American Heritage Pool Table
2/20/2007 12:54:01 PM
American Heritage Pool Table
I was wondering if anyone has actually played on an American Heritage table. All reviews I see only mention that it is not built in the USA. Well, considering how much of our everyday items are built outside the USA, that isn't my main concern. Does anyone know how they play or how durable they are. They are hardwood with 1 inch slate, I am assuming that isn't a bad thing.
Thanks in advance
American Heritage Pool Table
Replies & Comments
billiardsforum on 2/20/2007 7:01:37 PMI searched around and the first American Heritage Pool Table Review that I found was from a site called "Used-PoolTable" and it was quite favorable.
They actually gave this table a fairly good rating, despite other negative consumer reviews. They indicated that in fact they wanted to grant the American Heritage pool table a "superior rating" (their top rating) but they were forced to give it an "above average" rating (their second-from-top rating) for the following three reasons:
- The American Heritage pool tables come with a low quality accessory package that they consider a "Terrible Package"
- The price, which they said; "could have been better but the pool table had been marked up by at least two companies."
- The rails and rubber areas and cushions. They indicated that "the rail rubber was of lower quality but was acceptable for standard home use."
For the $3000, the American Heritage pool tables don't compare to a table of the same quality with a much higher grade accessory package which could have been purchased for the same amount.
In the Pacific Northwest a pool table can be purchased with a much better accessory package, a better grade of felt, matching colored cue chalk and professional, home installation for an average of $2,400, making this table about $600 more expensive than something that could have been purchased locally. That extra $600 could be used to have a better table shipped to you if need be.
Apparently the American Heritage pool table was passed through at least two different companies before making it to the end consumer, so the tables price would have been marked up at least two times before reaching the home. We were told by the shipper (retailer) that this table was made in the USA. Many other reviews out there indicate that this is not the case.
Also, see the full, un-edited review at used-pooltable.com/americanheritage.html
- billiardsforum on 2/20/2007 7:22:23 PM
And a few more opinions and reviews I found on the net:
- Company website: americanheritagebilliards.com/
- An online seller is offering a table by this company at: providence.craigslist.org/spo/280885343.html - The sale indicates that the American Heritage pool table is "hardly used" but also notes that the pockets need repair. This doesn't sound too good.
- Another user complains about the slate, but it has not been determined whether this is a quality issue or an installation issue. They say that the American Heritage pool "table itself is three peice 1" slate. The problem is that you can feel the seam between two of the peices of slate." The continue to ponder whether or not this is "a quality issue or an installation issue..." Indeed if the problem was caused by an installation issue then it the job of the installer to return to the home and correct this situation. This reviewer indicated that their table has only been up for a month.
- Another American Heritage pool table review says that "American Heritage's are built exactly like Leisure Bays. In fact I think it is a Leisure Bay pool table with a name change." This user went on to speculate that the American Heritage pool table cushions will turn "hard as a brick" in three to five years. Keep in mind that most general quality pool table cushions have a life expectancy of about 15 years or more depending on the conditions. This reviewer definitely has experience with a wide variety of pool tables. He says that his "shop makes a good bit of money putting new cushions on Leisure Bay tables and American Heritage pool tables. If you find a killer deal on one then they are alright." He goes on to say that he has "worked on tables from the late 1700s, to top of the line tournament style tables, to peices of junk, and everything in between. If you name a brand I can generally tell you a good bit about them."
- Yet another negative review in regards to the slate used in American Heritage pool tables;
"American Heritage tables have unbacked slate, as in there is no wood backing to go between the frame and the slate. It's harder to wedge and wedges will slip more often. It has a slate liner but the only purpose for that is so the mechanic has a place to staple the cloth to. But watch the wedging process and you'll see that slate liner bend meaning you need to put more wedge in to get it right. That takes the slate higher off the frame and you risk the slate slipping more."
