Choosing the Right Pool Table Cloth
Compare Simonis and Championship cloth, understand worsted versus traditional cloth, and choose the right speed, durability and color for the way you play.
Simonis vs. Championship Pool Table Cloth
Both are respected billiard-cloth manufacturers, but their product lines serve different priorities and budgets.
Simonis
Simonis is premium worsted billiard cloth known for fast, consistent play and tournament-level performance. It is an excellent choice for players who care about precision, speed and a smooth playing surface.
- Simonis 860: popular tournament-style pool cloth
- Simonis 860HR: performance cloth designed for increased durability
- Simonis 760: faster cloth suited to players who prefer greater speed
Championship
Championship offers both traditional and performance-oriented options that can balance playability, durability and price. It is a strong choice for home tables, commercial tables and players who want quality without necessarily moving to the premium Simonis tier.
Specific Championship products vary in construction and playing characteristics, so the best option depends on how the table will be used.
Worsted Cloth vs. Traditional Pool Table Cloth
Worsted Cloth
A tighter, smoother weave generally produces faster and more consistent ball roll with less surface fuzz. Premium worsted cloth is commonly chosen for serious play and tournament-style performance.
Traditional Cloth
Traditional woolen-style cloth generally has more nap and tends to play slower. It can be a practical, economical choice for recreational home use where maximum tournament speed is not the goal.
What Does Pool Table Cloth Weight Mean?
Cloth weight describes the amount of material in a given area, but weight by itself does not tell you how fast or how well a cloth will play. Weave, fiber blend and finishing also matter. A heavier product may offer durability, while a tightly woven worsted product can deliver fast, precise play without simply being judged by thickness.
Don’t Choose Cloth by One Number
Comparing cloth only by weight can be misleading. Consider construction, intended use, durability and playing characteristics together rather than assuming heavier automatically means better.
Tournament Cloth vs. Home Cloth
Tournament-Style Performance
For players who want speed, consistency and predictable ball response, premium worsted cloth is usually the preferred direction. It rewards a controlled stroke and exposes more of the table’s true playing characteristics.
Everyday Home Play
A recreational table does not always need the fastest cloth available. Durability, cost, room use and the skill level of the people playing can make a quality intermediate cloth the better value.
Choosing a Pool Table Cloth Color
Color changes the entire look of a table, but visibility and room lighting matter too.
See actual manufacturer options on our Pool Table Felt Color Charts.
Common Pool Table Cloth Mistakes
Choosing Only by Price
The least expensive cloth is not always the best value if you care about speed, longevity or consistent play.
Ignoring the Cushions
New cloth will not fix dead or incorrectly installed cushions. If rail response is questionable, inspect it before recovering the table.
Using the Wrong Installation Method
Cloth needs to be installed evenly and with the correct attachment method for the table construction. Poor tension can create wrinkles, loose areas and inconsistent play.
Choosing Color Without Considering Lighting
A color that looks great on a sample can behave differently in a dim room. Consider ball visibility and the room’s actual lighting before deciding.
Professional Pool Table Refelting
Pool Table Masters installs recreational, Championship and Simonis cloth on residential, commercial and specialty pool tables. During a refelting service, the table can also be evaluated for cushion response, slate and seam condition, leveling issues and other problems that should be addressed while the table is apart.
Moving a Table and Reusing Existing Cloth?
Existing cloth can often be reused during a move, but reuse cannot be guaranteed. Age, condition, previous stretching and the prior attachment method can cause cloth to tear during removal or leave insufficient material for a proper reinstallation. If replacement becomes necessary, new cloth is an additional cost.
Need Help Choosing Pool Table Cloth?
Tell us your table size, location, how you use the table and the type of play you prefer. We can help narrow down the right cloth and color.
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