Why Delta 13?

ArizonaPete

ArizonaPete

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I'm perplexed after reading quite a few threads on racks. A lot of positive comments on the Delta 13 and also on template racks. Why is the Delta 13 better than a good, well built, solid wooden rack? Is this just hype or is there a real difference? I can understand that there's give with cheap plastic or thiner wooden racks but not so much with a well built rack. Aluminum is more dimensionably stable than wood but is it worth $100 more? Do you really get a significantly tighter rack?
 
Or was there a gun man on the grassy knoll????? Some things will always just be there. :wink:
 
I have the Delta 13 Elite and what I would say is that it is consistent. Maybe not a perfect rack every time, but you consistently get the same rack.

Some of the wood racks can change shape from dents in the wood, dropping it, etc.

When you get the Delta 13, it comes with a specs sheet that shows the measurements of each corner.

I like mine a lot.
 
I got my Delta for $39.00 and I love it ...
It is the best rack I have ever used. BAR NONE
I get a very tight rack everytime .
Everone that I play with likes it also ...
 
Used em adn i see no difference when using any other type of rack out there. The look nice and i like the sound they make when racking but other than that... No difference really.
 
ArizonaPete said:
I'm perplexed after reading quite a few threads on racks. A lot of positive comments on the Delta 13 and also on template racks. Why is the Delta 13 better than a good, well built, solid wooden rack? Is this just hype or is there a real difference? I can understand that there's give with cheap plastic or thiner wooden racks but not so much with a well built rack. Aluminum is more dimensionably stable than wood but is it worth $100 more? Do you really get a significantly tighter rack?
Click to expand...

To answer your question, just observe my experience. I have the Diamond Pro table that came with the supremely well built heavy wood rack. Great rack. After 5 years of heavy use and abuse from irresponsible guests during parties (read lubricated) my rack actually began to splinter up and leave wood debris on the table. And the balls began to stick to the front of the rack during removal. So, I decided to buy a new rack. For $45, I could get a new, well built diamond rack that would last 5 years more (or perhaps I could get lucky and it would last 20) or I could spend $39 and get a rack that will last the rest of my lifetime. Seems like a reasonable value proposition to me. Admittedly, it's not the Delta rack plated with gold or anything, but it does the trick. Anything more than basic functionality is just paying a price premium for vanity. But now I digress...
 
Besides the thing about being made out of metal (no bend or flexing) and holding it's interior shape longer (less wear) I think the reason the Delta is better than a wooden rack is that by its nature can be made to more exacting tolerances. It is made such that its geometry is the perfect shaped triangle to rack a set of balls tight to each other. I just don't think wood racks can be made to the same tolerances as easily.

I have the less expensive of the two Delta models and it does a great job. Paid $39 on sale. I've heard some say the Elite is worth the extra dough but I've not really heard anyone say why. I'm very happy with the base model.
 
Last edited:
It does more than just a perfect rack! You can easily identify undersized balls with it so you can either place that/those balls at the back of the rack or go to the counter and switch them from another set. If you play at home and take care of your ball set, your rack will be tight everytime.

The only downside is playing on a very used cloth because the balls 'want' to go to their original grooves in the cloth because the it isn't used to have perfect racks!
 
I use an old BBC wooden rack and am pleased with its rackability. I have used a friends delta elite and liked it, but not enough to cough up the dough to get one.

The basic delta rack is imported but the elite model is made in the usa.

Best,
Brian kc
 
I like in this thread how many posters offered different good qualities of the Delta 13.

I own one, and must say it is excellent. Prior to that I owned the Brunswick "Big Break" wooden rack, which is a fine wooden rack. I've also had lots of experience with the heavy duty Diamond wooden rack. When we evaluate a triangle rack like this, it is important to remember that the rack doesn't give a perfect rack, or a consistent rack, the racker does. However, it may be significantly easier for the racker to do this if the rack itself fits the balls properly. Without question, the Delta 13 rack does this better than any other. Thus with new quality balls, you can hold them against the front corner of the rack and *totally* freeze every ball to its neighbors. This won't help, however, if some of the balls are undersized, as is common in cheaper ball sets and with any balls that are old and used a lot. My experience says that Brunswick Centennials and Super Aramith Pro balls tend to hold up the best by far. Also, even if you can 100% freeze the balls in the rack, this will not overcome imperfections in the cloth and under the cloth (chalk dust, etc.)

So here is the summary of benefits of the Delta 13 rack over most other wooden racks:

1) Exactly the correct size. The balls will fit together perfectly in this rack.

2) Aluminum is far more resistant to humidity and temperature, and as such will not change its shape or size.