This American Heritage pool table reviewer also has a few things to say about the cushions, as did the previous reviewer. He says that the cushions are also cheap." He noted that he has only ever seen about 10 tables with bad cushions in his lifetime, even in the worst conditions. He would estimate that about 50% of Leisure Bay pool tables or American Heritage pool tables will have the cushions go hard or fall completely off. He also notes that "the slate is Italian (Or was) but is often veiny and hard to level. Especially without backing. The legs tend to crack and the pockets are usually junk after five or so years. And many that I encounter can't stand up to bad mechanics who will strip bolts badly. There are other pool table makers out there that are great, especially if you can find a decent used one."
- billiardsforum on 2/20/2007 7:23:24 PM
Other than the one positive rating from used-pooltables.com, there one other positive American Heritage pool table review that I stumbled upon.
This user bought the American Heritage Mandalay from "PooltablesUSA" from their internet website. He notes (incorrectly) that they are the "direct manufacturer" for American Heritage pool tables, however, they are simply one of many online distributors.
The reviewer indicated that they "love it" and that "it plays great" and noted that other consumers can also purchase locally through Costco. He indicated that the cabinet is made of solid wood, which he adds "is a plus" and that "the slate is fully backed and the fit and finish of the table is excellent."
This reviewer attributed the playability of his American Heritage pool table to proper installation and setup. He suggested that if you buy an American Heritage pooltable via Pooltableusa is to "upgrade the cloth to something above the standard cloth" and to "see if it's possible to pick who installs the table especially if you have a local dealer that you favor." He noted that the installation was flawed and that after several attempts, he realized that they were not going to come back out to his home and install it again. He now has to have follow up maintenance done at his own expense.
billy on 2/20/2007 7:32:15 PM
American Heritage Pool Tables - Avoid this brand at all costs. They are a Chinese import, and aren't close to the quality you'd expect from the traditional, tried, and true manufacturers. The company has changed their name several times, and the goods are typically sold by recreation companies to keep up their sales over the winter months.
American Heritage sales force are ill-informed and tend not to be focused on you. They always seem to tell their customers that it is an American made pool table, which is untrue. American Heritage pool tables are apparently manufactured in the Pacific East Rim (China, Thailand, Taiwan) by a parent company called Cannon Billiards. Cannon Billiards also makes pool tables for companies like Zbilliards, Boston Tables, and several other on-line retailers and big-box recreation superstores. Do some research online and have a look at the various companies that sell these pool tables online and notice that the tables are all the same. They have different names and stains but they are the same models esentially.
- billiardsforum on 2/20/2007 7:41:00 PM
Another negative comment:
...tell the retailer salesperson you would like to see the boxes the table comes in, then ask for the warranty out of one of the boxes. Your salesperson will freeze up or not agree to this because they realize that you caught them telling you something that they knew was a lie. (Or didn't know was a lie until now.)
...and another:
The statement from the American Heritage pool table website is an innuendo and not a fraudulent statement. Key Words "LOCATED IN". If they had stated "MANUFACTURED IN" This would of course be a fraud. They know with out a doubt that a verbal statement made to a customer would be hearsay and never admitted to. It is very unfortunate that by a simple play of words they are able to deceive and sell their product to the unwary. Once again it is Buyer Beware!
Basically, I see that the majority of comments out there about American Heritage pool tables are negative comments. If it was my decision, I'd stay far away from these pool tables and stick with the tried and true pool table manufacturers. Although, if I didn't have the money for a decent table, maybe I'd consider one. Any table is better than no table at all.
jraypfs on 6/14/2007 7:53:20 AM
I'm curious as to why it makes a difference where the table was manufactured? (ie/China vs USA) Isn't assembly always on-site?
