I thikn 4.5 inch pockets are plenty small. I really would not want things any smaller. It changes the shots that are possible to be made on the table, and therefore changes the game. I think that is a negative change. Also, I would never call that size pockets "big", even if mine were smaller. Over 5" is probably big, but it is also the size of a standard home table. I like the idea of having the pockets at tournament size, and using pocket reducers or the like to practice with. Small pockets are hard enough for an established player, let alone if you want to have friends or family over that may not be as good.