Professional-grade 8ft American pool table with tournament-spec slate construction and precision engineering. Our comprehensive review covers specs, setup, maintenance, and how it compares to premium alternatives.
The Buffalo Eliminator II Stealth represents a significant leap in American pool table engineering, delivering tournament-specification performance at a competitive price point. This 8ft table has earned recognition among serious players for its precision slate construction and professional-grade components. When evaluating premium American pool tables for serious gameplay, the Eliminator II consistently ranks among the top choices for both home enthusiasts and commercial venues. Its stealth finish and robust build quality make it an investment that combines performance with lasting durability.
The Buffalo Eliminator II Stealth stands out in a crowded market through its commitment to authentic American pool specifications and construction quality. Unlike imported alternatives that cut corners on materials, this table features genuine 1-inch slate construction that ensures consistent ball roll and eliminates dead spots that plague thinner playing surfaces. The precision engineering extends to every component, from the K-66 profile cushions that provide tournament-standard rebound characteristics to the reinforced cabinet construction that prevents warping over time.
Professional players and serious enthusiasts recognize the importance of consistent playing conditions, and the Eliminator II delivers this through its advanced leveling system and rigid frame construction. The table's design philosophy prioritizes playability over flashy aesthetics, resulting in a machine that performs reliably year after year. This focus on fundamentals explains why many pool halls and training facilities choose Buffalo tables for their primary playing surfaces.
The stealth finish represents more than just visual appeal – it's a practical choice that resists scratches and maintains its appearance even with heavy use. This durability factor becomes crucial when considering the total cost of ownership, as refinishing expenses can quickly add up with lesser-quality surfaces. The combination of performance engineering and practical durability makes this table a standout choice for serious buyers.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Cabinet | Solid hardwood construction with stealth black finish |
| Playing Surface | 1-inch genuine slate, 3-piece construction |
| Cushions | K-66 profile cushions with tournament-grade rubber |
| Dimensions | 100" L x 56" W x 32" H (playing surface: 88" x 44") |
| Weight | Approximately 850 lbs |
| Pockets | Leather drop pockets with reinforced corners |
| Leveling | Professional leg levelers with locking mechanism |
| Accessories | Complete accessory package included |
The Buffalo Eliminator II Stealth targets serious pool players who demand tournament-quality conditions in their home game room or commercial facility. This table appeals particularly to players who compete in leagues or tournaments and need consistent practice conditions that mirror professional venues. The investment level of $3,195 indicates this is designed for committed enthusiasts rather than casual players seeking basic recreation.
Home game room owners with dedicated space will find this table ideal, especially those who entertain regularly or have family members serious about improving their game. The professional specifications ensure that skills developed on this table translate directly to tournament play, making it valuable for players at intermediate to advanced skill levels. Commercial venues like pool halls, bars, and recreation centers also benefit from the durability and consistent performance that keeps customers satisfied.
The table's substantial weight and dimensions require adequate space and structural support, making it suitable for permanent installations rather than temporary setups. Buyers should have a dedicated room with at least 13 feet by 17 feet of clear space to accommodate proper cue clearance around the table. This space requirement naturally filters the target market to those with committed game room spaces.
Professional installation is strongly recommended for the Buffalo Eliminator II Stealth due to its 850-pound weight and precision requirements. The three-piece slate construction requires careful leveling and seaming to achieve optimal playing conditions. Most buyers should budget an additional $300-500 for professional delivery and setup, which includes slate leveling, cloth installation, and initial adjustments.
The delivery process typically requires a team of 3-4 people and specialized equipment to safely transport the slate pieces. Buyers must ensure their game room has adequate access, including doorway widths of at least 36 inches and no sharp turns that could complicate delivery. Ground floor installation is significantly easier than upper levels, which may require additional planning and costs.
Daily maintenance involves brushing the cloth surface with a proper pool table brush, always working from the head of the table toward the foot to maintain consistent nap direction. Weekly cleaning should include vacuuming the pockets and checking for loose balls or debris that could damage the cloth or cushions. The leather pockets require occasional conditioning with appropriate leather care products to prevent cracking and maintain their appearance.
Monthly maintenance includes checking the tightness of pocket bolts and examining the cushion attachment points for any loosening. The slate surface should be inspected for chalk buildup or stains that require professional cleaning. Proper room climate control helps prevent wood movement and maintains consistent playing conditions – ideally 68-72°F with 40-50% humidity.
The most frequent issue with any slate table involves settling and re-leveling requirements, typically occurring 6-12 months after installation as the table adjusts to its environment. Professional re-leveling costs $150-250 but ensures continued optimal play. Cushion replacement becomes necessary every 15-20 years with regular use, though the K-66 profile cushions on this model are known for longevity.