- billiardsforum on 6/14/2007 10:58:52 AM
The answer is that it matters not. Even most "Ameican" companies outsource the manufacture of their parts to overseas plants for cost savings. (and sometimes quality) The point the review was trying to make was that if a company is trying to hide certain facts, such as place of manufacture, they may not be as honest a company as you would want, and you may wonder, what else are they hiding? (poor design, cost cutting in important areas, ect)
I think a common problem with some of these mass manufacture-reseller billiard table companies is design quality. With a trusted company like Olehausen , Brunswick, whatever, you generally don't hear of such widespread problems.
guest on 2/26/2008 3:11:57 PM
I have an American Heritage Stanton Model table. This is an excellent table. I dont understand the negative feedback for this table. I owned an Olhausen Table previously and this table is on par with it in every way. Quality materials. Quality build. I have absolutlely no complaints about this table and they can be found for way under what you would pay for any other quality table.
tedmauro on 3/31/2008 1:21:19 AMA friend that I used to play with had an American Heritage table and I always thought it played good. My table of choice in the 9 foot category would be the Brunswick Gold Crown. I used to like the Valley Cougar best for the 7 foot bar box but now I have to go with the Diamond Smart Table.
You have to be kidding. Saying that an Olhausen pool table is on par with an American Heritage pool table is like comparing a Hyundai to a Mercedes!
Ross on 6/9/2008 9:53:41 PMNo, you have got to be kidding.
Thats like saying that everyone who wants to drive to work either buys a Mercedes or walks. Well we know that doesn't happen. We know the people who don't have the funds for a Mercedes just go out and buy a Hyundai or something.
How did you come up with "buying a Mercedes vs. walking? The statement was American Heritage is on par with Olhausen. It is not.
CatScratch on 10/17/2008 9:20:25 PM
We own an American Heritage pool table, style Kingston. We've had it since 2001 and the cushions are still great, the leather pockets are in excellent condition, the playing surface is level and all who play on it enjoy it. We actually dismantled it ourselves when we moved and then put it back together when we got to our destination. It is 3-piece slate but the slate is only 3/4". We were able to seam the slate (the installers had used beeswax and so did we) and put the felt back on and the surface is very smooth and level. It's a great table and looks great as well.
American Heritage pool tables are poorly engineered and cannot be made level due to their flimsy slate pad and poor quality Asian wood. The pool table body is held together in part by drywall screws that are both unsightly and inadequate. This is the worst pool table design ever introduced to the billiard industry.
I was unable to have my American Heritage pool table play level. My friends made fun of my pool table whenever they come to my house to play. I paid over $400.00 to have my table recovered and re-leveled by a local retailer with a good reputation. I was told that the maga-board slate pad did not properly support the un-backed slate and leveling shims. The table played better than ever but I was told it would not stay that way because the table was poorly designed. Unfortunately, they were right and the table played worse with the passing of time. My friends continue to make fun of me and my pool table. I would never recommend an American Heritable pool table! It costs over $2,300 and is a total rip off.
I bought a pool table from costco.com and it plays horrible. It turns out to be and American Heritage pool table and was sold through pooltablesusa.com who is now out of business. I felt that I was misled by Costco and the experience was terrible!
I too am going through the same decision.
The local Watsons has American Heritage pool tables with 1.25" slate, 22 oz felt (I will use Simonis), Aramith balls, upgraded cues, etc. Free shipping and set up for $2100. The other in town option is Olhausen. I can get a table there for about the same price. I have only ever really played on Brunswick Gold Crowns and obviously are my favorite but there is not a local dealer.
Anyways, I was wondering if there was any up to date info on the tables and should I be leary? It is the Santa Anna model that my wife liked.
The only reason there is a debate is they are offering 12 months no interest instead of paying it all for the Olhausen.
Any info is appreciated.
quickshot on 1/5/2009 4:35:16 PMYou are looking at a long term investment here. If they are offering a no interest deal you have to wonder why. And sometime down the road you may well be saying "no wonder there was no interest." Beware the bearer of gifts. Even more so if it is make across the Pacific pond. Also if it is a third party dealer.
The Duke on 1/5/2009 6:28:14 PM
Do you have any feedback on the American Heritage table? Have you ever played on one? I am told the construction includes 4 beams and they rarely have heard of problems. The Olhausen dealer offers financing as well, 6 months same as cash I just found out.
Does the 1.25" slate make a difference? Has anyone bought a table from Watsons?
