I have played on a few tables that were so tightly shimmed, it was ridiculous. Maybe, I am "Old School" but I believe the best three tables that I have ever played on are:
The Centennial, The Anniversary, and Gold Crown I. All come out of the factory with forgiven pockets. To me any table that has shimmed pockets, I consider to be altered equipment.
I big draw back to playing on tight pockets is the fact that you can not play position by hitting different areas of the pocket, also a player can not utilize the rails to slightly skim off the long rail in order to pocket a ball. These aspects of the game are taken away from a player.
A newer player who learns to play on a tight shimmed table will have nothing but trouble and will never learn how to properly cheat pockets to move their cue ball on certain shots.
I do believe that I read a post one time that John Schmidt also did not care for shimmed pockets and believed it was not a good thing for players.
OK, don't throw rocks at me for this. It's just my opinion. If 80% of you like shimmed pockets, I say.... Great for you but better you then I. When I am asked by other players on this subject, this is what I always tell them. Again, I do not want basket ball hoops as pockets but what ever the measurement that Brunswick made on their tables all threw their history and what a great history that company has. That is the size, I want on my table.
