If you're in charge of buying or maintaining pool tables for a commercial setting—a club, a bar, a rec center—you've probably looked at Simonis 860. It's the gold standard, no question. But the price tag can make you pause, especially if you're on a tight budget.
I've been managing equipment purchases for a mid-sized entertainment chain for a few years now. We have 12 locations, a mix of high-traffic social bars and a few dedicated pool halls. When I took over purchasing in 2021, I was told 'just get Simonis, it's the best.' But after a few budget cycles and some interesting conversations with operations managers, I realized it's not quite that simple.
So, is Simonis 860 worth the premium? The honest answer is: it depends on your specific situation. There's no one-size-fits-all answer. This guide breaks it down by three common scenarios so you can figure out the right move for your tables.
Scenario 1: The High-Traffic Commercial Club
This is where Simonis 860 shines brightest. If your tables are in use for 8-12 hours a day, every day, the cost per hour of play becomes a much more important metric than the upfront cloth cost.
Why Simonis works here:
- Durability: Simonis 860 is a worsted wool cloth. The tight weave resists pilling and wear much better than cheaper, blended cloths. I've seen a Simonis cloth in a busy bar last 18 months with acceptable play, whereas a budget cloth needed replacing after just 6 months.
- Consistency: For a commercial setting, consistent ball speed and bank angles are critical. Regulars will notice if the table plays differently after a cloth change. Simonis 860 is renowned for its predictable performance over its lifespan.
- Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Let's run the numbers. A roll of Simonis 860 might cost you around $400-500 (as of early 2025 quotes from major distributors). A budget cloth might be $150. But if the Simonis lasts 3x longer, the cloth cost per month is similar. Now factor in the labor cost of changing it. Our maintenance team charges about $150 per table. If you're replacing a cloth 3 times vs. 1 time, that's an extra $300 in labor. The total TCO for the Simonis becomes ~$650 (cloth + labor), vs. $600 for the budget cloth (3x $150 + 3x $150 labor). The price is almost the same for significantly better playing conditions. (Pricing is for general reference; verify current rates with your supplier).
A caveat from my own experience: I once tried a cheaper 'tournament' cloth from a different brand in a new location to save money. The numbers said the TCO was close, but I wanted to test it. It played okay for the first month. By month four, it was noticeably slower and had developed shiny patches. The regulars complained. I ended up replacing it with Simonis anyway, costing us twice the labor. (Ugh).
Scenario 2: The Low-Traffic or Home-Use Table
If your tables see light use—maybe a family rec room, a church hall, or a bar that only gets busy on weekends—spending the premium on Simonis 860 might be unnecessary.
What to consider instead:
- Sufficient quality: A mid-range cloth, like a good quality blended or entry-level worsted wool, will play well for its lifespan. For a few hours of play a week, a $200-250 cloth can last 3-5 years.
- Delayed gratification: The money you save on cloth can go toward other priorities—better balls, a table leveling kit, or even a new cue for the house stick.
- Realistic needs: Unless you're hosting competitive players who can feel the difference, a high-end cloth is mostly a mental benefit. The average social player won't notice if the table plays at 8.5 on a scale of 10 vs. 9.5.
Personal anecdote: My parents have a table in their basement that gets used maybe 4 hours a week. When I replaced the cloth for them in 2022, I didn't push Simonis. We went with a well-reviewed 85% wool blend. It plays perfectly fine for their needs. Spending double wouldn't have made their Friday night games any more enjoyable.
Scenario 3: The Tournament or Pro-Am Setting
This is the no-brainer scenario. If you're running tournaments, leagues with serious players, or a dedicated billiards hall where the game is the main attraction, there's really no debate. Simonis 860 is the standard for a reason.
Why you can't compromise here:
- Player expectations: Experienced players expect a consistent, fast, and predictable table. Using anything less will be a topic of complaint and can damage your venue's reputation.
- Sponsorship and prestige: If you market your venue as a serious pool destination, the equipment needs to match the branding.
- The cost of not having it: The potential lost revenue from a group of serious players who choose another hall over yours because of the cloth quality can far outweigh the cost savings.
How to Decide: A Simple Checklist
Still on the fence? Here's how I approach it now when I'm deciding for our own locations:
- Estimate daily play hours: Is it over 5 hours a day? Yes → Lean toward Simonis. No → Consider a mid-range option.
- Assess your customer base: Are your patrons knowledgeable players? Yes → Go high-end. No → A good mid-range is probably fine.
- Calculate your TCO: Get a quote for cloth + labor for both Simonis and a cheaper option. Estimate the lifespan based on your traffic. Compare the total cost per year. Don't just look at the cloth price.
- Ask a key question: Is the table a revenue generator or a social amenity? If it's a core part of your business (like a pool hall), invest in the best. If it's a nice addition to a bar, a solid mid-range cloth is often the smartest business move.
At the end of the day, Simonis 860 is an excellent product. It's not a bad choice for any pool table. The question is whether it's the best value for your specific situation. By thinking about total cost of ownership and your actual usage patterns, you can make a confident choice without overpaying or underserving your customers.