A Brunswick American made or at least American engineered Pool Table is what you need....an older Gold Crown III +/- 1975... First table I ever put together in 02/2009 .... your room needs to be the right dimensions, support for a table weighing upwards of 1300 pounds pressing on four legs with an area of about 50 square inches per leg ... for general levelling ... use 4 and six foot levels and the best part ... rent a builders transit/level...get it dead on with the leveling system on the transit... now shoot the table frame first .... for a target use a tape measure with 64th inch increments and attach the tape to something like a metal computer floor pedestal... the number you see is irrelevant but write each one down as you focus in .... take measurements at 12 points, the corners of each slate piece to begin ...the difference metween measurements tells you where the point of the table lies and then needs either raising or lowering with thicknesses determined by standard plasticised playing cards. Once the table is absolutely flat in the same plane, (I got it withing a pencil lead from any point on the table) you are ready for the fastening, re-shooting and beeswax to seal the slate seams abutments. I did use a long 100" absolutely straight edge with a strong light behind it to check the overall flatness.... the light shows any drop or variance. adjust with a wedge and a playing card deck for shimming.
The beeswax was bought at a billiards supply store and was a 8x8x2" block.... I used maybe a 2x2x2" amount.... I used a small propane torch to melt a stream of wax over all seams and any defects.... I let it harden which was almost immediate, and pulled the wax flat using a sherman williams paint s****er with a 3" wide back stroke blade.
Like shaving ice or a block of cheeze, I pulled ...removed the wax pulled and unloaded the blade until all was dead flat..... I even rolled a cue ball over the un-cloth'd slate and watched the motion and listened.... with it this flat, the cloth was a breeze to electric staple on (Simonis 860) (or 760 tournament or standard green) . The Gold crown IV has a screw shim system that sounds much better and has an easier leg leveller system but the older table is very available for 1000 to 2000 dollars on ebay ... hire local movers to setup the slate on the frame you assemble, do not use your friends as the slate sections weight 275 pounds each according to the brunswick tag... then do all the above.... if it is formidible, I have had estimates for set-up from 325.00 to 350.00 plus any special cloth, (Simonis 860 costs about 260.00 for the whole 4.5x9 table.... even with the used dings and bangs from the poolroom, the table plays well and is a delight to invite people over to play on.... it is about shooting pool after all, and having a nice stable platform with consistant results .... I love my Brunswick and waited a long time for a great table ... I do not agree with "any table is better than no table" ... a bad table will frustrate your game and wind up as a ping pong platform. The GC III has about thirty major parts and all super and sub structures are massive...when you are finished, it does not move ... at all. I have a ball return which was added ... the changing of the pockets and the hanging of the return troughs was a snap.... installing the collector box and troughs took maybe 15 minutes and I love that all the balls are ready to rack where you want them. This table will stay with the house as these are available and are plentiful to be shipped anywhere. DDB Bartlett, TN
sweetthang9972 on 4/1/2009 11:01:48 AM
I have played on and own an American Heritage pool table. It is a beautiful pool table, 3 sheets of slate, leather pockets, green felt. I feel that it holds its own as far as usage and durability. It is currently for sale though, I have since moved out of my parents home (where the table is located) and they have no need for it and i have no room for it.
Just wanted to chime in, I purchased an American Heritage "Fairfax" 8' pool table with the standard felt and also got the matching bar chairs and wall rack. The finish on all the furniture looks absolutely stunning, even after a year and a half of ownership (not that long I understand, but still). The thing I really liked about the table and matching furniture is just that -- it all matches beautifully. All the wood is solid, the table has 3-piece slate (and mine is 1-inch thick). The place I purchased from just contracts with a local installer who comes out and puts it all together for me at no cost to me so that was also a plus. The leather pockets are great, and the rails are in great shape as well. The cabinetry of the table appears to be made very well. No screws or nails hold it together like "cheap" tables... I am very happy with the purchase and everyone who plays on it compliments the look as well as the play.
I bought an American Heritage pool table, the Strata, and I love it. I know it does not compare to a "Brunswick" but I got what I could afford and like I said " I LOVE IT". It looks and plays great.
