I dunno know how most folks feel but I think templates produce the tightest racking of pool balls for a full rack (15 balls) or 9 & 10 ball. Nonetheless, these racks just don’t hold up over usage and I carry 4-5 of different versions and none of them seem to last over time.

For the past couple Xmas holidays, I have given a couple of dear friends Delta Elite racks and included leather inserts since they have pool tables. When I play on their tables, I enjoy racking pool balls that I’ve done all my life before plastic templates came along, even the sound.

So I decided to get a Delta Elite rack for myself. I’ll store it at the pool hall under the counter. I just bought a new one on eBay and I’m going to start racking balls from now on. The pool balls, unless the table is off, form a tight rack using the Delta pool racks and all the balls touch.

I think I’ll skip adding the inserts on my rack like I included when I gave my friends their Delta Elite racks. I actually like the sound of racking pool balls instead of individually placing the balls on a flat piece of plastic that eventually starts loses shape. I’m returning to the old days.

I paid slightly over $100 for a new Delta Elite. I’d have preferred a blue or black version but since it was from a private seller, there was no color choice so mine is red. I know templates are popular nowadays but a tight rack is still a tight rack regardless of what method you may use. I wonder if plastic templates will still be popular a decade from now?