Cloth replacement represents the most common maintenance expense, required every 3-5 years depending on usage intensity. Professional cloth installation costs $300-500 but dramatically improves playing conditions. Pocket leather may require replacement or repair after 10-15 years, particularly in high-use commercial environments.
The Buffalo Eliminator II Stealth offers several upgrade opportunities for owners seeking enhanced performance or aesthetics. Premium cloth options like Simonis or Championship provide faster, more consistent playing surfaces compared to standard felt. Upgraded pocket systems, including ball return mechanisms, can be retrofitted for commercial applications or convenience.
Lighting upgrades significantly impact play quality – professional three-lamp fixtures provide even illumination across the entire playing surface. Custom finishes or refinishing can refresh the table's appearance while maintaining its structural integrity. Some owners also upgrade to heated slate systems for consistent temperature control in varying climate conditions.
When comparing the Buffalo Eliminator II Stealth to other premium options, the Billards Montfort Lewis luxury pool table offers similar build quality with more ornate styling at a higher price point. The Montfort Lewis features hand-carved details and premium finishes that appeal to buyers prioritizing aesthetics alongside performance. However, the Buffalo's focus on pure functionality often provides better value for players primarily concerned with playing characteristics.
The Brunswick Allenton American pool table in 7ft configuration represents a more compact alternative for space-constrained buyers. While Brunswick brings significant brand heritage and quality construction, the smaller playing surface changes game dynamics significantly. The Buffalo's 8ft size provides the standard tournament dimensions that serious players prefer for skill development.
For buyers considering European styling, the Billards Montfort Belval pool table offers distinctive design elements and premium materials. However, the Buffalo Eliminator II's American specifications and proven durability often make it the practical choice for players focused on consistent performance over decorative elements.
The Buffalo Eliminator II Stealth delivers exceptional value in the premium pool table market, combining tournament-grade construction with practical durability at $3,195. Its 1-inch slate construction, K-66 cushions, and precision engineering create playing conditions that rival tables costing significantly more. The stealth finish and solid hardwood construction ensure this investment will provide decades of consistent performance.
For serious players seeking authentic American pool specifications without compromise, this table represents an outstanding choice. The combination of professional-grade components, proven durability, and competitive pricing makes it particularly attractive for home game rooms and commercial installations. While the substantial weight and space requirements limit its suitability to permanent installations, buyers with adequate space and commitment to the game will find few better options in this price range.
The Buffalo brand's reputation for quality and the comprehensive accessory package add further value to an already compelling offering. This table succeeds in delivering tournament-quality performance while maintaining the practical durability needed for regular use, making it a standout choice in the competitive pool table market.
You need a minimum room size of 13 feet by 17 feet for comfortable play around an 8ft pool table. This allows for standard 58-inch cue clearance on all sides. Larger rooms up to 14 feet by 18 feet provide more comfortable playing conditions, especially for taller players or those using longer cues. Consider ceiling height as well – minimum 8 feet is recommended for proper cue elevation during shots.
Professional installation of the Buffalo Eliminator II Stealth typically takes 4-6 hours with a qualified team. This includes slate positioning and leveling, seaming between slate pieces, cloth installation, and final adjustments. Complex deliveries involving stairs or tight spaces may extend installation time. Most installers schedule full-day appointments to ensure proper setup without rushing critical leveling procedures that affect long-term performance.
The Buffalo Eliminator II Stealth includes a complete accessory package with the table purchase. This typically contains a set of regulation billiard balls, multiple cues of varying weights, a triangle rack, chalk, and a table brush. The specific accessories may vary, but Buffalo ensures buyers have everything needed to begin playing immediately after installation. Professional-grade accessories are included to match the table's quality level.
Most slate pool tables require initial re-leveling 6-12 months after installation as the table settles into its permanent position. After this initial adjustment, properly maintained tables on stable floors may not need re-leveling for several years. However, factors like floor settling, temperature fluctuations, or moving the table will necessitate professional re-leveling. Signs include balls rolling toward one end or inconsistent ball behavior across the playing surface.
Moving a slate pool table like the Buffalo Eliminator II requires complete disassembly and professional reinstallation. The 850-pound weight and precision construction make it impractical for casual relocation. Professional moving services typically charge $800-1,500 depending on distance and complexity. The slate pieces must be carefully handled to prevent cracking, and the table requires complete re-leveling and cloth installation at the new location. Plan for this table to be a permanent fixture in your chosen room.
