Honestly, after a while, it all looks the same on bigger/standard pockets. There's a lot more to it than pocketing balls.
Should the TAR table stay as is or go to standard pockets? You choose.
- Thread starter JCIN
- Start date
Honestly, after a while, it all looks the same on bigger/standard pockets. There's a lot more to it than pocketing balls.
well I'm not sure this will actually help answer your question but my thoughts are this.
If you keep the current format(races to 25) then I say keep the tight pockets.
In the longer race format(100) I would say open the pockets back up so we have a chance to see some decent packages.
I look forward to the next TAR match either way and hope to be able to watch.
If you keep the current format(races to 25) then I say keep the tight pockets.
In the longer race format(100) I would say open the pockets back up so we have a chance to see some decent packages.
I look forward to the next TAR match either way and hope to be able to watch.
Agreed. You should be able to hit a ball at speed and have it drop if you've "nailed it."
In addition, I believe you should be able to work the CB a bit -- that's what pool is all about. And to do that, the pockets cannot be super tight. If you reduce the game to an aiming contest it's not pool anymore, it's something else.
Lou Figueroa
ChrisBanks
Banned
The most exciting TAR Match of all-time, which was also possibly the most exciting pool match in the history of the world, was played on a tough 10 foot table, with both players consistently missing shots.
So if you don't like that, then make the pockets 18 inches so no one will ever miss. And you can let me know who wins because I won't be watching.
So if you don't like that, then make the pockets 18 inches so no one will ever miss. And you can let me know who wins because I won't be watching.
I'm starting to agree with ChrisBanks.
What we really need to do is make the table 1000 yards big and the pockets and balls really small. Obviously, this requires us to go outside. The cue ball could be placed on a small stand, or "tee", and the cue stick replaced with a club that you swing with your whole upper body. Because the pockets are so far away, we'll stick a flag in them so you can see them from your cue ball. Also, we're gonna need more than just a break, playing, and jump cue.... you're gonna need a bigger case... maybe even a helper to carry it all...
If we do that, and make the game more respectable, we may just get more sponsorships and money into the sport...
What we really need to do is make the table 1000 yards big and the pockets and balls really small. Obviously, this requires us to go outside. The cue ball could be placed on a small stand, or "tee", and the cue stick replaced with a club that you swing with your whole upper body. Because the pockets are so far away, we'll stick a flag in them so you can see them from your cue ball. Also, we're gonna need more than just a break, playing, and jump cue.... you're gonna need a bigger case... maybe even a helper to carry it all...
If we do that, and make the game more respectable, we may just get more sponsorships and money into the sport...
Would like to see you switch to Standard 4 1/2 inch pockets. Nobody likes to watch players struggle to run out. I personally would like to see some packages delivered in these longer race formats.
ChrisBanks
Banned
I can't believe what I'm hearing from some of the members here.
Shane would probably love it but I like them the way they are.
I developed a distain for large pockets when I was watching a tournament at the Bicycle Club out here. The match was being televised on ESPN and it was alternate break format. The tables were switched out in the finals to over 5" buckets. Corey Deuel and Danny Basovich took turns breaking and running out. I felt like the tables were made for "the rubes" - like we, the audience, were suckers who needed to worship pool gods.
The TAR table is perfect for championship pool.
I believe that you are on the right train of thinking when you seek to give the end user what they want. They pay for it, including paying the players.
Having said that, I voted to go back to the standard 4.5 inch Diamond rails. In my opinion, as a fan of all pool games to include 9 & 10 ball, onepocket, 14.1, banks and 8 ball, I strongly feel that there needs to be industry standards that determine pocket size, shelf depth, pocket angle facings, etc. Additionally, these specs should be such that they are appropriate for each of the games mentioned above. To my thinking, it is just silly to try to redesign tables to be specific to just one game. For instance, here we've got a 10 ball model. And over here, we have the onepocket model, with only two pockets. And over there we've got the 14.1 table with 6" buckets to encourage high runs. I call BS. The industry needs to define what is standard and go with that, period! Also, to my thinking, Diamond has come the closest to developing a challenging, yet fair table with their standard rails. My hat is off to them.
Lastly, I will go one step further and digress a bit and go ahead and call the new 10 foot tables BS as well. Why, because they will never be industry standard, period. As a paying fan and player, I have little to no interest in watching pool played on equipment that is inaccessible to me. And 10 foot tables will most certainly be inaccessible to me and the vast majority of players, pros included.
In any event, thanks JCIN, Mark, and the rest of the TAR crew! You've got a great thing going - keep it up!
Cheers,
JL
Give it a try?
Ok we have had the 10' table and we have had the 4'' pocket. Why not let the out come of the game decide. Open up the pockets and lets see how a match look then.
