Are all cushion profiles created equal...?

[The_JV]

So, for those who weren't following along with my table restoration. I ended up purchasing "championship tour edition" rubber under recommendation, before discovering my table originally came with Super Speeds. This new rubber was easily the biggest misstep throughout the project and can't imagine why someone would want such un-reactive cushions on their table. If I were to describe the play of the these cushions. I would compare them to the dead sections of the >15yr rubber they replaced.

So with that said, I'm looking to swap out the rubber once again. Only thing holding me up is the cloth. I suppose I may be able to salvage the Simonis strips and get away with it, but it's kinda a task with no return. So, if I end up not being to pull it off I'm stuck hunting for cloth just for the rails. I'd probably have to buy a whole bed/rail package and sit on the bed cloth for a couple of years.

As I'm waffling on whether or not to pull the trigger on the rail replacement (again). I was pondering if all K55 profile rubber is created equal in terms of dimension. Now clearly they all should be or what's the point in having a standard. That said, there does seem to be a fair amount of within this topic, so rather than assume I thought I'd ask.

Could I not purchase K55 cushion from any manufacturer and install them without issue..? "Issue" being the correct orientation of the profile so the table "plays" correctly.

It seems my area is slowly moving toward mostly Diamond tables. Well, the really competitive pool is happening in locations that use Diamonds anyway. Was thinking it may be in my best interest to install Artemis K55 cushions and sculpt my game toward that type of play. I realize that my table will not "play" like a Diamond because of the Artemis rails. However I'm wondering if they may react differently then the original SuperSpeeds my table was built with. I'm not interested in the 'Red Label' Diamond play, but the 'Blue label' seems fine enough for me.

Easy enough to save some decent money and just run with the SuperSpeeds. ...and unless there's some real tangible difference in play with the Artemis, I most likely will go that way. Figured I'd ask none the less.

Thanks in advance

 

[bignick31985]

Superspeeds play great. They don't cost whole lot in the end. I actually got a set from Trent. Also opted for a new set of cushions to be installed while my pockets were being reworked.

The Superspeeds play similar to a Blue Label, imo. I have no issue switching between the two table brands. My GC 4 gets between 5 and 6 table lengths with Superspeed rubber. No ball hop or funny stuff.

 

[The_JV]

Superspeeds play great. They don't cost whole lot in the end. I actually got a set from Trent. Also opted for a new set of cushions to be installed while my pockets were being reworked.

The Superspeeds play similar to a Blue Label, imo. I have no issue switching between the two table brands. My GC 4 gets between 5 and 6 table lengths with Superspeed rubber. No ball hop or funny stuff.

Very good to hear and thanks for the reply.

I really don't any reason not to go with the SS. Just figured I may as well ask. I've never really had a chance to A/B the SS against the Artemis myself

 

[boogieman]

So, for those who weren't following along with my table restoration. I ended up purchasing "championship tour edition" rubber under recommendation, before discovering my table originally came with Super Speeds. This new rubber was easily the biggest misstep throughout the project and can't imagine why someone would want such un-reactive cushions on their table. If I were to describe the play of the these cushions. I would compare them to the dead sections of the >15yr rubber they replaced.
View attachment 672911

So with that said, I'm looking to swap out the rubber once again. Only thing holding me up is the cloth. I suppose I may be able to salvage the Simonis strips and get away with it, but it's kinda a task with no return. So, if I end up not being to pull it off I'm stuck hunting for cloth just for the rails. I'd probably have to buy a whole bed/rail package and sit on the bed cloth for a couple of years.

As I'm waffling on whether or not to pull the trigger on the rail replacement (again). I was pondering if all K55 profile rubber is created equal in terms of dimension. Now clearly they all should be or what's the point in having a standard. That said, there does seem to be a fair amount of within this topic, so rather than assume I thought I'd ask.

Could I not purchase K55 cushion from any manufacturer and install them without issue..? "Issue" being the correct orientation of the profile so the table "plays" correctly.

It seems my area is slowly moving toward mostly Diamond tables. Well, the really competitive pool is happening in locations that use Diamonds anyway. Was thinking it may be in my best interest to install Artemis K55 cushions and sculpt my game toward that type of play. I realize that my table will not "play" like a Diamond because of the Artemis rails. However I'm wondering if they may react differently then the original SuperSpeeds my table was built with. I'm not interested in the 'Red Label' Diamond play, but the 'Blue label' seems fine enough for me.

Easy enough to save some decent money and just run with the SuperSpeeds. ...and unless there's some real tangible difference in play with the Artemis, I most likely will go that way. Figured I'd ask none the less.

Thanks in advance

Just FYI I purchased cloth for just the rails from pooldawg. You have to call them as it's not listed but they will sell them, or did a year or so ago.

 

[fastone371]

So, for those who weren't following along with my table restoration. I ended up purchasing "championship tour edition" rubber under recommendation, before discovering my table originally came with Super Speeds. This new rubber was easily the biggest misstep throughout the project and can't imagine why someone would want such un-reactive cushions on their table. If I were to describe the play of the these cushions. I would compare them to the dead sections of the >15yr rubber they replaced.
View attachment 672911

So with that said, I'm looking to swap out the rubber once again. Only thing holding me up is the cloth. I suppose I may be able to salvage the Simonis strips and get away with it, but it's kinda a task with no return. So, if I end up not being to pull it off I'm stuck hunting for cloth just for the rails. I'd probably have to buy a whole bed/rail package and sit on the bed cloth for a couple of years.

As I'm waffling on whether or not to pull the trigger on the rail replacement (again). I was pondering if all K55 profile rubber is created equal in terms of dimension. Now clearly they all should be or what's the point in having a standard. That said, there does seem to be a fair amount of within this topic, so rather than assume I thought I'd ask.

Could I not purchase K55 cushion from any manufacturer and install them without issue..? "Issue" being the correct orientation of the profile so the table "plays" correctly.

It seems my area is slowly moving toward mostly Diamond tables. Well, the really competitive pool is happening in locations that use Diamonds anyway. Was thinking it may be in my best interest to install Artemis K55 cushions and sculpt my game toward that type of play. I realize that my table will not "play" like a Diamond because of the Artemis rails. However I'm wondering if they may react differently then the original SuperSpeeds my table was built with. I'm not interested in the 'Red Label' Diamond play, but the 'Blue label' seems fine enough for me.

Easy enough to save some decent money and just run with the SuperSpeeds. ...and unless there's some real tangible difference in play with the Artemis, I most likely will go that way. Figured I'd ask none the less.

Thanks in advance

I had my GCI rails modified in 2013, subrail angle, tight pockets, etc and at the time everyone was using Artemis so thats what I went with. If I was doing the rails today I would use Superspeeds because thats what everyone seems to have shifted to for one reason or another. I can tell you that my table plays spot on with a Blue Label Diamond for 3 rail kicks and the cue ball goes 4 1/2-4 3/4 lengths in winter (cooler but drier) and 4 3/4 to 5 lengths in summer (warmer and slightly more humid).