First impressions of my new Simonis X-1...

[Bob 14:1]

Well, I've only used it once. Immediately I was struck with the thought that "this ain't sliced bread".

Below you can see a rough comparison with using a dry, quality microfiber cloth a week ago. I felt on both trials that the table showed, as best as I could estimate, similar chalk marks. Of course, these approximations are admittedly somewhat subjective, but close enough for a general analysis.

I'm feeling that it is definitely better than your standard horsehair table brush. I can actually see that it has lifted an unknown percentage of the chalk residue from the cloth. I speculate that a brush merely spreads out most of the chalk and the cloth appears cleaner, but I don't know if the brush actually removes the chalk. I've often brushed public tables that were so filthy that I couldn't play on them, and in these extreme conditions, it's clear that the brush lifts up billows of chalk dust and deposits it into the foot pockets, but this is apparent only under the very worst of table conditions.

I think I'm most consoled by the fact that the tool doesn't have nearly the "drag" on the cloth as does a dry microfiber. One might speculate that the longer fibers of the microwave cloth may dig deeper into the fabric weave, but with the lighter pressure and drag of the X-1, I'm hoping that its use may be less destructive to the actual cloth fibers. I simply do not know the answer to that.

I however, did find a folded microfiber to be much more adaptable to the close quarters of the areas around the pockets, and definitely more effective at cleaning under the cushions and getting into the gap between the cushions and the bed cloth.

So, I think I like it for its convenience, and to me, it does give the table a slightly more uniform and "dressed" final appearance.

Certainly, I'm sure I'll become more accustomed to using it, since as with any new procedure, change is usually a bit awkward or uncomfortable compared to our usual routines.

I think it is very easy and convenient to use which may be its major benefit. Many times I just forego cleaning the table; not wanting to drag out a vacuum, etc.

At this point in time it seems convenient and I like it. I'm not overwhelmed. I'm not under-whelmed. I guess I'm just "whelmed"... :shrug:

 

[Type79]

+++++

I've used mine for 2 years and am more than happy with it's performance and ease of use.

Some will criticize it's cost of $89 which is not really expensive at all when compared to the cost of everything else in the world of billiards.

 

[Dan White]

I'm like you. I'd say, "meh. I guess it's OK." It's really just as easy to pull out my hand vac and use that. When I first got an X-1 I used it and then wiped the table with a damp cloth. I still got chalk on the damp cloth, so I don't know if the X-1 really helps me. It seems good at getting rid of the bigger chalk marks (but does it just spread it out?).

 

[Ak Guy]

I like it

I have had mine about 3 months and like it. I think it does a much better job of picking up chalk then my camel hair brush. I may abandon the brush altogether and just use the vacuum cleaner with small brush and the X1. A guy on here told me the old style chalk erasers work well too. I am going to try and find some to try out and if they do the job and last then bye bye X1.

 

[Bob 14:1]

I've used mine for 2 years and am more than happy with it's performance and ease of use.

Some will criticize it's cost of $89 which is not really expensive at all when compared to the cost of everything else in the world of billiards.

I think that's a critical point. If one's discretionary income is compromised significantly by the price; you may want to forego.

After spending c. $500 for cloth and misc., I feel it's a worthwhile investment.

The acid test will be my resulting cloth speed & appearance over an extended window of time.

For me personally, it was a birthday gift, and certainly a much more useful item than my obligatory annual shirt and tie.

 

[bdorman]

Some will criticize it's cost of $89 which is not really expensive at all when compared to the cost of everything else in the world of billiards.

But remember, you're picking up about 2-cents worth of chalk...unless you use the expensive stuff.

 

[Bob 14:1]

Shortly out of college, I sold major appliances.

One evening an older gentleman came in to purchase a washing machine. He was neat and clean and well groomed.

However, judging by his attire, I sensed him to be definitely on a tight budget.

I directed him to a lower priced machine. He turned to me and said,"Young fellow, I am a poor man. I can only afford to buy the very best."

That is nearly ver batim, and it's stuck with me for over forty years...