Customer Reviews

Fat Cat 84-Inch Folding Poker Table

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I certainly wasn't expecting the best quality at this price, but the reviews swayed me to go ahead and buy it. I can't understand how this product got 4 out of 5 stars after 21 reviews. I suspect that someone with something to gain from good reviews had a hand in some of these 5 star ratings.

First, let's start with the packaging. The table came with some of the bumpers torn because of poor packaging. During the transit on a slow boat from China, the table jostled around in its un-padded box, wearing the vinyl through to the foam rubber on the sides.

Then, after opening the table and locking the legs in place, it started to sag. I couldn't believe my eyes when I looked underneath and the metal bracing was bending! So soft was the metal that when I pressed on it with my 55 year old index finger, it bent back into place.

And if that wasn't weird enough, I ran my hand across some lumps in the felt only to realize that the manufacturer placed the felt over debris and imperfections in the table itself. The plastic in some of the cup-holders was cracked -- again probably from that slow boat and poor packaging.

Maybe it's possible that the captain and crew on this slow boat from China ran into a storm on the high seas -- but they valiantly fought their way through just so that I could give this table to my hubby for his birthday present. MMMmmm... maybe not.

I read the reviews for this product and assumed I would be getting a pretty good deal for money, but I received more than I expected to. I was very impressed with the quality of the felt and padding around the table. There was zero assembly required. Most importantly, the table is very sturdy. I was expecting to have to ask people not to lean on it for fear it would tip chips or cards. However, this is a legitimately sturdy table and could even act as a dinner table. I highly recommend this product especially for the price. One last note for those wondering: You will be able to seat 8 people very comfortably. I think 10 is probably the maximum number of people you would want to seat at the table. Since most people are probably buying this to play poker that will not be an issue as 10 people is the maximum that can play. Once again, I highly recommend this product.

If you are considering this table for purchase, I highly recommend it. It is very sturdy and unfolds/folds quickly and easily for storage. Steel legs with solid base and bracing.

The outside ring padding is soft, yet not too thin and the playing surface felt/padding is just right as well. The cup holders are fine, but could be a bit deeper, but pretty standard from what I have seen. Please note this is the GLD table from Great Lakes Darts. I believe it is imported by them, but it is very good quality.

The overall quality of the table is exactly what you'd expect for 150$. The felt is a little loose, the vinyl isn't quite evenly applied and the padding is a tad bit lumpy - but if you want to avoid this then don't be a cheap-o and only drop 150$ on a ten person poker table. All of the problems above can be fixed with a novice level understanding of upholstering and a staple gun.

Other reviews will point out the problem of a sagging center. My table came with a strap connecting the legs on each end to help prevent this issue. Unfortunately, someone at the assembly plant doesn't know how to use a ruler and the strap was too short so I needed to cut it, preventing the table from unfolding all of the way. At this point, I could have acted like all the other helpless people writing reviews on this and started crying while on hold with a customer service person in Mongolia hoping to get a new table - that would undoubtedly be just the same as the first, but, I decided to use that critical thinking skill I learned in college. A 5 minute drive to Napa and $8 for a ratchet strap solved this problem permanently.

If you are confused as to how the strap fixes the sagging center problem I will explain: In order for the center to sag, the legs must move away from each other. Position the table how you want it, wrap the strap around both legs and then tighten until it is taught but doesn't pull the legs closer (because the center will peak). When storing the table the ratchet strap will fold up right inside the table and still be at the perfect length when you unfold it next time. Even if the strap becomes loose, it is easily fixed by its magical ratcheting properties.

We ordered this table as a surprise for my husband's bday. The first one came damaged, pretty severely, even though it seemed pretty cool. We returned it, unfortunately it was unavailable for an exchange. We reordered it about a month later... and suprise! It was a completely different and better table. The first one came with ribbon like supports to keep the legs from spreading too far, the second with steel cables. The first had cup holders, the second also, but they were additionally lined with cork. The first felt was ok, the second was softer, nicer, and came with patching pieces. The first table just folded in on itself, the second had a wood trim under the table that completely encases the legs when folded, and then has a velcro latch that keeps in closed. All in all, I love this table... We use it to play every type of cards: I only wish it had come correctly the first time.

Bought this based upon reviews about how sturdy it was. Very unhappy. I used this table 3 times, with no more than 6 people at it, and the third time, the center folded in on itself. It has always seemed to be saggy in the middle, but it was a folding table so I didn't think much of it. There are pins holding the PRESSBOARD top to the hinge boards and they blew right out. I pulled the fabric back to see if I could repair it, but as with pressboard, huge chunks are missing. So I paid 150.00 to play poker at my house 3 times.

I was always iffy on buying this table but due to my budget I went for it. I would have to say that this table will surprise you. Like the other reviews, I don't like the cup holders, but I have little tables for players anyways and don't allow drinks on this nice table! The center fold has not been a problem which I thought it might. The felt is nice, the cards and chips slide with ease!

EDIT 8/17/2011

The table is still holding up just fine BUT the screws that connect one of the legs to the table are stripped out of there holes and I cant figure out a nice solution to get them back in that wont have me drilling new holes that I assume may strip in the future as well. Other then that, I still by my original review

I was excited for this table based on other reviews. However, what a disappointment to say the least. Inadequate packaging resulted in my first table having the padding/rail torn. After contacting Amazon, they stated they now had a different supplier. OK, we got a replacement sent our way. Bad mistake. 2nd table was even worse. Do not recommend. Pray that if you buy it, the table isn't beat to blank. Hope this review helps others avoid a massive headache.

After reading so much about flimsy folding tables I wasn't expecting to much from this one. But the top is very sturdy. There is a wood frame and support cables underneath that make the top seem like it will be very sturdy for quite a long time. There are only three changes I would make to this table... (1)Make the cup holders a little deeper (2)Use legs that are fixed further out towards the edges of the table (3) use a slicker surface on the top so the cards slide a little better. For the price, I am very happy with this table but those three changes would make this table perfect.

Very happy with the product. We play 10 people with no problem. Folds up nicely. Only complaint would be the cup holders, but I washed out cat food cans, took off the labels, and they fit in perfectly. We have a game every Friday night.