When I first got the Diamond catalog in the early 90's,and from seeing them at different pro tournaments (which was their sole purpose at that point) that they looked a LOT like an all-wood Gold Crown to me.
I talked to a mechanic at a tournament in Caruthersville,Mo one time that told me that he had heard from some Brunswick R+D guy that the IV was going to be just like that,all wood corners,but with the lower profile pocket liners like the IV actually did. Obviously,that didn't pan out LOL.
I kinda wish it had though. It's just me,but hearing the sound it makes when you hit a ball with pace and a pure stroke and the ball slaps that plastic just seems natural
.
For even greater effect,add the ashtray corner pocket castings. One of the most MOVING shots I've ever seen in terms of leaving those that saw it breathless was done on one at High Pockets down in Memphis.
The player at the table is hooked by close to a full ball,as I saw the shot from behind the player,and slightly elevated but maybe 40 feet away. The 8 is just behind and slightly left of the spot.
He goes down and looks at the angle on the 7 (just off end rail maybe 1/4 off) going down the rail to his right,then walks back around and looks at just banking the 7 straight back,then looks at the cut again,then back to the bank.
I tell my best friend Larry that if he makes this bank it's a hell of a shot,but still has to get back up for the 8.
He cuts this 7 ball in so pure that the owner of the poolroom said from his view,which was just above table level and in line with the end rail that he said it never even moved offline. The cue ball acted like it had low left on it from the angle it came uptable,and went 3 rails around the 8 and left him a stop shot to get on the 9.
EVERYONE that wasn't in the bathroom knew it,like a pistol shot went off.
The whole room was just
electric after that. Larry said "well I guess he can just do that..." :grin:.
From there,he finishes a race to 9 in 3 innings.
I have absolutely no problem with Diamonds at all though. Very well made,and pure function.
If I could buy a Diamond tomorrow,I wouldn't want it crazy tight like some people. The standard Pro Cut is fine by me,since I have maybe 60 total lifetime hours playing on a Diamond of any size.
The 7' Smart tables I've played on the most were softer pocket-wise than the normal Valley,but have played on some that I'd have to put some decent quality and quantity of time before I'd feel competitive.
I felt like I was inferior at times in about 2 hours on what I call the Pickle table at JOB's,which is a black oak 7' Pro with almost uncomfortably tough pockets for me,an unfortunate side effect of living the armpit of America for a hardcore player.
I've also played on some tough GC's too,but they aren't an uncomfortable as a Diamond with roughly the same size pockets for whatever reason,LOL. Tommy D.
