Why purchase a single recreation game equipment, when you can get two for one? Keep in mind, that many hybrid products that promise to deliver various options or set-ups, end up providing mediocre results in any configuration.
That’s not to say that creating a usable and easily convertible hybrid item is not possible. In fact, Hathaway’s Maverick pool and table tennis table combination do a decent job of giving recreational players the choice to shoot billiards or play ping-pong.
Table of Contents
Features of the Hathaway Maverick
This is a compact pool table (measures a little over 6 feet by 3 feet). It comes with two MDF boards to place on top of the frame to allow users to play table tennis.
The size is perfect for placing in small playing areas. Converting to table tennis play is simple. Put the table tennis on top of the pool table, add net, and get ready to play a different game.
The Good
- Pool tables, by nature, are pretty substantial. A solid frame is essential for good gameplay for both pool and table tennis. The table rests on large pedestal-like legs. Part of the Maverick table is made from environmentally friendly CARB ( California Air Resources Board) and MDF (medium-density fiberboard). CARB works to reduce airborne toxins, including formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products, which is a good thing. MDF is a reliable and sturdy building material as long as it is protected from wetness.
- Other pool playing enhancing features are white inlay sights for lining up bumper shots. However, for table tennis players, what might matter most is the stability and construction of the table itself. The outer matte black melamine surfaces are made even sturdier with molded ABS corner connections. ABS is a thermoplastic polymer that is used to make Lego building blocks. The table tennis top is constructed from ½-inch CARB certified MDF that has been coated with a blue laminate. The edge trim is black.
- Most people find the Maverick easy to assemble, It takes a little over an hour for one person to put it together. Assembly consists of attaching the legs and side aprons with bolts. Then attaching the leveling feet and turning them upright. The key is having all the right pieces in the box. Once properly assembled, the table is sturdy and heavy. Putting it together is a manageable one-man project.
- In terms of looks, the table is not bad. The legs and side apron have a nice arching detail. The top rails (the area surrounding the felt playing surface) is silver-toned laminate. The corners are set off with chrome-plated caps. The overall feel of the table’s styling is modern, but not, by any means, a high-end look. However, it includes leg levelers, which are essential to achieving an even playing surface. Hathaway includes the cues, pool balls, net, and paddles for both games.
The Bad
- This is a “you get what you pay for” item. It is nowhere near the regulation size and still requires a fair amount of space to play. In terms of the pool-playing surface, the gum
rubber bumpers may lack accuracy in rebounding shots, as a result, pool shots may lose speed. - The felt on the pool table covers a slab of MDF. The table tennis top is made from laminated MDF. While MDF is generally a decent building material, watch out if it gets wet. From swelling to stained felt, liquid poses major problems. If you allow liquids into your game room (and who doesn’t?) have cleanup materials at hand to handle any spills.
- Putting the Maverick together is simple if all the proper parts are included (missing and damaged items seem intrinsic to just about any product requiring assembly these days). Additionally, the felt on this table may be a bit on the thin side, hence users may want to take extra care when installing and removing the table tennis top so that it does not inadvertently damage the felt.
Conclusion
Hathaway’s Maverick Pool and Table Tennis combo do a good job of giving you a choice of two games in one piece of equipment. This is not a table (in either iteration) suited to competitive and highly skilled players, partially because of its non-regulation size but also because its construction and features will not meet the standards.
However, it is a good option for families with young kids. The smaller playing surface makes both games more manageable and fun for them.
Warren Davies
