Simonis Pool Cloth FAQ: 860 vs 760, Maintenance, and Slide Rock

I handle purchasing for a small hospitality company that runs 12 pool tables across three locations. Since 2020, I've ordered a lot of simonis pool cloth—the 860 Tournament Blue for our serious tables and the 760 for the bar side. If you're a dealer, repair service, or facility manager, you've probably typed the same searches: 'simonis,' 'simonis pool cloth,' or 'pool table felt simonis.' This FAQ is the resource I wish I had when I started.

Before you scroll to the part about table tennis rubber, let me say this much: I'm an administrator, not a table mechanic. But I've sat through enough installations, reorders, and post-install complaints to know what matters. These are the questions that come up again and again.

What's the difference between 'felt' and Simonis cloth?

'Felt' is the lazy word everyone uses. Actual pool table cloth is usually a worsted wool blend, and Simonis is the best-known version of that. The fibers are combed and tightly twisted before weaving, which creates a much smoother, denser surface than traditional fuzzy felt.

If someone asks for 'pool table felt simonis,' they almost always mean the woven cloth that comes as 860 or 760. It plays faster, resists pilling, and holds up better in commercial settings. For a table operator, the practical result is fewer complaints about slow surfaces and less frequent replacement.

I'm not saying wool is magical. But the difference is visible the first time you run your hand across Simonis cloth compared to cheap 'felt.' It's like comparing a tightly woven cotton pillowcase to a fuzzy blanket. The blanket is comfortable, but you don't want to play pool on it.

Simonis 860 or 760: which one do I buy?

860 Tournament Blue is the one you see at tournaments. It's 21 oz, made from a worsted wool-nylon blend, and it has that consistent, low-friction finish. 760 is also a wool-nylon blend, but it's slightly lighter and a little more forgiving on the budget.

I use 860 on tables that see league play or daily paid rental. On tables that get casual bar use, 760 works fine and saves a bit of money. Your mileage may vary if you're running a 24-hour pool hall—in that case, I'd put 860 on everything because downtime is too expensive.

A quick note on samples: shipping a cloth sample is cheap. According to USPS (usps.com), a large envelope starts at $1.50 per ounce as of January 2025. The real cost is installation downtime, so don't make a decision based on sample price alone.

How long does Simonis pool table felt last?

I don't have hard data on every installation, but I track ours closely. On a commercial table with 8-10 hours of play per day, our 860 lasts between 14 and 18 months before the wear path becomes noticeable. On home tables, I've seen 760 look good after five years.

The biggest killer isn't play. It's chalk dust and spills. Chalk dust acts like an abrasive, and spilled drinks can soak into the wool and weaken the weave. That's why I tell our staff to brush the cloth daily and not let a wet glass sit on the rail.

If you're a repair service answering customer questions, I'd avoid promising an exact lifespan. There are too many variables: hours of play, climate, maintenance routine, even the kinds of balls used. Give a range, then explain what affects it.

What does 'slide rock' mean on a new Simonis cloth?

In pool, players sometimes call the cue ball the 'rock.' 'Slide rock' describes the slight skid you see when the cue ball slides across the cloth before backspin really grabs. Fresh Simonis is so smooth that this skid is more obvious, especially on hard breaks.

Some players think that means something is wrong with the cloth. It's not a defect—it's the break-in period. After a few hours of play, the cloth settles and the cue ball reads the way the player expects. That smooth, low-friction first impression is a sign the cloth is doing its job.

I remember one customer calling to say the table was 'too fast.' A week later the same player was asking when we could install the same cloth on the other table. It's all about getting used to it.

How do you maintain Simonis pool cloth?

Brush the cloth in one direction every day, usually from the head to the foot of the table, along the weave. Don't scrub in circles. If chalk dust builds up, vacuum with a brush attachment—keep the nozzle slightly off the cloth so you're not pulling it.

For spills, blot the spot with a clean, dry cloth or use Simonis X1 cleaner. I like X1 because it was designed for this kind of wool cloth, and it doesn't leave a residue. I'm careful about 'miracle' spot removers. FTC guidelines require that cleaning claims be truthful and substantiated (ftc.gov), and honestly, most mystery cleaners are not worth the risk.

One more thing: never iron Simonis cloth, and don't use steam machines. The heat will damage the worsted wool blend and can cause the cloth to stretch. If you see a stubborn crease, let the cloth relax or call a professional table mechanic.

Why not just buy the cheapest cloth?

This is the question that gets me going. The cheapest option can look good in a spreadsheet, but it usually loses on total cost.

A few years ago, I tried a cheaper cloth on a three-table job to save $200. The cloth stretched unevenly, and shiny wear paths showed up within six months. We had to re-cloth two tables early. Between the purchase cost, the mechanic's labor, and lost table revenue, that $200 'saving' turned into about $1,400 in extra costs. I still kick myself for not running a proper total cost analysis.

My rule now: price is the last thing I look at. First, evaluate realistic lifespan, play quality, and replacement cost. Then see if the premium price is worth it. With simonis, I know the cloth will play well from day one, and that confidence matters when you're responsible for buying decisions.

How do you maintain table tennis rubber?

If your facility has table tennis, you already know that paddle rubber is the heart of the game. Maintenance is simple: after a session, wipe the rubber with a purpose-made cleaner or a slightly damp sponge. A soft sponge is fine; use gentle pressure. Let it dry before storing the paddle in a case, out of direct sunlight.

Don't use alcohol or household cleaners, because they can dry out the rubber surface. Sweat and dust are the two big enemies. If the rubber starts losing tack, or if you notice smooth spots, it's time to replace it. For regular play, expect to change rubber every 6-12 months. This isn't a Simonis product, but it's one of those 'how do you maintain table tennis rubber?' questions that shows up in the same facility maintenance list.

Wait, what does a dumbbell hip thrust have to do with any of this?

Honestly? Nothing. But a search for 'dumbbell hip thrust' shows up near simonis pool cloth data because people plan game rooms and home gyms in the same renovation. It's a good glute exercise—no argument there—but it won't fix a cloth seam, level a slate, or make your table tennis rubber sticky again.

So by all means, do your dumbbell hip thrusts. Just keep the weights on the gym floor, and keep the Simonis cloth clean. If you took a detour through this article, the one maintenance skill worth taking with you is this: choose good equipment, take care of it, and don't base a purchase on the cheapest number.