12/31/2011

Trademark 3-in-1 Rotating Table Game (Billiards, Air Hockey, and Foosball) Review

Trademark 3-in-1 Rotating Table Game (Billiards, Air Hockey, and Foosball)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I ordered the Trademark 3-in-1 Rotating Table Game as a Christmas present to provide an alternative entertainment for my 3 sons (aged 9 to 15), to give them something to do in the rec room other than video games. The game was shipped promptly by VIP Home Fitness and arrived in good condition. The carton is quite heavy, and takes two people to move safely. I had no trouble moving it inside and down into the basement with the help of my teenage son.
The packaging was very good. The cardboard carton was heavy duty, with particle board reinforcements on the corners. Shaped Styrofoam and padded plastic wrapping kept all the parts safe. Unpacking and sorting was easy. The instructions including an illustrated parts list. Each part was numbered with stick-on labels, corresponding to the numbered parts list. The small parts were organized in small plastic bags with numbered stickers on them. No parts were missing.
One thing to note is that the unit I received is different from the picture shown on Amazon. Instead of brown wood-grain, my unit has a dark blue/black finish that looks like granite, and the legs are triangular shaped particle board pieces instead of the T-shaped metal legs shown.
Assembly was fairly easy. The instructions say you need two adults to assemble it, but I had no problems doing it by myself (I am an average sized man). The parts are well made and everything fit together easily. The instructions are accurate and reasonably clear, although there are some unfortunate 'Chenglish' translations. The instructions are well illustrated. Assembly took me 2.5 hours, except for fixing the problem I will discuss next, which took an additional hour. I have a lot of experience assembling things, everything from Heathkits to custom Harleys back in the day.
The one problem was the playing surface of the foosball side was warped or bowed. The playing surface is made from thin particle board, and the middle of was bowed upwards from side to side by at least 1/2 inch. This caused the players' feet to hit the surface and prevented easy rotation of the players. The foosball was not playable in this condition, and is the reason I give the game 4 stars instead of 5. I corrected this problem by disassembling the foosball side of the table, and gluing the playing surface down to the two particle cross braces that run across the table from side to side. After gluing it with carpenter's wood glue and clamping it down with heavy weights while it dried overnight, the playing field was level. I got up early to reassemble the table before the kids got up on Christmas morning, and the table was fully functional.
We tried out the table this morning and everything works well. The air hockey has an electric fan, which provides enough air to keep the puck floating well. It is a fast game on such a small table, but a lot of fun. Unlike some other tables I read reviews for, the hockey goal is big enough to completely trap the puck when a score is made. The mini-pool also works well, but there is no ball return. Each of the holes is small, and has a small net underneath to catch the balls. It takes a small hand to retrieve the balls. The action of the foosball table is not quite up to the standards of the higher priced single-function units, but is quite acceptable. Overall the quality of the components is good. The instructions say it takes two adults to rotate the table, but I disagree - it is easy for one person to do it. It simply requires removing a wingnut screw from each end, rotating the table, and putting the screws back in.
Overall I would call this purchase a success. The only demerits are due to the unit not matching the picture, and the warped foosball playing surface. I didn't care about the appearance, and I fixed the warped surface by gluing it down to the support braces underneath. The games are fun to play, everything works well, and the quality of the table appears good.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Trademark 3-in-1 Rotating Table Game (Billiards, Air Hockey, and Foosball)

Provide enjoyment for all your friends and family with this Deluxe 3 in 1 Rotating Game Table. The fun never stops and there is a game for everyone in this amazing table. The space saving design of this table allows you to pack more fun into less area!

Buy NowGet 27% OFF

Click here for more information about Trademark 3-in-1 Rotating Table Game (Billiards, Air Hockey, and Foosball)

Read More...

