Back to basics: the pool equivalent of hickory golf?

[skip100]

As golf technology has improved to the point where even mediocre players can now drive the ball farther than pros in the '80s and '90s, a counter-movement has started to bubble up where people play with hickory-shafted clubs from the 1930s or earlier.

The Society of Hickory Golfers exists to "promote the experience of golf in a manner consistent with how the ‘royal and ancient game’ was played in the hickory era." The appeal is obvious - you trade some distance off the tee and the ability to use a hybrid or lob wedge for getting to play from shorter tees, fellowship with like-minded people, more enjoyment at your good shots, and a spiritual connection to the origins of the game.

What would the pool equivalent of this look like? We could be talking about things like bigger pockets, slower cloth, traditional cue materials and craftsmanship, and less responsive balls, to name a few.

Does anyone have an old-school setup at home? If so, how do people used to a more modern pool experience respond?

 

[David in FL]

As golf technology has improved to the point where even mediocre players can now drive the ball farther than pros in the '80s and '90s, a counter-movement has started to bubble up where people play with hickory-shafted clubs from the 1930s or earlier.

The Society of Hickory Golfers exists to "promote the experience of golf in a manner consistent with how the ‘royal and ancient game’ was played in the hickory era." The appeal is obvious - you trade some distance off the tee and the ability to use a hybrid or lob wedge for getting to play from shorter tees, fellowship with like-minded people, more enjoyment at your good shots, and a spiritual connection to the origins of the game.

What would the pool equivalent of this look like? We could be talking about things like bigger pockets, slower cloth, traditional cue materials and craftsmanship, and less responsive balls, to name a few.

Does anyone have an old-school setup at home? If so, how do people used to a more modern pool experience respond?

It’s called a Valley bar box and you still find them at just about any bar in town, along with a wall full of single piece, wood cues.

 

[skip100]

just noticed the other thread... whoops...

 

[Straightpool_99]

I think the equivalent would be: Straight pool, with standard cues, 10 foot tables that are slightly taller than today, 4.5 inch pockets and some sort of simulated clay balls. No measle cue ball, obviously and traditional colour balls and cloth. No F-ing Diamond pinball cushions, obviously. Some of those old time tables had rails screwed into the side of the slate. That is probably not something that should be emulated as it can lead to inconsistent cushion response. This is done in snooker, and to make the cushions play better, they make the rails with steel backers, which leads to them playing shorter etc..It's still better to bolt them through the slate, imo.

They DID have different color cloth and balls back then, and they also had fast cloth. The slow cloth was a later phenomenon. Still I think green and traditional colours would be the most authentic.

I did get the pleasure of playing on a Brunswick table that was slightly taller (had been sort of shimmed up under the legs) and with Brunswick cloth in green (I believe that's what the owner said it was). I didn't even know Brunswick made cloth, but still. The cloth was a nice intermediate speed that was like made for straight pool. Great cueball control and decent spread. I have no idea of the longevity of that cloth, but as it was at that moment it played great. The balls were Centennials, which I love, and the cueball was blue circle, which I also love. The pockets were 4.75 inch I think. May have been 5. Didn't care, because they played like pockets should, and the table itself, cushions and all played like a dream. Sadly it wasn't a 10 footer, none of those exist here.

If I had that table in 10 foot, I'd never leave the house.

 

[Bob Jewett]

... with Brunswick cloth in green (I believe that's what the owner said it was). I didn't even know Brunswick made cloth, but still. ...

I believe that Brunswick never actually made cloth. Simonis was featured as the top-end available in their catalogs of 100 years ago.

 

[sjm]

Any true form of retro pool would have to include cigarettes on the rail while players shoot. Other than that, ten foot tables, no jump cues, no attachable cue extensions, clay balls, no carbon fiber or Predator shafts, and most of all, no foul language. Also, players should have to wear the aprons of yesteryear to ensure they don't get chalk on their clothing.

 

[Straightpool_99]

Any true form of retro pool would have to include cigarettes sitting on the rail while players shoot. Other than that, ten foot tables, no jump cues, no attachable cue extensions, clay balls, no carbon fiber or Predator shafts, and most of all, no foul language. Also, players should have to wear the aprons of yesteryear to ensure they don't get chalk on their clothing.

Apart from the sitting on the rails and cigarettes, it sounds great.

Personally, I hate the stupid cue extensions, the jump cues and the carbon fiber. I'd be more than happy to live without all of those things. The apron would be an adjustment, but not a big deal.

 

[3kushn]

Never wore an apron, but would if required. No big deal.
As far as rail bolts screwed into the side of the slate?? "T-Rail" design.
IMO that's a better design. Its not without fault, but neither is bolting down through the slate.

Good chance I could have gotten a great deal on a Gabriel. Went for the Verhoeven "T-Rail" design.

 

[Geosnookery]

‘If Adams sinks this, John Hackock will sign the Declaration’.

 

[garczar]

As golf technology has improved to the point where even mediocre players can now drive the ball farther than pros in the '80s and '90s, a counter-movement has started to bubble up where people play with hickory-shafted clubs from the 1930s or earlier.

The Society of Hickory Golfers exists to "promote the experience of golf in a manner consistent with how the ‘royal and ancient game’ was played in the hickory era." The appeal is obvious - you trade some distance off the tee and the ability to use a hybrid or lob wedge for getting to play from shorter tees, fellowship with like-minded people, more enjoyment at your good shots, and a spiritual connection to the origins of the game.

What would the pool equivalent of this look like? We could be talking about things like bigger pockets, slower cloth, traditional cue materials and craftsmanship, and less responsive balls, to name a few.

Does anyone have an old-school setup at home? If so, how do people used to a more modern pool experience respond?

How's this for old-school?? They actually 'PLANE' these things to shape. I had no idea. Fellow AZ'r D. Remick told me this and i thought he was nuts. Well, i stand corrected.