How can you test the difference?

[u12armresl]

I saw these
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PRO-POCKET-...297?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cd531b8a1

And I am wondering, how can you accurately test the assertions made, and how much of a real difference would they make.

Someone mentioned that these were Penguin rails that had been modified, and I'm not sold on Ridgeback rails at all.

So what is a way, even after getting them, to say, yes things are tighter, or play better. The ole, more balls are not going in doesn't seem to scientific or repeatable.

Thanks for your help and reading this.

 

[DallasHopps]

The measurements and physical differences are easily verified, but the subjectivity inherent in claims of "better" makes a lot of the claims difficult or impossible to back up with anything repeatable. It's all in the preference of the user.

One thing I'm curious about is the wider subrail used to make a deeper shelf. If all subrails are widened by the same amount, doesn't that screw up the 2:1 playing surface ratio? That would make multi rail banks, kicks, and position different wouldn't it?

 

[bradsh98]

If all subrails are widened by the same amount, doesn't that screw up the 2:1 playing surface ratio? That would make multi rail banks, kicks, and position different wouldn't it?

Slightly...

Most tables are off a bit anyway. But, does anyone notice?

I would think that the rebound off the rail is more important to most players. Using a K55 cushion, and a thicker subrail, should create a faster rebound.

 

[DJ14.1]

@u12armresl A better question might be, what are you hoping to accomplish? Are you trying to make more money with the barbox, or have a better playing table? Those are kinda competing ideas.

Your questions are pretty general and hard to answer without knowing what your priorities are.

 

[wbweld0]

I just recently bought these rails from Penguin covered in the tourney blue Simonis. In my opinion they play great. They play very close to the Diamond...I have shimmed my slate as well in numerous places so it doesn't roll off. To create the deep shelf feel of the Diamonds...Penguin made the rail thicker. So now if you hit a ball down the rail and miss it then unlike the Valley rail it will not drop...it will bobble.