What location has the WORST table?? In your OWN opinion..of course.

[EL_Chingon]

Give your input into who has the worst table at their location..as far as cloth condition, rails...or even It not being level.

[dooziexx]

any location that has oversized cue balls... I hate those mud cue balls..

[dltrunn]

HALFTIME!!!

I was going to wait to start this thread after I played there this session. In my mind I was going to give them a chance to fix the problem, but since someone beat me to the punch I will answer.

There is nowhere to sit unless you get there an hour to an hour and a half early. The bench along the one side is too close to the tables. NONE!!!!! of the tables roll straight, and I don't remeber the condition of the cloth. The table we played on literally rooled off a foot from the head to the foot of the table (NOT AN EXAGERATION!!!). Last time I shot there for a match every table was occupied except for the table in the corner that has no room to shoot. Half the people there were standing. And I think they have one girl coming around serving drinks, and if she doesn't know you, you get no service. I really dislike this place, I think if they are going to have an in-house league on Thursays they shouldn't be aloud to host APA teams.

[stevesgirl]

HALFTIME!!!

I was going to wait to start this thread after I played there this session. In my mind I was going to give them a chance to fix the problem, but since someone beat me to the punch I will answer.

There is nowhere to sit unless you get there an hour to an hour and a half early. The bench along the one side is too close to the tables. NONE!!!!! of the tables roll straight, and I don't remeber the condition of the cloth. The table we played on literally rooled off a foot from the head to the foot of the table (NOT AN EXAGERATION!!!). Last time I shot there for a match every table was occupied except for the table in the corner that has no room to shoot. Half the people there were standing. And I think they have one girl coming around serving drinks, and if she doesn't know you, you get no service. I really dislike this place, I think if they are going to have an in-house league on Thursays they shouldn't be aloud to host APA teams.


Not only that, you have to provide your own cue ball most of the time unless you mind shooting with mud balls. The regulars balls are almost never cleaned and you can never find a bridge if you need one. You have to provide your own bridge also. I played out of that bar for a few years and they were really good about getting new cloth every session and making sure the tables were straight. In the last year, nothing really has been done at all.

[poker31]

I think letty's place because you need a short stick because of the wall and the floor is not level 2nd would be los 3 hermanos because small table's 6'
where is the best place to shoot

[Hairy_Helmet]

I think if u like 7' tables, Rudy's has to be the best....
In Aurora the worst for me would be the End Zone....

[Warner Bros]

It's a toss up for me... Poor tables would be St. Charles Bowling alley.
The Ranch in Plano has t ohave THE MOST uneven floor ever, but the table is level. There seriously is at least a foot difference from one side to the other.

[dooziexx]

Rudys is nice.. Love those diamonds tables and the change to cloth 3 times a year I was told. Wish more places are like that.

[edmarek]

Rudy's - by far - has the best tables. Very new Diamonds, and no interferences (with the occasional table/chair move). Sometimes it gets too crowded, so it's hard for teammates to see the action. :o

Doug's (Aurora) has an incredibly bad table, if the other night is any indication. It was dirty, had lots of local bad spots (bad slate?) and was unbelievably un-level. :mad:

[dirks]

3rd base in rockdale have excellent tables. Diamond tables I think. Bada brew, bull pen, bed rocks, bobby mcgees, and ravens all have decent tables. U can't even start to begin the bad tables in Joliet. Just to mention a few that I can remember is instant replay, Jacks, cry babies, alphas, and ted & sophies. T & S is just cramped.

[dltrunn]

I haven't been to many of the Joliet bars, but has anyone been to halftimes and think they have good tables, or have none of you played there?

[bailybird]

ted & sophies.......and











field house:eek: thats all

[cepelinas]

With Halftime I think it has more to do with the atmosphere than the tables. The worst thing about Halftime (on Thursdays at least anyway) is the karoake that starts at 10pm. Really -- you WANT to be done by 10pm! On the positive side, they have the best hot wings in the area, if you don't mind waiting for them.

