I'm in the process of buying a pool table. My brain is starting to melt with all the minute differences between all of the makers. I'm down to either the Fischer/CL Bailey Elayna model for $2195 or Olhausen Americana model for $2070. Could get cheaper but from what I can tell these two or better quality than say a $1400-$1500 model. Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated keeping in mind that I can't go higher than $2200.
I urge you to do what I did. Buy used.
Had the same dilemma you did and found a 9' Brunswick "Medalist" for under 2K. Yes, I paid to have it dismantled, re-erected, reclothed and re-cushioned, but the seller threw in a $400 light, decent sticks, stick rack, and all tolled, ~ $1,000 of "extras" that were NOT included with a new table deals.
I'd put my 20-year old Medalist up against anything in the 2K+ price range you're thinking about. I really enjoy the 9-feet - and, the gully system. Bag pockets, despite what I see on TV tournaments, are ugly IMO.
E-bay had the best selection. And, there's lots of action. Today's tables are gone in two weeks. New ones almost daily.