Do your drop pockets sound like a box of rocks???

Bob 14:1

Bob 14:1

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
This is most likely old hat to most of you, but for me, it works so well that I thought I'd just toss it out there.

I changed out my ill fitting Olhausen pockets for a proper, semi-hard, composite pocket. Geezalou, when the first ball dropped, it was unbelievably loud and annoying. Some balls would actually bounce a few times, and others could be heard rolling around the perimeter of the pocket bottom.

I ordered these foam pads and they fit perfectly into the bottom of the pocket and really make pocketing the first one or two balls much quieter.

I had been using cotton applicators from an auto supply store and they worked well on the Olhausen pockets, but didn't stay in place in my new and slightly less in diameter replacements. They are available in both 4" and 4.5". I found the 4" to be right for my table.

Three, 2/packs were $14.42 to my door. The darn shipping was nearly more than the cost of the 3 items, but I just couldn't seem to source them locally. Most on line auto detailiing sites stock them...

IMG_6023.jpg
 
Nice!

I used bean bags from a 'bags' game (least it's called that in the Midwest). Probably pricier than foam applicators unless you have some already. They give a satisfying crunch when a ball drops in.
 
Bob 14:1 said:
This is most likely old hat to most of you, but for me, it works so well that I thought I'd just toss it out there.

I changed out my ill fitting Olhausen pockets for a proper, semi-hard, composite pocket. Geezalou, when the first ball dropped, it was unbelievably loud and annoying. Some balls would actually bounce a few times, and others could be heard rolling around the perimeter of the pocket bottom.

I ordered these foam pads and they fit perfectly into the bottom of the pocket and really make pocketing the first one or two balls much quieter.

I had been using cotton applicators from an auto supply store and they worked well on the Olhausen pockets, but didn't stay in place in my new and slightly less in diameter replacements. They are available in both 4" and 4.5". I found the 4" to be right for my table.

Three, 2/packs were $14.42 to my door. The darn shipping was nearly more than the cost of the 3 items, but I just couldn't seem to source them locally. Most on line auto detailiing sites stock them...

View attachment 370953
Click to expand...

they won't work on an auto return system. blocks too much of the return hole. A table I have access to has plastic pockets and are loud. I lined them with 1/8 leather cut outs on the back of pocket and bottom with adhesive. Plus a thin piece of foam in the ball collection container. Peace at last.
 
I use socks with holes in them on the bottom of my GC4 drop pockets:) I like when people come over for the first time (bangers) and ask why there are socks in the pockets. lol.
 
If the holes were big enough you could even use the socks in a ball return system...
 
I've been using some cutouts made from a sheet of memory foam in my table for a few years and it definitely mutes the sound of the first few balls.
 
Good Idea!! I used to put some old cloth in the bottom when I had a drop pocket table. Glad I'm not the only one annoyed by that plastic noise! lol :thumbup:
 
I've always used old carpet cut into appropriately sized circles - works great. Using any dark colored carpet, you don't even know they are there unless you really look.
 
The question... "Do your drop pockets sound like a box of rocks???"

It sounds like music to my ears. It's much more quiet than the ball return rails and box were... that are now in my attic. Also on a fast table (as mine is), it is not uncommon to have an unexpected ball to drop after the break... while you are turned reaching for your shooter. If you have music playing in the background, a sponge, rag, piece of carpet, whatever will dampen the sound of the ball dropping. If my opponent is shooting, I might want to take a sip from my White Russian right after he strikes the cue ball and if I look away to grab my drink... I can always here if the OB drops.
Also I (myself) consider any cloth (as well as blocking that drain hole at the bottom of the pocket)... to be a dirt, dust and chalk collector (transferred onto dropped balls).

To each his own. At first the rolling around of the 1st ball in a pocket bothered me a little... less than a month after changing over... it became more just the sound of shooting pool. The same could be said about a rail system.... in time you don't even hear it. I just prefer drop pockets because of repetitive drills and practice shots.

As I said to each his own, and there are some very good ideas here for those who can't adjust to the sound and would rather have a dirt collector in their pockets. Myself... I play better without music or anything other than the natural sounds of the table and my brain seems to automatically keep track of where I'm at, or sub-conscientiously count (in whatever game I'm shooting) when I can easily hear the balls falling to the bottom of the ol' pockets.
Of course I know that my GCIV may not be as annoying or audible as other brand tables or some after-market pockets.
Just my 2 cents on why I shy away from some of these well thought out suggestions.
 
Diogenes said:
The question... "Do your drop pockets sound like a box of rocks???"

It sounds like music to my ears. It's much more quiet than the ball return rails and box were... that are now in my attic. Also on a fast table (as mine is), it is not uncommon to have an unexpected ball to drop after the break... while you are turned reaching for your shooter. If you have music playing in the background, a sponge, rag, piece of carpet, whatever will dampen the sound of the ball dropping. If my opponent is shooting, I might want to take a sip from my White Russian right after he strikes the cue ball and if I look away to grab my drink... I can always here if the OB drops.
Also I (myself) consider any cloth (as well as blocking that drain hole at the bottom of the pocket)... to be a dirt, dust and chalk collector (transferred onto dropped balls).

To each his own. At first the rolling around of the 1st ball in a pocket bothered me a little... less than a month after changing over... it became more just the sound of shooting pool. The same could be said about a rail system.... in time you don't even hear it. I just prefer drop pockets because of repetitive drills and practice shots.

As I said to each his own, and there are some very good ideas here for those who can't adjust to the sound and would rather have a dirt collector in their pockets. Myself... I play better without music or anything other than the natural sounds of the table and my brain seems to automatically keep track of where I'm at, or sub-conscientiously count (in whatever game I'm shooting) when I can easily hear the balls falling to the bottom of the ol' pockets.
Of course I know that my GCIV may not be as annoying or audible as other brand tables or some after-market pockets.
Just my 2 cents on why I shy away from some of these well thought out suggestions.
Click to expand...

Personally I prefer a little Strauss in the background. Could always cut out the bottom of whatever matching the drain cut.. I have a nifty hand vacuum that I use in the pockets. If it were my table I would install leather drop pockets. End of problem. But it isn't so we're messing with various methods of making an expensive problem cheap. The table is in an apartment complex with a billiard room off the lobby. Only noise we can't mess with is the break obviously.
 
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