[stevesgirl]

Not only that, you have to provide your own cue ball most of the time unless you mind shooting with mud balls. The regulars balls are almost never cleaned and you can never find a bridge if you need one. You have to provide your own bridge also. I played out of that bar for a few years and they were really good about getting new cloth every session and making sure the tables were straight. In the last year, nothing really has been done at all.



As I said earlier about HALFTIME....

In addition to that, with all the people that come in and play league and SPEND MONEY on food and drink in addition to pool table costs of $1.00 per game, you think the tables would be better kept. I bet Bedrocks probably supports the same amount of people if not more during any league night and their tables are better, in my opinion. (Well at least the cloth isn't stained and have tears at Bedrocks).

[dirks]

I don't like playing at halftimes both atmosphere and the tables. I dread it everytime. I played at gippers on tuesday and the tables had a real bad roll.

[phenom]

well ive shot out of halftime since i was 15 or 16 and i am personally leaving halftime and triying to find a place in joliet just for that reason its not about room or a place to sit the tables are not kept up they are crap the rails are horrible i lagged the other night and it went a table and a half i love the owner but the tables just arent kept up like they use to be i go to third base any time i get the chance love those diamond smarts

[dirks]

Thosa diamond tables are the shit. Have you approached the owner about the tables. 1 or 2 complaints usually will get the owners ass in gear and fix the problem. I'm sure they don't want to loose players. League play is an easy way for them to make a buck.

[phenom]

everyones complained but nothings happend they got this new in house league on thurdays that take every table but 2 so if apa was gone on thursday it wouldnt hurt him

[jazzenut]

No doubt Ted + Sophies table should be thrown in the garbage or burned and the tables at halftime are about on the same level. There should be some kind of rule to some degree that the tables should be maintained to a certain level.

[jazzenut]

Lets not forget Paulies Pub, just BURN IT.

[dirks]

You should go play at Tony's. I think it is Tony's right down from andy & sophies. They have a half stick that you have to use if the Q ball is anywhere to the right of the table. I played at Alphas on Wed. just messing around and there is a spot on one of the tables that is acually sticky. The ball even slows down when rolled through it. I believe that Mary should open a pool hall with 400 pool tables in it. All diamond tables. Then she can watch everyone play and answer questions on the spot.

[jazzenut]

You should go play at Tony's. I think it is Tony's right down from andy & sophies. They have a half stick that you have to use if the Q ball is anywhere to the right of the table. I played at Alphas on Wed. just messing around and there is a spot on one of the tables that is acually sticky. The ball even slows down when rolled through it. I believe that Mary should open a pool hall with 400 pool tables in it. All diamond tables. Then she can watch everyone play and answer questions on the spot.

I agree with that 100%:D

[dirtygirl]

I agree wholeheartedly with most people saying Halftimes. I shot out of there for a couple of sessions and couldn't stand the tables. I didn't care for the service, and the waitress would actually pay attention to me!

However, has anyone ever played at Shooters (formerly Nick's) in Lockport? That place is awful. The table are horrible and everyone is on top of each other. That is one bar I like to avoid!

[dltrunn]

I agree wholeheartedly with most people saying Halftimes. I shot out of there for a couple of sessions and couldn't stand the tables. I didn't care for the service, and the waitress would actually pay attention to me!

However, has anyone ever played at Shooters (formerly Nick's) in Lockport? That place is awful. The table are horrible and everyone is on top of each other. That is one bar I like to avoid!

The only knock on Shooters is no food, but they have plenty of places around there to get food and they aloow you to bring it in whenever you want. And, it is hard for you to stand/sit next to your table and watch. I never been in there when 4 teams are there shooting (this thursday will be the first time I experience that) and I imagine your complaint will have some merit after that to me.

