What size pool table do I want?

Thu, Jul 14th, 2011

Pool, Billiard, or Snooker Tables?

Fri, Jul 8th, 2011

What is the difference between Pool, Billiard and Snooker tables?

Over the years I have been asked what is the difference in these 3 tables.

Billiards:  Billiards or Carom is played on a table with no pockets.   Played with 3 balls. 
1 red ball and 2 white balls (one with a spot on it) A very tough game to learn and play. 
Object of the game is to make a billiard(1 point) by a conbination  of contacting  the
other 2 balls.  Other games played are 3 cushion billiards and 4 ball billiards.
Usually played on a 5 X 10' table but can be played on other smaller size tables
Tournament size 5 X 10'

Snooker:  Played with 16 red balls, 6 other colored balls, and a cue ball.  Very popular
in England, Canada, Australia, and Asia.  A red ball is made and then a colored ball.
The colored ball is re spotted and a another red ball needs to be made.  This continues
until all of the red balls are off the table and then the colored balls are shot in order.
Usually played on a 6 X 12' table with small pockets but can be played on smaller size
tables.  Tournament size 6 X 12'

Pocket Pool:  This is the table most American players are familiar with.  8 ball or 9 ball are
the 2 most popular games played.  8 ball is played with 15 numbers balls and 9 ball is
played with the 1-9 ball.  Many other games available.  See the BCA rule book.  Different
size pool tables are available from 3-6' to 5 X 10'.  The 3 most popular sizes are
3 1/2 X 7' (coin operated), Home 4 X 8',  and World Tournament 4 1/2 X 9'

I have tried to give you a simple explanation of these 3 different tables.  For more
information please see the BCA (Billiard Congress of America) rule book for  more comprehensive rules of the games.

Golden West Billiards Manufactures Pool, Billiard, and Snooker tables in all different
sizes from 3 X 6' to 6 X 12'.  All Golden West tables are hand built in Portland Oregon.
Modern, Antique, Classic, Designer, Craftsman, and hand selected Log tables are
custom built to your specifications.  For over 43 years Golden West has built the #1
premier pool table made in America.  "AMERICAN built and PROUD of it!

What ever game you play,with family and friends, enjoy and have a great time.
Please e-mail or call me with any questions you may have,

Terry Moldenhauer
Golden West Billiards
terry@goldenwestbilliards.com
800 423-5702

Billiard Congress of America

Sat, May 21st, 2011

BCA...Billiard Congress of America...Govering body for the entire billiard industry

Founded in 1948, the Billiard Congress of America promotes the game of billiards for manufacturers, pool rooms, players and tournaments. The BCA Expo and BCA rule book are regarded as the ultimate success the BCA has achieved by all members of the billiard community.

Golden West Billiards is proud that every pool table manufactured in Portland Oregon meets or exceeds BCA specifications in regards to table sizes, table height, pocket openings, playing bed, and cushions.  Playability, Style, and Precise measurements are all ingredients that are combined in all Golden West Pool, Billiard, and Snooker tables. Why buy a cheap imported pool table when you can buy the best playing and best looking pool table made anywhere in the world today.
When purchasing a pool table ask where it was made and does it meet BCA requirements. You deserve the BEST.

The BCA has been instrumental in bringing the billiard industry together through their devotion to improving the equipment and rules for the game of billiards. By supporting companies, players, and equipment sanctioned by the BCA, you will ensure that billiards will be around for years to come and enjoyed by all of your family and friends.

Contemporary/Modern, Antique, Traditional, Arts and Crafts, Classic, and Designer styles are all available at Golden West Billiards and are custom built in America to BCA standards. Excellence in playability due to the diligent devotion and meticulous detail by the BCA, over the years, are the reason Golden West pool tables are considered the #1 pool table manufactured in the USA today.

Golden West Billiards wants to thank the BCA and you.

Terry Moldenhauer
Golden West Billiards
May 21, 2011

Modern/Contemporary Tables

Fri, May 13th, 2011

Golden West Billiards is the #1 American manufacturer of custom designed Modern and Contemporary pool tables made in the USA today. 

