In 1980, a young man named Craig Connelly,
fresh from Arizona State University turned his back on the corporate
world and decided to work with his hands, a set of tools and a dream.
That dream was to build a superior
company. Selling a superior billiard table. It was a dream born
during his college years when he met his school expenses manufacturing
and delivering billiard tables for a mom and pop operation in Phoenix,
Arizona.
Connelly’s first shop was a rent-a-garage in Tucson where
he made, sold and sometimes slept on billiard tables.
He worked diligently engineering and perfecting his ideas for
a better table. In spite of pressures to make them faster and
cheaper, Connelly refused to compromise. He began to incorporate
materials and processes that made the table better. Much better.
Chief among his principles was the belief that a better table
was one that was structurally superior with thicker panels, stronger
beams and wider rails.
While maintaining traditional design concepts, Connelly refined
his craft and his knowledge. Today, every Connelly table adheres
to the original concept and can proudly claim the Connelly name.
An important part of the Connelly difference grows out of the
company and its Southwestern roots. A clean, uncomplicated, honest
approach—with just a little bit of cowboy swagger. Plus
a firm commitment to quality and just plain doing things the right
way. You’ll see this heritage built into every Connelly
table. You’ll see it in every important detail. And you
will definitely feel it when you play on a Connelly. It’s
even reflected in the names of our tables, which are evocative
of the Southwest, like Coyote, Prescott and Cochise.
Today, Connelly dealers are found across the U.S. and Canada.
Connelly routinely ships tables to Europe, New Zealand and the
Middle East. The Connelly story includes a retail chapter as well.
As the largest billiard retailer
in the Southwest, there are five Connelly stores in Arizona offering
true factory-direct pricing.
THE CONNELLY LINE
Each Connelly billiard table is built to exacting standards that
combine creativity superior materials, state-of-the-art technology
and old-world craftsmanship. We’re proud to only produce
tables that meet or exceed Billiard Congress
of America (BCA) specifications. Mindful of our environment, no
endangered or rainforest woods are used in the construction of
Connelly tables.
Connelly tables are offered in six different sizes (from 6 to
10 foot) and in four different feature levels, from entry level
to mid-range to professional.
Connelly offers more than 30 meticulously crafted models. Tables
are available in three American hardwoods
offering customers more versatility than most other billiard table
manufacturers. Ash, maple and cherry all are
chosen for their durability strength and beauty
Ash - Fine Pennsylvania ash is preferred by
Connelly. A revered furniture favorite, ash is considered more
durable than oak, and combines superior strength (used for baseball
bats!) with an attractive open grain.
Maple - Connelly carefully selects its maple
from various regions of the U.S. Maple is becoming one of America’s
most popular furniture and cabinet woods, as its pale color complements
contemporary designs. Its very
even-grain texture results in a smooth, fine-furniture finish.
Cherry - Long prized for its fine grain that
provides a wonderfully smooth finish, cherry has long been considered
the premier furniture wood and makes up much of America’s
heirloom pieces. Relatively expensive, Connelly
premium cherry is primarily of Appalachian origin.
There are 18 different finishes to choose from. Everything from
Mahogany to Antique Cherry to Pecan. Only the
finest Italian slate is used on Connelly tables. Imported to our
custom specifications, each set is diamond honed
and perfectly matched to provide a consistently level playing
surface. Naturally, all slate is permanently framed in accordance
with BCA specifications.
A selection of sight materials including mother of pearl, brass
and abalone are accurately inlaid for consistent play. You can
choose from a selection of handcrafted RC Designs® pocket
styles to complement your table selection.
The result is a table that is uniquely personal and will provide
generations of playing pleasure.
THE EXCLUSIVE RAPID RAIL™
The revolutionary Rapid Rail reflects our commitment to constantly
improve our design through innovation. It combines engineering
and superior materials to provide awesome ball response. Each
individual rail is laid out and drilled to proportionally accept
four rail bolts instead of the industry standard three. The additional
rail bolts provide a more consistent rail tension for more consistent
play. Combined with full profile K-66 cushions, vulcanized-canvas
backing and cushion-control fabric, the result is a precise and
true ball response which actually even sounds better. The Rapid
Rail is a standard feature on all Connelly models except the entry
level “Desert Collection.”
THE QUALITY OF HAND CRAFTSMANSHIP
An amazing amount of wood craftsmanship goes into every table
we build.