All the racks mentioned here are good products. As are the templates like the Accu-Rack or the Magic Rack.
But, I'm going to suggest you look at it a little differently.
First, learn about what's going on and what affects how the balls rack.
You have to realize that balls wear and they weary unevenly so they are not all the same size. I don't care what rack you use, a perfect rack cannot be had if multiple balls are not the same size.
Also, the table will get a dimple or indentation in the cloth where the front ball is when the rack is broken. This happens because of the pressure of the cue ball, which is usually elevated off the table, pushes down on the front ball driving it into the cloth and making a dent in the cloth. Now, consider that you simply can't rack in the same spot every time and you realize how the spot gets messed up.
So, with all this going on, how do you get a good rack? Even while at a bar?
Start by squeezing the balls up into the rack and sliding it up towards the spot. If some balls roll when you slide it, they are too loose. Move them around until the fewest balls roll.
Next, when you slide the rack up to the spot keep them pressed up into the rack until it's in position, and the slowly slide the rack forward slightly and watch the front balls.
If they move, namely the front ball, it's rolling into a hole that's already there. That location should become the new rack location. Face it, you can't make a ball stay on the side of a hole. It will always roll down hill, so let it go and rack around it.
Gently push all the other balls up to the new position around the front ball and tighten them up without moving it. I actually like to push the front ball very very slightly forward so it's actually leaning back against the rack to help hold it tight.
Carefully remove the rack and you're good to go.
I've used this process for many years. Long before all the special racks or rack your own tournaments. It works. It's not perfect, but it gets the best you can get for a given situation. I'm often amused when I see someone attempt to rack the balls, decide it's too loose, and pull the whole rack of balls back again. Every time they move that front ball out of it's hole, they have to start over. They usually give up and just leave a bad rack. I see it every time I go out and play.
Royce
