Chinese all-in-one Magic Rack?

SamLambert said:
Hello guys,

I just saw those cheap magic racks on the web:

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAyNFgxMDI0/z/3G8AAOSwBLlVFSuA/$_57.JPG

Have any of you guys tried them? They are at roughly 9$ for 6, which is incredibly cheap. That model is also a combo for 8 ball, 9 ball and 10 ball and I was wondering if it would be different than using one only for 9 ball and 10 ball.

Thanks!
Sam
Click to expand...

Pardon my bluntness, but if it's made of plastic, it wont hold up over time and become junk fast.
As in life, you get what you pay for.

These are far superior racks, and being used in this year's US Open. http://www.shop.outsville.com/The-Accu-Rack-System-Templates_c2.htm

Also, they are made in America, utilizing a fabric based material that balls react better on and can be ironed if creased.
Chris Renfro, an AZ user makes them and they are groundbreaking.
 
What do you think the other magic racks are made of? They started as a paper, then switched to a plastic. They hold up quite well, all things considered.
 
i've had one for a few months and it's been holding up pretty good, racks the balls tight
 
SamLambert said:
Hello guys,

I just saw those cheap magic racks on the web:

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAyNFgxMDI0/z/3G8AAOSwBLlVFSuA/$_57.JPG

Have any of you guys tried them? They are at roughly 9$ for 6, which is incredibly cheap. That model is also a combo for 8 ball, 9 ball and 10 ball and I was wondering if it would be different than using one only for 9 ball and 10 ball.

Thanks!
Sam
Click to expand...

Biggest difference is that this is a very cheap thin plastic device - Gas molecular polymer migration will turn that thing into a brittle useless piece of junk in short order.

Not trying to get scientific - just saying it's a cheap gimmick...

I second the recommendation of Renfro's racks. Save your nine dollars and give one of these a try.
 
I have a Magic Rack for 9 ball and one for 10 ball for a least 5 years. Johnnyt
 
Johnnyt said:
I have a Magic Rack for 9 ball and one for 10 ball for a least 5 years. Johnnyt
Click to expand...


Yours did not disintegrate into thin air? Rolls eyes.

Competition is good. It's about time someone knocked off the "magic ball rack" (which itself was a knockoff of the "magic rack". It's a simple stamping process that should not cost anywhere near $10 to $15 per rack. Now, with this knockoff, we are getting closer to the real price. The template racks will end up becoming a commodity item.

Renfros rack might be amazing, idk, I don't have one. But his rack is over $15 per rack. The knockoffs are $9 for qty 6, and the name brand "magic ball rack" is something like $10 or more each.

Let the template racking wars and price wars begin:)
 
iusedtoberich said:
Yours did not disintegrate into thin air? Rolls eyes.

Competition is good. It's about time someone knocked off the "magic ball rack" (which itself was a knockoff of the "magic rack". It's a simple stamping process that should not cost anywhere near $10 to $15 per rack. Now, with this knockoff, we are getting closer to the real price. The template racks will end up becoming a commodity item.

Renfros rack might be amazing, idk, I don't have one. But his rack is over $15 per rack. The knockoffs are $9 for qty 6, and the name brand "magic ball rack" is something like $10 or more each.

Let the template racking wars and price wars begin:)
Click to expand...

You can roll your eyes all you want, that's fine. However it does not change the laws of physics.

Gas molecule polymer migration is a physical reality. It is the reason why cheap plastic formulations lose their elasticity and become brittle.

Now go ahead and roll your eyes as your whistle past the graveyard.
 
I have a six pack of these Ebay magic racks. I have been using one for about six months. Working great. However, while racking balls the other night, I felt a slight trickle migrating down my leg. Must have been some of that molecular polymer.

Rick
 
Agent 99 said:
You can roll your eyes all you want, that's fine. However it does not change the laws of physics.

Gas molecule polymer migration is a physical reality. It is the reason why cheap plastic formulations lose their elasticity and become brittle.

Now go ahead and roll your eyes as your whistle past the graveyard.
Click to expand...

Expressly why, if you wanted to pull a Shane and use a plastic rack for five hours, and break a couple hundred times, the wear and degradation would show for sure.

If it's used sparingly for a few months, maybe it's life can be extended.

But you are right, laws of physics cannot be circumvented.

Also, Renfros rack takes the balls very easily and with a gentle push of the back row, all gaps disappear. Even with older and uneven set of balls. It really is superior in every way.
 
Bumpa said:
I have a six pack of these Ebay magic racks. I have been using one for about six months. Working great. However, while racking balls the other night, I felt a slight trickle migrating down my leg. Must have been some of that molecular polymer.

Rick
Click to expand...

A friend of mine has these, and there are gaps galore. Not to mention the difficulties of placing the balls and trying to get a decent rack. We eventually went back to his Delta rack and talked about the Accu rack which I had on my table.

I gifted him an accu rack I picked up at the Expo and the plastic rack sits in a drawer. Anytime we play 8 ball, the racks explode open. Gotta love the Accu Rack.

If you were to use one side by side with your eBay rack, I'm sure you'd notice the difference.
 
I can't vouch for the molecular integrity of the product that the OP is asking about. I'm just here to say that I have a few of them. I've had them for at least a couple of years now and they work as advertised. I have no idea if they are better or worse than any other manufacturer's template racks because I've only used the cheap Chinese version. I don't notice any gaps when I use them as 8 ball racks, but then again I don't consider myself to be a rack mechanic. I don't spend very much time inspecting the rack once I've placed the balls on the template. I'm more of a rack the balls, break them hard, and run out type of guy.

