Has this happened to you? You’re playing a friendly game of 9-ball pool with your friends. It’s the first set and you’re the one to break.
You picked your favorite spot and placed the cue ball just behind the line and aim for the one ball. You’re excited and in your mind, you know you’re going to pocket 1 or 2 balls with your break.
But then, the moment you hit the cue ball it’s as if there’s an invisible force that was slowing it down. And with the ball’s movement right after you hit them, you already know the problem. It’s the low-quality pool table cloth.
Nothing is more frustrating than playing on a worn, dirty, and pilling (small balls of fiber) pool table cloth. On the other hand, playing on a pool table with a new, fresh, and bright-colored cloth is pure bliss.
When the balls roll on the table the way they are supposed to chances are, you’re playing on a quality pool table cloth.
If your pool table has seen better days, it might be time to dress it up with a new pool table cloth.
And if you’re already searching for a quality pool table cloth but can’t seem to decide which one to go for, this article is for you.
So sit back and relax while we give you the best 5 pool table felt that’s worth every penny.
Table of Contents
The 6 Best Pool Table Felts 2022
1. Simonis 860 Tournament Pool Table Cloth
When it comes to quality pool table felt or cloth, Simonis is a name that is rich in history and is synonymous with quality. I guess if you’re still around making quality cloth for more than 300 years, you must be really good!
So it’s just fitting to start with a quality cloth made by Simonis. And so we present to you – The Simonis 860 Tournament Blue 7 ft. Pool Table Cloth.
It’s made from combed worsted wool, with a high thread count and wool content. The 27 oz. per linear yard is the highest on our list. It’s nap-free so it will not pill, fluff or shed. It means the ball will not be slowed down by “hairs” on the cloth. This makes it possible for the balls to roll across it much faster, and much more accurately.
And since it has high thread count, it has a very tight weave which means this is a highly durable cloth. This pool table cloth can take more abuse than other felt because it’s from a high-quality material which is what we expect from companies like Simonis. It doesn’t come with pre-cut rails, but if you plan to hire a professional installer it should not be a problem.
There are lots of colors to choose from such as black, white, red, yellow, tan, blue, green, gold, and silver. Whichever color you choose, it can only look good on your pool table as the tightly woven thread gives it a solid stretch and crisp look.
If you are going to play a lot on your pool table, especially 9-ball, then you can’t go wrong with this baby.
Pros
- Combed worsted wool means accurate ball play
- High thread count and higher wool content
- 27 oz. per linear yard means higher durability
- Nap-free means no annoying pill, hair-ball, fluff and shed
- Naturally repels stain due to its tight-woven thread
Cons
- Rail cloth included but does not come pre-cut so you may need to spend more installation time
2. Proform High-Speed Professional Pool Table Cloth Felt
They may not have the 300 plus years of experience of Simonis, Proform is not an amateur when it comes to pool table felt.
This particular product as the name suggests, is worthy of Tournament play which not all pool table cloth manufacturers offer.
The 8 ft. Proform High-Speed Professional Table Cloth Felt which comes in Tournament Green is a newly designed worsted fabric. When it comes to cloth material, “worsted” is a word that puts a smile on faces of serious pool players. Why? Because it means nap-free, lint-free, and means high-quality.
Worsted is the same material found on tailored suits, so don’t be surprised if your pool table looks dapper “dressed” in these. But more than the looks, it’s the performance where it shines. With a 23 oz. per linear yard, it’s slightly above the industry standard which adds to its quality.
Balls will roll faster than you can say cheese. Balls will roll fast and smooth on its surface, so expect professional speed without sacrificing precision on your shots.
The 70% wool and 30% nylon blend on the material means exceptional durability. It’s good for both home and commercial use so it can take whatever you give it. It comes with pre-cut rails so that’s one less worry if you don’t plan to hire a professional installer. This will surely give you years and years of enjoyment with proper care and maintenance.