12/30/2011

Stiga Eclipse Outdoor Table Tennis Table Review

Stiga Eclipse Outdoor Table Tennis Table
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I bought this "outdoor" table about 5 years ago. Keep in mind that I live in one of the mildest climates in the US: SF Bay area. The table was always kept out of the direct weather during winter-time, not indoors, but sheltered. Starting just after 1 year, the problems started with water ingress swelling the pressboard material underneath the aluminum top surface. This aluminum is beer can thin and blistered and delaminated near the edges. Stiga would not support this problem since the warranty was expired by a few months. Now the 5 year old table surface has blistered to the point where normal play is impossible. Icing on the cake: the legs are rusty and folding is stiff.
When I bought this table I thought it would be in excellent shape for 10+ years. Try 14 months. I would try another manufacturer that has mastered the art of waterproofing and backs their products for longer than 1 season. What a waste of $600! I will not buy Stiga again.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Stiga Eclipse Outdoor Table Tennis Table

The USATT-approved Stiga Quickplay Outdoor (T8186) table tennis table provides a strong and long-lasting aluminum construction that allows you to play both indoors and outdoors. Assembly is fast and easy--you'll have it up and ready for competition in three minutes or less--and it requires no tools. This table conveniently features the playback position so you can practice by yourself, and a storage position that makes the table easy to store when not in use. Corner pads help to protect you from contact with the table during aggressive play. Other features include:
All-weather aluminum top encapsulates 0.5-inch MDF board
1.25-inch aluminum extrusion edgeband/top support
1.25-inch round steel legs
3-inch ball bearing wheel casters
It comes with rugged outdoor net and net posts, but does not include balls or racquets.


Buy NowGet 15% OFF

Click here for more information about Stiga Eclipse Outdoor Table Tennis Table

Read More...

12/29/2011

Black Dot Practice Training Billiard Pool Cue Ball Review

Black Dot Practice Training Billiard Pool Cue Ball
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Awesome tool for helping develop a proper stroke for different English. I got the ball faster than I expected and since then it has been a integral part of my pool drill sessions.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Black Dot Practice Training Billiard Pool Cue Ball



Buy Now

Click here for more information about Black Dot Practice Training Billiard Pool Cue Ball

Read More...

12/28/2011

Saddle Leatherette Pool Table Cover - 9 Foot Review

Saddle Leatherette Pool Table Cover - 9 Foot
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Product was shipped early and as expected. Fairly decent leather knock-off. Much better than cheap covers and looks great. Wish they offered more color choices.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Saddle Leatherette Pool Table Cover - 9 Foot



Buy NowGet 20% OFF

Click here for more information about Saddle Leatherette Pool Table Cover - 9 Foot

Read More...

12/27/2011

Sportcraft Aramith Billiard Ball Set Review

Sportcraft Aramith Billiard Ball Set
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I actually ordered two of these, and one was fine. The other had significant color variation in the white part of the striped balls. Some were ivory, while others very yellowed. The box was sealed like new, so I am not sure why this color problem was present. The other set of balls was perfect. The balls play great, and are the best buy out there on an Aramith Billiard Ball set, and represent a great buy. Amazon gave great service, as usual, and gave me a refund, and paid for return shipping for the discolored set (via Amazon prime). The perfect set gets a 5 star review. I deducted a star for the set with the color problem.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sportcraft Aramith Billiard Ball Set

Crafted in the small Belgium village of Callenelle, the 15 numbered billiard (or pool) balls plus cue ball in this set are made of pure phenolic resin. That means they're far more durable than balls made from polyester or other polymers, and is one of the reasons Aramith balls dominate the market worldwide. The hard vitrified phenolic surface of the precision-cast balls also reduces wear and burn spots on both balls and cloth.

Buy NowGet 49% OFF

Click here for more information about Sportcraft Aramith Billiard Ball Set

Read More...

12/26/2011

8' Heavy Duty Pool Table Billiard Cover Blue Color Review

8' Heavy Duty Pool Table Billiard Cover Blue Color
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Ordered this to keep our kitty from becoming too friendly with the new pool table surface. Bought the navy blue, which is a little lighter than a standard navy but a nice color blue. It's very thick, very sturdy, works really well on our 8' Brunswick table. Arrived quickly, very easy to put on, highly recommend!

Click Here to see more reviews about: 8' Heavy Duty Pool Table Billiard Cover Blue Color



Buy Now

Click here for more information about 8' Heavy Duty Pool Table Billiard Cover Blue Color

Read More...

