Opinions on American Heritage tables?
KMcKiou
I've been looking for my first billiards table and ran across a place that
sells American Heritage tables (formerly Hercules?). Compared to Brunswick
and Olhausen tables I have seen, these appear to be built *much* better
for the same $. But, since I have no experience with billiards tables, I am
primarily basing my opinion on the cabinetry. I have no idea if I am missing
something important. Does American Heritage have a reputation (good or
bad)? Or does anyone have any knowledge of the quality of these tables?
Thanks!
Kevin McKiou
Jerry
Kevin,
Two years ago we had an exceptional Christmas season selling Pool Tables.
I usually sell about 125 tables per year and must stock heavily in advance
of Christmas. Toward the end of November we were running out of Kasson and
American Classic tables and were not able to get anymore until January.
We found that we were able to get 14 Hercules tables. This maybe should
have told me something! While most other manufactures were out they still
had tables?
We had serious problems: Rails did not fit properly; couldn't square up
the playing area. Pocket openings were cut wrong. They only came with
1/2' slate which, for some reason, was very poor and at least 3 sets
cracked while installing. Cabinet corner caps were wrapped with a vinyl
paper which was coming loose. Metal rail caps were from Taiwan and
scratched easily. These were not leather pocket tables.
I would also think very carefully before purchasing a Brunswick Bristol:
3/4" cushions and particle board top rails. I prefer to talk about things
of a more positive nature but in this case its not possible. Good luck in
your search. Remember a good table should give you a lifetime of
enjoyment.
Best regards,
Jerry
KMcKiou <kmc...@aol.com> wrote in article
<19971206074...@ladder02.news.aol.com>...
KMcKiou
Jerry,
Gulp...gee I hope I didn't make a big mistake....
Since I had not gotten any specific response, I did my own
investigation. Basically, I read the literature and web sites
of *other* manufacturers (notably Proline and Gandy) and
then compared their claims to the AH table. The middle of
the line, AH Taylor series compared very favorably in terms of
construction techniques. It is 4/4 oak cabinetry with two
lateral laminated beams and a longitudinal one-piece center
beam. The beams are permanently attached using a milled joint.
The leg attachments (carved oak ball and claw) were
massive using mortised stop blocks and 8/4 oak plates. The
slate is 1" Italian (Italardesia) and the cloth is 22oz 75% wool,
25%
The slate is resting on a one-piece "pad" which, in turn, rests
on the beams and cabinet, extending to the edge of the slate.
They claim leveling to .005".
The rails are solid hardwood with interlocking blinds permanently
attached to the table. Bumpers are natural gum, K-66 profile,
Pockets are leather.
I was concerned about the accuracy of the table, so I called customer
service at Hercules last Sunday night and left a message. I got a
return call Monday morning and they cordially answered all my
nit-picky questions about BCA standards, table construction and
materials. There were a couple bits of information the rep did not
have at hand. He called back with the rest of the information in
an hour. He then sent me the brochures and all the information I
had asked for in writing. I received this stuff on Wednesday. At
this point I was pretty well convinced I was dealing with a company
that would stand behind their product and be responsive to
problems.
The guarantee is for life on the slate, cabinetry, rails, legs, and interior
bracing against warping, cracking or splitting.
The price for this table was $1750 installed with a "deluxe" starter
set of cues, balls and such. I don't really know if "deluxe" is
the correct term, but the set was much nicer than the ones which
came with a Brunswick or Olhausen table. For example, the
cues are two-piece, the racks are laminated wood instead of plastic...
and so on.
In short, the value of this American Heritage table *seems* to far
exceed that of a comparable "big-name" manufacturer. I guess
I'll find out...it's going to be installed Thursday. Like I said,
I hope I didn't make a big mistake. I *hope* they are really trying
to produce a quality product at a reasonable price. Maybe only
time will tell. In any case, I will have my tape measure and
level out on Thursday, checking the table against the BCA specs....
which customer service assured me it meets.
Regards,
Kevin McKiou
Laura Friedman
Kevin,
Good luck with the table and please let us know how you like it. I've
never heard of them, but that doesn't mean much. What you describe
sounds quite promising.
Laura
KMcKiou wrote:
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