Designed for Commercial and Residential applications all Golden West Modern style pool tables are available in Pool, Billiard or Snooker designs.  Available in  3 X 6', 3 1/2 X 7', 4 X 8', 4 1/2 X 9', 5 X 10', &  6 X 12' sizes. You choose the style, size, material, cloth color, and accessory kit. 

Golden West Modern and Contemporary tables have been made in a variety of woods, metals, Formica, glass, acrylic, fibreglass, marble, and many other exotic types of materials.  You can custom design your pool table in anything you desire.  We accept the challenge of building your pool table just the way you want it.  No job too big or too small.  Take advantage of our custom inhouse design department and let us draw up a design for you. 

Designed to meet the future today these Golden West Contemporary tables are the most sought after in the Golden West Collection:

Vision Collection includes

Vision Rainbow
Vision Reverse Rainbow
Vision step base
Vision I

Halo

Bridgeport

Morrison

Polished and Brushed Stainless Steel/Polished and Brushed Chrome are #1 in metals used on most Contemporary and Modern Golden West tables.  Black and Natural are the 
preferred choice for the top rails.

The Halo is the only model we manufacture with a leather top rail.  Unsurpassed in quality and design the Halo is the #i choice of both Architects and Designers alike.  When unique and unusual is desired in a custom pool table...THINK HALO!

With the Largest selection of Modern and Contemporary pool tables available worldwide
Golden West Billiards will look forward to helping you select the pool table that is just right for you and your family.

AMERICAN MADE and PROUD of it!

Golden West Cushions

Fri, Apr 29th, 2011

Golden West Sure-Shot® Cushions are manufactured exclusively for Golden West Billiards.

Playability and Accuracy are trademarks of Sure-Shot® Cushions, Sure-Shot@ Cushions
are engineered to provide maximum speed with uncompromised consistency.

Sure-Shot@ Cushions measure 1 1/8 X 1 1/8 X 1 1/8, and have a full K-66 profile, and are
designed for optimal play.  The nose of the cushion contacts the ball at 62% of the ball height
which is 1 13/32" of the ball diameter.

Under normal wear Sure-Shot@ Cushions will give you years of rebounding enjoyment.
Cushions exposed to different climates and different temperatures will react differently.
Try and avoid extreme temperature differences.  Excessive Heat or Cold is not conducive
for maximum speed and rebounding angles.  Exposure to the elements will render your
cushions less effective and they will become extremely hard over time.

Golden West Sure-Shot@ Cushions are used on all models of Golden West Pool Tables
including Antique, Contemporary, and Craftsman style pool tables.

For cushion replacement please send us your used Golden West pool table rails and
we will install new cushions on them and ship them back to you.  We can also cover
your cushions with new billiard cloth that is available in 32 different colors.  Please
call 800 423-5702 for pricing and time frame for completing your service job.

REMEMBER:  Don't settle for anything less....DEMAND Golden West Sure-Shot® Cushions

Refurbishing your Golden West Table

Tue, Mar 29th, 2011

Is it time to refurbish you Golden West pool table?

In the past 40 years Golden West has manufactured over
150,000 pool tables.  While most of these pool tables are still in great shape, some of them need tender loving care.  All Golden
West pool tables can be refurbished to their original, like new, shape.  Listed below are some things to consider when you are
about to restore your custom Golden West pool table.

• Cloth:      We carry the two best brands in stock.
                  Simonis and Championship.  Please measure
                  the inside playing surface (point of cushion to
                  point of cushion) to determine the size pool table
                  you have.  You can cover your pool table 
                  yourself or call a qualified billiard mechanic to do
                  it for you. 
  
• Cushions: Sure-Shot cushions are a registered 
                   trademark of Golden West Billiards and are
                   made exclusively for us.  Sure-Shot cushions
                   are used by both professionals and amateurs
                   alike.  Both speed and accuracy are combined
                   to give you the best playing American built 
                   pool table of all time.  You can either replace
                   them yourself or call a qualified billiard mechanic
                   to replace and install them for you.
  
