Who This Checklist Is For
If you’re a table manufacturer, a dealer trying to spec a rush order, or a repair shop that needs to swap cloth before a tournament, this list is for you. I’ve been on the dispatch end for 6+ years, and the biggest time‑wasters happen when people guess on three things: cloth type, cleaning routine, and table dimensions. This checklist cuts through that noise.
The 4‑Step Action Plan
Step 1 – Pick Your Cloth: 760 vs 860
Simonis 760 and 860 are the two most common options, but they’re not interchangeable. Here’s the real‑world difference:
- 860 Tournament Blue – 100% worsted wool, 21 oz / yd². It’s the standard for pro tournaments. The weave is tighter, so the ball rolls truer at high speed. If your client runs league nights or hosts events, this is the safe bet.
- 760 Cloth – also 100% worsted wool, but lighter at 19 oz / yd². It’s a bit faster (less friction) and often chosen for home tables where players want a lively roll. Downside: it wears faster under heavy play.
Honestly, I’ve seen dealers try to save $30 by ordering 760 for a commercial room, then get calls six months later about burn marks. Rule of thumb: tournament / high‑traffic → 860. Home / casual → 760 is fine.
Step 2 – Confirm Your Table Size (Don’t Assume)
“Standard” pool table sizes are a common trap. The Billiard Congress of America (BCA) defines the playing surface for a 7‑foot table as 39″ × 78″ and an 8‑footer as 44″ × 88″. But I’ve seen “8‑foot” tables from different makers that vary by an inch. Before you order cloth, measure the slate – not the cabinet. Always confirm length and width in inches.
Here’s a quick reference (BCA standard):
- 7‑ft (bar size): 39″ × 78″
- 8‑ft (home size): 44″ × 88″
- 9‑ft (tournament): 50″ × 100″
Simonis cloth is sold precut for these sizes, so ordering the wrong category means wasted material and a $100+ mistake.
Step 3 – Use the Right Cleaner (Skip the DIY Sprays)
The most frustrating part of cloth maintenance? People use furniture polish or generic cleaners that leave residue and slow down the felt. Simonis X1 Cleaner is formulated specifically for worsted wool – it lifts chalk dust and body oils without matting the fibers.
How to apply (takes about 10 minutes per table):
- Brush the cloth lightly with a soft brush to remove loose chalk.
- Spray X1 lightly on a clean microfiber cloth (not directly on the felt).
- Wipe in a single direction (from head to foot) – don’t scrub back and forth.
- Let it dry for 15 minutes before play. That’s it.
We tested three generic cloth cleaners last year – two left a waxy film that changed ball speed. X1 is boringly reliable.
Step 4 – Match Your Order to the Job
If you’re ordering for a client, bundle the cloth + a bottle of X1. It saves a second shipping charge and makes you look like a pro. For rush jobs (we’ve done same‑day turnarounds for tournament venues), call your distributor to confirm stock – Simonis 860 Tournament Blue is usually on hand, but 760 in non‑standard colors may take 2–3 days.
Two Mistakes That Cost Me Time (and Money)
Mistake #1: Assuming the table size without measuring. In March 2024, a dealer ordered 8‑ft cloth for what he thought was an 8‑ft table. Turned out the slate was 46″ × 92″ (a common Asian import size). We had to pay $85 in rush shipping to get the right cut. Now I ask every client: “Can you send a photo of the slate with a tape measure?” It kills the guesswork.
Mistake #2: Skipping the X1 cleaner for the first maintenance visit. The client’s cloth developed a dark wear line after six months. A weekly wipe with X1 would have prevented it. You’d think “it’s just chalk” – but body oils from hands soaking into the felt accelerate fiber breakdown, especially on 760.
Final Reminders
This checklist works for us in a mid‑size B2B operation where orders range from $200 (single cloth + cleaner) to $8,000 (full room outfitting). If you’re a one‑person shop or a large manufacturer, your margin for error might be different – but the steps are the same. Measure twice, pick the right 700‑series, and keep the X1 nearby.
“Small orders don’t deserve sloppy service. The club that buys one 760 cloth today might be buying twenty 860s next year.” – something I’ve learned the hard way.
Prices are as of January 2025; verify current inventory with your distributor.