12/25/2011

Official Licensed MLB Chicago Cubs SILVER Billiard Pool Table Cue Ball Review

Official Licensed MLB Chicago Cubs SILVER Billiard Pool Table Cue Ball
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I purchased this Cubs cue ball as a gift for my adult son, who is an avid Cubs fan. He loved it!!! He had requested one and when he opened the gift he said it was perfect, ( and he is a perfectionist) I am always happy when I can give a gift that is much appreciated and of such high quality. Also this purchase was made through Amazon and was delivered to me in good time and excellent condition. Thanks Amazon for offering this item!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Official Licensed MLB Chicago Cubs SILVER Billiard Pool Table Cue Ball



Buy Now

Click here for more information about Official Licensed MLB Chicago Cubs SILVER Billiard Pool Table Cue Ball

Read More...

12/24/2011

Stiga STS275 Table Tennis Table Review

Stiga STS275 Table Tennis Table
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Firstly, regarding the purchase itself:
1. Shop for LANDED cost to your door to make a proper comparison. For items this large, shipping and tax can be 25-33% of the cost. Any indoor table worth anything will be over $400.00 base price. First, I found the Stiga InstaPlay 399.99+119.99sh = ~$525.00 to my door. Then, Stiga 175 (slightly better model) ~$550.00, and finally the Stiga 275 for $599.99 free shipping/tax on amazon. **Definitely worth $75.00 more for two grades higher -- MUCH better product, thickness of the steel, wheels etc. Take note that the base price is $399.99 (Instaplay) vs $599.99 (Stiga 275), but LANDED cost difference only $75.00.
2. Guidelines I considered:
(a) MUST be at least 3/4" thick tabletop (1" if you have the budget); (b) MUST be strong brand name, i.e. STIGA, Butterfly etc., to ensure that the tabletop surface is the best and that there is a brand name which is scrutinized by professionals, i.e. they have an image to uphold. (I saw Costco had a more epxensive model with 1" top and VERY solid construction, but the quality of the tabletop surface and construction (arguable most important) was terrible, AMF brand. (c) Know who is going to use the table. In this case, lots of kids and no storage closet, so I needed something better than average to withstand pounding. Again, when all was said and done, for $75.00 (roughly 10% premium) would be worthwhile even without the kids and pounding.
3. Warranty: I opted for Amazon DIRECT since my experiences have always been good, but I would mention that other companies who sell such product actually handle warranty issues (Paddle Palace) for you during the warranty period directly with the manufacturer which can make your life a lot easier, so that may be of value to you. Again, stick with a brand that cares what people say.
But I will say that the Stiga InstaPlay looks very good and assembly is effortless. So if that is of prime importance or you are not in positon to assemble or get someone to help you, go for the Instaplay.
Which brings be to the major gripe:
The instructions were ATROCIOUS, and the diagrams convoluded. You MUST have at least two adults to set this up, but it wouldn't hurt to have three. The parts were of decent quality and the actual number of steps isn't so bad, if you know what you are doing. BUT... we had to redo a number of steps where we used the wrong bolts and the diagrams can be very misleading. I would have expected Stiga to put a little more time put into the manual for a purchase of this magnitude. For $600.00, the manual should have been clearer, IKEA could show them a thing or two on this score.
All that being said, while with good instructions or practice, you can do this in an hour, (a) you should budget 2-3 hours. (b) you MUST complete it once you start or you will likely lose parts or scratch surfaces.
Second gripe, Product Description describes solo play where you can set one side vertically and play against yourself, but there is a large gap between the two tables. honestly I didnt find it much of an issue for myself, but it was misleading as I thought there would be virtually no gap.
TWO more important thoughts:
1. the locks will damage the surface if you do not learn how to manuever them properly.
2. if you intend to roll the table away, make sure you screw the tabletop to the HIGHEST hole in the stands. Since the parts are used for multiple models you will find extra screw holes that may not be used.
Defintley a great buy at $600.00 shipped. I couldn't find anything close for the value, Cost for Quality.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Stiga STS275 Table Tennis Table

Liven up your game room with the Stiga STS275, which heralds an innovative new direction in table tennis design. Designed to impress, the table features a standard 3/4-inch tournament blue playing surface and 2-inch steel support apron that allow for heavy-duty table tennis action. The table distinguishes itself, however, through its 5-inch silver mag ball-bearing wheels--which provide a fresh, modern look--and its stylized, molded caster beam panel, which looks great close up or from a distance. Best of all for homeowners with limited space, the table's heavy-duty chassis supports one-on-one play, group play, or individual practice, then folds up and stores in a corner. Other details include a 66-inch net and posts and 2-inch square self-opening legs. The STS275 measures 60 by 30 by 108 inches (W x H x D) and carries a one-year limited warranty.


