8 Mistakes I Made Buying Pool Table Felt (And How Simonis Saved Me From Repeating Them)

Real Talk: I've Wasted Over $3,200 on Pool Table Felt Orders

I'm a facilities buyer for a chain of pool halls. In my first year (2017), I ordered the wrong cloth for two tournament tables—cost $890 in redo plus a week of downtime. Then in 2022, I approved a bulk purchase of pool table felt simonis without checking the color code. 12 tables, $1,450 worth of cloth, all had to be returned because the "Tournament Blue" I ordered wasn't the same shade as the existing ones. That's when I started keeping a checklist.

Since then, I've documented 47 potential errors across 18 months. This FAQ covers the questions I wish I'd asked upfront—especially about simonis cloth, pricing transparency, and the gotchas that vendors don't advertise.

FAQ: What Every Buyer Should Know About Simonis Pool Table Cloth

1. What's the real difference between Simonis 860 and 760?

Short answer: play speed and durability. 860 is tournament-grade worsted wool—used in professional events. 760 is a slightly heavier blend that's more forgiving for casual play. I once ordered 760 for a competition table (mistake #8). The players complained immediately. (Should mention: 860 costs about 15-20% more, but if you're running a serious hall, it's worth it.)

Lesson: Match cloth grade to your audience. Don't assume "premium" means best for every table.

2. Why is Simonis Tournament Blue so expensive? Is it worth it?

People think the price is inflated because of the brand name. Actually, the cost comes from the tight worsted weave and dye consistency. Simonis uses a specific indanthrene dye that resists fading—I've seen cheap cloth go pink after 6 months. Tournament Blue is a specific shade (Pantone 280C-ish) that's required by many leagues. If you're hosting tournaments, you can't swap for a generic blue without risking complaints.

On transparency: A dealer once quoted me $180 for "Simonis 860" but added $40 for "color matching" later. That's the kind of hidden cost that drives me crazy. With Simonis authorized dealers, the price listed is the price—no surprise fees. Per FTC guidelines (ftc.gov), claims about pricing must be truthful; I've learned to ask "what's NOT included" before asking "what's the price?"

3. Can I install Simonis cloth myself, or should I hire a pro?

I'm not a table mechanic, so I can't speak to the detailed stretching technique. What I can tell you from a procurement perspective: hiring a pro costs $150-300 per table and saves you at least one replacement cycle. I tried DIY once (saved $200) and the cloth wrinkled within 3 months. Re-stretching cost me $250 plus the cloth was already damaged. So glad I now factor installation into my budget upfront.

Oh, and always use the Simonis X1 cleaner after installation. It removes static and prevents dust embedding. I learned that the hard way—after installing cloth without first cleaning the slate, I had chalk dust stuck in the fibers (ugh).

4. What's the deal with "loops earbuds" and pool table lights—are they relevant to cloth choice?

I get this question a lot. Loops earbuds are noise-reducing earplugs, not related to table felt. But pool table lights do affect cloth appearance. I once ordered 20 tables with a warm LED setup—made the Tournament Blue look greenish under those lights. (Note to self: always request a light sample before committing to cloth color.)

The point is: your lighting changes how the cloth looks. Order a swatch under your actual lighting before buying pool table felt simonis in bulk.

5. How long should Simonis cloth last?

I've seen claims of "5-10 years" online. In my experience, with proper maintenance (cleaning, no rips, weekly brushing), 860 lasts about 4-5 years in a commercial hall with heavy play. Home tables can go 7-8 years. But here's the catch: cheap cloth degrades faster, so the total cost of ownership often favors Simonis even at a higher upfront price.

I dodged a bullet when I did a TCO analysis last year. Almost bought a generic brand at $120/table vs. Simonis at $190. With replacement every 2 years vs. 5, the generic cost more over a decade. And that doesn't include the lost revenue from player complaints.

6. Is Simonis the best choice for every type of table?

Mixed feelings here. On one hand, Simonis is the gold standard for competition. On the other, for bar tables with casual players, you might be overpaying. I've seen bars install 760 cloth and get 6 years out of it with no complaints. But if you ever plan to host league nights, stick with 860. My rule: if the table generates income, use tournament-grade cloth. If it's a free-to-play table at a family entertainment center, 760 is fine.

That said—and this is important—never substitute a non-Standard color. I once ordered "light blue" to match a decor scheme, and it wasn't Simonis. The color bled after 9 months. Brand matters for consistency.

7. How do I avoid getting counterfeit Simonis cloth?

This is a real problem. Counterfeit rolls look identical but wear out in months. I always buy from Simonis authorized dealers (list on simonis.com). Look for the holographic label on the roll. If a price seems too good (like $120 for 860), it's probably fake. Transparent dealers will show you the label and explain the pricing breakdown. The ones who hide fees are the ones I avoid.

Per FTC advertising guidelines, claims of "genuine Simonis" must be substantiated. Ask for proof before you pay.

8. What about the difference between table tennis and ping pong? (And how does it relate to table felt?)

Ironically, I've had suppliers mix up pool table felt with ping pong table surfaces. They're not even close. Table tennis (ping pong) uses a painted matte finish on a wooden board; pool table cloth is woven worsted wool with a nap. One customer asked if our Simonis cloth could be used for a ping pong table—no, it would rip immediately. Just a reminder to always specify "billiard cloth" not just "green felt."

But back to the point: pricing transparency matters everywhere. When I bid out my next cloth order, I always ask vendors to itemize: cloth, installation, shipping, cleaning supplies. The one who gives me a single line price gets a second look, but I've learned to dig deeper.

Final Thoughts (No Summary Needed, Just One Last Tip)

If you take nothing else: always order a square foot sample before buying bulk Simonis. I once ordered 10 rolls of 860 without checking the pile direction—turns out half the tables had the nap running sideways. Cost me $560 in wasted cloth. Now I maintain a pre-order checklist and confirm four things: color, grade, dye lot, and nap orientation.

And please, never trust a vendor who says "the price is the price" but later adds fees. That's not professionalism; it's a red flag. Simonis dealers who list everything upfront—even if the total is higher—usually cost less in the end. (I should mention: I'm not paid by Simonis. I just respect how they handle transparency.)