Last year, I featured a top ten list of the Most Unique Billiard Finds. This year’s top ten list includes some of the silliest billiard items I have come across this year. Some seem much more practical than others, but silly nonetheless. That doesn’t mean I don’t still want all of them for myself. Who knows? Maybe you’ll see something here that you just can’t live without!

#10 – The Billiard Bear

Who couldn’t use a sweet cuddly billiard bear to snuggle up with at night while dreaming of all those games we won?

I have to admit that I do find it amusing that the nicely dressed billiard bear in his cute black trousers, button down shirt, and green vest is paired up with the bada$$ leather-wearin’ biker bear.

At least they’re sold separately.

Other bears include: the tennis bear, the soccer mom bear, the golfer bear, the racing bear, and many more! I’m sure they could make a bear-rific gift for any enthusiast.

These bears retail for $14.95 each and can be found at TheBestGourmetGifts.com

#9 – Made-in-China Beads

First, I think it’s pretty interesting that there’s a website called Made-in-China.com. I don’t even know how I happened to stumble upon this item but I’m sure you need to order at least 10,000 of ‘em at a time. Anyone wanna go halvsies?

No product description or pricing information on this item.

Who knows if it’s on the market somewhere already or maybe we’ll see some popping up after this post.

Here’s the link: made-in-china.com

#8 – Space-saving Pool Table

Now, we all remember the pool couch from earlier this year, and even the instructions on how to build your very own pool couch. Both were “practical” but questionable as to how level the actual playing surface would be due to the cushions, etc.

Check this table out. Who says you can’t turn a ping pong table into a pool table. HUH???

This space-saving invention includes “two cues, triangle rack, chalk, and a carrying bag for 16 billiard balls” Wow! What a deal! And all this could be yours for the low, low price of $499.95. What a steal!

Measurements: 72″ L x 38 1/2″ W x 33″ H. (110 lbs.) A six-foot pool party in your own home!

It’s available at a the fine retailer of Hammacher Schlemmer

#7 – The 7-Ball Rack

What?!??? Huh??? Really?!???

Do people still play this game???

I don’t think I’ve heard the words “7″ and “ball” together since 2002??? When they were airing the 7-Ball Championships on ESPN. Even then, they didn’t have this fancy rack. Steve Tipton would just rack the balls at an angle using the cue ball and the Sardo and roll off the cue ball for a perfect 7-ball rack. Voila!

I do think that striped 7 ball is pretty unique.

This rack is available at Meuller for only $19.95. They even have instructions you can download.

I guess people must still be playing the game right? Or else they wouldn’t still be selling the rack??? Who knows?

I deemed it only appropriate that the 7-ball rack be at #7 of this countdown.

#6 – The Round Rack

And since we’re on the subject of racks, I thought I’d throw this in there. It’s the Round Rack and it too racks seven balls. This rack is sold in a pair.

On their website, they list eight “traditional” games played using this rack. Who knew? I didn’t even realize this was a traditional rack.

And, if you’re feeling really crazy, you can try out the eight “wild side” games.

2 racks and 16 games available for only $19.99. (balls are not included)

Pick up yours today at roundrack.com

#5 – Perfect Rack

Now, this thing is just mind-boggling to me. I don’t get it! Did the person that invented this thing really get cockeyed racked so many times that they saw a need for such an invention?!??? That’s what I wanna know!

So, they had the foresight to create the thing for different table sizes (available for 7-foot or 8-foot tables) but they didn’t quite take into consideration that the distance from the back of the rack to the rail would vary from the slim profile of an aluminum Delta-13 rack to the thick and sturdy wooden Diamond rack. I also find it unusual that it’s not available for a 9-foot table.

Nonetheless, our friends at Seyberts have it available for $12.95. They also make it in plum and burgundy.

Get yours today at Seyberts.com and let me know how well it works.

#4 – Pool Shark Toy by Gamewright

I love this thing! If this little toy was around when I was a kid, I mighta started playing pool at a much younger age. How can you not love it? It totally reminds me of that little wind-up fishing game we all had as kids. Don’t lie. You know you had one!

I wonder if it was the inspiration for the Pneu Power Cue? I don’t care. I want one of those too!

I like the ball drops but it’s tough to tell if there’s a ball return system.

I have to admit though, at 25 bucks, I find this toy slightly overpriced.

You get 11 mini pool balls, 6 fishy pockets, 2 “shark shooters”, the pool table, and a rack.  Instructions are also available in English and Spanish. I’m sure this litle game will bring hours and hours of fun and enjoyment for everyone, ages 8 and up of course.

Put one on your Amazone wishlist.

#3 – Diamond 8 Billiards by PocketPLAY

So, I guess this game is available in digital form as well as a handheld puzzle. The object is to scramble the balls up and then wriggle them back to the consecutive order again.

I can’t find the handheld game for sale anywhere but there is more information at puzzles.com.

#2 – Skittle Pool by Aurora

I first came across this item on CrunchGear.com who discovered it from Hammacher Schlemmer. Man! Those guys at HS must really like pool. Crunch Gear also quotes a review from boardgamegeek.com, “Skittle Pool is similar to “Skittle Bowl”, however the pins have been replaced by nine 2″ billiard balls. The table is approx. 24 inches square with 3 pockets each on the left and right sides. At the bottom of the board is a pendulum device that acts as the striker. The cue ball is placed in a special pivot foot and that foot is rotated to aim the cue ball at a target ball. The striker, a ball similar in size to the cue, is lifted and released (or gently thrown) to strike against the pivot foot which in turn transfers the energy to the cue ball.”

This game originated in 1970 and  below is the packaging to prove it.

I would love to hear from anyone who actually played this original game.

You can purchase the modern version of this little gem from the HS site for $59.95

#1 – Aramith Ball & Cue Case

I’m really torn on this one. In theory, it definitely seems very practical. It would give me one less thing to carry into the pool room but seriously?!?? It’s a cue case! It’s a ball case! No, wait! It’s both!!!

Our friends at Aramith have been the leading manufacturer in quality billiard balls for years now. Only recently did they start getting into cases, tables, and other misc items.

This case holds two butts, two shafts, and 17 balls. I wonder how much this thing weighs. I’m also very curious about the balance since it seems that there’s an extra ball on one side.

I didn’t think these sorts of hard aluminum cases were in anymore. Where’s the shoulder strap?

PoolDawg.com now carries them for $135.20.

Well, I hope you enjoyed my top ten list for 2009. Have an amazing holiday and new year! If you’ve tried any of the above products, please feel free to post your comments here.

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