During the last year, we’ve seen the devastating effects of the global outbreak of COVID-19, and one of the aftermaths is that most places had to shut down due to government-imposed regulations, including the place where you used to enjoy playing pool. This is why you might have started thinking about purchasing your own pool table for your home.
However, if you did some digging online, you might now be wondering – should I get a bumper or a standard table, what are the differences between them? Fortunately, those differences are exactly what we’ll discuss in this article today, so, without further ado, let’s take a look at the differences that’ll help you make a more fitting decision:
The Number of Bumpers And Their Positioning
Image source: unsplash.com
One of the first and most obvious differences between the two options is the number of bumpers, as well as where they’re placed on the structure. With a standard option, you’ll be able to have twelve bumpers, of which eight of them are positioned around the middle, while there are two at each of the ends.
On the other hand, if you opt for the alternative – that is quite smaller than the traditional one that you could purchase – there will be only eight bumpers present on it. This is, of course, because of the size of the structure, which is something that leads us to our next point…
The Size is Quite Different
This is, perhaps, the biggest difference between the two options. If you’re, for example, planning on placing it in a smaller room or space, you might want to choose a bumper billiards table, mostly because they’re quite smaller than the traditional option, which means that you’ll be capable of placing it in a smaller area.
Of course, if you have a larger area – such as your basement or garage that you might be planning on turning into an entertainment room – you could always choose to purchase the conventional, rectangular ones. Keep in mind, rectangular ones are extremely heavy, hence, ensure that you can actually place them in a specific room.
Different Materials to Choose From
Image source: unsplash.com
Generally speaking, large ones do have 3-in-1 characteristics, which means that they’re most commonly built for oak, mahogany, as well as walnut lumber. Now, you should know, depending on the option you choose, it could increase the overall price, meaning that you should carefully consider the material that it’ll feature.
You should know, rectangular ones don’t often feature this characteristic, mostly because they’re manufactured from sturdy and durable materials such as slate or wood. This is why you might want to take a look at this useful list before making a decision about what you’ll purchase for your home.
The Games Vary in Complexity
As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, standard alternatives do have the same purpose as the other option, however, you should know that they’re more complex to use and play. After all, there are eight sides that players need to maneuver, and if you want your kids to enjoy some games with you, it might be difficult for them to move around the spread.
In the meantime, bumper ones are just smaller versions of the standard ones, which means that they’re easier to use, and more importantly, they’re more fitting for children, especially since they’ll actually be able to try and get the balls into the holes. Hence, if playing pool with your kids is important for you, getting a smaller one might be best for you. Check out TriBilliards with their awesome selection!
There Are Other Games That They Could Include
Image source: unsplash.com
If you’re planning on creating a smaller game room, but if you want to have more games at the same time, you should seriously consider purchasing a multi-purpose bumper table. What does this mean for you? Well, it means that you can use it for playing other games as well, which is something that makes it quite practical.
Hence, you could choose to play games such as poker, ping pong, push hockey, cards, as well as foosball! Now, standard ones can be used for the same thing, but you cannot really fit them in a smaller space, which is why you might want to choose from a wide range of alternatives to find the right combination for you and your family.
The Prices Vary
Last on this list of differences, but not less important is the fact that the prices vary quite a lot. Of course, bumper ones are smaller, thus they’re cheaper, while the standard ones might cost you hundreds of dollars. So, depending on your budget, you could either choose the cheaper or more expensive option.n
Are There Some Things to Consider?
Image source: unsplash.com
Before we conclude this article, there are a few things worth mentioning, all of which will help you make a better decision. For starters, you should think about the quality of the cloth. Some of the best alternatives out there must have high-quality felt on them that’ll cover the rails properly. Remember, it shouldn’t be too thick or too thin because it’ll hinder your gameplay. Additionally, you must ensure that it’s evenly applied. The color doesn’t really matter, but the quality of the materials does.
Another thing that you must consider is the material used for manufacturing the entire thing. As we mentioned, there is a wide range of options on the market, hence, before you choose to purchase the first one that comes up in your search bar, do some digging and determine which one might be best for you.
Lastly, you should think about the accessories as well. Some of the options that you could choose include things such as balls, cues, as well as the plastic triangle used for adjusting the balls at the beginning of the game, while other options on the market might only include things such as a brush, some chalk, and levelers. So, think about the features and accessories as well!
Conclusion
There is a wide range of differences between a standard and a bumper pool table. Not only are bumper pools cheaper, but they’re also suitable for smaller rooms, they can be used by children, and more importantly, they come with different features that’ll allow you to play other games on them as well!
So, now that you’re aware of all of the differences between the two options, you might not want to lose any more of your free time. Instead, think about your preferences, space available, and budget, and then decide whether you’ll purchase a standard or a smaller pool table for your home.