This pool cloth comes in a variety of colors such as Tournament green, Tournament Blue, Dark Green, Spruce, Olive, Burgundy, Wine, and many more. If you want a feel of what the pros play on, the Tournament Green or Blue might inspire you to become the next Mike Sigel or Efren Reyes, known as the Magician.
This pool table cloth is designed with professional players in mind as the high-speed roll of the balls may overwhelm beginners or casual players.
Pros
- Worsted wool with 30% nylon blend for increased durability
- Professional grade cloth for high-speed
- Nap-free precision threaded weaves for tournament play quality
- Pre-cut rail cloth for easy DIY installation
Cons
- Not suitable for beginners or casual players due to high-speed ball play
3. Championship Saturn II Billiards Cloth Pool Table Felt
Another company with a great pedigree, Championship is known for high-quality billiard cloth table, incorporating innovation to their products. They have a wide range of pool table cloth from basic to professional grade.
The Championship Saturn II Billiards Cloth Pool Table Felt is another is made from 75% worsted wool and 25% nylon. It’s nap-free as the threads are tightly woven for a more stretched and solid feel. It’s Dupont Teflon treated which repels stain and spilled water forms beads as it does not penetrate the fiber of the cloth.
This results in superior ball roll, as the smooth and Teflon-treated fabric allow the balls to move fast and with high accuracy. This is designed for home or commercial use. It’s very durable and with proper care should last for years to be enjoyed.
It comes in black, burgundy, camel, green, and red. It comes conveniently pre-cut with 7 cloth pieces per set; 6 rail cloths and 1-bed cloth. So if you plan to do the installation yourself, this will save you precious time.
This pool table cloth is good for amateur and professional players but may not be suitable for beginners as the solid surface due to the tight weave cloth may be too fast for their liking. But compared to the Proform High Speed, this is less fastball roll that’s why casual players should be able to handle it.
Pros
- Worsted wool with 25% nylon for increased durability
- Dupont Teflon treated cloth repels stain and spills
- Nap-free means no loose fibers or pilling
- Pre-cut 7 piece cloth with rails for DIY installation
Cons
- Not too many color choics
4. ProLine Classic 303 Teflon Billiard Pool Table Cloth Felt
The Proline Classic 303 comes in Standard and Teflon treated pool table felt. This company is also known for producing quality and multi-variety pool table cloth that ranges from entry-level up to professional grade.
The 8 ft pre-cut Classic 303 Teflon is 80% wool and 20% nylon blended cloth. This is medium speed as compared to the first 3 on our list which is all on the high-speed side when it comes to ball movement. Nap-free and pill-free means no annoying loose fiber on the cloth.
The Teflon treated high thread count cloth, which means stain-resistant and spill-proof material that is durable. This is ideal for home or commercial use. These are the types that you will often see in bars, clubs, and hotels. The pre-cut rail cloth is convenient especially for those who will not hire professional installers.
With 30 available colors to choose from, you will not have a hard time finding the perfect color for your pool table.
This pool table felt is ideal for casual and amateur pool players as it’s not as fast to play on like the others on our list.
Pros
- Teflon-treated cloth repels stains and spills
- 80% wool and 20% nylon blend for high durability
- Nap-free means no loose fibers or pilling
- Pre-cut cloth with rails for DIY installation
- More than 30 available colors to choose from
Cons
- Medium ball speed not suited for an aggressive type of plays
5. 21 Ounce Pool Table Felt By Iszy Billiards
Our last pool table felt on our list may not be able to go “toe-to-toe” with the others in terms of built quality. This is not worsted so it means this is not nap-free. Over time it will surely show some shedding and pilling which may be a deal-breaker for some.
And now that we’ve got that out of the way, there’s a reason why this is part of our choice of the 5 best pool table felt. Made of 80% wool and 20% nylon, this is durable enough to be played on while the ball speed is at a medium which makes it ideal for less experienced pool players.