I think the tables there roll straighter than the majority of the places that I shoot, and it is small but at no time is there a shot that something intereferes with you. So if we are soley talking about pool playing conditions Shooters has great tables, but could stand to add a little more room. But, please, do not even put Halftimes and Shooters in the same classification.

As you can tell I play at Shooters :) but I can see parts of your gripe. But table wise you will be hard pressed to find tables in better shape that roll as true as theirs.

[dirtygirl]

Just to verify, I was not putting them in the same category (hence the second paragraph). I was just voicing my opinion about the bar. Perhaps the tables are better. It has been awhile since I have been there. However, I know the crowd has not. I live in Lockport and get a kick out of the fact that everytime I drive by there is at least 1 police car there with it's lights on!

[dltrunn]

Not every time, but frequently enough :) Crowd is unique, I have no gripes. I guess I am just more adept to that crowd then some other (older) crowds. :)

Sorry, but I really hate halftimes which, unfortuantly, I have to shoot at Thursday. Oh, well.

[dirtygirl]

Couldn't agree more about Halftimes! Good luck.

[jazzenut]

Talking about Shooters pool tables, I shot out of there several times and let me say this theres nothing wrong with those tables, they are well maintained, level, the balls roll straight, and are in great shape. These tables are just as good as Mickeys. Go shoot at Paulies Pub, then Ted and Sophies, and then at Halftime, and you will see for yourself that these places have the worst tables ever.

[stevesgirl]

well ive shot out of halftime since i was 15 or 16 and i am personally leaving halftime and triying to find a place in joliet just for that reason its not about room or a place to sit the tables are not kept up they are crap the rails are horrible i lagged the other night and it went a table and a half i love the owner but the tables just arent kept up like they use to be i go to third base any time i get the chance love those diamond smarts


I 2nd that!!!! That's why all my teams play in Joliet now. We started with our 8-ball team the Summer 2005 session in Joliet. Finally, we washed our hands of Halftime and pulled our 9-ball team from them and moved that to Joliet this current session. We just had enough with the tables. No issues with the place overall, just the tables. Not only that, we wanted more variety of people and more competition.

[stevesgirl]

You should go play at Tony's. I think it is Tony's right down from andy & sophies. They have a half stick that you have to use if the Q ball is anywhere to the right of the table. I played at Alphas on Wed. just messing around and there is a spot on one of the tables that is acually sticky. The ball even slows down when rolled through it. I believe that Mary should open a pool hall with 400 pool tables in it. All diamond tables. Then she can watch everyone play and answer questions on the spot.


I agree...Mary should open a pool hall. LOL :eek:

[cue doctor]

I am in complete understanding of how frustrating it is to play on equiptment that is less than perfect. If you play at one of these places and just cant take it anymore, feel free to mention Chambers Billiard Co. for a service call. We can make both the bar owners and your frustrations alike go away with one visit. I can either fix the problem or make recommondations on how to go about getting the problem solved. You can find us in the players/business directory. Thanks and remember better playing tables make for better players.

[phenom]

halftime finally re felted the tables and fixed the rails not bad at all we will see if they maintain them thou

[Boogz]

halftime finally re felted the tables and fixed the rails not bad at all we will see if they maintain them thou

Yup, the only problem is how they will play after a couple of beers are spilled and the AC starts dripping water all over them.

p.s. if the tables are rolling bad, just ask Mike or a bartender for a level. They have a bunch of them, and i'm sure Mike would help level the table. If not, there are always plenty of pool players there and I find it hard to believe any of us would tell you no.

[dirks]

Has anyone played at shcooner's in Minooka lately? Just horrible tables. The balls don't roll off they snake across the table back and forth. You can't even adjust. Just aim center and shoot hard.

[phenom]

he pulls in diamond smarts by the middle of april i hope he dont let bull* happen then

[edmarek]

Wow, last night, Mon, Apr 16... Kickers' main table was AWFUL. It was hard to tell how much of the bad rolls was due to out of level, versus just a very badly maintained table. You could roll a soft shot along a line and get very different results, with some bends on the order of feet!! It was totally ridiculous. I can't believe anyone would play out of there. The balls were filthy, too. On a table like that, it is simply no fun to play. Are there ANY quality standards in APA, which regulate the condition of tables at member clubs? What is the control/feedback mechanism?

