Add configurable shims to the pockets for the player skill level

allanpsand

allanpsand

Author & PBIA Instructor
Silver Member
Here's an idea that can adjust existing tables for competitions at any skill level.

Tighten the pocket sizes with screw in shims. Any table can be configured to the level of the shooters.

Beginners - 5" corner pockets.
Intermediate - 4.5"
Advanced - 4.25"
Pro - 4"

The top of the shim (where the ball contacts) would have a rubber lip - and any table could be retrofitted with a small kit.

Also solves the problem of shimming for One Pocket.
 
This is a legitimate choice for many people. But, I don't like how shims play. The balls react differently entering the pocket. And they aren't consistent. I would think that they would even be less consistent with screws instead of adhesive. For an individual practice table, it would be ok. But, not for a competition table. This is why Diamond will cut your rail to your specification.

I do like your thinking outside of the box. Perhaps if you could figure a way to overcome this problem, it would be very profitable. That is, if you are able to patent it. But, then again, you would find out quickly (like others before you), that our small market produces many people stealing your idea and teaching others to do it cheaply to save 20 bucks.
 
The screw-on shims that I envision would be a rubber lip that extends into the pocket area.

I'm sure some experimentation by a table builder could come up with a standardized item, acceptable for use by serious players - even available in various cloths.

Anybody at Olhausen, Diamond, Brunswick,etc. out there?

What to give it a shot?

If successful, it could change the world of competitive pool.

I could see this an an option ($300-400) for all new table sales. Plus think about the entire aftermarket across the world as an installation kit and choices of the different competitive widths.

I can even envision the marketing plan with multiple promotional strategies and sales tactics to popularize to product - from bar tables to large pool halls. It would be simple enough for an employee to set up one-pocket tables for a playing customer.
 
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Sounds interesting , but not sure how viable it would be, as beginners wouldn't know to adjust the pocket and advanced players would be very sensitive to how it plays.
It may be fun to use it as a handicap in one-pocket though, you can spot someone a 5" pocket to your 4" one.
 
Actually this is a great idea. All tables should automatically come with a way to change the pocket sizes easily with pre-configured parts.

I like the idea of handicapping one pocket by giving up or getting the tougher pocket.
 
allanpsand said:
The screw-on shims that I envision would be a rubber lip that extends into the pocket area.

I'm sure some experimentation by a table builder could come up with a standardized item, acceptable for use by serious players - even available in various cloths.

Anybody at Olhausen, Diamond, Brunswick,etc. out there?

What to give it a shot?

If successful, it could change the world of competitive pool.

I could see this an an option ($300-400) for all new table sales. Plus think about the entire aftermarket across the world as an installation kit and choices of the different competitive widths.

I can even envision the marketing plan with multiple promotional strategies and sales tactics to popularize to product - from bar tables to large pool halls. It would be simple enough for an employee to set up one-pocket tables for a playing customer.
Click to expand...

Hmmm...just wondering how that would correct pocket miter angles that are not the same on both sides of a corner pocket, or how they'd center a pocket that's not centered. A big part of tighting pockets to make them smaller is also changing the miter angles going into the pocket, I for one would hate playing on a table with 4" pockets with 143 miter angles, the balls would never drop;)
 
realkingcobra said:
Hmmm...just wondering how that would correct pocket miter angles that are not the same on both sides of a corner pocket, or how they'd center a pocket that's not centered. A big part of tighting pockets to make them smaller is also changing the miter angles going into the pocket, I for one would hate playing on a table with 4" pockets with 143 miter angles, the balls would never drop;)
Click to expand...

If anyone could design an adjustable pocket then it should be you.
 
The biggest problem is adhering the shims to the rails without changing the bounce of the rail. The shim has to snug up against the rail as though it's one piece; even having an additional layer of cloth would probably make the shim play like mush.

Even if you use a livelier rubber for the shim, how do you adhere it? If you use screws you'll chip up the balls in no time, not to mention getting some crazy rattles.

There's a shim/pocket-reducer product that uses a spring clamp to press the shims into place. Anyone know how it plays?
 
allanpsand said:
Here's an idea that can adjust existing tables for competitions at any skill level.

Tighten the pocket sizes with screw in shims. Any table can be configured to the level of the shooters.

Beginners - 5" corner pockets.
Intermediate - 4.5"
Advanced - 4.25"
Pro - 4"

The top of the shim (where the ball contacts) would have a rubber lip - and any table could be retrofitted with a small kit.

Also solves the problem of shimming for One Pocket.
Click to expand...

What if two different skilled players play on the same table? Plus how can you have screw in shims without having interesting reactions off the screws?

Plus Plus, 4" is a bit tight for just about anything.
 
JB Cases said:
If anyone could design an adjustable pocket then it should be you.
Click to expand...

The first step would be to design all the pocket miter angles and down angles to be the same on all pool tables built new...solve that problem and pocket shims might have a chance. I worked on a GC5 that in one corner pocket the left side miter angle was 50 degrees, while the right side pocket angle was 53 degrees, now imagine how that would play if you shrunk the pocket down to say 4 1/4"

Glen
 
realkingcobra said:
Hmmm...just wondering how that would correct pocket miter angles that are not the same on both sides of a corner pocket, or how they'd center a pocket that's not centered. A big part of tighting pockets to make them smaller is also changing the miter angles going into the pocket, I for one would hate playing on a table with 4" pockets with 143 miter angles, the balls would never drop;)
Click to expand...

Since the shims attach directly to the face of the pocket, the existing angle would not be changed.

You would need to be more careful with shooting speed and accuracy. Conditions would be equal for the players.

(Of course, if 4" is too tough - you could move the width back to 4.25.):grin-square:
 
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hang-the-9 said:
What if two different skilled players play on the same table? Plus how can you have screw in shims without having interesting reactions off the screws?

Plus Plus, 4" is a bit tight for just about anything.
Click to expand...

In order, my answers are:

Different skilled players - utilize the same handicapping process as now.

Reactions to screws - doesn't happen, the upper lip of the shim extends to the ball, which never has a chance to touch the heads.

Too tight :eek: - change out the shims to another set :rolleyes:
 
bdorman said:
There's a shim/pocket-reducer product that uses a spring clamp to press the shims into place. Anyone know how it plays?
Click to expand...

I have it - and use it on my home table for practice before a tournament. It forces me to place must attention on speed.

It's also good for practicing when you starting thinking you are getting this whole shooting and shaping thing under control. ;)
 
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