If the player put on a better show and the fan-fare suppotrs what they see, I think you'll have your answer!
Ok we have had the 10' table and we have had the 4'' pocket. Why not let the out come of the game decide. Open up the pockets and lets see how a match look then.
If the player put on a better show and the fan-fare suppotrs what they see, I think you'll have your answer!
You can't have 4 1/2 inch pockets for top level professional pool. Especially on a diamond table with new cloth. You will see things you wont want to. Balls hit down the rail that bounce between the first and second diamond will go in if its hit soft enough. Ive watched many matches of top pros playing on 4" pockets and they are able to run out. Please...please keep the tables tight. The most accurate shooter will win, that's what everyone wants to see.
I would like to think I'm a pretty loyal TAR supporter. Have all the DVDs and bought most of the ppv's and a bunch of gear. I haven't voted because I am a little bit torn. I enjoy both for different reasons.
With that said, probably the two best matches I've ever seen in my life were Shane and Alex at the derby (1st matchup) and the Action Challenge 3, Shane and Alex race to 100. These are IMO the best, most suspenseful matches TAR has put out to date. Both were on a standard 4.5" diamond.
In the race to 100, Shane won 7 games in a row, pushing out on the 4th game. The other 6 were break and runs. Even with 4.5" pockets and the best in the world, packages greater than 2-3 were hard to come by.
With that said, probably the two best matches I've ever seen in my life were Shane and Alex at the derby (1st matchup) and the Action Challenge 3, Shane and Alex race to 100. These are IMO the best, most suspenseful matches TAR has put out to date. Both were on a standard 4.5" diamond.
In the race to 100, Shane won 7 games in a row, pushing out on the 4th game. The other 6 were break and runs. Even with 4.5" pockets and the best in the world, packages greater than 2-3 were hard to come by.
4.5 inch
I like the bigger pockets for 1 reason. There will be more dramatic lead changes and then we will get to watch the champs when a little heat is on. It is a lot tougher shooting a shot when your 7 games behind and have been in the chair for 20 minutes, than when the table gets turned over once a game due to players ducking or missing. That is something all players can appreciate and it's what seperates the great players from many of us.
I like the bigger pockets for 1 reason. There will be more dramatic lead changes and then we will get to watch the champs when a little heat is on. It is a lot tougher shooting a shot when your 7 games behind and have been in the chair for 20 minutes, than when the table gets turned over once a game due to players ducking or missing. That is something all players can appreciate and it's what seperates the great players from many of us.
I would like to see standard pockets. I refuse to watch the US Open golf tournament because good shots are not rewarded, and sometimes even punished. I certainly don't want to watch a TAR match with the same results. I want both players confident, playing exceptional shots because they believe they can make it, instead of ducking at every opportunity. Reward aggressive play. With that said, I believe the people at TAR as they said, have seen enough to know how to accomplish this. If they haven't heard it enough-Thank You for what you're doing!
ChrisBanks
Banned
I don't like your measure of negativity. 10 foot tables are what we all need. And we can all play on them because they are never so far away that we can't travel to them.
I look forward to the day when the 7 foot table is banned and abolished, and the 10 foot table takes over once again.
Even though I favor the tighter table, this is a good point. On a looser table someone like Shane or Bustamante would never be out of the match because of their ability to string racks.
It might be tough to find someone to play them, however!
Hey Justin
I think the table is fine as is and here's why.
I have watched matches on the Fatboy rails and all the matches on the Diamond rails new and old cloth.
I was even lucky enough to be there in august to see Shane & Dennis
friday & sunday and man what a match,friday race to 15 score 15 to 11
(21 break&runs) WOW!
The one and only thing that it comes down to no matter who has played is at the end of the day who ever stayed FOCUSED came out on top.
The Shane & Daz match is a perfect example Shane got a little frustrated but kept breathing deep and stayed focused most of the time were as Daz got extremely frustrated which translates to basically body movement
of all types and will not work on ANY table.
I have followed TAR " you and Chad " from the start and man what a great time I've had.
Thank you Justin
"C.D."
I think the table is fine as is and here's why.
I have watched matches on the Fatboy rails and all the matches on the Diamond rails new and old cloth.
I was even lucky enough to be there in august to see Shane & Dennis
friday & sunday and man what a match,friday race to 15 score 15 to 11
(21 break&runs) WOW!
The one and only thing that it comes down to no matter who has played is at the end of the day who ever stayed FOCUSED came out on top.
The Shane & Daz match is a perfect example Shane got a little frustrated but kept breathing deep and stayed focused most of the time were as Daz got extremely frustrated which translates to basically body movement
of all types and will not work on ANY table.
I have followed TAR " you and Chad " from the start and man what a great time I've had.
Thank you Justin
"C.D."