Buy NowGet 20% OFF

Click here for more information about Stiga STS275 Table Tennis Table

Read More...

12/23/2011

Pool Table Billiard Accessory Kit With Cue & Ball Racks Review

Pool Table Billiard Accessory Kit With Cue and Ball Racks
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Save your money, the quality is very low. The two racks are decent, but the cover is worse than an ordinary plastic bag. In fact, it ripped the first day I had it. The brushes are junior sized.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pool Table Billiard Accessory Kit With Cue & Ball Racks



Buy Now

Click here for more information about Pool Table Billiard Accessory Kit With Cue & Ball Racks

Read More...

12/22/2011

Carrom Game Board Large Review

Carrom Game Board Large
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I was a young child when first I played the Carrom Board Game.The cue sticks have long disappered, but surprisingly all of the othergame pieces and instruction booklet are in tact ! The numerous games which can be played are a plus plus plus; however, we found the board to be very useful when playing dominos or card games on the floor or on a small table. Hands on play with friends and family can be done with this game board; doesn't require batteries or electricity. Very versatile and permits some imagination for play. A great Christmas gift for anyone who loves to play games! END

Click Here to see more reviews about: Carrom Game Board Large



Buy NowGet 41% OFF

Click here for more information about Carrom Game Board Large

Read More...

12/21/2011

Trademark Ying Yang Designer Pool Stick Review

Trademark Ying Yang Designer Pool Stick
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Excellent product. Best size and weight, though it says the tip is removable mine isn't. I almost broke it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Trademark Ying Yang Designer Pool Stick



Buy NowGet 75% OFF

Click here for more information about Trademark Ying Yang Designer Pool Stick

Read More...

12/20/2011

Harley-Davidson® Midnight Chrome Billiard Starter Set Review

Harley-Davidson® Midnight Chrome Billiard Starter Set
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Purchased the Harley Davidson Midnight Chrome Billiard Starter Set for my boss as a gift. As both an avid billiards player and Harley Davidson rider, he absolutely loved it. Set includes a sturdy rack which holds standard 2 1/4" balls, a regulation cue ball with the Harley Davidson logo on it and a hardwood nylon brush. Additional Harley Davidson Midnight Chrome billiards items are also available, some of which can be found on Amazon. Definitely a great buy!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Harley-Davidson® Midnight Chrome Billiard Starter Set



Buy NowGet 20% OFF

Click here for more information about Harley-Davidson® Midnight Chrome Billiard Starter Set

Read More...

12/19/2011

Stiga Duo Table Tennis Conversion Top Review

Stiga Duo Table Tennis Conversion Top
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
this is a good product but,if i had known using a top off a $100.00 table would have worked i could've saved alot of money.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Stiga Duo Table Tennis Conversion Top

Convert your rec room's pool table into a table tennis table in just minutes with the Stiga Duo Table Tennis Conversion Top (T817). It fits both 7 and 8-foot pool tables and is supported by 30-inch center-mounted steel stiffeners to keep the 0.5-inch dark green top rigid. Side strips help align the top properly and sponge rubber strips protect rails and hold the top firmly in place. Net, posts, balls, and racquets are sold separately.


Buy NowGet 34% OFF

Click here for more information about Stiga Duo Table Tennis Conversion Top

Read More...

12/18/2011

Rio Brands Deluxe Wonder Wheeler Review

Rio Brands Deluxe Wonder Wheeler
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Let me start by saying the WW Deluxe definately made our week at the beach much easier. But I have a few complaints about the overall quality of it. The second day at the beach, I noticed rust already forming on the metal. The big wheels make it easier to pull in deep loose sand, but definately not easy. By our last day at the beach (7 days), one of the front wheels broke, and I noticed a hole in the netting. So maybe they could improve on the quality, but the idea is good, and it definately made our trip much easier.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Rio Brands Deluxe Wonder Wheeler



Buy NowGet 22% OFF

Click here for more information about Rio Brands Deluxe Wonder Wheeler

Read More...

