This post shows you the best felt for your pool table.

Choosing the best felt for a pool table is crucial for enhancing your playing experience and ensuring the longevity of your pool table. 

The type of cloth you select can significantly impact the game's speed, precision, and overall enjoyment.

How do you choose the right pool table felt?

1. Consider Your Level of Play

  • Casual or Recreational Players: If you're a casual player or the table is for a family setting, you might prioritize durability and cost over professional-grade playing characteristics. Cloths like Imperial Leisure or ProLine Classic Teflon offer a good balance between playability and affordability.
  • Intermediate to Advanced Players: For more serious players, the consistency and speed of the cloth become more critical. Cloths like the Iszy Billiards Performance Grade offer quality without the premium price tag of top-tier options.
  • Professional or Competitive Players: If you're an advanced player looking to replicate tournament conditions, high-end worsted felt like Simonis 860 or Championship Tour Edition are ideal. They provide the speed, consistency, and accuracy required for high-level play.

2. Material and Construction

  • Worsted Fabric Wool Cloths: These are made by combing the wool to remove shorter fibers, resulting in a smoother and more uniform surface. They offer faster and more consistent ball roll, ideal for serious play.
  • Woolen Cloths: These are more common and affordable. They have a napped surface and are slower, which might be more forgiving for casual play.
  • Teflon-Coated Cloths: Some cloths come with a Teflon coating for added spill and stain resistance, a practical choice for tables in communal or family spaces.

3. Durability and Maintenance

  • Durability: Consider how often the table will be used. For frequent use, especially in communal areas or bars, look for a durable cloth that can withstand heavy usage.
  • Maintenance: High-end cloths often require less maintenance but need careful cleaning. If you're unwilling to put in the effort for maintenance, a more robust and easier-to-maintain cloth might be a better choice.

4. Aesthetic Preferences

  • Consider the color and texture that match your room's decor or personal taste. While performance is vital, the cloth's appearance also contributes to the overall appeal of your pool table.

5. Budget Considerations

  • Determine your budget. Higher-end cloths like Simonis and Championship Tour Edition are more expensive but offer superior playability. If budget is a constraint, many mid-range options provide a good balance between quality and affordability.

6. Installation Requirements

  • Some high-quality cloths require professional installation to ensure they are stretched and secured correctly. Consider whether you have the skills to do it yourself or need to factor in the cost of professional installation.

Now, let's get into more detail about the best felt for your poor table!

1. Simonis Worsted Blend 860 Fast Speed Pool Cloth

Simonis 860 is a specific type of pool table felt, widely recognized in the billiards community for its quality and performance.

It's a worsted wool cloth, which means it's made from high-quality wool that's combed to remove the short fibers, leaving only the long, fine fibers that are then tightly woven.

This process creates a smooth, flat surface that's different from the napped, fuzzy texture of a typical pool table cloth.

Pros:

  1. Consistent Play: The tight weave ensures a smooth, flat surface that provides consistent ball roll, which is crucial for accurate and predictable play.
  2. Durability: It's known for its long-lasting qualities. The high-quality wool and tight weave make it more resistant to wear and tear compared to standard cloths.
  3. Less Pilling: The worsted wool is less prone to pilling (the formation of small balls of fuzz on the surface of the cloth), which can affect the pool balls movement.
  4. Speed: Simonis 860 offers a faster play surface compared to typical pool cloths, which is preferred by many experienced players.
  5. Professional Use: It is the best quality as this cloth is often used in professional tournaments, which speaks to its high quality and suitability for serious play.

Cons:

  1. Cost: It's generally more expensive than standard pool table felt as it uses woolen cloth. This can be a significant factor for casual players or those on a budget.
  2. Maintenance: While having exceptional durability, it still requires proper maintenance and care. Spills and chalk dust must be cleaned promptly to maintain the cloth's condition.
  3. Speed of Play: For some players, particularly beginners, the faster speed of the cloth can be challenging to adjust to, leading to overhit shots and a steeper learning curve.
  4. Installation: Proper installation is key to maximizing the benefits of Simonis 860. Incorrect installation can lead to issues like wrinkles or an uneven play surface.
  5. Limited Forgiveness: The tight weave and smooth surface offer less forgiveness for imperfect shots compared to softer, napped cloths.

