Tightening GC3 pockets
- Thread starter rykr01
- Start date
You can try using 50 durometer 1/4" facings but the pockets will still most likely play dead. There's only one way to do it properly.
Brunswick SuperSpeeds are K55. Gold Crown III's do not need the subrail bevel changed, only tables that came with the Monarch SuperSpeed cushions (GCII and older). You'll have to find a mechanic adept at doing subrail extensions and knowledgeable on proper pocket geometry for the size pocket you are wanting.
DeeDeeCues
Well-known member
I tightened my pockets with 60a neoprene. The pockets play lively and on the stingy side of fair.
they don't play dead. i've played on a couple tables that were tightened using Classic Billiard's thick facings. Tables played fine imo. Not everyone is going to spend the $1000+ to do a subrail mod.
3/8" High Quality Neoprene 50 Durometer Hardness Die Cut Cushion Facings
3/8" cushion facings will serve as a suitable/affordable alternative to expensive sub-rail extensions. If you want to achieve a pocket size, approximately 1/2" tighter than stock. We also lowered the durometer rating (hardness) to compensate for the thicker material. Benefits You can install it...
www.classicbilliards.net
DeeDeeCues
Well-known member
My research led me to the 60 instead of the 50 hardness. Mine might be a bit too reactive, but I'd rather have that than too soft.
I agree with the cost. I waffled a lot when I was doing my table. I have the machinery and ability to redo the rails completely, but in the end I decided to leave the original rubber on and add the pocket shims. I'm pretty happy with it and I can always change it later.
shimming pockets .5" is no big deal. played a ton of GC's done that way. Its when you try to go smaller that they play gaffy. Classic's thick facings are an easy way to reduce them .5"
50 should be used if they are being stacked on top of what is currently installed.
I hear you. I like to have it done properly so I don't have the feeling of regret if I'm not satisfied with the alternative. Pay once, cry once.
Yep. You stack more than two using the harder ones makes the pocket face play like wood.
DeeDeeCues
Well-known member
I removed my old ones.
OP will need to keep his current facings in place if he wants 4.5" corners.
I played on shimmed Gold Crown pockets for 25 years at dozens of pool halls. They play fine in my experience. Sure, extended rails are better. But I think it's blown way out of proportion that shims stink.
not if he uses Classic thick facings. if stacking then yes. i'd just remove old facings and replace with the thick ones. table will play fine.
It all depends what size facings are on there now. If he has 5" now, he could add 50 duro 1/4" to get to 4.5".
Depends on who does the work on both counts. Even extended subrails can get screwed up if the mechanic doesn't understand pocket geometry and cuts them at too wide an angle.