is there a set formula when comparing corner pockets to side pockets?? i.e. side pockets should be 1.1 times larger, or 1.2 times.

I believe it's always been the side pockets are .5" larger than the corner pockets. This was in the old days of 5" corner pockets being standard, and 4.5" being about the tightest ever made.

In today's time of 4" corners, I think the sides might be more than .5" bigger, but I'm not sure.
 
iusedtoberich said:
I believe it's always been the side pockets are .5" larger than the corner pockets. This was in the old days of 5" corner pockets being standard, and 4.5" being about the tightest ever made.

In today's time of 4" corners, I think the sides might be more than .5" bigger, but I'm not sure.
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A half inch is the only rule I've heard. Making the sides smaller to match the shrinking corners makes shots from some angles to the sides impossible. That doesn't happen for corners -- harder but not impossible.

When checking out a new table, I like to see how close to the side rail the OB can get and still be makeable. Measure on the end rail how many diamonds out the ball is coming from. Less than one is an easy table.
 
Bob Jewett said:
...snip... Making the sides smaller to match the shrinking corners makes shots from some angles to the sides impossible. ....snip....
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Right. Which is why I vaguely recall hearing about some side pockets on 4" corner pocket tables are actually bigger than 4.5", because otherwise they'd be simply too tough.

I don't know it as fact, just I remember hearing it somewhere.
 
iusedtoberich said:
Right. Which is why I vaguely recall hearing about some side pockets on 4" corner pocket tables are actually bigger than 4.5", because otherwise they'd be simply too tough.

I don't know it as fact, just I remember hearing it somewhere.
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I think Diamond bar boxes have an unusually large side pocket relative to the corners, unless Valleys have a very small side pocket relative to their corners.
 
The Old Jaybird said:
see above, that's my dumb question of the day.
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WPA specification:
The pocket openings for pool tables are measured between opposing cushion noses where
the direction changes into the pocket (from pointed lip to pointed lip). This is called mouth.
Corner Pocket Mouth: between 4.5 [11.43 cm] and 4.625 inches [11.75 cm]
Side Pocket Mouth: between 5 [12.7 cm] and 5.125 inches [13.0175 cm]
*The mouth of the side pocket is traditionally ½ inch [1.27 cm] wider than
the mouth of the corner pocket.

There is certainly a lot of deviation from this. I occasionally play on an 8-foot Valley where both the corners and sides are 4.5". I find the 4.5" sides to be obnoxious, and will take a long shot to a corner rather than deal with them.
 
I always thought the side pockets on a Valley were no bargain, but then again, it just might have been me.

So 4.5 corners and 5 inch sides would be a sporty challenge?
 
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