Posted in Poker January 2nd, 2010
Folding Poker Table Review
With many different types and styles on the market, which should you choose? This guide will help you choose the right folding poker table for your situation and budget. Considering there are about 30,000 searches a month on google for the term folding poker table, it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of merchants trying to push some version of this product. The one you invest your hard earned money into should fit your needs and the those of your poker partners, work with the space you have available for it, and not clean out your bank account.
Poker tables can be divided into 4 unique groups. Poker table tops, fold up poker tables, folding legs poker tables, and furniture poker tables. Of these, the first three can only be considered folding types, where the furniture models are permanent setup, much like a billiard table, and cost several times more, often over a thousand bucks.
Poker Table Tops are the least expensive of all since they do not have legs or a frame to add weight, shipping size, and cost. If a large area is not available for a table, these can be used directly on your table in your kitchen or dining room. You can use your existing chairs. You can find various sizes and shapes of these tops according to your budget. The wooden base and felt padding on the high end models provides a more authentic casino “plink” sound when splashing the pot. You can usually find them to also have a padded armrest. On the low end, tops start at about 40-50 dollars, while the top end table tops run in the low 100 dollar range including delivery. Usually they are made from a type of foam, and don’t have arm rests. They do tend to have very colorful casino type designs including blackjack, craps, or roulette, in addition to poker. Due to the fact that they weigh less, they are perfect for games on the go. Trays for your poker chips with built in drink holders for your favorite beverage are also commonly seen on these.
The next level in price are the Fold Up Poker Tables. These range from about 160 to 250 dollars delivered. The plywood top folds in half for storing, but it still has the premium features like armrests, cupholders, and felt padding. The number one reason for getting the bi-fold table is the price is much less, since it is half the size of the folding leg tables when packaged for shipment. As the weight and size goes up, the cost of shipping does too. Additionally they can be delivered using typical shipping companies as opposed to expensive freight company. Another benefit is the storage space required is much less. One problem is where the the 2 tops meet when you set it up. The point where the 2 halves come together can interfere with card presentation is you are not careful. While this is not much of a concern to me, I have been told by some that they would rather pay more to get a solid top than have the fold.
The resolution is Folding Leg Poker Tables. The wood top is one solid piece for a long, smooth playing surface with no obstructions. Since this causes the delivery cost to increase, they can price as much as 400 dollars. While the legs do fold up for storage, they are way to big to put in a closet.
Shapes & Sizes: Folding poker tables come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on your need. An octagon table is great for people living in apartments or house where you don’t have a very large area to play. Comfort can be factor though, since the players will be sitting knee to knee if trying to fit 8 people. I would limit the number of players to about 6. With room comfortably for 8 or 10 players, The oval tables are 6 to 7 feet long. But consider whether you really have the room to set one of these up, since you are looking at 7 and 8 foot tables, and 3-1/2 to 4 feet wide. Plus you need to have chairs for each of your players.
I hope this helps with your search for a folding poker table that suits your budget, space, and needs. Nothing beats playing your game on one of these, unless of course you go to the casino.
This entry was posted on Saturday, January 2nd, 2010 at 6:07 pm and is filed under Poker. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.