[dirtygirl]

I agree that there should be some set standards which the places that have teams should have to keep up with. We shot out of Alpha's in Joliet last night and the tables there were pretty bad. Even the people on the team from there agreed. They weren't the worst, but they definitely weren't up to the standards that league play tables should be. Maybe when the envelopes are collected there should be some sort of review process. I understand that there are a lot of places to mandate, but something needs to be done. Especially when there are some pretty high stakes.

[edmarek]

That is an excellent suggestion: a special field on the scoresheet that records the condition of the table (there is already a checkbox for size, as I recall). It could be a Bad/Decent/Good checkbox with a small field for add'l comments. Perhaps the league could be proactive in suggesting improvements to owners who don't seem to care enough to keep their tables in at least decent condition.

[Mary]

We're happy to announce that Half Time has replaced all of their old tables with brand new Diamond Smart tables this week.

Way to go Mike!

Mary

[MrD!]

Yes, Kickers is by far the worst table i've played on in league and I probably won't play on it again. The roll off was unbelievable and unpredictable. Being a "club" I can't believe the lack of pride in their equipment and the image it projects. BTW I didn't get a chance to play on the nice pretty (not being used) table next to the turd we had to play on. Home team had choice of course.

[edmarek]

Turd?
Did MrD say Turd?!?
I thought his was an adult forum... :confused:
:p

[06Busa]

Has to be that college bar in Stevens Point. I put my hand on the table and came up with ****.

[06Busa]

Has to be that college bar in Stevens Point. I put my hand on the table and came up with ****.


Well I dont know what happened to my last post. But it was **** not ****.

[06Busa]

Apperently you cant type the 4 letter word for crushed glass. Silica, Silica****.
Or what you would find at the beach. And it rymes with and.

[stevesgirl]

GRAPEVINE.............The cue ball weighed about a pound and you couldn't get any reaction of it or even any control. The table was just as bad. Had a lean to it. Isn't there a weight limit specified somewhere for the cue ball? LOL

[ChampTheTramp]

Ok so lets see here...... You have the tables that are not level, the funky rails, the awkward table roll, the mud balls, the lack of space, the regulars who will not hesitate to walk thru and bump you while you're shooting (unless they know you are a shooters player), there is always a fight there, the nasty bathrooms, the poor service (unless your a regular), and the lack fo seating (unless you get there an hour and a half early). I think that pretty much sums it up.

Oh wait ...... there is one good thing about that bar that I almost forgot to mention. They actually got rid of the pay phone so now they cant call it to distract you when you are facing a long green shot.

[Beasly]

You are right. Speakin of lack of seating, Bada brew, 3rd base are very bad for that, they are spacious bars, but they schedule so many teams there on one night that you have to stand the whole night. I wish I could shoot at my home bar every time. Some bars do all this (scrap) remodeling to "accomodate" pool players, but just make it worse. These bar owners are not thankful of how much $$$$ APA leagues bring in.

[phenom]

The Basement

Just Got 2 Diamond Smarts
Nice Bar Nice Owner Check It Out

[jazzenut]

:p:oOk so lets see here...... You have the tables that are not level, the funky rails, the awkward table roll, the mud balls, the lack of space, the regulars who will not hesitate to walk thru and bump you while you're shooting (unless they know you are a shooters player), there is always a fight there, the nasty bathrooms, the poor service (unless your a regular), and the lack fo seating (unless you get there an hour and a half early). I think that pretty much sums it up.

Oh wait ...... there is one good thing about that bar that I almost forgot to mention. They actually got rid of the pay phone so now they cant call it to distract you when you are facing a long green shot.