Because I almost exclusively play 8 ball, I ended up cutting the 2 plastic antennas coming off the rear of the rack so that I was left with a simple triangle. Even after the modification, I still have not had any issues with gaps in the rack.

Here are 2 videos of me using the same rack that the OP posted before and after I modified it. You can judge for yourself whether the balls break open as one would expect.
Before modification: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSTH3Z3Eg_A
After modification: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHlhK2X68AA
(same rack used and videos were taken just over a year apart from each other)

Personally, I would recommend the rack to anyone interested in getting one. I will add that I would definitely prefer this rack to using a regular plastic/wood triangle rack do to how much easier it is to get a tight rack.
 
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iusedtoberich said:
Yours did not disintegrate into thin air? Rolls eyes.

Competition is good. It's about time someone knocked off the "magic ball rack" (which itself was a knockoff of the "magic rack". It's a simple stamping process that should not cost anywhere near $10 to $15 per rack. Now, with this knockoff, we are getting closer to the real price. The template racks will end up becoming a commodity item.

Renfros rack might be amazing, idk, I don't have one. But his rack is over $15 per rack. The knockoffs are $9 for qty 6, and the name brand "magic ball rack" is something like $10 or more each.

Let the template racking wars and price wars begin:)
Click to expand...

Agreed. Yet another example of how stupid pool players are. 10 -15 dollars for a stamped sliver of plastic is monumentally dense.
 
The problem with these one size fits all racks is it now has a bigger trap area for the balls to land in. I like to leave mine down unless it's "in the shot" and this version I would assume create bigger problem.
 
Agent 99 said:
You can roll your eyes all you want, that's fine. However it does not change the laws of physics.

Gas molecule polymer migration is a physical reality. It is the reason why cheap plastic formulations lose their elasticity and become brittle.

Now go ahead and roll your eyes as your whistle past the graveyard.
Click to expand...

Everything on this planet, will end up disintegrating, given enough time. Including the plastic on the computer/phone that you paid hundreds of dollars to type your message on. Does that mean paying $2 for a plastic template rack, that will most likely last a few years in normal usage conditions, and will most likely wear out from the friction of the balls elongating the diamond shaped locating holes, before the plastic disintegrates, a bad deal?
 
iusedtoberich said:
Everything on this planet, will end up disintegrating, given enough time. Including the plastic on the computer/phone that you paid hundreds of dollars to type your message on. Does that mean paying $2 for a plastic template rack, that will most likely last a few years in normal usage conditions, and will most likely wear out from the friction of the balls elongating the diamond shaped locating holes, before the plastic disintegrates, a bad deal?
Click to expand...

You have a valid point there ... I don't think these racks are a bad deal ... just saying there are better options, albeit at a higher price.
 
Agent 99 said:
You can roll your eyes all you want, that's fine. However it does not change the laws of physics.

Gas molecule polymer migration is a physical reality. It is the reason why cheap plastic formulations lose their elasticity and become brittle.

Now go ahead and roll your eyes as your whistle past the graveyard.
Click to expand...

I'm rolling my eyes. What are these Chinese magic rack knock offs made of and what is the process? And if you say, "cheap plastic ," you might want to reconsider.

Freddie <~~~ plastics is a chemical thing
 
Just an FYI as dies wear they end up not being consistent on cutting and there have been several recalls over the years on die cut templates when that happens.. Since we use polyester material Accu-Racks are actually cut on a laser cutter so the process is both more accurate and more expensive since it is not automated... not to mention the material is more expensive than the plastic sheets by more than a little bit... I tried the plastic and several other materials in testing our choice was about performance not making a chinese racking template....

You can compare us as far as we are a template but after that you can forget it... Our geometry and designs belong to us and are legally protected... Our templates work when others fail due to the cloth surface or the wear on balls and leave gaps you cannot fix.. Our templates also mimic the friction of the cloth so the racks come apart like they are supposed to and balls change paths relative to angles and speed....

So far people are getting over 6 month of use per template. Not sure exactly how many racks that would be but I am sure how many racks that is but lets go low.. 10 racks a day times 150 days 1500 racks.. so an Accu-Rack at most is a penny a rack.... Lose 3 races to 3 for 5 bucks because you got the rack stuck on you in 6 months and there went your 15bucks... You also have the tube/cap and insert involved in each set... Go price those items as well... Plus the time/ink and printer wear spent printing the sheet goods... then the labor for packaging.....

Let's not forget we also sponsor some juniors, tournaments and tours many with free racks... That's advertising as well and has to be allocated on a per rack basis... I would love to be able to sell you racks at 6 for 9 bucks but it can't happen when they are made here in the US and are made with the materials and processes we have chosen... I am sure I could have someone in china turn key them for me and maybe save some costs but that is just not who I am... Everything we make and will make will be made here in Knoxville TN aside from packaging and so far we even try to buy those items from US Suppliers......

And for the 6 for 9$ crowd... http://www.cheapcues.com/Players_Pool_Cues_C-802.asp

Players low end cue will run you 63 bucks plus shipping.. I am sure it be of the same quality in wormanship and material and plays just as well as any cue you can find.... :rolleyes:
 
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