You have picked the table. Now the question we get next: what else do you need before the first game? Here is the full list, what comes with each table, and what is worth paying for.
What comes with the table
Our MDF and slate pool tables come ready to play. The Viper 8ft and Millstone come with two 57-inch cues, a full set of balls, a triangle, chalk, a table brush and all the tools to set up. Our slate tables (Boston, Vegas and Milano) come with two 57-inch cues, a full set of balls, a triangle and chalk. Check the “Included” list on each product page before you buy extras, so you are not doubling up.
The essentials
- Cues: at least two, four if you play doubles. A 57-inch cue suits most adults; go shorter if a wall is close to one end of the table.
- A set of balls: one comes with the table. A better set rolls truer and lasts for years. Aramith phenolic balls are the ones to get if you are spending once.
- Triangle: for racking up. One comes with each of the tables above.
- Chalk: chalk the tip every couple of shots and you will stop miscueing. Some comes with each of the tables above; keep spares.
Worth having from day one
- A cover. Dust and the odd spilled drink are what wear a cloth out. A cover is the cheapest way to make the cloth last.
- A table brush. Brush from the head to the foot after play to keep the cloth fast. The Viper and Millstone come with one.
- A cue rack. Cues left leaning in a corner can warp. A wall rack keeps them straight.
- A bridge. For the long shots you cannot reach.
The easy way: one kit
If you are buying a slate table from us, the Ultimate Pool Upgrade Kit ($199) has all of it in one go: 4 Diamond cues, an Aramith ball set, cue rack, cover, bridge, triangle, brush, 4 gloves, cue tips and chalk. It is offered at checkout when there is a slate table in your cart, and it comes packed in the table’s carton, so there is no extra freight.
What we would skip
Cheap one-piece cues from the supermarket. They can bend quickly, and a bent cue makes a good table play badly. Spend the money on two decent cues rather than six poor ones.
