I've always thought that finding a solid leisure bay billiards table is a bit like discovering a hidden gem in someone's garage or a local classified ad. These tables have been around for quite a while, and even though the company itself has gone through many changes over the years, the tables they produced remain a staple in basements and man caves across the country. If you've ever played on one, you know they have a certain "heft" to them that you just don't get with the modern, lightweight stuff you see at big-box retailers.
What's interesting about Leisure Bay is that they managed to hit that sweet spot between professional-grade playability and "home-friendly" aesthetics. They weren't just building equipment for pool halls; they were building furniture that happened to play really well. When you walk into a room and see one of these tables, it usually catches your eye because of the rich wood finishes and the classic lines.
The Construction That Lasts
One of the biggest reasons people still hunt for a used leisure bay billiards table today is the way they were put together. Most of their high-end models featured three-piece slate. If you're new to the world of pool, you might not realize how important that is. Slate is the gold standard for a flat, consistent playing surface. While some cheaper brands might use "slatene" or honeycomb materials that warp over time, these tables were built to stay level for decades.
The frame construction on these tables is usually pretty beefy, too. I've helped move a few of these in my time, and let me tell you, your back will definitely feel it. But that weight is exactly what you want. A heavy table doesn't budge when you lean on it to take a difficult shot. It provides a solid foundation that prevents the balls from rolling off-course because someone bumped the table with their hip.
Identifying Your Table
If you've recently inherited a table or bought a house that came with one, you might be looking for a nameplate. Usually, you'll find the brand name on the rails or a small plaque on the end of the table. Leisure Bay had a few different series over the years, ranging from more entry-level models to some seriously fancy carved-leg versions.
One thing I've noticed is that they often used high-quality gum rubber for their cushions. In the pool world, we call these "bumpers." If the rubber stays soft and "springy," you get a predictable bounce every time the ball hits the rail. If you find an older table where the cushions feel like a rock, don't worry—most of these tables are built in a way that allows a professional to replace the rubber without much hassle.
Buying a Used Leisure Bay Table
Let's be real: most people getting into leisure bay billiards these days are buying used. Since they aren't being pumped out of factories in the same way they used to be, the secondary market is where the action is. You can often find a table that originally cost several thousand dollars for a fraction of that price on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
But there's a catch. Buying a used pool table isn't like buying a used couch. You can't just throw it in the back of a pickup truck and call it a day. If it's a three-piece slate table, it must be disassembled. You have to take the rails off, pull up the felt, and carefully unbolt the slate slabs. If you try to move it in one piece, you risk cracking the slate or warping the frame, and then you've basically got a very heavy piece of firewood.
What to Look For Before You Buy
When you're standing in someone's basement looking at a potential purchase, check the pockets first. Leisure Bay often used leather shield pockets. Check to see if the leather is dry-rotted or cracked. Replacing pockets can get pricey, so use that as a bargaining chip.
Next, run your hand across the felt. Does it feel thin? Are there "divots" where people have repeatedly hit the white ball into the slate? Replacing the felt is actually a good thing—it gives you a chance to pick a color that matches your room—but it's another cost to factor in.
The Moving and Setup Process
I can't stress this enough: unless you are extremely handy and have three strong friends, hire a professional to move your leisure bay billiards table. A pro will use a machinist's level to make sure the slate is perfectly flat. They'll also use beeswax or a special putty to fill the seams between the three pieces of slate, sanding it down until it's smooth as glass.
Once it's set up correctly, a Leisure Bay table plays as well as any mid-tier Brunswick or Olhausen. It's all about the setup. If the person putting it together knows what they're doing, you'll have a table that provides a "true" roll. There's nothing more frustrating than a slow roll where the ball veers to the left right before it hits the pocket. A professional setup prevents that headache.
Making the Table Your Own
One of the coolest parts about owning a leisure bay billiards table is the ability to customize it during a "re-felting" job. Most of these tables came with a standard green felt, which is fine, but it can feel a bit dated. Lately, I've seen people go with tournament blue, charcoal grey, or even a deep burgundy.
Grey felt on a dark wood Leisure Bay table looks incredibly modern and sleek. It takes it from looking like a "recreation room" item to looking like a high-end piece of interior design. Plus, you can choose the speed of the cloth. If you want a fast game, you can go with a worsted wool (like Simonis), or if you want a more casual, slower game, a standard woolen cloth works great.
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
To keep your table in top shape, you don't actually need to do that much. Just keep it brushed. Chalk is essentially an abrasive, and when it sits on the felt, it acts like sandpaper every time a ball rolls over it. A quick brush after a session goes a long way.
Also, try to keep it covered. Dust and sunlight are the enemies of billiard cloth. Sunlight can fade the color, and dust gets into the fibers and slows the game down. If you have a leisure bay billiards table in a room with a lot of natural light, a simple heavy-duty cover will keep it looking brand new for years.
The Social Factor
At the end of the day, the reason we love these tables isn't just about the slate or the wood finish; it's about the atmosphere they create. There's something about a pool table that naturally draws people together. It's a "low-stakes" way to hang out. You can have a conversation, have a drink, and play a few rounds without it being overly intense.
In a world where everyone is staring at their phones, having a physical game like leisure bay billiards in your house is a game-changer. It gives your friends and family something to do that doesn't involve a screen. I've found that some of the best conversations happen while waiting for your opponent to figure out a bank shot.
Is it Worth the Investment?
If you're wondering if you should pull the trigger on a Leisure Bay table, my advice is usually "yes," provided the price is right and the slate is intact. These are "legacy" items. They aren't disposable. With a little bit of care—maybe a fresh set of cushions and some new cloth—a twenty-year-old table can play exactly like it did the day it left the showroom.
It's an investment in your home and your social life. While the brand might not be the most famous name in the professional tournament circuit, for the average player who wants a reliable, beautiful, and solid-feeling table, leisure bay billiards is a hard choice to beat. Just make sure you leave enough room around the table for your cue sticks—there's nothing worse than hitting a wall on your backswing!