I wish you would really tell the the truth, THE PLACE IS A LOT WORST THAN YOU DESCRIBE IT, Iam laughing so hard because its true. A SOLUTION, MAKE A PARKING LOT OUT OF IT, case closed.

[jazzenut]

:pGRAPEVINE.............The cue ball weighed about a pound and you couldn't get any reaction of it or even any control. The table was just as bad. Had a lean to it. Isn't there a weight limit specified somewhere for the cue ball? LOL

Go there early, when no ones looking switch the cue

[ciceropoolgod]

I really have to tell you this. I was at Half Time the first month they got the diamonds in there and I haven't been there since until last night . WHAT THE HELL HAPPEN !!!!! The table cloth looks like someone was chewing on it. I really thought that when those tables were put in that they would be kept up better that the Valley tables before. I guess not. Same old, Same old

[Boogz]

I really have to tell you this. I was at Half Time the first month they got the diamonds in there and I haven't been there since until last night . WHAT THE HELL HAPPEN !!!!! The table cloth looks like someone was chewing on it. I really thought that when those tables were put in that they would be kept up better that the Valley tables before. I guess not. Same old, Same old

This will answer your question:

One night last session, they had to take the bottom of one the tables apart. Why you ask? Because some drunk dropped his bottle of beer down the side pocket. That should sum up the respect some of the customers have for $4500 tables. Players usually keep everone in check during league nights, but that leaves 2 days a week no league players are in there.

[ez_cowboy8]

I recently moved to Crete IL from Tinley, and started getting to know the locals in a place called Throwbacks. The table was nothing short of spooky at first. The locals were having tournaments in there on Wed and I decided I would try my luck. I got ready to lag, and one of them told me to lag from the other end and then proceeded to show me why. Rolling the ball down the table with his hand, the ball jumped about 3 inches off the back rail ! I could not believe it. It also had a mud ball.

I suggested to the owner that a different cue ball would help alot, and loaned her mine for a week. She heard the shooters there commenting that they could actually draw the ball now, so she asked if I would purchase a few of them for her. I did, and shortly afterwards the table had new rails, new felt, and was releveled. It now shoots like a brand new bar box and is worth visiting if you in that area and looking for a place to shoot. The locals are friendly, the food is pretty good, and I have never seen trouble there.

[teamdepot20]

In my opinion the worse table i have come across is at "Ted & Sophies" in Joliet. I played there lastnight and it look's like the ground around the front line's in Iraq. Someone seem's to use this table to practice thier masse shot's. I counted at least 30 holes in the felt , where some idiot has driven the tip of a cue threw and ripped a hole in the felt. And the spot that the head ball on the rack sit's, look's like ground zero. Come on people, i'm playing pool, not golfing! It was like there was a 7th pocket on the table.

[cepelinas]

Stella's. Case closed.

[BF032081]

I think if u like 7' tables, Rudy's has to be the best....
In Aurora the worst for me would be the End Zone....

Ha you think Endzone is bad. You have obviously never shot out of Club Gala in downtown Aurora. Without a doubt the worst tables I have ever played on. Second in Aurora would have to be Doug's American Bar & Grill. That red colored felt is just awful, it has holes from bad jump shots and the balls are chipped in every way possible.

[VLobo1]

Ha you think Endzone is bad. You have obviously never shot out of Club Gala in downtown Aurora. Without a doubt the worst tables I have ever played on. Second in Aurora would have to be Doug's American Bar & Grill. That red colored felt is just awful, it has holes from bad jump shots and the balls are chipped in every way possible.

I think the worst is Doug's American Bar & Grill. That red colored felt is just awful, it has holes from bad jump shots and the balls are chipped in every way possible. Second I would say O'Mally's (No room to shoot) or the Kicker's Club!

