Home Table Pocket Size

3RAILKICK

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
This time I didn't search-

Yesterday, I looked at an old 4 1/2 x 9 Sportking for sale that had 5 1/4 corners and 5 3/4 side pockets. It got me thinking.....(like Curly of the Three Stooges...nothing happened)...so, I'm asking:

For those that have a home table-what size pockets did you choose or inherit on your table.

Is 4 1/4 inch corners a decent compromise? I don't know much about pocket cut angles and such- deep shelves, etc. Our local room has 4 inch corners on some of the tables. They play tough. Another 1/4 inch make much difference?

What size would you want to help improve your pocketing focus, yet still fair?

Would your favorite game(s) help dictate the size you choose for the set up?

What would you recommend?

thanks

ps-I did search AZB re the Sportking vs GC. Opinions seem to clearly favor GC but the Sportking- not that bad for a home practice table, if the pricing is right.

Agree?
 
sportking is perfect
why make it miserable to play
i have owned several gc,and anniversary, centenniel and sportking

these are the 4 best
i love big pockets for pool


agree
 
I like 4.5 " corners and 5" sides...

i would probably scratch a lot on a table with 5 1/4 inch corners.
 
Sportkings are awesome tables! I put 4 inch pockets on my Anniversary and couldn't be happier. I like the fact that I have to focus more to make the shot. Now when I play at a pool hall the game seems easier.
 
I think 2 balls wide should be the standard for all tables at the corners ..and an extra half inch at the sides... but no one cares what I think LOL:rolleyes:
 
I had my GC4 set up with 4 1/4" corners and 4 3/4" sides. I'm very happy. 4" is too tight for me because I do like to play straight pool. 4 1/4" is tough for straight pool but not unduly so, and the table plays real well for other games, one pocket included.

Donny of SD Billiards cut the pockets.

I will say that 4 1/2" is better for a deep shelf table like a Diamond or Olhausen.

If you expect to be in South OC at all this summer, PM me and you can take it for a test drive.
 
I had my GC4 set up with 4 1/4" corners and 4 3/4" sides. I'm very happy. 4" is too tight for me because I do like to play straight pool. 4 1/4" is tough for straight pool but not unduly so, and the table plays real well for other games, one pocket included.

Donny of SD Billiards cut the pockets.

I will say that 4 1/2" is better for a deep shelf table like a Diamond or Olhausen.

If you expect to be in South OC at all this summer, PM me and you can take it for a test drive.

4 inch pockets are not bad for straight pool. I had my high run of 17 just the other night! LOL. You're right Mitchell, not good for 14.1. Love the way Donny set up your table by the way.
 
Tight pockets

Tight pockets in the 4 inch range is fine if you are the only one playing on it or if your family and buddies like the challenge also. But, if your ball banging buddies can't make a ball, there is a chance they won't be back. I returned mine to standard openings for that reason. Besides, pocket openings make no difference if you are putting the balls dead center :thumbup:
 
pockets

I put 4" pockets on my table and I regret it . Way too tight for the way I play anymore.I play a lot of straight pool and on my table if you brush a rail you will just about leave it in the jaws everytime. I have ran 37 but on a much slower table with 4.5 " pockets I could always score in the 50s.As for games where the cue ball travels alot my table is a confidence breaker. I will be opening the pockets up when I recover it.
 
The Diamond Pro Am pro cut (4.5" corner) pockets are perfect imo.

Playing 9-ball or 10-ball on a 9-footer is challenging... yet realistic.
 
Do you measure from the outside or the very inside of the pocket? If two balls fit in the back of the pocket wouldn't that be 4.5" pocket?

I've always wondered.
Thanks.

Stan
 
4.25" corners and 4.74" sides are perfect for a serious player/players.

If you are more of beginner, def go with larger!!
 
The tighter the pockets on your home table, the easier it is to play on tables with looser pockets. This gives you an unexpected advantage away from home, and gives anyone comming to visit you a significant disadvantage to you.
 
The last time I had my GC II table redone I went from triple shims to doubles. I believe the corners are 4 5/8 's now. No idea of the sides. Next time the table is redone will be with a subrail extention. The extra facings have got to go.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk.
 
Do you measure from the outside or the very inside of the pocket? If two balls fit in the back of the pocket wouldn't that be 4.5" pocket?

I've always wondered.
Thanks.

Stan
Here's a pic from my Diamond Pro Am... the measurement is made at the points of the cushions.

 
My Valley has 3 sets of rails. Standard Valey (about 4 3/4" corners), set of Ridgebacks with 4 1/2" corners, and another set of Ridgebacks that make all 6 pockets 4". Johnnyt
 
Do you measure from the outside or the very inside of the pocket? If two balls fit in the back of the pocket wouldn't that be 4.5" pocket?

I've always wondered.
Thanks.

Stan

Typically pocket size is measured from the mouth, point to point between the cushion noses.

Here's my GC4 (4.25"):

005.jpg
 
I think 2 balls wide should be the standard for all tables at the corners ..and an extra half inch at the sides... but no one cares what I think LOL:rolleyes:

I just think there should be A standard. Two ball width seems like a reasonable standard to me, but whatever they want to make it, do that. I hate going from one table with bucket sides to another where the sides look like teacups. Mainly 'cause I usually don't notice until I'm trying to cut into the side.

'Nother thing I've seen that bugs the hell out of me, where the cutout for the side pocket actually sticks out farther than the rail, so if you run a ball slowly down the long rail you could drop it in the side. That's just inane. That's usually worst on the crap tables at the sporting goods stores, but I've seen it a couple times on bar tables.
 
Back
Top