardwoods (oak, beech, ash, birch) are suitable.Attached to the decorative-bearing part:

• chipper;
• rubber;
• cloth;
• glazing bead that fixes the cloth.

The table has six boards, edged with special rubber, attached to the playing field horizontally. This increases the life of the table. Some manufacturers use vertical mounting boards, but this only applies to pool and snooker tables with a minimum load on the bumpers.

Rubber for edging the sides must be of high quality, with a uniform composition, uniform elasticity along the entire length. An important point is that the height of the rubber profile corresponds to the diameter of the balls used: upon impact, the ball touches the rubber just above its middle. If these proportions are violated due to a mismatch in the height of the rubber profile, then the balls fly out of the table, which can not only cause inconvenience, but cause physical damage to the players.

pockets - special holes for rolling balls: four corner, two central. Components of pockets:

• duralumin or brass bracket;
• leather cape;
• kapron or leather mesh;
• rolls for the ball.

The main criterion for the quality of the pocket is geometry: the ball should not change its trajectory or fly back when it touches. The reasons for this are geometry alignment defects with improper installation or poor quality shock-absorbing materials.

Depending on the type of game, pockets are:

• in the form of a grid (in exclusive models, it is made by hand weaving macrame);
• in the form of a closed glass;
• in the form of a recess with slopes.

The main rule when buying a billiard table is that all components are made of environmentally friendly, safe materials. After all, this home interior item is designed for many years of use, not only design, durability and beautiful appearance are important.

Price

A good table cannot be cheap. The main factors affecting the price of billiard tables:

• purpose;
• materials;
• cloth quality;
• decoration.

purpose

Billiard tables can be divided into three groups:

• amateur, designed for recreation and entertainment at home. They are not subject to strict requirements. They can be made from any materials, regardless of the quality and dimensions of the surface of the playing field. The best material for the manufacture of such tables is a harmless durable MDF board, world-famous in the furniture industry. Its advantages are in excellent performance, attractive appearance after appropriate processing by embossing and grinding. MDF boards are considered hygienic and completely safe in everyday life, since they do not contain phenols and epoxy resins, they are resistant to pathogens and fungi. The excellent density of MDF allows you to put this material on a par with hardwoods in terms of strength and durability.
• professional, for sports, with an impeccably flat playing field for better rolling and rebounding of balls. Tables of this category are subject to strict requirements regarding the materials used, the quality of the components. The frame and legs are made of solid wood, the base of the playing field is made of natural ardesia stone, which provides ideal playing characteristics. This allows you to achieve high performance in competitions.
• exclusive, created for connoisseurs of the art of billiards. They correspond to refined, luxurious interiors, therefore they have a presentable appearance of different configurations, a chic design with magnificent decorative elements and author's painting.Jacks are built into the legs of some models to adjust the height and level of the playing surface. They are distinguished by incredible durability, made by the world's leading manufacturers from the most expensive high-quality natural materials using the latest technologies. Playfield heating models are equipped with a program control with a digital panel and a display to set a specific heating mode for the stone slab in order to increase its durability.

Materials.

Finishing of the billiard table is carried out using artificial or natural materials of different value:

• a budget option for finishing using cheap artificial materials that provide a decent appearance at a minimal cost;
• medium finish made with natural materials;
• the elite finishing option is handmade using expensive natural materials: precious woods, natural ardesia stone.

It is important in pricing the use of components of various levels and quality. These include screws, bolts, rubber, pockets, partitions, and other fittings.

Cloth quality.

In the manufacture of billiard tables, cloth of different quality is used:

• cheap synthetic, acceptable for inexpensive amateur models;
• combined from natural wool with nylon (polyester) - a common material for the playing field of amateur tables, providing good playing characteristics and an acceptable ratio of quality and price;
• a premium quality felt made of natural wool for professional and exclusive tables that justifies the high price.

decoration

Affects the cost of the table. Amateur models are devoid of decorative elements.Professional ones are little focused on decoration, focusing on the sports characteristics of the table.

More expensive, beautiful decorative elements adorn exclusive models for connoisseurs of luxury, in whose eyes a billiard table is not just an interior item or sports equipment, but a work of art that causes aesthetic pleasure. For decoration, the technique of aging wood, calfskins, wood carvings, and mosaics are used. This affects the final price of the product.

Recommendations when choosing

To avoid mistakes when choosing a billiard table, it is advisable to follow a few recommendations:

1. Make sure that the frame structure is rigid, the table does not sway from shocks and shocks.
2. The slab of the playing field is flat, leveled, without deformations. The joints of the plates are not felt when running the palm over the surface.
3. The sides are massive, able to withstand shock loads. Curvature, loose fastening to the plates are unacceptable.
4. The rubber of the sides is elastic, without excessive softness or rigidity, so that the ball does not fall through and does not bounce upon impact. It is important to pay attention to the installation of rubber at a certain angle at the appropriate height from the playing field in order to avoid distortion of the trajectory of the movement of the balls and bouncing.
5. It is obligatory to observe the geometry of the pockets: upon contact, the ball does not change the direction of movement, does not jump out of the table.
6. The brackets on the pockets are rigid, with a shape that prevents the ball from jumping back out of the pocket. Staple fastenings should not injure the hands of the players, contribute to the cracking of the boards.
7. Cloth of a certain density, thickness, hairiness. Surface without pellets, protruding pile.
8. Pay attention to the weight of the chosen model, comparing it with the reliability of the floor coverings of the room where the table is supposed to be placed.

