Simonis Pool Table Felt & Cleaners: 7 Questions I Wish I’d Asked (Before My $3,200 Mistake)

Why I’m Writing This (and What It Cost Me)

In my first year (2017) running a small billiard service, I ordered 15 rolls of “premium” cloth without checking the specs. Everything I’d read said all tournament-grade felts are basically the same. Turns out, that’s wrong. The $3,200 order? Half of it was unusable after one month. I had to re-cover three tables for free. Since then, I’ve documented every mistake. This FAQ covers the questions I get from manufacturers, dealers, and repair shops – the ones I wish I’d asked before spending money.

1. What’s the real difference between Simonis 860 and 760?

Short answer: speed vs. durability. 860 Tournament Blue is a worsted wool-nylon blend with a tighter weave. It gives a faster, more consistent ball roll – that’s why it’s used in pro tournaments. 760 is slightly thicker, more forgiving for home tables, and lasts longer under heavy use. If you’re equipping a commercial room with daily rotation, 760 might actually be smarter. My mistake: I ordered 860 for a bar with league play every night. The cloth wore out in 9 months. Should’ve used 760.

2. Can I use any cleaner on Simonis felt?

From the outside, it looks like any mild detergent + water will work. The reality is Simonis X1 Pool Table Cleaner was formulated specifically for the wool-nylon blend. It’s pH-balanced, leaves no residue, and won’t break down the nap. I’ve tested cheap alternatives (Windex, diluted dish soap) on old cloth samples. The cheap stuff lifted the color after three applications. Stick with X1 – a bottle lasts me 12+ months for 5 tables. Yes, it’s $18. But one re-felt costs way more.

3. How to set up a pool table – does cloth choice really matter for first-timers?

Most buyers focus on the frame and slate and completely miss the cloth. Here’s the thing: a bad cloth kills a good table. If you’re assembling a table from scratch (I’ve done 40+ setups), here’s the order:

• Level the slate – shim as needed.
• Stretch the Simonis cloth tightly – use a pneumatic stapler, not a manual one.
• Seam the rails last – that’s where most mistakes happen.

My biggest regret: rushing the stretch. On one $4,200 table, I left a wrinkle near a pocket. Player complained after a week. Had to redo the entire cloth. That mistake cost $890 + a 3-day delay. Tip: use Simonis 860 for the cloth; it’s easier to tension evenly because of the tighter weave.

4. How often should I replace Simonis pool table felt?

Depends on usage. For a home table with light play, 860 lasts 3–5 years. For a commercial room with daily league play (6+ hours/day), you’ll re-felt every 12–18 months. The conventional wisdom is “replace when you see a bald spot.” My experience with 200+ tables suggests you should replace before that – when the ball starts to “bounce” off the cushion inconsistently. That’s a sign the cloth has lost its nap. Cost: $150–300 per table for the cloth alone (depending on 860 vs 760). Add $50–100 for installation if you outsource.

5. Is Simonis X1 cleaner actually worth the premium?

Honestly? Yes, for 80% of cases. Here’s when it’s a no-brainer: you need a cleaner that won’t yellow the cloth, won’t leave a stick residue, and is safe for tournament use. X1 meets all three. But if you’re a home player who vacuums the felt weekly and only cleans twice a year, a diluted mild wool-safe shampoo (like Eucalan) works fine. I recommend X1 for dealers reselling to serious players – it’s a trust signal. Just don’t oversell it to casual buyers. The way I see it, honesty wins long-term.

6. “Blue headphones” and “Bowflex treadmill” – what do those have to do with billiard cloth?

Nothing. I’m including this because I get asked. Maybe you came here searching for gear beyond tables. Simonis doesn’t make headphones or fitness equipment. But if you’re looking for a precise, tournament-grade playing surface, the best pool table felt starts with the right cloth. Stick to Simonis 860 or 760, use X1 cleaner, and you’ll save yourself the kind of mistakes I made.

7. Where can I buy Simonis cloth and X1 cleaner?

I don’t sell it myself. But authorized distributors (like Billiard Factory, PoolDawg, or your local table dealer) stock 860 Tournament Blue, 760, and X1. Pricing: roughly $250–$350 for a full table 860 kit (incl. rails), $180–$250 for 760. X1 cleaner is $18–$24 per 16oz spray. Prices as of January 2025 – always check current.

One last piece of advice: never order cloth without confirming the width. Standard pool tables (7’, 8’, 9’) need different widths. I once ordered 860 for a 9-foot table but got the 8-foot width. Had to seam two pieces together. That seam – visible and ugly. $450 wasted + reputation hit. Learn from my dumb move.