The Mizerak Donovan II comes close in size and quality to regular pool tables.
It comes in two table top options that will match your budget and performance requirements.
I’ve had it for a while now and I can say that aside from the difficulty in assembly, I absolutely have no regrets buying this table.
Mizerak Donovan II Review
Pros
- High quality materials
- Adjustable legs
- Easy to level
- Excellent playing surface
- Consistent ball rebound
Cons
- Complicated assembly
- Heavy
- No ball return
Features
2 Table Top Options
The Mizerak Donovan II is available in either slate or Slatron. I got mine in Slatron because it fits my budget better. However, I am aware of its drawbacks. The Slatron is made of pressed fibreboard material that is susceptible to warping. If you can afford it, get the slate for better stability and durability.
Superior Railings and Cushion
In billiards, the quality of the railings is just as significant as that of the table top surface.
The Mizerak Donovan II has 3 5/8” rails covered with K66 nose rubber that provide consistent ball rebound and make playing pool fun and exciting.
Others
It has chrome, disk-style leg levelers that you can easily adjust to adapt to uneven flooring.
Design And Specifications
At 8 feet long, the Mizerak Donovan II is ideal for medium to large spaces. The recommended minimum room size is 17’ L x 13.5′ W. It weighs more than 300 lbs. and has 427 pieces that have to be fit together, thus making assembly and transportation a challenge.
The package includes two 57” cues, a set of billiard balls, a triangle, a brush, and 2 pieces of chalk. However, it is slightly disappointing that the blue chalk does not match the table’s red wool blend cloth.
F.A.Q.
Is it easy to assemble?
It is quite complicated to set-up mainly because it comes in so many components that you have to put together perfectly. It is very much like solving a puzzle where if you make one wrong move, you will have difficulty in getting through the next steps.
In addition, the instructions seem to miss a few important steps. I recommend hiring a professional to assemble the table. It’s definitely worth the extra cost.
What is the difference between slate and slatron?
Slate is a hard rock surface that is considered to be the best because of its durability and stability. However, slate tables are very heavy and expensive.
Slatron is a pressed fibreboard material that is more lightweight compared to slate. It is more cost effective but is susceptible to warping.
What’s the quality of the felt? How long will it last?
When you set-up the table, you manually glue the red wool blend cloth onto the slate or slatron. If you do it properly, the result will be a smooth table top that gives a nice ball roll,so be careful and don’t mess up.
The fabric emits some weird odor in the beginning, although it does fade over time. It appears well-made and should resist wear for several years.
How high is it?
It’s 31.25″ high once assembled and leveled.
Can you fold it?
No. The table is too heavy to be folded.
Does it have ball return?
No. It only has internal drop pockets.
Can it be used outdoors?
It’s better to keep it indoors, especially if you buy the Slatron type because exposing it to a high humidity environment will cause warping.
Alternatives To The Donovan 2
If you are searching for alternatives, you can check out the Fat Cat Reno II. Its Accuslate playing surface is made of PVC-coated MDF board, making it nearly as hard and as smooth as slate but at a lower price. It also has K66 rubber bumpers, leg levelers, and complete accessories.
It is a better option if you prefer the classic design because it has French style drop pockets with braided strands, and beveled legs decorated with edge carving accents. We also looked at the top portable pool tables in this article.
Mizerak Donovan II 8′ Billiard Table: Conclusion
If you want a personal pool table but you also want to level up your playing experience, you should buy the Mizerak Donovan II. It has some weak points such long and difficult assembly and lack of ball return, but its quality and performance are generally above-average. With proper care, you can surely enjoy it with your family for many years.
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