Rating of the best billiard tables in 2022

We offer a rating of high-quality popular models with an overview of gaming characteristics, a description of the advantages and disadvantages.

Start Line Empire (12 feet)

A popular exclusive model of a well-known Russian brand - the Start factory. The table of the highest level in terms of gaming characteristics will become an interior decoration in the style of classics and luxury. In addition to the classic dye and cloth colors, the manufacturer offers 26 more shades, including five author's ones, and three additional shades of the elite Belgian cloth Iwan Simonis 760 (blue, light blue, raspberry).

This 12-foot solid ash and oak table features a 45mm thick Orero slate playing field stone slab. An impressive model weighing 1500 kg is securely supported by eight legs with brass bases and a metal supporting frame.

Due to the unique floating nut system used, the bead mounting is carried out vertically, which allows you to approach the attachment point and the point of impact. This contributes to a silent hit of the ball against the board and an accurate rebound. Brass pockets are trimmed with thick handmade genuine leather, pure cotton mesh using macrame technique. Along the perimeter, the frame, sides and legs are decorated with skillfully carved wood.

Average price: 924400 rubles.

• high level of gaming performance;
• luxury design;
• integrated metal frame frame and legs;
• complete static, excluding deformation;
• a system of floating nuts in the vertical fastening of the sides;
• the ability to adjust the width of the alignment pockets;
• premium Belgian cloth Iwan Simonis;
• shock absorbers made of exclusive onboard rubber Start Super Pro;
• high quality environmentally friendly materials;
• natural slate slab;
• additional frame veneer;
• perfect appearance due to veneering with precious woods;
• solid weight.

• high price.

Start Line Home (7 feet)

Elegant design, reliability, quality characterize the billiard table Domashny Lux II, the most famous manufacturer of billiard equipment in Russia, the Start factory. This model features shaped legs, decorative elements on the frame, an expressive classic look, improved sidewalls with shock absorbers made of exclusive Start Super Pro rubber.

It is made of natural birch and pine wood, using veneering, which makes the appearance worthy. The playing field made of chipboard boards is covered with Turkish billiard cloth King in traditional green color. Silumin pockets under gold are trimmed with handmade leather, equipped with cotton mesh. A table weighing 100 kg is securely held by a reinforced frame and six wooden legs with plastic supports reinforced with studs.

Average price: 30200 rubles.

• practicality, reliability;
• worthy appearance;
• value for money;
• reinforced frame;
• plastic leg supports reinforced with studs;
• durable pockets made of silumin;
• veneering;
• shock absorbers made of exclusive onboard rubber Start Super Pro.

• short-lived cloth;
• a light weight.

Dynamic Billard Hobby (6 feet)

The folding model of the manufacturer from Germany is good because it is easily transported and takes up little space during storage.Suitable for a family vacation in nature or outside the city. It is characterized by light weight - 48 kg, high-quality mahogany color coating, stability due to spacers between the support legs.

It is made of hardwood, the playing field is made of laminated chipboard, equipped with high-quality components that provide increased wear resistance. Silumin pockets are equipped with high-quality artificial leather, mesh, and decorative ornaments.

Average price: 25200 rubles.

• compactness;
• struts for stability;
• quality of materials;
• long service life;
• ease of storage and transportation;
• low price.

• low gaming performance for a serious game;
• insufficient static.

Fortuna Russian Pyramid 9-in-1 (6ft)

Multifunctional folding version for nine board games, including billiards, from a Russian brand, manufactured in China. Convenient for playing the pyramid, with inexpensive, but high-quality materials of the playing field plate (15 mm chipboard plate), classic green cloth. The kit includes two cues, a set of balls, a triangle, two crayons, a cloth brush.

Suitable only as entertainment with family or friends, it is easy to unfold, transport, store.

Average price: 24800 rubles

• compactness;
• convenience in storage and transportation;
• low price;
• adjustable height supports;
• complete set for playing the pyramid.

• short service life;
• short-lived cloth;
• insufficient stability.

Weekend Billiard Company Team I (6ft)

Folding pool table made in China is compact in size, light in weight, and easy to pack. It is made of quality materials, but does not differ in great durability, like other folding models. The playing field consists of one MDF board covered with Chinese budget cloth. Deployable paired legs are arranged in such a way that sufficient stability is ensured.

Average price: 20500 rubles.

• compactness;
• convenience in storage and transportation;
• complete equipment for playing American pool;
• the arrangement of supports gives stability;
• low price.

• fragility of cloth;
• short service life.

The billiard table is not only decoration of any interior. It is a pleasant tool for sports and recreation. The popularity of models depends on the reputation of the brand, the ratio of quality, design and price, customer reviews.

Billiard table of which company is better - everyone decides for himself, the presented rating will only help to avoid mistakes when choosing.