Ridethe9 on 7/7/2009 10:24:12 AM
For all of those who seem to be confused... A pool table is only as good as the technician who upholsters the rails, levels the frame, sets the slates, and upholsters the slates... It helps to have a solid wood pool table, not a hardwood, but actual maple...
The problem with the billiard industry is that the "true craftsman" is a dying breed. Probably 85 - 90% of the pool table technicians are sub par performers... You can't teach yourself how, you have to be taught how... remember just because somebody can run 7 racks consecutively does not mean they can properly assemble a pool table...
Anyone who thinks Brunswick is a great table is paying more money for a lower quality table... Most manufacturers will sell to just about anybody who will send them a check. Well, what if the distributor or installer in not the a qualified billiards technician? The only table to purchase, is hands down, Olhausen... Best by far, anyone who says different is only saying it because they cannot represent them. Olhausen cares about how the table is installed so they are selective in choosing who represents them.. Do some research...
ChallengeChalkie on 7/9/2009 3:45:46 PMI haven't had a chance to play on one but there are others out there that may be much more affordable yet still high end...
buckshotshoey on 7/11/2009 7:35:43 PM
I own an 8 ft American Heritage "Independence" model. I inch slate with a 1 inch backer. Pockets are leather (thick and good quality....pockets and accessories made in china) I have to agree the accessory package is pretty low quality, even though the balls play pretty good. The cloth that came with mine is Championship Titan. Pretty darn good cloth as far as anyone would be concerned. I have noticed that the rails are a little soft. The wood they used, I believe, is Poplar. It is not as hard as Oak or Ash, therefore will allow a dent if you jump a ball off the table. The cushions are K-66 profile but not sure what company made them offhand. They are very true over and over again and the diamonds are as perfect as can be expected. I have around 3000 games on it since I bought it new (probably a low estimate because I have played, on average, 30 to 50 games a week for two years now). I measured the slates with a caliper and all three pieces were within one thousandth on an inch(.001).
I don't understand why these tables are getting bad press unless it is truly the installation that is causing the problems. I put mine together myself but did my homework before I did it. The most important piece of advice I used when setting it up was this......When you get the frame set up and perfectly level, lay the backer and the slate on it and let it set there for 1 week. This will allow for any settling that may happen. Then make the final adjustments with shims before locking down the slates and bees waxing them. By doing this, the table is still perfectly level even after two years of pretty hard use. The first seem I bees waxed is making a line on the cloth but I do not notice any effect on the balls, even when they cross it at a 45 degree angle at a slow speed. The other seem is absolutely perfect.
I'm not convinced of the comments regarding that they are made in China or Taiwan. The factory is located near Cleveland OH. As of 2004, which was the date of manufacture tagged on the frame and the boxes the parts came in, they all say made in USA (except for the pockets and the accessories which say made in China).
I bought this table from a seller on EBay as a closeout model that was located at a retailer that went out of business. When I picked up the table and got it home, I found out the corner and side pocket assemblies were missing. Working with the seller, I contacted American Heritage on the number listed below. They tracked down the missing pieces by using their tracking system. I cannot be more grateful, or more appreciative of the customer service at American Heritage! Since it was a closeout from a private seller, they really didn't have the responsibility to help me or the seller out. The seller had another table just like the one I bought from him that incidentally had the same missing parts. They tracked them all down to the distributer that was near the retailer that went out of business.
American Heritage Billiards 630 Mondial Parkway Streetsboro, Ohio 44241 (330) 626-3710
I install American Heritage pool tables among a host of others. Your table no matter what brand is only as good as the installers building them.
I think american heritage pool tables are constructed great. FYI lots of Brunswick pool tables are made overseas as well.
Hey I'd rather drive a Toyota than a ford, but whatever. When you are buying a Brunswick, Olhausen etc...you are simply paying all that extra money for the little metal label on the table.
Another thing these tables are not ZBilliard tables, those tables are total junk, any table you have to build from ground up like ZBilliards is junk and a pain in the butt to build and get leveled properly.
People are so scared to buy something that doesn't have a "name brand" on it. Don't you think the BIG Billiard companies know this and are over priced because the name is so familiar to people.
