There's no single 'best' Simonis cloth for every business. A high-end billiard hall running tournaments has completely different needs from a family entertainment center where the tables see casual use. Trying to apply one standard to both will either cost you too much money or leave you with cloth that wears out too fast.
Here's how to think about it. I've broken down the main scenarios I see in the field—based on managing purchasing for venues and talking to dozens of operators. Read through and find your situation.
The Three Common Business Scenarios
Scenario A: The Tight Budget, High-Utilization Room
You're running a busy venue—think a bowling alley with a few tables, a college game room, or a bar with league nights. The tables get 6-8 hours of play daily, sometimes more. Your margin is thin, and every dollar counts on maintenance.
I've talked to operators who went with Simonis 760 here. And honestly? That's often the right call. The 760 is a bit more durable—it's a slightly heavier weave—and it's noticeably less expensive than the tournament-grade 860. It handles the constant abuse from casual players who might drag cues or scuff the cloth with their shoes.
A friend who runs a college rec center told me: "I went with 760 on four tables. Three years in, they still play well. Sure, they've got some marks, but the ball rolls true. For what we pay versus replacement frequency, it's a win."
But watch out for a common trap here. I knew I should budget for X1 cleaner from day one—but thought 'what are the odds it'll get that dirty that fast?' Well, the odds caught up with me when a spilled soda on a Friday night turned into a permanent stain by Monday. Skipping proper maintenance because you're saving money is a false economy. The X1 costs about $25 a bottle. A single ruined cloth is $200+ to replace.
Scenario B: The Tournament or High-End Hall
Now you're a dedicated pool hall hosting leagues, tournaments, and serious players. Cloth speed and consistency matter. You might even have a Brunswick Gold Crown or a Diamond table. Here, you want Simonis 860. Specifically, 860 Tournament Blue.
The upside of 860 is the speed and the 'action' the cloth gives the ball. The risk was the cost and the need for more frequent replacement. I kept asking myself: is the better playing experience worth potentially re-covering tables every 8-12 months versus 18?
For my high-traffic room, I bit the bullet on 860. The first set lasted 14 months with good maintenance (weekly brush, monthly vacuum, spot cleaning with X1). That's acceptable for a serious hall. The players noticed the difference immediately. It improved our reputation.
One thing I see operators mess up here: they buy 860 but don't change the rubber bumpers (cushions) at the same time. Old, dead cushions on new, fast cloth is a terrible playing experience. The cloth is faster, so the ball hits the cushion harder—and if the cushion is shot, the rebound is unpredictable. You just wasted your cloth investment. Budget for new cushions if needed.
Scenario C: The 'Mixed-Use' Family Entertainment Center
This is the hardest one. You have tables for casual kids' parties, some for serious players, and maybe a few for tournaments. Different tables, different needs. There is no single answer.
What I recommend, and what I've seen work: segment your floor. Put 760 on the tables that see the most casual, unsupervised use—the ones near the arcade or party rooms. Put 860 on the tables in a quieter area where league players or serious customers request them. Label them or communicate with your staff.
The upside was better customer satisfaction for everyone. The risk was managing two cloth types and inventory. The expected value said go for it, but the downside felt like extra complexity. But you know what? It's not that complex. Two different roll numbers in storage. A clear sign on the table frame. Done.
If you do this, be strict about not mixing them up during re-covering. I've seen a new employee grab the wrong roll from the back. You don't want 760 on your showcase table or 860 on the kids' table—it'll wear out too fast.
How to Decide: A Quick Self-Check
Still not sure? Answer these three questions honestly:
- What's the primary use? Are you hosting serious players (860) or casuals (760)?
- What's your budget for re-covering? Can you afford to do it every 12-14 months (860) or every 18-24 (760)?
- Do you have a maintenance plan? If you can't commit to brushing, vacuuming, and using X1 cleaner weekly, you'll kill any cloth faster. Don't skip the cleaning routine.
Match your answers to the scenarios above. It's not about what's 'best' in a vacuum—it's about what's best for your business. An informed customer asks better questions and makes faster decisions. Now you know what to ask.