• Rails:       New sets of rails are available in many different
                   woods and finishes.  Please send us a digital
                   picture of your table.  We will be able to see
                   your model, wood, and finish and be able to
                   quote you a price.  New rails include cushions
                   and facings.
  
•  Pockets: New sets of antique or modern pockets are 
                   available for your restoration. Please send
                   us a sample pocket or a digital picture of your
                   pocket.  Please tell us the color of pocket and
                   either fringe or shields.
  
• Parts:       Golden West carries a complete line of parts
                   for present and past manufactured pool tables.
                   Please send us a digital picture of your pool 
                   table and identify what parts you need.
  
                   Legs, frames, stretchers, aprons, hardware,
                   and accessories are a few of the items we can
                   supply you with.
  
                   If you need an insurance quote please call or
                   e-mail us with what you require.  Fire, water
                   damage, earthquakes. and other natural 
                   calamities are a few of the insurance claims
                   we regularly receive.
  
•  Please call our toll free number 800 423-5702 or e-mail
   us info@goldenwestbilliards for parts, service, or for a
   qualified billiard technician in your area to restore your
   you Golden West pool table.  We specialize in Antique,
   Contemporary, Modern, Arts & Crafts, Mission,
   Traditionial, and many other slate style pool tables.
  
•  From all of us at Golden West Billiards we want to THANK all of our past and future customers.  We
   appreciate your business and look forward to assisting
   you in the future.
  
•  AMERICAN built and PROUD of it!

Arts & Crafts Pool Tables

Wed, Mar 23rd, 2011

Golden West Billiards is the leading manufacturer of Mission style furniture made in
America today.  Golden West has recreated the craftsman era with the Heartland, St Thomas, and Mission style pool tables.

Influenced by the leading architects, Stickley, Greene & Greene, Morris and others, the Arts &
Crafts movement of the early 1900's has once again come alive with these wonderful reproductions from a bygone era by Golden West Billiards.

The "Heartland" was inspired by the Prairie craftsman style from the turn of the century.
Simple clean and straight lines bring an air of elegant simplicity. The Golden West"Heartland" is available in either Quarter Sawn Oak or Pennsylvania Cherry.  Turn your pool table into
a dining/conference table with the addition of a 3 piece  matching dining top.  All Golden West
sizes and finishes available.

The "St Thomas" was built in the style of the California Mission design.  A true mission craftsman style that will enhance your custom game room.  Built in Oak or Maple, and 
with your choice of finish, Godeln West has reproduced this classic designer piece at an
affordable price.   All Golden West sizes and finishes available.

The "GW Mission" is destined to become a highly collected and treasured antique in the future. This Golden West classic Mission style pool table has simplistic straight lines and a vertical elongated frame.  Hugh arches and blocks are the final touches in this  popular Mission style pool table.  Recreated to bring you the best slate pool tables made in America Golden West pool tables are simply the BEST,  Available in Oak or Maple.  All Golden West sizes and finishes available.

The Golden West Arts and Crafts Mission style pool tables are built for the whole family to enjoy.  Family fun on a custom designed slate pool table by America's leading manufacturer
of quality game room  furniture.

AMERICAN built and PROUD of it! 

What makes Golden West Different?

Mon, Mar 14th, 2011

At Golden West Billiards we are constantly asked what makes our pool tables
different from other pool table manufacturers.

I decided to list some of the UNIQUE characteristics of Golden West
pool tables for everyone to see.

Golden West Manufactures slate Pool, Billiard, and Snooker tables in all different sizes.
We also manufacture complementary bumper and game tables to match our pool tables.
On special request we also design and build Bars, Shuffleboard Tables, Pub Tables,
Dard Board Cabinets, and many other items that our customers want for their
custom game rooms.

Over the past 43 years Golden West has built tables in all kinds of  materials including
Exotic Hardwoods, Logs, Chrome, Stainless Steel, Marble, Brass, Mirror, Acrylic, Corian,
Aluminum, Formica, Glass Blocks, and Fibreglass to name a few.

