You must get a slate top. I always understood that a single piece was best, but I've also heard that 3-piece is fine or even better, and I'm sure a good bit cheaper. As long as you're buying from a reputable source (Brunswick is a good one, Olhausen too, I think AMF is still making tables, I'm sure there are others but Brunswick and Olhausen are well out front in terms of popularity, for a reason) you should have good slate. Don't get sucked in by some discount brand with an MDF or other top. It's not worth it. Used is a good place to find an inexpensive table, as I'm not sure you'll find a good new slate one in your budget. Just check it out thoroughly before you buy - check its overall condition for clues about whether or not its been abused, feel the entire slate surface with your hands as best you can, looking for chips or dents or other blemishes. If you find a real deal on a table with good slate but abused bumpers and/or cloth, remember that a table can be professionally re-felted and even bumpers replaced, though that can be a bit pricey if bumpers are involved. Personally I prefer tables with leather pockets. I hate ball-returns; they get bent out of shape or otherwise fail, and there's nothing like the sound of a ball dropping into a leather pocket. Size is important. 8-foot is the common home size, 9-foot is great if you can fit it, but 7-foot may be best for you if you have a smallish space and are just a casual player. Smaller table = eaiser game. Remember to look up online for recommended room dims - you don't just have to fit the table, you have to fit 57" of cue, plus backswing. Some ppl squeeze a larger table into a smaller space and get shorty cues, but personally I find that a highly unsatisfying compromise. I'd much rather have a smaller table with room all around it. Have fun - pool is a great game.
