5” worldwide standard…..never heard that before and that sounds odd so I’m a little skeptical
because all the streaming worldwide pool tournaments I’ve viewed do no have 5” CP pockets.
If you are referring to old style 7’ Valley Bar Boxes, not the new version, then maybe but that
surely isn’t considered a worldwide standard except for recreational play, not professional. BCA
distinguishes between the two and in fact, issued different specifications for pool table pockets.
Below are BCA’s specifications for pool table pocket size for professional and recreational play.
I don’t expect the majority of pool players will concur with my preferences but I want to play and
compete on the same equipment the pros use. 4.5”CP & 5”SP are the largest pockets I want to
play on and even a little smaller (4.25” CP). 5”CP pockets are fine for teaching your kids to play
or anyone wanting to learn the game. The more satisfying your experience, the more you enjoy it.
However, there comes a point when you want to compete and play on the same equipment the
pros use. So enjoy practicing in the playground on 7’ basketball hoops but if and when you want
to play with the big boys, then you have to play with a 10’ hoop. Same applies to pool table specs.
Here are the pocket size I play on at Sierra Billiards and several of my friends’ home tables. Sierra
Billiards has 4 tables with 4 1/8” CP and all the others (7’ and 9’ tables) have 4 1/2”CP and 5” SP.