Rails for our tables have included all different types of exotic hardwoods. Some of the woods
we have used include Snakewood (most expensive wood in the world), Ebony, Rosewood,
Shedua, Birds-Eye-Maple, Zebra, Koa, Leopardwood, Walnut, Teak, Wenge and Pink Ivory.

On our rails we have hand inlaid sights that include 20 dollar gold pieces, buffalo nickels,
Indian head pennies, ammo shells, diamonds, and other stones.  We have also laser engraved
horse heads, oil wells, stars, sombreros, sharks, palm trees, people's names, and corporate logos.

There is no limit to what we can make. Golden West is the most diverse pool table
manufacturer anywhere in the world.

Please call  and ask for a quote on exotic woods or materials.

Listed below are points that make Golden West pool tables
UNIQUE and DIFFERENT from other pool tables on the market today.

• All pool tables are made in America
• All tables built to BCA specifications (Billiard Congress of America)
• 3rd generation family owned business
• Pool. Billiard, and Snooker tables
• All sizes available from 3 X 6' to 6 X 12'
• Hand Finished
• All tables carved in-house
• All legs turned in-house
• We only use Certified Hardwoods (Except for the Timberline-Ponderosa Pine)
• Interchangeable legs on most tables
• Accessory drawers can be added to most tables
  
• Exotic woods on tables and rails
• Sure-Shot® Rubber Cushions
• Pockets can be tighten for a tougher challenge
• Dining tops to fit any size table
• Custom cue racks to match tables
• Custom match any color finish you provide
• Distress any table
• Replacement parts in stock
• Antique or Modern style rails and pockets
• 3 piece 1" thick slate on all tables from 3 x 6' to 5 X 10'
• 5 piece 1 1/4" slate  on 6 X 12' tables
• Change height of any table (lower or higher)
• Custom sights or laser engraved sights
• Custom inlays on most tables
• Antique, Traditional, Classic, Designer, Specialty, Modern,
  Arts and Crafts, & Contemporary styles

Remember...

At Golden West Billiards nothing is impossible...Improbable maybe...but not impossible!

AMERICAN built and PROUD of it!

Terry Moldenhauer
Golden West Billiards

The best shot I have ever seen!

Sat, Feb 26th, 2011

This is a true story that happened in the early 1990's.

I had gone to Germany, to a billiard trade show, and was representing Beach Billiards
selling AMERICAN MADE slate pool tables, game tables and bumper pool tables.

After the second day at the trade show we had sold designer pool tables and game tables
but no bumper pool tables.  No one, in Europe, had seen bumper pool tables before and
they were not familiar with the game.

Nick Varner and Mike Sigel were at the billiard show selling custom cues.  Both of  these
World Champion pool players were friends of mine so I went over to them and asked if they would play a game of bumper pool for me so that we could get some interest in the game.
They said "sure" so we set up a exhibition game in the afternoon.

In the afternoon we pulled a bumper pool table into the aisle and Mike and Nick started hitting the balls around the bumper pool table.  Within minutes we had over 200 spectators watching them.  I introduced Mike and Nick to the crowd and explained the rules of the game 
to them.  For those of you that don't know about  bumper pool, the idea is to sink your
5 balls into the opposite side of the table.  The player that accomplishes this first wins.

By the time the game started  the room was packed watching World Champions Mike and  Nick play bumper pool.  The game is an offensive and defensive combination.  The play went
back and forth with each player making a ball and then playing safe.  The crowd was alive and  they were cheering every time one of them made a ball.   At the end of the game each
player had only one ball left on the table and it was Nicks turn.

There are 8 bumper post in the middle of the table and most players try and bank their balls
into the opponents hole.  Nick studied the shot for several minutes as the crowd waited with
mush anticipation.  Nick stepped to the table and raised his cue.  With a downward motion he jumped the ball over the post and the ball sailed into Mikes hole.  The crowd went wild cheering and clapping for several minutes. I too went wild.  That particular shot is a one in a million.  Needless to say bumper pool had arrived in Europe.

