Slow Rails - What to do

JimmyWhite

JimmyWhite

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Hi all,

I purchased a GC3 9ft from a pool hall about 9 months ago. The table was already dismantled when I bought it so I have no idea about its condition.

I had it set-up at my place, and installed new Simonis cloth on it too. The rails had always been slow. Playing true, but slow.

Currently (the cloth is a bit worn now as well), If I shoot a full-speed shot from the headspot up to the footrail, it bounces off the footrail twice, and then rests at the center of the table. I.e. the cue ball travels up and down the table 2 + 1/2 table-lengths.

Questions:
1) Could this be because the table mechanic did not do the job right?
2) I am sure brand new superspeeds would make a difference. But I am actually thinking of switching to Artemis. Is it worth it?

Thanks!
 
Had new Superspeeds installed when we bought our table (GC3). Finally got it finished yesterday. The little bit of time I had to play on it was awesome. I check how many rails i get when i get a chance.
 
Last edited:
Not knowing the tables history, 'ie' was it used in a commercial establishment or not. I would think and new rails properly installed would make a difference, more so than cloth. As cloth goes, Andy cloth is somewhat faster than Simonis but not not a lot.. JMO..
 
It was being used in a commercial establishment. But have no idea on how it was playing before being dismantled.
 
If you switch to different cushions make sure the installer knows if or how the rails need to be modified to get the cushions to be at their proper height and angle. I'm assuming they would be different between the superspeedes and the Artemis.
 
Gold Crown III's are known for having poor quality rubber. It's possible that the cushions are bad. It's also possible that someone may have replaced the original K55 cushions with K66, which would also net similar results.

A couple of things to check:
  1. Nose height: should be approximately 1 7/16" (1.4375")
  2. Rail bolt tightness: take a 9/16" socket on an extension and make sure that the bolts are tight.
Additionally, how is the humidity in the room? Ideally, you want it <50%.
Is the cloth tight?
 
bradsh98 said:
Gold Crown III's are known for having poor quality rubber. It's possible that the cushions are bad. It's also possible that someone may have replaced the original K55 cushions with K66, which would also net similar results.

A couple of things to check:
  1. Nose height: should be approximately 1 7/16" (1.4375")
  2. Rail bolt tightness: take a 9/16" socket on an extension and make sure that the bolts are tight.
Additionally, how is the humidity in the room? Ideally, you want it <50%.
Is the cloth tight?
Click to expand...
I like all of this but I want to add that high humidity generally makes the table play faster (rails speed up significantly) on this benchmark shot. When my room is dry my table goes a little over 4 table lengths, when the room is very wet it goes over 5 table lengths. When it is a little wet it will go 4.5 table lengths.

In a really wet room I've seen a 10 footer go over 6 table lengths with worn 860. Needless to say it unplayably fast.
 
Also make sure your Rail Bolts are tightened to the right specs for that table-

-dj
 
  • Like
Reactions: bbb
generally about 4 1/2 table lengths if you hit it hard. if more or less you should be aware of why and are if you are happy with it.
 
Thanks for the replies so far! I am going to answer a few and add some more info...

I am not sure which the rail bolts are: I have attached an image. Is it 1, 2 or 3? Is there a specific torque I need to match to? (I got a wrench for that). I can just tighten them up...

The cloth is tight for the most part, but near the footrail, if I apply pressure with my fingers, the cloth comes up a little bit (see pic)

Rail nose height seems OK (see pics)

humidity is 65-70% today. I would say it is usually like that, if not just a bit drier.



0.jpg





1.jpg

2.jpg
 
#3 are your rail bolts. Be very careful tightening them, they should be at 15 ft-lbs, any more than that and you risk damage.
 
Two bolts were kinda loose, but pretty snug in general.

Still getting 2 and 1/2 table lengths worth of cue ball travel when shooting headspot to footrail fast...
 
JimmyWhite said:
Two bolts were kinda loose, but pretty snug in general.

Still getting 2 and 1/2 table lengths worth of cue ball travel when shooting headspot to footrail fast...
Click to expand...
Your humidity is really high. If the rails are in fact dead it should be really obvious that the balls are dying off the rails. Get some new superspeed and with that humidity the table will be going over 5 table lengths, I would also recommend 760 because drawing the CB will be easier in that humidity.
 
Even if your speed problem is the rails, get that cloth re stretched anyway. It could be easier to damage or rip being that loose.
 
JimmyWhite said:
Thanks for the replies so far! I am going to answer a few and add some more info...

I am not sure which the rail bolts are: I have attached an image. Is it 1, 2 or 3? Is there a specific torque I need to match to? (I got a wrench for that). I can just tighten them up...

The cloth is tight for the most part, but near the footrail, if I apply pressure with my fingers, the cloth comes up a little bit (see pic)

Rail nose height seems OK (see pics)

humidity is 65-70% today. I would say it is usually like that, if not just a bit drier.



View attachment 659392




View attachment 659393
View attachment 659394
Click to expand...
Is your cloth installed upside-down?
 
I have a humidifier running 24/7 at 40% humidity. If the tank gets full and shuts off for a couple hours I see a big difference in speed once it's over 50%.

Your clothe looks a bit loose also
 
bradsh98 said:
Is your cloth installed upside-down?
Click to expand...
rail cloth photo looks like its on upside down. shouldn't look that 'fuzzy'. also, as said above GC3's had shitty cushions. If they're original you need new ones for sure. Hi humidity usually makes rails 'bouncy'
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top