Simonis Pool Felt: Why I Stopped Buying Generic and Started Tracking Every Dollar

Simonis vs. Generic Pool Felt: A Purchaser’s Honest Breakdown

When I first started managing equipment orders for our chain of family entertainment centers back in 2021, I assumed all pool table felts were basically the same. “It’s just felt,” I remember telling my ops manager. “Why would I pay three times as much for a brand name?”

Three re-felts, one customer complaint about “slow” tables, and a budget overrun later, I learned the hard way: there’s a difference between “cheap” and “cost-effective.” And Simonis? It’s not just hype.

Here’s my breakdown across the three dimensions that matter most to me as a buyer: cost per play-hour, installation ease, and table feel consistency.

Dimension 1: Cost Per Play-Hour (The One That Changed My Mind)

Generic Felt

Our first batch of generic felt (let’s call it “BudgetFelt”) ran about $80 per table for the cloth alone. But here’s the kicker: we were replacing it every 8–10 months. That’s $80–$100 per year, per table, plus labor costs for installation (our maintenance guy charges $60 per hour, and it takes him about 1.5 hours per table).

Simonis (860 / 760 Series)

Simonis 860 runs about $200–$250 per table for the cloth. But we’re getting 18–24 months out of it. And labor? It’s actually a little faster to install (we’ll get to that). So per year: $130–$150 for the cloth, and about $90 in labor. That’s $50 more per year.

But wait—that’s only part of the math. Our customers actually prefer the Simonis tables. They play faster, they spin more consistently, and we get fewer complaints. So the tables with Simonis have about 12% higher utilization. That’s revenue, not just expense.

My conclusion: The generic felt was cheaper to buy, but more expensive to own. As of January 2025, for our operation, Simonis wins on cost-per-play-hour by about 18%.

Dimension 2: Installation Ease (A Small But Real Difference)

Generic Felt

Generic felt is inconsistent. I’ve had rolls where the nap direction changes halfway through the table. I’ve had pieces that stretched unevenly. Our installer told me he spends about 15–20 extra minutes on the generic stuff just fighting the cloth. It’s annoying, not impossible, but it adds up.

Simonis Felt

Simonis 860 is woven tighter. It’s also more consistent. When you pull it, it pulls evenly. Our guy can install a Simonis table in about 45 minutes, versus 60–70 minutes for a generic. That’s a 30% installation time savings.

Also, Simonis comes with clear instructions and a warranty code. Generic? You get a bag with a roll of cloth and hope it works.

My conclusion: If you have an experienced installer, this difference is small. But if you’re doing 20+ tables a year, the labor savings pays for the upgrade alone over time.

Dimension 3: Table Feel Consistency (The Customer’s Take)

Generic Felt

Confession time: I don’t play pool well enough to tell the difference blindfolded. But our league players can. We had a group from a local amateur league complain that three of our tables “ran slow” and the ball “grabbed” on the cloth. Those tables all had generic felt. The four with Simonis? No complaints. One player actually said, “The blue ones play like a tournament table.”

Simonis 760 and 860

Simonis 860 (the “nap” version) provides more consistent speed and ball control. Simonis 760 is the “worsted” version—faster, and usually used on competition tables. Both hold their play characteristics for much longer. The cloth doesn’t “bag” or “balloon” as quickly.

My conclusion: If your tables are just for casual rec players, generic felt is probably fine. But if you have any league play or regulars who care about speed? Skip the generic. Spend the money on Simonis. It’s not just marketing; it’s actually a different playing experience.

The Surprising Conclusion: When I’d Recommend Generic Over Simonis

Honestly? If you’re running a seasonal operation (e.g., a summer camp, or a bar that only sees heavy use in summer), and you need to minimize upfront cash, generic felt will work. Just budget for replacement in 8–10 months. Or if you’re selling the table in 18 months, generic will hold up long enough.

But if you’re a B2B operation—pool hall, entertainment center, college rec center, or any place where tables see daily use? I’d recommend Simonis. The cost per play-hour is lower, the installation is faster, and your customers will notice the difference. Trust me on this one.

Pricing as of January 2025. Verify current pricing at Simonis.com or your distributor.