The table itself is smaller than a ping pong table but bigger than foosball table, to give you an idea of size. It is priced to be affordable and accomplishes this in part due to the 3/4 inch slate-core and laminate cabinet.
The review will go into this in more detail.
Read Amazon Consumer Reviews on the Minnesota Fats MFT200
Features
Small Foot Print
Cost Saving Components
Ball return system
Small Foot Print
A converted basement, garage or attic space is great but can offer some space challenges for conventional sized game equipment like pool or billiard tables.
But no need to assume you need to forego the pool table and get a bumper pool table, because the Minnesota Fats MFT200 Fairfax Billiard Table is only 80 by 31 by 44 inches (W x H x D) and will fit many smaller spaces.
Shipping weight is only 154 lbs.
Cost Saving Components
The Minnesota Fats MFT200 Fairfax Billiard Table incorporates many cost saving features to make this table affordable without sacrificing the fun of a game of pool.
Slate-Core
Its biggest cost saver is undoubtably the 3/4″ slate-core surface. Wondering how much slate is in that core? well the Amazon.com product reviews says:
“Note: Slate-Core is hard-pressed wood that has been pressed by extreme pressure machines and plays like a normal pool table. The surface keeps the cost and weight down without sacrificing smoothness.”
The Slate-Core surface is covered with an adequate cloth to protect against normal play and provide adequate game play. No mention of materials by manufacture.
Which would indicate no slate is in the core. However of the four reviews on Amazon.com 3 are 5 stars with the fourth reduced to 3 because of shipping damage not a fault of the manufacture. So it would seem that the slate-core is just fine for family fun.
Laminate Cabinet
The cabinet can greatly increase the cost of a billiard or pool table as its supporting the playing surface. However instead of costly hardwoods, DMI Sports used a laminate system for the cabinet, which when done properly can be very, very strong. Consumers commented on the solidness of the table so evidently the cabinet, and some specifically commented on teenagers using the table so it must be sturdy.
Support
The cabinet is supported by pedestal style legs with copper levelers.
The setup is said to be easy and quick so don’t be apprehensive about putting it together. Some stated they had their tables ready to use in 15 minutes.
Ball Return System
For the price this is a surprisingly nice feature. A ball return system is usually found on much more expensive tables so it’s a nice feature be found in the Minnesota Fats MFT200 Fairfax Billiard Table.
Cushions
The Bumpers or cushions are more than likely synthetic as they don’t mention K-66 cushions which are natural rubber. This feature will save money up front but over a decade may require replacement for dead cushions, but by then you’ll likely be ready to move up to a bigger table and maybe a bigger house.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Price. great price for a family game room billiard / pool table.
Ball Return System, a great feature for such an inexpensive table.
Small footprint for small spaces.
Cons
Non-slate playing surface, but for the price it’s adequate for a game room of non-serious players.
No accessories included, you have to buy the cues, balls and chalk separately, which can add up fast.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to become the next Minnesota Fats you may want to move up to a more professional table.
If you just looking for the family to have a fun pool table, this is a table to consider, its smaller size makes it ideal for small basements or small game rooms where size matters.
We like it as a starter, young family table, you’ll have a lot of fun for cheap.
i read your article. i like the Billiard Table that you offers in you blog.
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