Proline Billiards Pool Table

     Yesterday, we had the pleasure of moving a relatively decent Proline pool table. While it was easy to service and held a decent level; there were some construction problems with it as well. Overall, it was a fantastic pool table for the customer and the issues were none other than manufacturing problems we personally didn't care for.

     The move was long. Louisville to Lyons then back to the shop. The pool table dismantle went smooth and we had a very easy walk out to the truck. The pool table was a tapered leg post style design which meant it's legs went from the ground to the slate. The frame consisted of 4 side panels and there was a barrage of individual cross members and center I-beam pieces. Brazilian slate was attached to this model and it was also covered in an 860 Simonis pool table cloth. It was a darker mahogany finish and had shield pockets.
    
     Setting up the pool table was extrememly easy as well. This was to be expected though as just about any American made pool table is. Hardware is key to almost any table and it had great hardware. There wasn't really much to complain about. But hey, we are the best so naturally we will find something either on the technical side or the manufacturing side to pick apart.

     So the problems? Well first off the pool table frame, legs etc. were made from a pressed poplar. Really Proline? What irriates us with stateside billiard table manufacturers is that they try and produce a pool table to compete with the low priced import junk. What this means is you get a severly overpriced product that is inferior in quality. It is only more expensive. Proline, Olhausen and a couple other small timers are doing this and completely destroying their name in the process. Connelly Billiards, for example, still produces a domestic hardwood table that doesn't compromise it's quality. They do make laminate and veneers but these are tables that are specific to that and Connelly doesn't try and sell something as a hardwood that really isn't like the Proline's and Olhausen's out there. Watch out!
     Installation wise, the previous billiard technician wasn't too impressive. Loosely pulled on the Simonis billiard fabric which is a no no. Didn't properly fill the neccessary slate screw holes on the playing surface. Just a matter of attention to detail. Since we at Big Break Billiards hold ourselves to such high standards we normally tell the competition that if they want to be the man, well then, they have to beat the man. That man is Big Break Billiards!
     Problems solved and customer happy with an awesome in home pool table for him. Feel free to get free advice from us at info@homeandbilliards.com
     Pictures of table and job: