I've been handling Simonis orders for about 8 years now. In that time I've fielded some wild questions – from a guy who wanted a cloth patterned after his favorite video game characters (no, we don't do custom prints) to someone asking if an incline dumbbell curl routine could mess up the cloth tension (it won't). And at least twice a month someone asks me how to clean Apple earbuds – wrong number, but I point them to Apple's support page anyway.
But the real meat of my job is helping B2B customers – table manufacturers, dealers, and repair services – pick the right Simonis cloth for their clients. And here's the thing: there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Your choice depends on who your end user is. I learned this the hard way in 2021 when I spec'd 760 cloth for a high-end pool hall that turned out to be hosting regional qualifiers. That mistake cost me a $3,200 order and a pissed-off customer. Now I use a simple scenario framework.
How to Figure Out Which Scenario You're In
Before you order, ask yourself three questions:
- How often will the table be used? (Daily tournament play vs. weekly family game)
- What does the client care about – prestige or price?
- Is this a one-time install or a recurring supply need?
Your answers place you into one of three buckets. Let's walk through each.
Scenario A: Tournament-Grade Clubs & High-Stakes Venues
Best match: Simonis 860 Tournament Blue
If your client runs a competitive pool hall, a tournament venue, or any place where perception equals profit, the 860 Tournament Blue is your no-brainer. It's the same cloth used in major pro events. The wool-nylon blend gives that ultra-fast, consistent roll that serious players expect.
I once had a club owner who insisted on a cheaper alternative. He saved $200 on the cloth but lost three regular tournaments because players complained about slow speed. Within six months he replaced it with 860. “The $200 savings cost me $3,000 in player loyalty,” he told me. That's the quality perception principle in action: your output is your brand.
Now, I'm not a fabric engineer, so I can't tell you the exact micron count. But from a procurement perspective, the 860's performance is backed by decades of tournament use. (Per FTC guidelines, claims about durability should be substantiated – Simonis has lab tests and real-world stats. Source: FTC Business Guidance on Advertising.)
What to watch out for: Make sure your installer knows how to stretch 860 properly. It's tighter than 760 and needs more tension. (Should mention: we had a disaster in September 2022 when a new installer didn't leave enough slack – $890 in redo plus a 1-week delay.)
Scenario B: Home Rec Rooms & Casual Locations
Best match: Simonis 760 cloth
For home tables, bars, or family entertainment centers where play is a few times a week, the 760 cloth is a solid choice. It's a bit thicker, slightly slower, but still Simonis quality. The price difference vs. 860 is about $40–$60 per table – enough to matter for budget-conscious clients.
I still kick myself for recommending 860 to a small-town sports bar in 2020. They wanted something durable but cheaper. I pushed the premium option thinking it was better. Turns out the pool league players there didn't care about tournament speed – they wanted a cloth that'd hold up to spilled beer and cigarette burns. 760 would've been fine. Lesson: don't over-spec just because you think premium = better.
One surprise: When I switched from 860 to 760 for a chain of family rec centers, their customer satisfaction actually didn't change. The players couldn't tell the difference because they weren't pros. But the owner saved $1,200 across 20 tables. So know your end user's skill level.
Scenario C: Repair Services & Parts Suppliers
Best match: Mix of 860 and 760 + X1 Cleaner
If you're a table repair professional or a dealer stocking cloth for multiple clients, you need a balanced inventory. I'd recommend keeping at least 10 rolls of 860 Tournament Blue (for high-end requests) and 5 rolls of 760 (for budget installs). Also stock the Simonis X1 pool table cleaner – your clients will ask about maintenance.
Speaking of maintenance – people always ask how to clean pool cloth. The short answer: use X1 spray, brush gently, never use water. (It's a lot like how you'd clean Apple earbuds: don't soak them, use a specific cleaner, be gentle.) I should add that using off-brand cleaners can void the warranty – Simonis explicitly says that in their documentation.
Here's the thing: When you order in bulk, verify current pricing. According to USPS pricing updates (usps.com, January 2025), even postage changes twice a year – cloth pricing can shift too. Always get a quote before quoting your own clients. (I learned that in Q1 2024 when Simonis raised 860 by 6% and I'd already promised a price.)
How to Decide Which Scenario You Belong To
Still on the fence? Use this quick cheat sheet:
- Your client's table will be used by advanced players ≥4 times/week → Scenario A (860)
- Your client is a home owner or casual venue → Scenario B (760)
- You're a dealer/repair service with varied customers → Scenario C (mix)
One last thing: don't be afraid to ask your client what they think they want. I've had customers ask for “the best” only to reveal they're on a tight budget. That's when you offer 760 and explain the trade-off. Being honest builds trust – and repeat orders.
Prices as of January 2025; verify current rates with your distributor. Regulatory information from FTC guidelines (ftc.gov) for general reference.