2. Championship Saturn II Billiards Cloth

Championship Saturn II Billiards Cloth is another long time popular choice for covering pool tables, offering a different set of features and experiences compared to higher-end options like Simonis cloth 860.

Pros:

  1. Affordability: One of the main advantages of this cloth is its affordability. It is priced significantly lower than premium cloths like Simonis 860, making it a good choice for casual players or those on a budget.
  2. Durability: Made from a combination of wool and nylon blend, it offers good durability, which is suitable for high-traffic tables in homes or recreational facilities.
  3. Playability: While it may not offer the same level of speed and consistency as Simonis 860, it still provides a decent playing surface that's suitable for casual to intermediate level play.
  4. Ease of Maintenance: The blend of materials can be more forgiving in terms of maintenance and cleaning compared to more premium cloths.
  5. Variety of Colors: Championship Saturn II comes in a range of colors (including tournament green) allowing for customization of the look of the pool table to suit personal preferences or décor.

Cons:

  1. Speed and Consistency: Compared to higher-end worsted cloths, it might not offer the same level of speed and consistency. Balls may roll slower and with slightly less predictability.
  2. Professional Play: It's not typically used in professional settings or tournaments, which might be a consideration for serious players seeking a professional-grade surface.
  3. Wear Over Time: While durable, the blend of wool and nylon might show signs of wear and pilling faster than worsted wool cloths like the Simonis 860, especially under heavy use.
  4. Installation Sensitivity: As with most pool table cloths, proper installation is crucial. Incorrect installation can lead to issues like wrinkling or an uneven play surface.
  5. Feel and Aesthetics: The feel of the cloth might not be as smooth or luxurious as higher-end options, which could be a factor for those who are particular about the tactile and visual aspects of their pool table.

3. Proform High Speed Professional Grade Pool Table Cloth

ProForm High-Speed Professional Grade Pool Table Cloth is designed for players seeking a balance between professional-level play and affordability.

Pros:

  1. Professional Play: Offers a high-speed playing surface, suitable for players who prefer a faster game similar to what is experienced in professional settings.
  2. Durability: Made with a blend of wool and nylon, it provides good durability, making it suitable for frequent play.
  3. Consistency: The cloth is designed to provide a consistent roll, contributing to a predictable and reliable playing experience.
  4. Affordability: While offering professional-grade quality, it is generally more affordable than some top-tier brands like Simonis.
  5. Felt Color Options: Available in various colors, allowing for customization according to personal or décor preferences.

Cons:

  1. Not the Top-Tier: While it is professional-grade, it might not match the absolute top-tier cloths like Simonis 860 in terms of speed and precision.
  2. Maintenance: Requires regular maintenance to keep the surface in optimal playing condition.
  3. Wear and Tear: Despite its durability, under heavy use, it may show signs of wear faster than more expensive worsted cloths.
  4. Installation: Proper installation is critical to ensure the best playing experience and incorrect installation can lead to issues.
  5. Adaptation for Players: Players used to slower or more forgiving cloths might need time to adjust to their speed and responsiveness.

4. CPBA Competition Worsted Professional Pool Table Cloth

CPBA Competition Worsted Professional Pool Table Cloth is a high-quality option often chosen for competitive and professional settings. Here are its pros and cons:

Pros:

  1. High-Quality Material: Made from worsted wool, providing a smooth, fast, and consistent playing surface.
  2. Professional Standard: Designed to meet the standards of professional play, making it suitable for tournaments and high-level competitive games.
  3. Durability: Its worsted wool construction ensures longevity and resistance to pilling and wear.
  4. Consistent Play: Offers a highly consistent cue ball roll, which is crucial for precision and accuracy in competitive play.
  5. Less Maintenance: The quality of the material means less maintenance compared to lower-grade cloths.

Cons:

  1. Cost: It is generally more expensive, reflecting its professional-grade quality.
  2. For Experienced Players: The speed and responsiveness of the cloth might be challenging for beginners or casual players.
  3. Careful Installation: Requires precise installation to maximize its benefits, and improper installation can negatively affect play.
  4. Limited Forgiveness: The tight weave and fast play offer less forgiveness for imperfect shots, which might be intimidating for less experienced players.
  5. Specialized Maintenance: While it requires less maintenance, the maintenance it does need must be done correctly to preserve its quality.