12/17/2011

Stiga Fusion Table Tennis Conversion Top Review

Stiga Fusion Table Tennis Conversion Top
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This table was not as advertised. The "padding" on the underside was just some lick-and-stick small foam fingers that would not hold up. There were several screws missing from the supports which could not be replaced into the particle board. The stiffeners were very flimsy. The whole table seemed like it would not last at all. We returned it unused. Note to Amazon: you should stop offering this product.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Stiga Fusion Table Tennis Conversion Top

Convert your rec room's pool table into a table tennis table in just minutes with the Stiga Fusion Table Tennis Conversion Top (T8101). It fits both 7 and 8-foot pool tables. The 0.5-inch black edgebanded top is supported by a sturdy angular 0.75-inch gloss black rail and center-mounted steel stiffeners. Side strips help align top properly and sponge rubber strips protect rails and hold top firmly in place. Net, posts, balls, and racquets are sold separately. Rail assembly required.


Buy NowGet 2% OFF

Click here for more information about Stiga Fusion Table Tennis Conversion Top

Read More...

12/16/2011

Stiga Ultratec Table Tennis Table Review

Stiga Ultratec Table Tennis Table
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Got this after the wife and I went to a resort and ended up playing alot. Shipping took awhile (it's shipped via freight), and it is incredibly heavy, which is a good thing. DO NOT attempt assembly on your own! Took about 3-4 hours and I easily broke a sweat. If you can't find the manual for assembly, it's likely under the other half of the table. I spent hours looking for the online manual and printed it off, only to find it when I started the other half. Fols easily, rolls easily, we take it in and out of the front room all the time, and never fails. Some minor dents in the metal shirt around the tab;e, but are minor and don't afect playability (more than likely I did while trying assembly on my own). All in all, wife and kids and friends all love playing on it.
Note: the plastic ball and paddle housing on the wheels don't hold paddles that well, at least not the ones we have. However, once folded and put into place, we put the paddles there. not a biggie to us, but for others it might be.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Stiga Ultratec Table Tennis Table

Your family will enjoy endless hours of old-fashioned fun with this user-friendly table tennis table from Stiga. Featuring a ¾-inch black edge-banded surface with silk-screened striping, the table is supported by a heavy-duty steel chassis and two-inch support apron. Assembly is easy with the 1- by 1-¾-inch oval self-opening legs--simply glide open, and you're ready to play. Strong 4-inch ball-bearing mag wheel casters provide easy mobility. The table folds for easy storage and features a locking mechanism to prevent it from being opened accidentally. The table includes a net and posts set and convenient ball and paddle storage (balls and paddle not included). One-year limited warranty.


Buy NowGet 21% OFF

Click here for more information about Stiga Ultratec Table Tennis Table

Read More...

12/15/2011

Park & Sun GT-411 4-In-1 Rotational Game Table Review

Park and Sun GT-411 4-In-1 Rotational Game Table
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
In an effort to ban the cyber-world from grandchild play, I ordered this four-game, three surface contraption. It has hundreds of parts that one must inventory within 48 hours of receipt, or the company will charge for replacing them. The inventory took about 3 hours. Two tiny, but crucial, pieces were missing.
The company suggested that 3-8 hours would be required for assembly. It took this grandfather about 48 hours over a two-week period. The assembly instructions were sometimes difficult to follow owing to an almost exclusive dependence on minimal visuals in very light print with no accompanying text.
Once assembled, however, the games are a joy to play, and while my anti-cyber tactic was not entirely successful, it at least gave the kids (of all ages) a break from the electronic world. If you like to mess with hand assembling complex toys, this space-saving contraption should thrill you.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Park & Sun GT-411 4-In-1 Rotational Game Table



Buy NowGet 25% OFF

Click here for more information about Park & Sun GT-411 4-In-1 Rotational Game Table

Read More...