I'm guessing you have pro cut pockets (4 1/2"). It's not much help now but you should have ordered league cut (4 3/4") or 5" pockets from the factory. The pro cut is quite a bit more difficult, the opening is smaller obviously but combined with deep shelves you can definitely hang balls. I like it but I can see having a different preference.
They have deeper shelves than coin ops and other brands but they are a fair pocket.
Not sure I can agree that a league cut, 4 3/4" Diamond will play easier than a pro cut 4 1/2" will. In my experience with the two tables that would not be true. I have a Diamond Professional league cut 4 3/4", bought new at the start of covid at home, and also play one of my leagues on Diamond Pro Am's with pro cut 4 1/2" pockets. Balls are noticeably easier to pocket on the 4 1/2" pro cut pockets, with less rattling of the balls. Yes the 4 3/4" league cut pockets are easier to hit a ball in, but they rattle more.
My league play starts the beginning of September to the end of April so I have a lot of experience on both. Not only that we have fellow league players at our house to play at times and they also comment on how our league cut pockets play harder.
It will be interesting this year as the other league we play has ordered new Diamond tables to replace the Valley tables they had.
My take now on this is, if I were to ever order a Diamond table for home again, it would be with the pro cut pockets.
