Cushion Questions

[AzDave]

Just had a Gold Crown I recovered with Simonis 860. Mechanic was to convert table to a 'tight pocket' table with 4 1/2" pockets. He replaced the original 'Super Speed' cushions with something pink and the finished corner pockets came out 4" measured from inside pocket's outside 1/8" radius. He stated that he'd just set up a room of new GC 4's and replaced all the new SS cushions because they were "cheap junk" with his pink things. He also stated that GC I slate is superior to the new GC 4 because the new stuff is "softer" than the old slate.

Got a few questions for anyone in the know here. First, who makes these pink cushions and are they truly superior to Super Speeds? Second, is 4" going too far? I can still make all the shots, but ya gotta be perfect. No margin of error at all. Seems to be a good practice table, but wonder about friends being able to play the table.

 

[ShootingArts]

mixed feelings

I don't know about the pink stuff but I wouldn't be happy unless it plays like the "super speed" cushions or what you normally compete on. Also I don't think that you can prep for competition solely on the four inch pockets. With very tight pockets and different playing rails you will have to make major adjustments for competition. I practiced on super tight pockets every day but I also played the same tables I competed on every day too. The tight pockets will improve your stroke and aim but they will also make you a little too cautious on the big pockets and you won't be comfortable cheating pockets if you only play on the tight pocket table.

Sounds like the table mechanic didn't give what you asked for and now is giving a song and dance.

Just my experience and opinion of course.

Hu

Just had a Gold Crown I recovered with Simonis 860. Mechanic was to convert table to a 'tight pocket' table with 4 1/2" pockets. He replaced the original 'Super Speed' cushions with something pink and the finished corner pockets came out 4" measured from inside pocket's outside 1/8" radius. He stated that he'd just set up a room of new GC 4's and replaced all the new SS cushions because they were "cheap junk" with his pink things. He also stated that GC I slate is superior to the new GC 4 because the new stuff is "softer" than the old slate.

Got a few questions for anyone in the know here. First, who makes these pink cushions and are they truly superior to Super Speeds? Second, is 4" going too far? I can still make all the shots, but ya gotta be perfect. No margin of error at all. Seems to be a good practice table, but wonder about friends being able to play the table.

 

[AzDave]

Appreciate your advice... Jury's still out for me...looking for any and all advice.

Again, really appreciate your advice...

I don't know about the pink stuff but I wouldn't be happy unless it plays like the "super speed" cushions or what you normally compete on. Also I don't think that you can prep for competition solely on the four inch pockets. With very tight pockets and different playing rails you will have to make major adjustments for competition. I practiced on super tight pockets every day but I also played the same tables I competed on every day too. The tight pockets will improve your stroke and aim but they will also make you a little too cautious on the big pockets and you won't be comfortable cheating pockets if you only play on the tight pocket table.

Sounds like the table mechanic didn't give what you asked for and now is giving a song and dance.

Just my experience and opinion of course.

Hu

 

[Doug]

The "pink cushions" you refer to could be Artemis cushions. If so, they are standard on Diamond tables and play superb. However, the super speed cushions are very good also but play differently. Very fast!! Pockets tighter than 4 1/2" are not really all that helpful IMO. You may become more proficient at pocketing balls but your overall game can suffer because you are afraid to use the stroke required for position for fear of missing. For one pocket tighter practice pockets could be helpful because power strokes are not used as much.

 

[BRKNRUN]

Just had a Gold Crown I recovered with Simonis 860. Mechanic was to convert table to a 'tight pocket' table with 4 1/2" pockets. He replaced the original 'Super Speed' cushions with something pink and the finished corner pockets came out 4" measured from inside pocket's outside 1/8" radius. He stated that he'd just set up a room of new GC 4's and replaced all the new SS cushions because they were "cheap junk" with his pink things. He also stated that GC I slate is superior to the new GC 4 because the new stuff is "softer" than the old slate.

Got a few questions for anyone in the know here. First, who makes these pink cushions and are they truly superior to Super Speeds? Second, is 4" going too far? I can still make all the shots, but ya gotta be perfect. No margin of error at all. Seems to be a good practice table, but wonder about friends being able to play the table.

How did he make the m 4"... (via extra shimms?) If so you could have him remove the extra shimms and open the pocket to 4.5"

If he added extra wood to the rail to extend the rail and tighten the pocket it may not be that bad.

The balls shuld go in when struck cleanly....extra shimms can add to much "bounce" to the face of the pocket and cause the ball to grab and then spit out instead of feed in like it's supposed to.

The bottom line is that the rubber does not determin the pocket size...the mechanic that "cuts" the rubber and applys the faciings determins the pocket size.

 

[AzDave]

How did he make the m 4"... (via extra shims?) If so you could have him remove the extra shims and open the pocket to 4.5"

The bottom line is that the rubber does not determine the pocket size...the mechanic that "cuts" the rubber and applies the faciings determines the pocket size.

He used shims. First, he used a box cutter to cut the original SS rubber off. Then he carefully sanded the rails to accept the new rubber. Next he applied two *sets* of shims to the rails. Then the new rubber was applied with contact cement. He then cut the ends of the new rubber using soapy water to lube the knife blade. He then applied a third set of shims.

 

[BRKNRUN]

He used shims. First, he used a box cutter to cut the original SS rubber off. Then he carefully sanded the rails to accept the new rubber. Next he applied two *sets* of shims to the rails. Then the new rubber was applied with contact cement. He then cut the ends of the new rubber using soapy water to lube the knife blade. He then applied a third set of shims.

Interesting......

FYI - I have 4.5" pockets on a GCII that was accomplished with just the two shimms. The rubber was cut to match the origonal rail and then two facings were applied that evenly covered both the rail and rubber.....

Note: There are different thickness facings and I believe different hardnesses. If I remember correctly the machanic tried to pick extra hard facings to off set the thickness of them being doubled up.

The most correct way is to call Ernesto and have him come over and extend the rail with wood and then use a single facing. (but he does not do individual house tables from what I hear)

 

[NineBallNut]

It depends how much money you want to spend. If you going to have it changed, then the best way is to have the sub rail extended as mentioned above. If you just can't live with the pockets the way they are and don't have a mechanic qualified enough to extend the sub rail, you could try this.

Since you said he used two shims, cut the rubber to fit, then added a third shim, just pulling a shim won't work. However, you could pull the outer shim, pull one off the inner rail, cut the rubber to match flush with only the one shim, re adhere the outer shim and refelt. that should open you pocket up to you liking. Again, this may not be the best way but it will work.

Also, if the rubber he used is artemis, then you have great playing rubber. Their are a lot of people that will tell you superspeed is junk. I never have had any problems with my gold crown playing dead or anything so to me the jury is still out on that one.

For more opinions, put this in the ask the mechanic section.