Professional Pool Table Product Reviews

Golden West may be the most complete pool table manufacturer in America. While all table companies purchase some materials from outside sources, Golden West surely buys less of those materials than its competition. Considering the lengths GW goes to to work in-house, it would not surprise me in the future to hear that they were casting their own hardware or growing the wood on their own lot. GW tables are a great example of quality made right here in America. They are ranked in our 3rd tier of tables. They are a solid product for the most part but some of their lower end tables, undersized frames, poor cushion rubber at times / on certain levels of table and as with many brands an inflated retail price, prevent them from moving into the second or even first tier. The lines of the tables and stain colors are like no other brand out there. GW puts a lot of style into a standard pool table. Fully constructed bodies are another nice feature of GW. Like top tier A.E. Schmidt, they will build you a complete custom pool table or sell you one from their line. Much of their custom stuff could be considered first tier products with no reservations but the same quality can be achieved for a lower dollar elsewhere.

The biggest issue we come across with GW tables is that most will have a name plate that says Custom Golden West Pool Table or Customized for you by Golden West. In reality the table is not at all a “custom” product. Golden West throws that word around far too freely in my opinion. Again, they do make custom products but most GW tables out there are standard tables, the only thing a customer may have done is choose the finish color, pockets, legs and cloth. This does not make the table a custom product. All quality pool table manufacturers give you this option. This is the biggest buyer beware to GW, you are likely not getting a custom product despite the name plate.

As for buying. if you are in the market for a high end custom pool table, give them a look, price out what you want from them. I wouldn’t say only look at them but they are a perfectly good option if they can produce what you want within your budget. In regards to their “standard” line of tables they are not a company to run from but dollar for dollar you can still do better. Not to say if one of their unique styles or colors catch your eye not to buy it, but do your homework and make the best decision for you. You won’t go wrong buying a GW if it’s completely a decision about color / style for your particular space in your home. In terms of used value pre install, look for most Golden West tables to be in the $400 to $800 price range. Some higher end models can go up to maybe $1200. If it is a real custom GW table the value could be far more, but don’t believe the name plate or even the seller. Every consumer wants to think they have or are getting a “custom” product. Just because the seller says they custom ordered it does not mean it is a custom.