I bought an American Heritage pool table from Family Leisure and have been very happy with every aspect. Quality, look, price, install, etc..Bought the American Heritage Worthington. Love It! Debbie DelFlorio - Orange County, CA.
We are in the market for a pool table and visited Watson's. The salesman seemed quite knowledgable about tables and we did inquire as to the manufacturing origin of American Heritage pool tables. He said the lowest end models were made in China but the middle to upper end models were made near Cleveland. Makes sense and accounts for some of the posts here on the subject.
jabandit on 11/18/2009 6:37:16 PM
I was very glad to hear all the good advice here, and am in the process of selecting a table to buy. I think I agree with the idea that the quality is in the intallation. Most pool tables with 1" "backed" 3 piece slate and a good 2x6 frame will last for years. Then it boils down to the quality of the rails. I think I have found a good table built by a long time pool playing retailer with lots of experience. He has started building his own tables using Teak wood rails, legs, and wood backed slate purchased from various manufactures. He uses 2x6's for the frame and 2x4's as cross members and then puts the finish on the frame himself. They seem to be very strudy and while not high qualtiy furniture should play very well for years.
I also own an American Heritage table. Nope, its not the Mercedes of pool table, its more of a nice Chevy. affordable, reasonably well made, solid, and you get a lot of mileage out of it. It has stood up well to teenagers, drunken brothers, teenagers... did I mention teenagers? Yes the cues and accessories that came with it are crap, but I have owned my own cue for years, as do many family members. I did not buy the table for matching chalk and cues. Do you want a billiard table to last for generations and become a family heirloom? this ain't the one, do you want a good solid, affordable family pool table that will give you years of use and not complain about..TEENAGERS.. this is the one for you.
KevinC79 on 12/21/2009 7:02:27 AM
I bought a Britton pool table by American Heritage and I love it! The style is perfect for my home and I'm very confident in the product. My friend's father has a Gandy pool table that has been in his family for a long time and he helped me with my purchase. He has years of experience with pool tables and we looked at everything from Brunswick, Connelly, Olhausen, etc. With American Heritage, I was impressed by the wood to wood joinery underneath the table and the two beams that run down the length for extra support. I was also assured by the fact that they do use North American hardwoods in the manufacturing of their tables. After doing my homework, I found the greatest value at Great Gatherings (Annapolis, MD). They specialize in American Heritage gamerooms. The salespeople were very knowledgeable and showed me the lifetime warranty which includes a guarantee even on the cushions! One of the best aspects aside from the quality was the overall value because in one purchase I was able to buy a matching game-table and bar; there aren't any other manufacturer's that can provide an entire game-room at a package price. I realize there are a lot of opinions on the internet about quality, but I can say first hand that the table I own looks great, was affordable, and is built like a tank!
etorymd on 1/4/2010 6:18:51 AM
I just bought my second American Heritage table a few weeks ago. Had one until 5 years ago when I moved out of state and sold it with the house. I love the table I have now and am sure it has a lot to do with the installation. The first table was nice, but I could always feel a small step-off on a small part of the table at one of the seams. Haven't felt any abnormalities on my current table.
My 66 year-old father-in-law was just over and stated that my table was the most level table he has ever played on and loved it!
Maybe I could have shopped more thoroughly and saved myself money, but as of now I am happy with my purchase.
I have owned a American Heritage pool table for four years and it plays great! The quality is good. It's not a Brunswick or Olhausen but it plays straight and true, and no the rails are not rock hard and the slate is not full of holes. I play alot of pool and this table is as nice to play on as many others.
Tracy Taylor on 11/16/2010 11:15:58 AM
I'm from Illinois and wanted to thank you for the topic on American Heritage pool tables.
It provided many answers and direction as to whether my husband's choice to buy an American Heritage for our family pool table was a good one.
At least we have not bought it yet, as I need to show him all these comments and do a little more research.
But anyway, just wanted to say thanks for putting that out there for us part-time pool players.
American Heritage Pool Table
- Title: American Heritage Pool Table
- Author: guest
- Published: 2/20/2007 12:54:01 PM
