Table Talk – Diamond Pro-Am vs. Professional Pool Tables
Two of the most popular pool tables on the market today are from Diamond Billiards – the Pro-Am and the Professional. Both are crafted by experts and have excellent playability. We’re going to provide a quick run down of the characteristics and features of each.
Diamond Pro-Am Table
The Pro-Am is Diamond’s most recent addition to the lineup and is known for its versatile playability. This table is the most common one found at major tournaments across the United States.
Customizing Your Diamond Pro-Am
The Pro-Am offers several custom options to ensure the perfect fit for any pool player. These customizations include:
- Table size: 7-foot, 8-foot, or 9-foot
- Custom rail and skirt finishes
- Rail sights
- 1-pc or 3-pc slate (3-pc is for installing on a lower or upper level)
- Pocket cut size
- Simonis felt type and felt color
- Optional bridge hooks
- Optional wire ball holder
- Ball sets
- Table cover
- LED table lights
The team over at DiamondPoolTables.com does a great job of showcasing everything that can be ordered with your Pro-Am table.
Pro-Am Table Construction
Both Oak and Ash wood are used to build Diamond’s Pro-Am table to maintain a durable and strong profile. One piece of poplar wood is used at the front of the rail to keep it from warping over time.
The Pro-Am features burn and dent resistant PRC material on the tops and sides of the rails to ensure durability for the life of the table, as long as it’s treated properly. The premium K-55 cushions are glued and not bolted, to offer consistent rebound characteristics for a long time.
This table comes assembled in one piece which makes for a very easy setup, as long as you have enough help!
Diamond Pro-Am Table Specifications
Dimensions & Weight
- 7 ft. table (94 x 54 x 32-inches), 800 LB
- 8 ft. table (104 x 59 x 32-inches), 1000 LB
- 9 ft. table (114 x 64 x 32-inches), 1200 LB
You’ll also want to make sure there is enough clearance for your pool table. Diamond recommends the following room sizes for a comfortable pool playing experience:
- 7 ft. table – 16’6” x 13’
- 8 ft. table – 17’6” x 13’6”
- 9 ft. table – 18’6” x 14’
The above clearances apply to both the Pro-Am and Professional models.
What’s the Price of a Diamond Pro-Am Table?
*Prices shown are standard tables without paid upgrades
- Pro-Am 7 footer – $5,995
- Pro-Am 8 footer – $6,995
- Pro-Am 9 footer – $7,995
The Pro-Am comes standard with Aramith Premium billiard balls, 4.5-inch pro-cut pockets, white rail sights and 1-inch thick 1 piece slate. You can also choose which type of Oak wood finish you’d like at no additional charge. Maple finish upgrades will cost extra.
Diamond Professional Table
The Professional boasts all of the same high quality playing characteristics with a couple exceptions. The table legs are anchored on both short rails and go across the button of the table while the Pro-Am table legs are placed at each corner. Many appreciate the aesthetics of the Professional table because it looks less “boxy” and usually looks better in a home.
Lastly, the Professional comes standard as a drop-pocket table and not as a ball return table, meaning the balls stay in the pocket until they’re removed.
Customizing Your Diamond Professional
The Professional offers several custom options, just like the Pro-Am. These customizations include:
- Table size: 7-foot, 8-foot, or 9-foot
- Table color
- Rail sights
- 1-pc or 3-pc slate (3-pc is for installing on a lower or upper level)
- Pocket cut size
- Table corners
- Table leg type
- Simonis felt type and felt color
- Optional bridge hooks
- Ball sets
- Table cover
- LED table lights
Professional Table Construction
All Professional table sizes feature high grade, 30mm Brazilian slate which is supported by 5-inch beams of premium strand lumber. With a one person leveling system, and elegantly finished hardwood skirts, this pool table is sure to match any type of atmosphere. The customizable Oak rails and premium K-55 cushions help complete a table that will help you improve your game for years to come.
The Professional does require some light assembly and installation upon arrival.
Diamond Professional Table Specifications
Dimensions & Weight
- 7 ft. table (94 x 54 x 32-inches), 800 LB
- 8 ft. table (104 x 59 x 32-inches), 1000 LB
- 9 ft. table (114 x 64 x 32-inches), 1200 LB
Table clearances are listed above under the Pro-Am specs.
What’s the Price of a Diamond Professional Table?
*Prices shown are standard tables without paid upgrades
- Professional 7 footer – $8,395
- Professional 8 footer – $8,795
- Professional 9 footer – $8,995
The Professional comes standard with your choice of cloth color, your choice of 3 different leg styles, your choice of table corners and finish, 4.5-inch pro-cut pockets, white or black sights and 1-inch thick 1 piece slate. You can also choose which type of Oak wood finish you’d like at no additional charge, just like the Pro-Am. Maple finish upgrades will cost extra.
Which is Best – Diamond Pro-Am or Professional?
Like most things in the world of billiards, it really depends on personal preference. What I would recommend is building a relationship with a trusted Diamond table dealer near you and discussing what your requirements are for your new pool table. Most places will be extremely happy to help you find what you need.
You really can’t go wrong with any Diamond. The care they put into their tables is unmatched, and if something goes wrong or is defective, they won’t hesitate to make it right with their customers. There’s a reason Diamond is arguably the best pool table brand in the world.
Good luck, and hit ‘em hard!