C.L. Bailey vs. Brunswick vs. Olhausen: Pool Table Brand Comparison

I get this question at least once a week. Someone walks into the showroom here at 1431 Leestown Rd, sees three or four tables side by side, and asks me straight up: "Which one should I buy?"

The honest answer is they're not all the same, and I'm not going to tell you they are just to make a sale easier. After 50 years in this business, I've got strong opinions about what separates a C.L. Bailey from a Brunswick from an Olhausen, and I'm going to give them to you straight.

C.L. Bailey: The Brand We Recommend First

C.L. Bailey is the heart of our lineup. Solid hardwood construction, classic styling, and value that makes owning a real pool table accessible to every family. This is the brand we stock deepest, and for good reason.

Bailey tables typically run $1,500 to $3,000. For most families, this is the sweet spot. You're getting a table that plays beautifully, looks great in your home, and will last decades. The construction is honest. The slate is quality. The rails play true.

The trade-off? Bailey isn't flashy. The design language is traditional. If you walk into someone's house and see a C.L. Bailey, you know they bought a real table from someone who knows tables. The styling is straightforward, which some people love and some people think is boring. I don't think it's boring. I think it's the right table for the right price.

Best for: Someone who wants a quality table that will last 30 years without paying premium prices. The no-nonsense buyer.

Brunswick: The Gold Standard Since 1845

Brunswick has defined billiards for nearly two centuries. Tournament-grade engineering meets contemporary design. When most people think "pool table," they think Brunswick first.

Here's the thing about Brunswick: the name carries weight, and you pay for it. A comparable Brunswick is going to run you $500 to $1,500 more than a C.L. Bailey. You get that premium partially because of reputation, but also because Brunswick does innovate. Their rail systems are genuinely excellent for ball response. Their slate sourcing is meticulous. The finishes are refined, with options that look expensive because they are.

At the consumer level, some Brunswick models feel like you're paying more for the name than the actual engineering difference. But at the higher end, spending $5,000 or more, a Brunswick is going to feel special and play beautifully.

Best for: Someone who has the budget, likes owning a piece of billiards history, and wants a table that impresses guests. It's the trophy table.

Olhausen: Made in America Since 1972

Every Olhausen table is handcrafted in Portland, Tennessee with premium hardwoods and Italian slate. Their Accu-Fast cushion system is one of the best in the industry. Built to last generations, not just years.

Olhausen tables typically run $3,000 to $5,000+. They're positioned as premium, and the construction quality backs that up. The wood selection is excellent. The finishes are deeper. You walk into a room with an Olhausen and the table commands attention.

Where Olhausen really shines is the balance between looks and play. Some premium brands prioritize appearance over performance. Olhausen gives you both. The Accu-Fast cushion system provides consistent, tournament-quality rebound across the entire rail.

Best for: Someone who wants the best of both worlds. A table that looks like furniture and plays like a tournament table.

The Other Four Brands

I carry seven brands total. Here's where the other four fit:

A.E. Schmidt: America's oldest pool table manufacturer, building tables in St. Louis since 1850. Heirloom-quality construction with old-world craftsmanship. If you want something with real heritage and character, Schmidt delivers. Mid-to-premium pricing.

Connelly: Precision crafted by hand in Tucson, Arizona. Premium hardwoods, Italian slate, and furniture-grade finishes. Connelly sits in the $3,000 to $6,000 range and delivers excellent play quality with clean, modern designs.

Imperial: Solid, affordable entry point at $1,500 to $3,000. They also carry officially licensed NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and NCAA designs, which makes them popular for sports-themed game rooms.

American Heritage: Where style meets play. Their tables are as beautiful to look at as they are to play on. If you like contemporary or transitional design over traditional wood, American Heritage often has what you're looking for.

What Actually Matters

After 50 years, I'll tell you what actually matters: the construction quality and how the table feels when you play on it. The rail response. The slate flatness. How the balls roll.

You don't need the absolute premium option. C.L. Bailey and Connelly both deliver tables that will perform beautifully and last decades. You don't need the cheapest option either. Those internet deals that seem too good to be true absolutely are, and you'll know it the first time you hit a break shot on one.

Buy from someone who can show you the table in person, get you a fair price, and will be there in five years if you need the cloth re-covered or a cushion re-surfaced. That relationship is worth more than any discount code.

Come See Them Side by Side

We've got models from all seven brands set up in the showroom at 1431 Leestown Rd so you can feel the difference for yourself. Take a cue in hand. Shoot on a C.L. Bailey, then a Brunswick, then an Olhausen. Your hands will tell you what you prefer.

Every table we sell comes with free delivery within 50 miles of Lexington, professional installation and leveling, your choice of 29 cloth colors, and a complete accessory kit.

We're open Monday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm. Or give us a call at (859) 255-7639 and we can walk you through which brand makes sense for your space and budget.