Home Table Pocket Size

[Pangit]

This time I didn't search-

Yesterday, I looked at an old 4 1/2 x 9 Sportking for sale that had 5 1/4 corners and 5 3/4 side pockets. It got me thinking.....(like Curly of the Three Stooges...nothing happened)...so, I'm asking:

For those that have a home table-what size pockets did you choose or inherit on your table.

Is 4 1/4 inch corners a decent compromise? I don't know much about pocket cut angles and such- deep shelves, etc. Our local room has 4 inch corners on some of the tables. They play tough. Another 1/4 inch make much difference?

What size would you want to help improve your pocketing focus, yet still fair?

Would your favorite game(s) help dictate the size you choose for the set up?

What would you recommend?

thanks

ps-I did search AZB re the Sportking vs GC. Opinions seem to clearly favor GC but the Sportking- not that bad for a home practice table, if the pricing is right.

Agree?

I always like tight pockets, my girlfriend has one. Seriously, if U practice on a table with really tight pockets, then when U play on a regulation table the pockets seem like Madonna, some years after "like a virgin"? Loose and open.
If I had my own home table I would have the table Jocky cut the pockets as small as legally possible. Practice on that everyday for a year or two and then go play on "standard" tables... The pockets would "seem" as big as half gallon buckets.

 

[fool4pool]

Leave the small pocket 4 the Pros

It sounds to me that U are an average player so the 4.5 inch corner is best for you.
Add an extra quarter inch for the side pockets.

Bye the way, I played on many sportkings and they are a great table.

 

[3RAILKICK]

Thanks to all

Thanks guys-

Sounds like 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 corners is about right. I agree 4 is too tough for me. 4 1/4 seems enough challenge. This setup is for just me practicing at home.

 

[ArizonaPete]

4.25" corners and 4.74" sides are perfect for a serious player/players.

If you are more of beginner, def go with larger!!

I've just ordered some new Ridgeback rails for my Global Bar table. It had 4.5" corner and 5" side pockets. I've asked Kerry to cut them to 4.25" corner and 4.75" side pockets. Donny of SDBilliards is going to recover the table with Simonis 860HR Tournament Blue cloth. I hoping those dimensions will make the game more interesting for me.

 

[grindz]

Thanks guys-

Sounds like 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 corners is about right. I agree 4 is too tough for me. 4 1/4 seems enough challenge. This setup is for just me practicing at home.

If you have a lot of friends that play your speed or better that you will be playing with... the tighter the better, since you said it is a 'practice' table.
The games you like to play also will dictate a bit, as it's just not that much fun (IMO) to play rotation games on a super tight table. If you like to be penalized for less than precise pocketing, go for it, but it will sacrifice your positional play unless you get really serious. If you like to play a lot with bangers and non players it won't be as much fun for them if it is too tight.

RKC advocates 4.5" pockets, and I agree that is probably the best of both worlds. If you want to be penalized more harshly, just don't count the ball if it hits any part of the rail b4 it drops. My table is set up with 4.5"
and I like it for all games (I don't play 1P though).

good luck

td

 

[TheBook]

Tight pockets in the 4 inch range is fine if you are the only one playing on it or if your family and buddies like the challenge also. But, if your ball banging buddies can't make a ball, there is a chance they won't be back. I returned mine to standard openings for that reason. Besides, pocket openings make no difference if you are putting the balls dead center :thumbup:

I was planning on making the pockets smaller on my table. But after weighting the cost to do it the right way and analyzing my game I decided that smaller pockets wasn't going to help. My problem is controlling the CB. I think too many make a big issue out of having tight pockets to make the table play tougher when they should be trying the game easier by learning how to control the CB. If most players would honestly evaluate their game I think they will find that pocketing balls isn't their problem. The problem is not being able to make the CB do what you want to make the next shot a easy one or to be in position for the next shot or play a lock up safety.



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