Bar tables vs. non-Bar tables

Bar tables are probably some of the most common pool tables you will find.  Obviously, because of the smaller size, establishments like to use them for several reasons.  They can fit more in the area, they can be cheaper than a larger table, replacement cloth is cheaper, most use coins to operate, and the list goes on.

I personally don't like playing on bar tables for a few reasons.  First, I learned to play on an 8 foot table and don't like the smaller bar tables.  Bar tables come in many sizes, but are most commonly 7 foot tables, which means less room on the playing surface.  Secondly, you have to be very precise with your cue ball control and placement to give yourself a good shot on the next ball.  In my experience, most establishments don't put good cloth on the bar tables.  Unless the establishment hosts regular league or other tournaments, there is no reason to put tournament grade cloth on bar tables for the ABC factor...Amateurs, Beer, and Cigarettes!  This low grade cloth doesn't play consistent and makes cue ball control much harder.  A third reason I don't like playing on bar tables is the play is different than the larger 8 and 9 foot tables.  Usually the larger tables have Simonis cloth or something similar.  This tournament grade cloth is made to play very consistent.  The rails also play different.  Due to the construction of the smaller bar tables, to me the rails play very stiff.  A bank or kick shot will act a little differently than on a nice larger table.

Another thing to watch out for on the bar tables is the cue ball.  Some bar tables will use a magnetic cue ball to direct it to the proper ball return for the cue ball.  Other bar tables will use a slightly larger cue ball.  Those are the ones you really need to be aware of.  Even though the cue ball is just fractions of an inch larger than the normal 2 1/4" regulation balls, it always seems to me that the over-sized cue ball is like hitting a big ole rock.

This video will give you an idea of the construction of a coin operated bar table.

On this particular video example of a bar table, the slate is a one piece.  It's hard to tell how the rails are constructed and I've never seen the rails off a coin-op table to know, but it appears that the side rails are one piece, but probably individual pieces on either side of the side pockets and attached somehow.

Here is another video showing how the ball return works.  You can also see the side rails are one piece.  The rubber cushions must attach separately somehow.  (I recommend muting the sound on this video.  Don't say I didn't warn you!)