Table Talk – Diamond vs. Brunswick Pool Tables
Over the years, there has been a ton of innovation when it comes to pool table technology, performance, quality testing, and branding. The end goal is always to create a pool table that players can rely on, and love playing on. Two table manufacturers that have excelled in all areas are Diamond and Brunswick.
In this article we’ll do our best to provide a comparison of the tables each brand offers, which includes prices, table sizes, custom options and the reputation of each brand. We hope to help you build some knowledge, and possibly make a decision when it comes to your next pool table purchase.
Diamond Billiard Products
Who is Diamond Billiards?
Diamond Billiards originated in 1987 when a small group of pool players in Louisville, KY came together to create a company whose vision was to create a pool table that is superior to all other brands in quality and craftsmanship.
The table they had in mind would become the international standard for tournament play.
Diamond’s strategic plan for billiard world domination consisted of 3 elements:
- Creating a table that would be used in major tournaments
- Being open to advice from professional pool players
- Responding to professional advice and making refinements to create a better performing table
Where Are Diamond Pool Tables Made?
Diamond pool tables are made in Jeffersonville, Indiana – the Diamond Billiards headquarters. Diamond continues to create arguably the best pool tables in the world. These tables meet very strict specifications and are created with superior hardwood craftsmanship.
Diamond Pool Table Models
Diamond offers 4 different premium pool tables that include different custom options. This ensures that a table exists for any type of player. The four options include the Smart Table, the Professional, the Pro-Am and the Paragon.
If your heart is already set on a Diamond table, check out this comparison we put together for the Diamond Pro-Am and Professional tables!
The Smart Table is Diamond’s coin-operated table that can elevate a bar, pool hall or tournament setting. One important aspect of the smart table is that an official Cyclop cue ball can be used with it. It doesn’t require an oversize or magnetic cue ball. The ball return system has an optical density sensor that recognizes the Cyclop ball.
Smart Table Features
- 7 ft, 8 ft, or 9 ft options (9 ft includes a mechanism that allows timed play)
- Table keeps track of time and money for the player(s)
- Burn/dent resistant DYMONDWOOD rails
- Bi-level pockets
- 1-piece, 1-inch premium slate
- Key turn allows coin-free use
- Includes: Table, diamond table light unit, set of Cyclop billiard balls, ball rack, Simonis 860 cloth
The Professional is Diamond’s most popular table. A 9-footer, this table commands precision and is commonly used at major pool tournaments all over the United States. It’s great for use in commercial or private environments.
Professional Features
- Corian rail sights (in white or black)
- 30mm Brazilian slate
- 5 different wood finish options (golden oak, maple, oak, rosewood, walnut)
- K-55 profile for a quick cushion response
- Bi-level pockets
- Leather pockets hold 9 balls each
- Simonis 860 tournament grade cloth
The Pro-Am is the newest Diamond model, and is known for its extremely quiet ball return function and overall high quality construction. This table includes all the same playability and features as you’ll get from the Diamond Professional. The Pro-Am is a 1-piece slate table. This table has earned high praise recently, as many pool halls throughout the United States have opted for this model.
Pro-Am Features
- Available in 7 ft, 8 ft, or 9 ft
- 1-piece, 1-inch slate (3-piece slate available for upstairs set up)
- Comes fully assembled
- 7-inch rail construction using solid Oak or Ash hardwood (1 Poplar layer prevents warping)
- Burn/dent resistant DYMONDWOOD rails (5/8-inch thickness)
- Simonis 860 tournament grade cloth
The Paragon brings an elegant alternative to players who have a sense of style and an appreciation for classy aesthetics. This home-style pool table features a hardwood Maple construction and is available in 8-foot or 9-foot options. While this is a furniture style table, you can be sure it will play just as well as all the other Diamond offerings.
Paragon Features
- 8 ft or 9 ft options
- 12 hardwood stain options
- Simonis 860 tournament grade cloth
- K55 cushion profile
- Bi-level pocket design
- Includes: Ball rack and maple stain rack holder
As you can see, Diamond has a pool table option for anyone, no matter their requirements. They are quickly becoming the standard for pool tables everywhere due to their popularity and reliability.
Diamond Pool Table Warranty
Diamond Billiards offers a full part and labor warranty for 90 days from equipment delivery and a limited warranty protecting from manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for 1 year.
