Opinions on Impact of Tighter Pockets on Rating

[Get_A_Grip]

This is my first time trying this game/test. At this point I'm not quite sure what the impact of having tightened my pockets from 5" corners to 4 1/2" corners (4" in back) would be for this game.

I have one session to go, and it looks like I will end-up in the middle of the Developing Pro rating. The last time that I've done the 9-ball skills test (a full 100 games) I ended-up in the Semi-Pro range. However, when I did that, my corner pockets were still at 5".

Until I'm able to redo the 9-ball skills test with the tigher pockets, I'm not sure if I'm doing a little worse than before strickly because of the tighter pockets, or whether this game is actually more difficult than the 9-ball skills test.

I'm thinking that it's a combination of both...but does anyone think that going from 5" corner pockets to 4 1/2" corner pockets would result in a full level of play lower?

Secondly, did anyone do this game/test last year with bigger pockets and this year with smaller pockets--if so, let me know, I would be interested in seeing how this affected your score. Thanks. (Very fun and challenging game, by the way...).

 

[Williebetmore]

At this point I'm not quite sure what the impact of having tightened my pockets from 5" corners to 4 1/2" corners (4" in back) would be for this game.

I'm thinking that it's a combination of both...but does anyone think that going from 5" corner pockets to 4 1/2" corner pockets would result in a full level of play lower?

Secondly, did anyone do this game/test last year with bigger pockets and this year with smaller pockets--if so, let me know, I would be interested in seeing how this affected your score. Thanks.

GAG-man,
I'm estimating the difference between loose and tight equipment at 100-200 balls in a thousand point set for the better amateur players. The beginning players probably 150-300 balls difference. For pro players probably only a 20-50 point difference.

I'll let you know how things go this season - my table has the same pockets as last season, but the cloth has aged, and now the table plays significantly harder. When you notice little difference in your game depending on the equipment, you will know you've arrived.

 

[dmgwalsh]

This is my first time trying this game/test. At this point I'm not quite sure what the impact of having tightened my pockets from 5" corners to 4 1/2" corners (4" in back) would be for this game.

I have one session to go, and it looks like I will end-up in the middle of the Developing Pro rating. The last time that I've done the 9-ball skills test (a full 100 games) I ended-up in the Semi-Pro range. However, when I did that, my corner pockets were still at 5".

Until I'm able to redo the 9-ball skills test with the tigher pockets, I'm not sure if I'm doing a little worse than before strickly because of the tighter pockets, or whether this game is actually more difficult than the 9-ball skills test.

I'm thinking that it's a combination of both...but does anyone think that going from 5" corner pockets to 4 1/2" corner pockets would result in a full level of play lower?

Secondly, did anyone do this game/test last year with bigger pockets and this year with smaller pockets--if so, let me know, I would be interested in seeing how this affected your score. Thanks. (Very fun and challenging game, by the way...).

I've got bucket pockets and they play pretty easy. Next week I'm getting new cloth, new rails and tightening the pockets somewhat. I'll be able to notice something pretty soon.

 

[Get_A_Grip]

It will play tougher than at first

I've got bucket pockets and they play pretty easy. Next week I'm getting new cloth, new rails and tightening the pockets somewhat. I'll be able to notice something pretty soon.

When you put on new cloth, even if you tighten the pockets the table won't play too tough--at first. Wait until the slickness of the cloth goes away...the pockets will start to spit balls out regularly if not hit at pocket speed and if balls hit the rails more than a half a diamond up the rail--the balls ain't going in...no matter how softly you hit them.

Still glad I tightened my pockets. I noticed that I'm running out much more often now when I play on easier equipment.

 

[uwate]

Last night I played a 30 rack session with the first 20 racks played on a fairly wet table. It had been raining yesterday in Miami and despite the temp being in the 70s, it was still damp and humid out. My table played noticeably tougher with balls being spit out on length of the table rail shots that were not hit clean.

My first two sessions were 152 and a 148. On one rack in particular, I got out of line and had to shoot a bank shot that came up short due to the table conditions. I had even adjusted my aim longer because I knew the table was playing wet and it still came up short. Disgusted with the conditions, I closed up my house and ran the A/C for 20 min and then returned to table conditions that were much easier.

My third session I shot a 161 and thats including one rack where I misplayed a cluster and got frozen to a ball with no shot and ended up with a 3 on that rack.

The bottom line is that I think that looser pockets adds at least 10 balls per session. Williebetmore's numbers are pretty accurate imo, although I think the amateur number of 150-300 may be a little high. jmo