That night we all went to dinner and talked about the miracle shot.  Mike still didn't believe he
saw it.  Nick said it was a money shot.  All I could say was that it was unbelievable,  I was
in a state of  shock and had to pinch myself to make sure I was not dreaming.

To this day, after being around the game for over 40 years, I have never seen a better shot by
a World Champion.  I have watched many tournaments and had never seen any shot that
was as spectacular as Nicks shot that day.

Ask Nick what his best ever shat was and he will tell you it happened on a bumper pool table
that day in Germany.

Terry Moldenhauer
Golden West Billiards

Golden West History

Tue, Feb 8th, 2011

Golden West Billiards, an American company, was founded in 1964 by CEO Donald Brostoski.

Don’s father owned a pool room in Santa Ana California and Don grew up loving pool.  In the afternoon, after grammar school, Don’s job in the pool room was to brush and clean all of the pool
tables.  When finished he would pick up a pool cue and hit balls around the table.  Plenty of good players taught Don how to play pool and he became very proficient at playing  the game.

Don joined the Air Force, at the age of 18, during the Vietnam era.  Life in the military taught Don
the value and meaning of responsibility and completing tasks in a thorough and prompt manner.

After serving in the United States Air Force for over 4 years Don left to pursue his dream of
starting and owning his own American business.

Don and his wife Susan opened a small billiard supply company in North Hollywood, California. His training from the US military was invaluable in his dedication to succeed in the American dream
of building a business while adhering to your principals .

Don’s idea was to build the best playing slate pool table in the marketplace.  Using all American products was very important in his plans.  The tops of the pool tables would all be the same. 
The price difference would be in the furniture style of the table and not in the playability of the table. This philosophy is still adhered to today.  All Golden West pool tables have the exact same playing surface.  The slate, cushions, cloth, and pockets are exactly the same.  The only difference in the tables is in the furniture aspect.  Styling was very important to Don and his plans for building a more attractive pool table that would complement a customers home décor.  Pool tables were very commercial looking and Don’s vision was to reproduce pool tables built at the turn of the century.  Using old world techniques with modern technology Don’s dream has become a reality.

Unique antique and contemporary designs have become the trademark of Golden West Billiards over the past 42 years.

Unlike other so called American pool table manufacturers, Golden West does not purchase parts from overseas.  Foreign pool table manufacturers dominate the marketplace today.  Cheaply made products may look decent but become throw away models very quickly.  Pool tables made with
inferior woods and finishes are commonplace in the marketplace today.  Formaldehyde is a primary ingredient used in the finish of imported pool tables and has been found to be very harmful to your health. Golden West believes in quality over quantity and strives to be environmentally responsible.

Over the years Golden West moved to several different locations in Southern California.  Each move was into a larger facility with more equipment.  More employees were added and production soared.   In 1993 Golden West moved to Portland Oregon.  Oregon was selected for several different reasons.  American northwest hardwoods were grown locally, readily available,  and the business climate was much more favorable for American businesses to succeed.  This move
turned out to be a deciding factor in the success and growth of the Golden West Billiards
overall business plan.

Golden West presently ships pool tables to dealers through out the United States and Canada.
Golden West dealers can also be found in many countries around the world.  The exportation
of pool tables worldwide has increased at a rapid growth and continues to be an integral part
of the business.

Don’s children have been primed to continue the tradition of manufacturing American pool tables.
Rob is the plant manager and vice president of the company. 
Laura runs the office and the wholesale dealer network. 
Denise gives moral support and insight from her home in Texas.
The 5 grand-kids can often be found doing odd jobs around the plant and office when not in school.

With the whole family involved, Golden West Billiards will remain the leader in producing quality American built pool tables in the United States, without sacrificing their principals and integrity,
for years to come.

“AMERICAN built and PROUD of it” will continue to be a motto that has merit and means
everything to Don, his family, and all of the employees at Golden West Billiards.

Buy AMERICAN and support your local economy.