The game of pool has been around for hundreds of years and has been through its fair share of evolutions. As with any sport, trial and error helped the original shapers of the game form what is seen today. From hardwoods that have been shaped, stained and treated, to rock that's been formed to a perfectly flat surface, today's tables differ in types and materials.
History
Even though it is hard to pinpoint exactly where and when billiards originated, it is known that the earliest version of the game was played on lawns and resembled today's croquet. The game was later moved indoors and played on the floor, then moved atop a table, as the constant bending over was hurting players' backs.
Early design attempts of the table-top version were flawed because of a lack of guard rails. Participants played on flat or semi-flat wooden boards, trying to knock cones off the edges. After modifications to the early designs, table manufactures began to experiment with materials used for playing surfaces, such as hardwoods or rock.
The Facts
In 1826 John Thurston invented the slate bed. Slate pool tables are more commonly used today than any other types. Slabs of slate--a pliable rock--can be ground down to an absolute flatness, an ideal playing surface for pool. Unlike wooden surfaces, slabs of slate can be custom cut to the dimensions of a table without worry of warping over time. A slate tablet, however, can add several hundred pounds to a pool table as it is by far the heaviest material that can be used.
There are many types of woods that can be used to make pool tables, but the most common is Medium-Density Fiberboard. An engineered wood made from breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals, MDF can be used in ways similar to plywood. Unfortunately, though, like most woods, MDF warps over time, causing the value and effectiveness of the table to plummet.
Identification
Quality slate is the key to making a quality pool table. Some tables are made with one section of the material, but the slate table tends to sag under its own weight over time. Although slate can be very smooth, slowly roll balls over the surface to check for dents or cracks.
Along with potential warping of the material, MDF pool tables can have roll problems because of too pronounced of a grain in the wood. More cheaply made tables will use thinner felt coverings, causing the wood grain to affect how a ball rolls. Dents, bare spots and cracks can also occur, so a thorough check of the surface should be conducted before purchasing.
Considerations
Cost is a major factor in either type of pool table. While MDF pool tables may be cheaper, the quality of play and the quality of material suffers when compared to a table made of slate.
Conversely, a slate table may be higher quality, but it isn't necessarily impossible to find a quality MDF pool table at a fraction of the price.
Warning
Slate tables are higher in manufacturer quality, but the cost of repairs--coupled with the cost of purchase--can be crippling. The table could weigh hundreds of pounds more and cost hundreds of dollars more, as well. MDF tables, while lighter and less expensive, do have their shortcomings with quality of materials used when compared to slate.
At the end it comes down to personal preference. The slate table gives a better playing experience with the history and tradition of centuries-old billiards; while the MDF table offers a cheaper alternative for more of a recreational use.
No comments:
Post a Comment