5. Imperial Leisure

Imperial Leisure Pool Table or Billiard Cloth is the perfect choice among casual and home pool table owners due to its combination of affordability and decent playability.

Pros:

  1. Affordability: It's often more budget-friendly compared to professional-grade cloths, making it a great choice for home use or recreational settings.
  2. Durability: Made with a blend of nylon and wool, it offers a good level of durability for regular play.
  3. Variety of Colors: Comes in various colors (including tournament blue), allowing for customization to match room décor or personal preferences.
  4. Ease of Installation: Generally considered to be an easy installation compared to some higher-end cloths, making it a good option for DIY enthusiasts.
  5. Suitable for Casual Play: Provides a satisfactory playing experience for casual or amateur players.

Cons:

  1. Play Quality: May not offer the same level of speed and precision as higher-end, worsted cloths.
  2. Maintenance: Requires regular cleaning and maintenance to maintain its condition.
  3. Wear Over Time: Might show signs of wear, such as pilling or fading, more quickly than more expensive cloths.
  4. Inconsistency: The roll of the balls might be less consistent compared to higher-grade cloths.

6. ProLine Classic Teflon

ProLine Classic Teflon is known for its Teflon coating, which offers added durability and is stain resistant. This makes it ideal for environments where durability and easy maintenance are key considerations.

Pros:

  1. Teflon Coating: Provides resistance to spills and stains, making it a practical choice for environments where spills are a concern.
  2. Durability: The blend of wool and polyester along with Teflon coating contributes to its durability.
  3. Playability: Offers a good balance between speed and control, suitable for both casual and more serious players.
  4. Variety of Colors: Available in multiple colors for aesthetic customization.
  5. Value for Money: Offers a good combination of quality and affordability.

Cons:

  1. Not for Professional Play: While good for casual to intermediate play, it may not meet the standards of professional-grade cloths.
  2. Maintenance: Despite the Teflon coating, regular maintenance is still necessary.
  3. Feel: The texture might feel different due to the Teflon coating, which some players might not prefer.
  4. Installation Care: Proper installation is the best way to prevent issues like wrinkling or bubbling.

7. Championship Tour Edition

The Championship Tour Edition cloth is a premium pool table felt, highly regarded in the billiards community, especially among professional and competitive players. It's designed to offer superior playability and durability. Although it is an additional cost, its higher wool content makes it worth it.

Pros:

  1. High-Quality Material: Worsted wool construction ensures a smooth and fast playing surface.
  2. Consistency and Speed: Provides a consistent roll and faster gameplay, preferred in professional settings.
  3. Durability: Highly durable, capable of withstanding extensive use in competitive environments.
  4. Low Maintenance: The quality of the cloth means less pilling and maintenance over time.
  5. Professional Standard: Often used in tournaments and by serious players for its high performance.

Cons:

  1. Cost: More expensive than leisure-grade cloths, reflecting its higher quality.
  2. Not for Beginners: The fast play and responsiveness might be challenging for novice players.
  3. Installation: Requires professional installation to ensure optimal playability.
  4. Specialized Care: While low in maintenance, any required care must be precise to maintain its condition.
  5. Limited Forgiveness: Less forgiving for imperfect shots, requiring greater skill and precision.

8. Custom Printed Pool Table Felt

Custom printed pool table felt allows for a high degree of personalization, catering to those who want to give their pool tables with a personal or thematic touch. This type of felt is particularly popular in settings where the pool table is a focal point or in environments like game rooms, bars, or event spaces where a distinctive look can enhance the overall ambiance.

Pros:

  1. Personalization: The key advantage of custom printed felt is the ability to personalize it with virtually any design, from family crests to favorite sports team logos, or even artwork.
  2. Aesthetic Appeal: This type of felt can significantly enhance the visual appeal of a pool table, making it a centerpiece in any room or a conversation starter in social settings.
  3. Variety of Designs: The options for customization are virtually limitless, allowing for creativity and uniqueness in design choices.
  4. Suitable for Branding or Theming: For businesses or themed events, custom printed felts can be an effective branding tool or contribute to the thematic decor.
  5. Quality Options: Many suppliers offer high-quality cloth options for printing, ensuring that the playability is not entirely compromised for the sake of aesthetics.