3) Aluminum is much more durable than wood, and will not splinter over time. Remember that every time you shove a wooden rack into a bar box, the opening to the rack holder is rarely perfectly smooth, and you are just shaving and chunking the rack. It *will* get beat up and leave splinters on the cloth eventually. Even on a quality 9' table, this will happen eventually, it just takes longer.

4) You can test sets of balls to see if any are undersized. Because the rack is so accurate, it will quickly reveal if any balls are the wrong size.

5) Aluminum as a material can be machined far more accurately and to tighter tolerances than wood, hence the perfect size.

6) In MOST cases, assuming the rest or your equipment is quality (balls and cloth mainly), you DO get a significantly tighter rack.

I was lucky enough to get my Delta 13 Elite for free as a gift, but I would have happily spent the money on one. It is a superior product, and I hope we as pool enthusiasts are willing to support our industry, especially when a company clearly is trying to make a new product the best. (And I am FAR FAR from wealthy). It is definitely the best rack out there right now, and it is damn hard to think of how it might be improved (I suppose some might feel it is a bit noisy...)

Hope this helps,

KMRUNOUT
 
Last edited:
I have the basic Delta 13 rack which I also purchased for $39. I love the thing. I actually take it to league with me because there is not a better rack out there. The original noise is fairly loud and obnoxious but after you put in the leather inserts, the noise changes and fades drastically. Also, you can have custom engraving in the rack free of charge if you purchase an elite model. IMO, the rack is worth the money. I play with an $1100 cue and I like my balls to be touching:grin: when I break them!! If you're a serious player, this is the rack to have because it gives you a consistent, tight rack everytime.
 
Thanks so much for all the input. That's what so great about this forum - sharing knowledge and experience. For some reason, I had in my mind the price of the Elite Delta 13 and didn't realize the basic model is less expensive. It's in upper range of a good wooden rack. For all the reasons above, the Delta is a much better buy. Thanks again everyone.
 
I'm super curious if anyone can elaborate about the difference between the base model ($39) and the Elite model (over $100).

Aside from the fact that one is made overseas and the other in the USA, is there a difference in performance? Seems odd to spend three times as much for something if it doesn't offer added benefits.
 
But it chipss em, if you accidentally drop it on your balls.

Also can make snags in the cloth with lots less effort than a wooden one. Re

And the slide mark from foot rail to rach area develops quicker...

I'm just sayin...
 
If they anodize the aluminum to protect the finish, then it is a surface of aluminum oxide like in some sand papers. Try not to twirl the balls against the rack like Morro does - it might wear down the balls.
 
ArizonaPete said:
I'm perplexed after reading quite a few threads on racks. A lot of positive comments on the Delta 13 and also on template racks. Why is the Delta 13 better than a good, well built, solid wooden rack? Its more accurate?Is this just hype or is there a real difference? Big difference is that it feels like a boat anchor :)I can understand that there's give with cheap plastic or thiner wooden racks but not so much with a well built rack. Aluminum is more dimensionably stable than wood but is it worth $100 more? Not in my opinion Do you really get a significantly tighter rack?only if the cloth and balls both are new
Click to expand...

I have used the Elite rack recently and found that it is hard to get a good rack on worn cloth. When I first put the rack on the table, I looked for a divot in the cloth because the rack is so heavy. The screws do come loose too which is probably not a big deal. Can't sell me one unless its for a dollar !!!
 
I don't have any experience with the Elite rack, but the cheaper version works awesome and cost me $40. I wouldn't use anything else. Like the previous poster, I've had good wood racks, but get sick of picking small pieces of wood off the cloth.
 
There is no such thing as a perfect rack unless the balls are perfectly all the same size (not likely especially after an period of use), the table has no divots in the rack area, and the racker must be skilled in racking.

Most people don't realize how must skill it takes to rack. You literally have to have "the touch" to make balls freeze. Hence the reason we have so many talented "rack mechanics" who can rack themselves a wing ball every time or rack their opponent badly (even when rack looks perfect).

There is no rack that will give you are perfect rack without all those conditions in place. Some are more durable in construction but that is the only consistent factor, but still doesn't mean the racker will or even can give you a perfect rack!
 
Delta 13 rack

Idaho said:
I don't have any experience with the Elite rack, but the cheaper version works awesome and cost me $40. I wouldn't use anything else. Like the previous poster, I've had good wood racks, but get sick of picking small pieces of wood off the cloth.
Click to expand...

Nobody has mentioned the ergonomics. It has holes in the corners so its really easy to lift it after setting the balls.

Its also slightly bigger so it accommodates my stubby fingers.

Since it is made to last a life time, its pretty cost effective unless you are terminally ill.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top