The 21 oz. per linear yard is what most entry-level pool table felt weighs. It may not be as durable as the Simonis or the Proform but with proper care, this will also last you for years.
Colors available are English Green, Standard Green, Blue, Navy Blue, Light Gray, Black, or Tan for 7, 8, or 9 ft. pool size.
If you’re a beginner or a casual player, this may be the most ideal for you. The ball speed is just enough to develop your skill until you are ready to level up to the more high-speed plays.
Pros
- 80% wool and 20% nylon blend for high durability
- Good for entry-level pool players
Cons
- Not worsted so will eventually develop nap or pilling
How to Choose a Pool Table Felt/Cloth
There are many advantages to replacing your old, worn-out, and dirty pool table. First, it’s going to increase its value because it will look brand new. Second, you will enjoy playing more even if you’re just a casual player. Lastly, it’s just worth spending a small price on what your pool table is worth, and at the same time enhancing your skill in playing the game.
Know what to look for when shopping for a new pool table felt.
Types (Materials)
This will depend on your needs. Is your pool just a decorative piece in your house to enhance the look of the room? If so, you don’t need to spend on high-quality, high-thread-count, or Teflon-treated cloth.
Playing Goals
Are you a beginner who wants to develop your playing skill but don’t want to spend too much? Then just choose the entry-level pool felt such as the 21 oz. on our list. But if you are a more experienced player who wants to level up your game, then you may want to consider buying a worsted cloth with high-speed quality such as the Simonis or Proform.
Price
With a higher quality and more features that you find on a pool table felt, expect to spend a little bit more. Determine what you are willing to spend and start from there. You don’t need to break the bank to have your pool table sport a new felt.
Speed
Know your current skill level and be honest with yourself. Are you a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player? If you’re a more experienced player, a high-speed table is where you should play. If you’re just a beginner or an amateur player, a regular or medium speed table is more suitable for you.
Durability
When choosing a pool table felt that is durable, choose a higher thread count and heavier weight per linear yard. You may also choose a pool table felt that is Teflon-treated to repel stains and spills which will easily damage your table without these qualities.
Color Variations
While choosing colors is a matter of taste and preference, you have to consider the effect it will do to your game. If your pool table is simply a decorative piece to enhance a theme in your house, then choose whichever color will match your concept.
But if it’s a pool table that family and friends will use frequently, remember that dark-colored pool table felt are not ideal.
While black looks elegant and classy, it is the worst color to play on. The same goes for similar hues such as charcoal or navy blue. The reason is the shadows “blend” with the pockets which will make it harder to separate the two.
This will result in more missed shots which is not good. The best color to play (just like in pro tournaments) are blue and green. This is because the shadows do not blend with the pockets and they are more distinct. Brighter colors such as blue, red, green, etc. make the balls more vivid on the table that’s why these are the usual colors you see even in commercial places.
Cleaning your Table Felt
Your pool table felt whether you like it or not will accumulate dirt from chalk dust, hair, etc. While vacuum should be able to get the dirt off your table, it may damage the cloth itself from stretching or when used improperly. Cleaning with a brush is not a good idea to use as this will also scratch the surface which will weaken the weave resulting in damage. One innovative cleaning accessory comes from Simonis with its X-1 Pool Table Cloth Cleaning Tool. The curved shape handy tool extracts the chalk dust from the cloth using static electricity and capillary action. This preserves the integrity of the weave of the cloth which makes cleaning it hassle-free and safe.
Conclusion
A pool table is a sport equipment that is meant to be enjoyed. It gives a certain vibe to a room with the many designs that manufacturers come up with. It is not only a piece of equipment to be played but it also becomes part of the decoration. It becomes a show-piece and gives added prestige to a house. An old, worn, and dirty pool table felt is not just an eyesore. It becomes a symbol of neglect and does not speak well of its owner. You owe it to yourself to replace it and make it fresh and new again. Give life to your pool table by choosing the right felt for it and enjoy it with your family and friends for years to come.
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