[Beasly]

Why do people complain or have a problem with " different colored felt " ( red, or whatever) you are being pety, what does it matter what color the felt is? Its a pool table!!! Some people are worse than nagging wives, are'nt happy unless they are complaining about something. Stop complaining and shoot your game. Dont blame the irrelevant things on your surroundings. Put a leopard striped table out there and I will shott with keeping my mouth shut.



" Goooodd!! I like that kind of spirit in a player, only problem is, I did'nt cut ya"

[DevilDog]

It's not being petty if you are a purist and think pool tables should have green felt. They always have until some marketing genius decided that different colors of the rainbow would be a nice touch. How about playing baseball on purple colored astro turf, or playing golf on an orange dyed grass, or maybe painting your house bright orange. It's the environment you are used to and prefer, nothing petty about it. Not only the felt, but the space around the table, good cushions and the true roll, and a nice pocket drop would also be a nice touch. But you won't find much of that either on these bar tables. I guess it's back to the billiard parlor.

If you want to just bang balls, I guess it does not matter what color of condition the table is, but if you are serious, I'm afraid it does. Serious and having fun are not mutually exclusive.

[vipert10]

as of this date and time kickers tables are still the same bad bad bad

[ZeroTolerance]

It's not being petty if you are a purist and think pool tables should have green felt. They always have until some marketing genius decided that different colors of the rainbow would be a nice touch. How about playing baseball on purple colored astro turf, or playing golf on an orange dyed grass, or maybe painting your house bright orange.

Doesn't affect anything

If you want to just bang balls, I guess it does not matter what color of condition the table is, but if you are serious, I'm afraid it does. Serious and having fun are not mutually exclusive.

did you even think before you typed that

How does the color of table matter at all if you're a serious player

OMGF TEH TABEL FELT IS YELLAR NOW I CANT SHOOT!!!!!11

[DevilDog]

I guess you will never know, I mean about about being a serious player

[Boogz]

I guess you will never know, I mean about about being a serious player

There is a difference between being serious and being old fashioned. I am a serious pool player, and I enjoy playing on simonis 860 tournament blue felt. I think I speak for every serious pool player when I say, we'd rather play on any type of simonis then that green carpet stuff they put on valleys.

[DevilDog]

I like your choice in felt (Simonis 860), but I prefer green, it does come in green! That must be for old fashioned guys like me. The quality and the color are two completely different things.

[Boogz]

I like your choice in felt (Simonis 860), but I prefer green, it does come in green! That must be for old fashioned guys like me. The quality and the color are two completely different things.

I'm with you, when I get my own table. I'm confident it will be Simonis 860 green felt with blue master chalk.

I'm not going to lie though. It looks sharp when you are at a big tournament and all of the tables are positioned well with tournament blue Simonis.

[MisterT]

This is probably a stupid question.....but....why do Diamond tables seem to roll so much faster than other tables (even if both tables have the same felt?) I rarely get an opportunity to play on Diamonds....when I get into a tournament, it takes a minute to get adjusted to the speed....

[custmq]

This is probably a stupid question.....but....why do Diamond tables seem to roll so much faster than other tables (even if both tables have the same felt?) I rarely get an opportunity to play on Diamonds....when I get into a tournament, it takes a minute to get adjusted to the speed....

Probably due to the cue ball. Valleys still use the magnetic cue ball whereas Diamond Smarts use the "red circle" cue ball which is lighter (same weight as the object balls) and a bit more lively. Diamond cushions seem to bounce a little more too...

[Fluke]

How about Lettys Place. There table had a six inch roll from left to right last Monday.

[cheeseneese]

Letty's table is also too close to the wall. You need a short stick every other shot.

[Fluke]

Are playoffs allowed in bars like that. My team has a playoff match that is supposed to be there next week.

[cheeseneese]

I think it happens, but I would complain if I were you. Then I think they would make them play the match at a neutral site.

[Dapimp]

sorry getting in to this subject a little late but I believe in Aurora Rudy's has the best tables followed by maybe Tommy'os but the worst in Aurora would have to be The Corner and Club Gala,