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Choosing Between 2 Olhausen Pool Tables

5/7/2010 9:26:25 PM

Choosing Between 2 Olhausen Pool Tables

I will be moving into my new home in a couple months and I have been shopping for a pool table that will be that key piece in the gameroom I am setting up. Of course, I am very excited about this purchase. I have been making visits to various stores and dealers in my area and I have pretty much narrowed down my choice to two tables... both by Olhausen.

First, there is the Americana model that I like in the Americana Series. Here is the link: http://www.olhausenbilliards.com/OLHAUSEN+POOL+TABLES/id/34/prod_id/26/prod_keyword/americana/gr_id/24/

Second, I am looking at the Reno from the Laminate Series: http://www.olhausenbilliards.com/OLHAUSEN+POOL+TABLES/id/34/prod_id/192/prod_keyword/reno_-_laminate/gr_id/28/

I think I feel very good about the Olhausen brand. Now, it is choosing between a table that is laminate or one that is more wood. Both are the 8' models. The dealer I spoke with said the laminate table should not fool me, that it is still a very high quality table that will play great and last a good while without problems. He claimed the difference to a casual player like me will really be mostly cosmetic. I remain a little nervous, though. With the prices being offered to me, the Americana costs about $600 more than the Reno. I could buy either one, but that $600 could be put to good use in other ways if I felt secure that the Laminate Series table was still a strong, quality table that I will be happy with for a long time.

So, I am hoping you can help. Do you think the added quality of the Americana over the Reno is worth paying the extra $650.... or is the laminate perfectly good for someone who will be playing in the home for fun a few times each week like me.

Thanks so much for your help!

Choosing Between 2 Olhausen Pool Tables

Replies & Comments
  1. Butch927Txpoolguy on 8/19/2010 9:07:50 AM

    Unless you are matching other furniture I wouldn't spend the money on the carved leg table. The Reno offers the highest level of play at the best price.

  2. Butch927gr8gunz on 8/29/2010 5:01:03 AM

    Go with a Connelly table and put a down payment on a new Corvette with what you don't spend on that Olhausen.

    Is the entire table laminate or just the base construction? I am also in the middle of buying a table and have done some pretty extensive research. The laminate material can actually be an advantage in areas with large humidity changes whereas solid wood is not very forgiving in this regard. Additionally, manufacturers tend to install extra metal to metal connections on the laminate tables to ensure stability. The main advantage of wood over laminate is that it doesn't break as easily and isn't quite as pretty so unless you think you will be moving it around I wouldn't be too concerned about it. Even so, I might be a little skeptical if the entire table were laminate.

    Hope this helps.

  3. Butch927Txpoolguy on 10/2/2010 10:37:34 PM

    Seriously, down payment on a corvette? Don't know how far that extra $150 would get you, its not like high quality tables like Olhausen are over-priced by any means.

  4. Butch927playtymebilliards on 10/5/2010 7:33:06 PM

    You may want to check the under side of the table and make sure the construction is the same or better on the more expensive table. Also check and make sure these tables are not made in China. Check the slate and make sure it is OSI and not this newer "man made slate". I have found that the older Olhausens are better built. The newer ones use clips in the corner instead of good cabinet making joints. And never believe a salesman.

  5. Butch927Mitch Alsup on 10/6/2010 8:35:58 PM

    OK, first of all, I went through this kind of purchase just over 1.5 years ago.

    What you need to know: there are 4 constructions used at Olhausen: Laminate, Veneer, Wood, Completely hardwood. The Reno can be constructed in any of the 4 formats. Laminate and veneer both use plywood and particle board in places where you don't usually look. Laminate has a plastic skin glued over the base construction, veneer uses a thin (1/16-3/64) skin of wood glued over the base construction. Wood and complete hardwood do not use particle boards nor plywood. Wood constructions uses the real wood (outside) over a laminated not so expensive wood making the framing, while complete hardwood uses the same wood through the entire construction.

    I bought a complete hardwood Reno in Cherry with upgraded diamonds, and a few other miscellaneous alterations.

    As there is a big change in price with the laminates coming in under $2K and the complete hardwoods coming in above $4K you should consider your options thoroughly.

    I can tell you that I am and have been satisfied with my purchase.

    I suspect that if all you can afford is a laminate of veneer, then you are also in the position to get $80 set of balls instead of Aramith SuperPro balls, and regular felt over Simonis 760/860 cloth. While one can upgrade the balls, racks, cues rather easily over time, it is quite difficult to significantly alter the table itself.

  6. Butch927photogbill on 12/9/2010 11:57:00 PM

    I'm also currently shopping for an 8' pool table and had pretty much decided to go with either the Belmont w/Elmhurst legs or Americana in the Americana Series.

    The dealer I have been talking to has the model on sale for approx. $2350 ...can't remember the exact price. Also, includes an upgradeable starter kit (standard balls, racks, 2 cues, brush) ...which I intend on upgraded by swapping out for better Aramith balls and going with a Simonis felt. He's also said he would swap out swapping out the 2 cheap 2-piece 57" cues in the kit for a pair of 52" Trouble shooter cues for me. The price includes full installation and the reputable dealer has been in business for at least 20 years ...to my knowledge.

    I like the Olhausen reputation and the lifetime warranty Accufast cushions. I'll enquire a little more about the Reno model but there is only a $300 or $400 difference in the sale price at this dealership.

    I'll also check out a Connelly dealer for comparison in my area. A friend of mine bought a real nice Connelly table a couple years ago and it was the best table I ever played on! Nice tight pockets and excellent action off the rails.

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Choosing Between 2 Olhausen Pool Tables

  • Title: Choosing Between 2 Olhausen Pool Tables
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  • Published: 5/7/2010 9:26:25 PM