Olhausen Vs Brunswick: Which Pool Table Wins?

Olhausen and Brunswick are two of the most famous pool table brands on the market. Both companies craft beautiful products that offer a lifetime of use and enjoyment, but there are some differences between the two that are worth noting. In this article, we will break down the key distinctions between Olhausen and Brunswick pool tables to help you decide which one is the best choice for you.

Price

The price of a pool table is a significant factor for most buyers. Pool tables are a large, heavy item that is costly to buy and challenging to move, so most people only want to buy one once.

Olhausen pool tables start at around $2,100 for a base model, with custom-built tables starting at $2,150 and going up to tens of thousands of dollars. The company does not list MSRP prices on its website.

Brunswick pool tables are available at a range of price points, from $1,799 to $39,999. A great entry-level table can be purchased for around $2,000, which is comparable to the price of an Olhausen table.

Both companies offer a wide range of prices, from in-home pool tables to commercial-grade and competition tables. However, it is important to note that the price of a pool table is not just the initial purchase cost but also includes the cost of delivery and setup, which can add several hundred dollars to the total cost.

When comparing tables from Olhausen and Brunswick in the same price range, it is important to consider the differences in features and quality. For example, at the lower end of the price range, Brunswick's Allenton table is made in Vietnam from Southeast Asian hardwoods and veneers, while Olhausen's Grace table is made in Tennessee from North American rock maple rails and features Accu-Fast tournament cushions.

In summary, both Olhausen and Brunswick offer pool tables at a variety of price points, but it is important to consider the features and quality of the table, as well as the additional costs of delivery and setup, when making a purchase decision.

Materials

Olhausen pool tables are crafted from a variety of exceptional materials. They use solid kiln-dried lumber, with North American hardwoods like hard maple, walnut, red oak, cherry, and maple wood. They also use more cloth from the English company Hainsworth, and their cushions are made from Accu-Fast, which is 100% gum rubber.

Brunswick tables are also made from solid hardwood, but they use South American hardwoods like Jequitiba, a wood known for its similarity to Mahogany. They also use AccuFast gum rubber cushions, but they are better known for their SuperSpeed cushions, which are standard in the industry but are not 100% rubber.

Both companies have started to use premium wood to create their tables, but Olhausen uses wood from North America almost exclusively.

Olhausen tables are built with pre-built "Uniliner" framed cabinets, with factory-squared and perfectly stable base frames. Brunswick tables, on the other hand, are famous for their Knock Down cabinets, which are the best in the industry. They are mass-produced and almost flawlessly constructed.

The most hotly contested element of the Brunswick vs Olhausen debate is the cushion rubber. Both feature laboratory testing for consistency and patented manufacturing techniques, but the feel is different. More serious pool players tend to prefer the Olhausen Santa Ana because the pocket openings are 1/4" tighter than the Brunswick Camden for more challenging play.

Cushion rubber

The cushion rubber is one of the most hotly contested elements of the Brunswick vs Olhausen debate. Olhausen tables feature rubber cushions that consist of Accu-Fast rubber, a specially formulated rubber that has undergone rigorous laboratory testing to ensure that it provides the best possible bounce and deflection for billiard balls. Accu-Fast is made from 100% gum rubber, not full of the cheap fillers that have been used in rail cushions for years. It is processed with proprietary chemicals and pigments that help produce consistent play and increase accuracy. It is also produced with anti-reversion chemicals to prevent the rubber from reverting to its natural soft state.

Brunswick tables, on the other hand, are made with their SuperSpeed cushions, which aren't 100% rubber but are standard in the pool table industry. They still offer premium-quality rubber and great deflection and consistent play.

In the end, the choice between these two types of cushion rubber comes down to personal preference, as they do feel different. However, more serious pool players tend to prefer the Olhausen Accu-Fast cushions, as the pocket openings are 1/4" tighter than the Brunswick SuperSpeed cushions for more challenging play.

Cabinet construction

One of the most significant differences between Olhausen and Brunswick pool tables is the type of cabinet construction used. Brunswick tables feature a "Knock Down" cabinet, which is pre-built but not pre-installed. This means that the cabinet is shipped disassembled and must be built and squared on-site. Brunswick is known for making the highest-quality Knock Down cabinet in the pool table industry, with almost flawless construction perfected by their mass production.

On the other hand, Olhausen tables come with pre-installed, factory-squared "Uniliner" framed cabinets. These cabinets are built by Olhausen in their factory and are manually aligned with the table's base frame, resulting in a sleek and uniform look straight out of the factory. While the stable base frame of the Olhausen cabinet is challenging to beat in terms of stability, it can be challenging to get such a large piece of pre-assembled furniture into the room. Olhausen also boasts better "minimum cabinet deflection", but this will not affect the roll of a billiard ball.

The choice between the two types of cabinet construction depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you have limited space or access issues, the Brunswick Knock Down cabinet may be a more suitable option, as it can be assembled on-site. On the other hand, if you prioritise stability and prefer a pre-assembled table, the Olhausen Uniliner cabinet could be the better choice.

Both Olhausen and Brunswick offer high-quality cabinet construction, and the decision between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific requirements.

Customisation

Olhausen offers a wide array of finishes, cloth options, and design features to customise. The brand's pool tables are constructed with premium hardwoods, intricate detailing, and impeccable finishes, exuding a sense of timeless elegance. Olhausen offers a diverse range of styles, from traditional to contemporary, ensuring that every table aligns with the individual preferences and interior aesthetics of its clientele.

Brunswick, on the other hand, is known for its traditional and transitional series, which are popular and inexpensive. They also offer exclusive models, such as their European and select lines, which feature some of the top-of-the-line billiards tables. Brunswick tables are made with South American hardwoods, including Jequitiba, a species of hardwood known for its similarity to Mahogany and uniform grain and texture.

When it comes to the buying experience, Olhausen offers a "Build Your Own Table" feature on their website, allowing customers to request a quote and brochure to start the customisation process. Brunswick, on the other hand, provides a dedicated dealer network to guide customers in selecting the ideal table for their space.

Both companies have a strong legacy in the world of billiards. Brunswick, with its 179 years of innovation, has the title of being the oldest and one of the most successful billiards companies. Olhausen, a family-owned business since 1973, has built a reputation for top-notch quality in accessories, showroom games, shuffleboards, and pool tables.

In conclusion, both Olhausen and Brunswick offer extensive customisation options for their pool tables. Olhausen provides a wider range of finishes and design features, while Brunswick excels in exclusive models and traditional styles. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the customer.

Frequently asked questions