Simonis Pool Cloth FAQ: Mistakes I Made So You Don't Have To

1. What exactly is Simonis pool felt and why does everyone talk about it?

Simonis is a Belgian brand that's been making wool-nylon billiard cloth since the 1920s. The short answer: it's the tournament standard for a reason. The longer answer? I learned this after my first year (2018) when I bought a cheaper alternative to save $150 on a 9-foot table. The cloth wore out in 6 months—pilling and burn marks everywhere. That $150 "saving" turned into a $400 recoving job plus labor. Simonis 860 (the most popular line) uses a 70/30 wool-nylon blend that balances speed and durability. It's not cheap, but in my experience, it lasts 2–3× longer than budget cloth. (Yes, I now keep a spreadsheet of cost-per-month comparisons.)

2. What is a standard pool table size? I keep seeing different numbers.

A common rookie mistake—and I made it twice. Standard pool tables come in three sizes per the BCA (Billiard Congress of America): 7-foot (bar size), 8-foot (home standard), and 9-foot (tournament). The playing surface dimensions are actually narrower than the overall table. For example, an 8-foot table has a playing area of 44 in × 88 in (or approximately 3.5 ft × 7 ft). I once ordered cloth for a 7-foot table—or so I thought. The customer had a 7.5-foot antique table. The cloth didn't fit, I had to reorder, and that mistake cost $220 in expedited shipping plus a weekend delay. Always measure the playing surface yourself—even if the seller says it's a certain size. (Note to self: measure twice, order once.)

3. What's the difference between Simonis 860 and 760 cloth?

Simonis 860 is their premium worsted cloth (smooth, fast, tournament-grade). Simonis 760 is a slightly heavier, more durable weave often used in commercial settings like pool halls. The 760 feels a touch slower but resists wear from heavy play. I personally recommend 860 for home tables and 760 for rental or club tables. After the third recove job on a busy pool hall table in 2022, I switched them to 760—it's been two years and the cloth still looks good. Actually, I'm mixing up the numbers—760 is the standard for high-traffic, 860 is the tournament blue you see on TV. (Well, 860 Tournament Blue specifically.)

4. Can I use Simonis cloth on a Joola ping pong table? (Don't laugh, I've been asked.)

No. And I know this because a customer once ordered Simonis 860 intending to recover their Joola ping pong table. The cloth is too thick, too slow for ping pong, and the glue required would ruin the rubber surface. Ping pong tables use a completely different material—usually a painted hardwood or laminate. Simonis is designed for slate-based billiard tables with cushions. I had to explain that the $200 worth of cloth was non-returnable (because it was cut to size). That conversation wasn't fun. So if you're looking for ping pong table covering, look elsewhere. (Surprise, surprise—wrong tool for the job.)

5. What about the Simonis X1 cleaner? Do I really need it?

I only believed in dedicated cloth cleaner after ignoring it once. I used a generic upholstery cleaner on a brand-new 860 cloth. The result? A white residue that wouldn't brush off, and the cloth felt sticky for weeks. Simonis X1 is a pH-neutral cleaner specifically formulated for wool-nylon blends. Is it a must? For routine spills, a dry brush works. But for oil marks or stubborn dirt—yes. I now buy X1 in bulk. The most frustrating part: you'd think any mild detergent would work, but the residue from regular cleaners actually attracts dust and slows the cloth. Since switching to X1, I've seen cloth life extend by maybe 6 months (rough estimate).

6. Wait—Samsung earbuds? How does that fit in?

That's a separate mistake entirely. One busy week I ordered Simonis cloth and accidentally added 'Samsung earbuds' (a personal purchase) to the same cart. The earbuds arrived, the cloth didn't—because the supplier cancelled the cloth item due to a stock issue. I didn't notice until three days later when the table installer arrived with no cloth. That mix-up cost me $150 in rush shipping and a lot of embarrassment. The lesson: double-check your order confirmation especially if you're ordering multiple product types. Use separate carts for work and personal items. (I really should do that.)

7. Is Simonis cloth the best choice for every pool table?

No—and that's an honest limitation. Simonis 860 is fantastic for professional players, serious home enthusiasts, and tournament venues. But if you have a cheap MDF table (not slate), or the table is in a humid basement that warps the frame, spending $200+ on cloth is overkill. I've seen people put Simonis on tables that weren't level—you end up with a beautiful cloth covering a bad playing experience. In those cases, a less expensive cloth like a 50/50 wool-poly blend is more cost-effective. This is where the "honest limitation" thing comes in: I recommend Simonis for slate tables, flat surface, controlled humidity. For everything else, consider alternatives. I'd rather say "not for you" than have you write a bad review.

One final note: as of January 2025, Simonis 860 Tournament Blue is still available in 7-ft, 8-ft, and 9-ft cuts. Prices fluctuate, so check current pricing at your distributor. And please—measure the playing surface, not the table frame. That one mistake taught me more than any manual.