Next, we’ll discuss the popular Brunswick brand so that you are able to compare and contrast these two tables to make your purchase decision a little easier.
Brunswick Billiards
Who is Brunswick Billiards?
Brunswick is based out of the Chicago suburb of Mettawa, Illinois and has been a leader and innovator in the recreational products world for 170 years. It was founded by John Moses Brunswick, a Jewish immigrant from Switzerland.
John originally had planned to build carriages until he became fascinated with billiards, and he decided that pool tables would be a little more lucrative. He famously said, “If it’s made of wood, we can make it better.”
Brunswick now works with furniture design leaders from Europe to California to continuously innovate and keep up with the tastes of today.
Where are Brunswick Pool Tables Made?
Brunswick pool tables are made in China. While Brunswick tables are not crafted in the USA, they still maintain strict quality standards that make them one of the best tables you can buy.
Brunswick Pool Table Models
Brunswick has a much larger product offering due to their focus on furniture and different styles. What’s great about Brunswick is they’re sure to have a table model that will fit in any space due to the style variations. Brunswick table prices range from about $3,000 to $16,000 depending on model.
Keep in mind, while Brunswick tables play well, they are very dedicated to the look. You will find out that you are paying more for the visual characteristics with a Brunswick table than a Diamond.
Brunswick is currently offering 16 different models, all of which contain Brunswick certified premium slate. A few of the most popular are listed below, along with key features.
You can find the complete offering of Brunswick tables HERE.
- Superior wood materials and veneered hardwoods
- Solid hardwood rails and veneered or rubberwood MDF legs
- Finish options: Driftwood, espresso, rustic dark brown or tuscana
- Table size: 7 ft or 8 ft
- Ball & claw or tapered leg design
- Shield style pockets
- Metal corners and a jet black laminate for a table that’s perfect in any contemporary setting
- Table size: 7 ft or 8 ft
- Laminate over MDF aprons and legs
- Drop style pockets
- Leg levelers
- Optional gully return
- Rustic and industrial charm meet for an elegant and functional pool table
- New Zealand Pine wood construction
- Aged metal stretchers, corners and hardware
- 8 ft table only
- Drop style pockets
- Finish options: Black forest or rustic gray
Brunswick Pool Table Warranty
Brunswick pool tables are covered by a lifetime warranty. Their tables are protected from defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the table (as long as it is owned by the original owner). Brunswick has a different warranty for cloth.
Brunswick warrants that the table cloth will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for 1 year from the date of installation. Friction marks on the cloth occur naturally over time, and are not covered by warranty.
Brunswick also covers any reasonable stain within 1 year of installation as long as it is owned by the original owner. A stain is considered “unreasonable” if the liquid has any traces of grease or if the liquid has stayed on the table for longer than 20 minutes.
Read more about the Brunswick warranty program HERE.
Diamond vs. Brunswick Table Characteristics
Rails
The most obvious difference between playing a Diamond and playing a Brunswick is the way a ball will react off the rails. A Diamond table usually plays a little bit “shorter” off of rails than Brunswicks. This means that a ball will react quicker off of a rail and spend less time compressing against the rail.
The good thing about the quicker rails and fast cloth combination on a Diamond is that you can hit shots softer into the rails and still expect the result you were hoping for.
Pockets
Typically, Diamond tables also have tighter pockets than Brunswick tables, which requires a player to be a little more precise with each shot. This can be made even more difficult on a 7 foot Diamond pool table.
Diamonds have fast cloth, and if playing on a short table, it might be more beneficial to try making less “perfect” leaves and settle the cue ball more towards the center of the table.
Should I play a Diamond or Brunswick table?
As with most things in pool, it really comes down to personal preference.
You can buy a few Brunswick tables for less than the Diamond Pro-Am, and they will provide great performance and probably be a better fit in your living space as far as style goes.
If you’re looking for an ultra reliable and responsive playing profile that’s made in the USA, Diamond tables can’t be beat. Diamond tables will also make you a better player as they are a little more difficult.
If visuals and being able to “show off” your table is what you care about more, Brunswick will probably be the best bet. Some of their available table models are simply stunning, and so much craftsmanship goes into them. They also have a bunch of custom options.
We hope this comparison of Diamond Billiards and Brunswick Billiards has helped you gain a little more understanding of each brand and made it easier to decide on your next pool table.
