I always thought the draw dropped easier than a stop or a follow on that shot.
maybe just me.
I suggested this exercise to the OP, because it works on several levels. It isn't "the ultimate test" of the perfect pocket design or even peak shotmaking ability. Rather, it's a test that takes into account the human factor as well as a certain "minimum" of pocket design. It would be easy enough to make a test that would put a lot of big manufacturers to shame. Getting a pocket absolutely perfect is actually not that easy.
Here are the underlying reasons why I believe the test i proposed is valid to determine how suitable the table is to your skill level. Naturally I should add that all this is contingent on the length of draw being physically possible to make on a diagonal shot into the (open) pocket.
1. Better players will be able to get more action at slower speeds.
2. Better players will have greater accuracy at speed with tip offset.
3. Drawing the ball back that far will ensure that a certain minimum of speed and tip offset is needed. Also, because of the above factors, a great player can get away with less speed on this shot. A follow shot would probably require the cushion coming into play, and that's an extra factor that can influence the outcome and speed needed.
4. My contention is that if you cannot hit the ball along the rail at this speed and some vertical tip offset, and make it relatively comfortably, you cannot make the full range of shots needed to enjoy the game and that should be what owning a home table is all about. You can always add pocket reducers, or use combination shots etc to practise extreme accuracy.
5. If, say, Dennis Orcollo or someone of his ilk can't make this shot consistently on a table or even a lesser pro, then the pocket is absolutely IMO defective and not suited for playing the game on.