Cons:

  1. Cost: Custom printing on pool table felt can be more expensive than standard cloth options, particularly if high-quality materials are used or if the design is intricate.
  2. Wear and Tear of the Design: Over time, the printed design might fade or wear, especially in areas of high friction.
  3. Potential Impact on Playability: Depending on the quality of the cloth and the printing process, the playability might be slightly affected, particularly in terms of ball roll consistency and speed.
  4. Maintenance Considerations: You need to make sure you give your pool table proper care, as the printed areas may require more careful cleaning to prevent damage to the design.
  5. Longevity Concerns: The longevity of the print quality and the cloth itself might be less than that of high-end standard pool table felts.

9. Iszy Billiards Performance Grade Pool Table Felt

Iszy Billiards Performance Grade Pool Table Felt is designed for players who seek a balance between quality and affordability. This cloth is a popular choice among both casual players and those who take their game a bit more seriously but aren't looking for professional-grade materials.

Pros:

  1. Affordable Quality: Offers a good balance between performance and cost, making it accessible for a wider range of players.
  2. Durability: Constructed with a blend of wool and nylon, it provides durability suitable for moderate to heavy use.
  3. Suitable for Various Play Styles: Offers a medium speed play, which can be ideal for both casual and more experienced players.
  4. Color Options: Available in different colors, allowing for personalization of the pool table.
  5. Ease of Maintenance: Generally easier to maintain compared to higher-end worsted cloths.

Cons:

  1. Not Professional Grade: While good for recreational and amateur use, it may not meet the standards of professional players.
  2. Inconsistency in Roll: May not provide the same level of consistency and precision as more expensive worsted cloths.
  3. Pilling Potential: Over time, the cloth might show signs of pilling, affecting the smoothness of play.
  4. Installation Sensitivity: Proper installation is important for optimal performance.
  5. Adaptation Period: Players used to faster cloths might need time to adapt to its play characteristics.

10. Velvet Pool Table Felt

Velvet Pool Table Felt is an intriguing option for those looking to add a touch of luxury and distinct aesthetic to their pool table. While not as commonly used for competitive play, this type of cloth offers a unique feel and appearance, making it a favorite for those who prioritize the look and tactile experience of their pool table. You can also incorporate bright colors.

Pros:

  1. Luxurious Appearance: The velvet material provides a rich, elegant look that can elevate the aesthetic appeal of any game room.
  2. Unique Texture: Offers a distinctive, soft feel that is different from traditional pool table cloths.
  3. Moderate Playability: Suitable for casual play, providing a satisfactory experience for home or recreational use.
  4. Variety of Colors: Typically available in various colors to match different room decors.
  5. Aesthetic Focus: Ideal for those who value the appearance of their pool table as much as, or more than, the playability.

Cons:

  1. Not Ideal for Competitive Play: The velvet texture may not provide the speed and consistency required for serious or professional play.
  2. Maintenance and Durability Concerns: More prone to wear and requires careful maintenance, especially in terms of cleaning and avoiding spills.
  3. Potential for Inconsistent Ball Roll: The plush nature of the velvet can affect the uniformity and speed of ball roll.
  4. Specialized Installation: May require careful and specialized installation to preserve its unique texture and appearance.
  5. Limited Practicality: More of a decorative choice than a practical one for frequent players or those seeking professional-grade play.

We hope these 10 best felt for pool table ideas have helped you!

Remember it is up to personal preference!

Whether you're a casual player seeking durability and value, an intermediate enthusiast aiming for a balance of quality and cost, or a competitive player demanding the highest standards of play, with a high thread count there's a cloth that fits your needs.

From the material and construction to maintenance, aesthetics, budget, and installation, each factor plays a critical role in your choice.

Remember, the right pool table felt not only improves the quality of your game but also contributes to the longevity and appearance of your table.

With the insights provided, you are now equipped to make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences, ensuring countless hours of enjoyable and satisfying gameplay on your beautifully outfitted pool table.

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