Home table playability

To me, I guess that I just don't understand why folks want something different than what they intend on competing most on. For me, that means a 9' Diamond Pro table, just like at the DCC (which I hope to play in if I can get the time off of work). I would think that one would like to get a sense of how much one can cheat a pocket in order to play shape, get a feel for other table characteristics, etc. rather than have a preference for tighter pockets than normal pro players play on regularly.

I guess the reason that I feel that way is because I know that my stroke is straight, and I have confidence in my pre-shot routine and fundamentals and because of that I play well on 5" pockets and 4" pockets alike and everything in between (never played on sub 4" pockets, unless you consider snooker). Like I said, for me, it is the sheer desire to play well that keeps me focused, not pocket size.

Note: I'm not at all knocking the small pocket guys at all, to each their own. Side note: Some would consider my Diamond Pro to be tight, so it's all relative I guess.

Cheers as always,

JL
 
My table doesnt play perfect, but I'd like it to. Neither do any other gold crowns around here, so I have come to accept it. I still rate it as being as good as any other table, 4.5" pockets, artemus rubber, 760 simonis. Perhaps an act of god will occurr, and RKC will reinvent it(Brunswick style though).
 
Having a home table, no matter what the set up will improve your consistency. I had a cheap 9' home table a few years back, had to move, so had to sell the table. I was much more consistent back then than I am now simply due to the fact I could hit balls every single day.
I play on a Diamond with Pro cut pockets at the hall I frequent and that is good for me. Any bigger the pockets get sloppy, any smaller and it just becomes a gaff table.
 
To me, I guess that I just don't understand why folks want something different than what they intend on competing most on.

I practice on my home table, this 8-foot table has fast 760 cloth, and 4.7" pockets. I <keep> the table perfectly level even in a house that heaves with changes in ground moisture, and I keep the rails bouncing at 90 degrees when a ball impacts them with perfect roll. I will add some pocket shims when the table gets new cloth next year. On this table, you can slow roll the CB from any place, to any place without having the dying CB move off perfectly true straight track.

The tables I compete on are 8-foot tables with something resembling (but is not) 860, slightly narrower pockets, balls that are significantly older and more 'used', each of the 14 different tables plays a little different, none are dead true, and several have noticibly dead rails.

Why would I want to practice on one of the competition tables?
 
I don't have space for a table in my current home. One day I'll add a gameroom out back and get either a nice 7' Diamond or 9' Diamond.

I've played on quite a few and they play so well. Whatever size their pockets are is perfect. The pockets don't hinder run outs, unless it's something you really need to cheat the pocket to get shape. But if you are having to cheat the pocket to get shape you may have missed the shot in a way.

Can't wait to have my own table. Shooting on a Diamond, then going to a Valley (until you get lax with those peachbasket pockets) is awesome.

My garage is single car, 11.5ft wide, and way long. I've long contemplated putting a 7ft table in there, and getting a few 48" cues for tight shots.
 
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