Simonis Cloth
Simonis cloth is the most trusted name in pool table felt, used in home rooms, league play, and professional tournaments around the world. Known for its consistent roll, durability, and precision worsted construction, Simonis delivers a playing surface that supports accurate, predictable shot-making at every level.
Simonis cloth is available in multiple sizes and styles, including popular options like Simonis 860, 760, and 860 HR. Whether you prefer balanced speed, faster play, or added durability, there is a Simonis cloth built to match your table and playing style.
Manufactured in Verviers, Belgium, Simonis cloth is made from high-quality worsted wool that creates a smooth, even surface. This tight, uniform construction helps the cue ball roll true and supports consistent speed and cushion response over time.
Simonis Cloth Options
Simonis offers a small lineup of cloth types, each designed to fine-tune table speed, durability, and playing feel. Woven with high-quality worsted wool, which uses tightly woven fibers to create a smooth, precise playing surface with consistent speed and reduced friction. Simonis cloth delivers consistent tournament-level performance while resisting the fuzzing and pilling commonly found in woolen cloths. Each version is tuned slightly differently to match specific playing environments and speed preferences.
Simonis 860
Simonis 860 is the most popular Simonis cloth and the standard choice for most home and league tables, as well as many tournament setups. It offers a balanced playing speed that is still considered fast when compared to most cloths, while providing excellent control and consistency. This balance of speed, feel, and durability is why 860 is widely used in competitive and commercial environments.
Simonis 760
Simonis 760 is a faster cloth designed for players who prefer maximum table speed. It plays quicker than 860, with less drag on the cue ball, allowing for a livelier and more aggressive style of play. Because of its lighter construction, it prioritizes speed over long-term durability, making it a strong choice for experienced players who want the fastest playing surface.
Simonis 860 HR
Simonis 860 HR blends characteristics of both 860 and 760, offering increased speed while maintaining the durability and consistency expected from the 860 line. It plays faster than standard 860, but with more durability than 760, making it a strong middle-ground option. This makes 860 HR especially popular for commercial rooms and high-use tables, or for players who want a quicker table without sacrificing longevity.
Simonis 300 Rapide (Carom Cloth)
Simonis 300 Rapide is designed specifically for carom billiards tables rather than standard pool. It delivers a fast, ultra-smooth playing surface optimized for carom-style games where precision and speed are critical.
Choosing the Right Simonis Cloth
Choosing the right Simonis cloth comes down to table use, playing style, and desired speed. While all options offer professional-level performance, small differences in construction can noticeably affect how the table plays.
Nylon to Wool Composition
Simonis cloth is made using a high percentage of worsted wool, which is what gives it its smooth, consistent playing surface. Higher wool content improves ball control and creates a truer roll, which is preferred for competitive play. A small amount of nylon is used to improve strength and durability, helping the cloth resist wear, stretching, and impact from advanced shots like jump or masse play.
Table Size and Fit
Proper cloth sizing is essential for installation and consistent play. Simonis cloth is available for 7 ft, 8 ft, and 9 ft tables, and selecting the correct size ensures a tight, even fit across the entire playing surface. A properly fitted cloth helps maintain consistent speed and reduces playability issues caused by stretching or misalignment. Simonis cloth is sold as a single, uncut piece, but we also offer a rail-cutting service to simplify installation.
| Simonis 860 Cloth | Simonis 760 | Simonis 860 HR | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloth Type | Worsted | Worsted | Worsted |
| Composition | 90% Wool / 10% Nylon | 70% Wool / 30% Nylon | 70% Wool / 20% Nylon |
| Weight | 27 oz | 22 oz | 27 oz |
| Best For | League and home play with balanced performance | Fast-playing tables for advanced players | High-use tables needing speed and durability |
Speed vs. Durability
Each Simonis cloth is tuned slightly differently based on playing needs:
- Simonis 760: Faster table speed for more aggressive, responsive play
- Simonis 860: Balanced speed and control for most players
- Simonis 860 HR: Increased durability for high-traffic or commercial tables
Why Players Choose Simonis Cloth
Players choose Simonis cloth because it delivers consistent speed, accurate cue ball response, and long-lasting durability. Its high wool content and worsted construction create a smooth, even playing surface that helps the cue ball roll true while providing consistent English and cushion rebound from shot to shot.
The precise weave also helps reduce ball burns and wear marks while maintaining the cloth's speed and playing characteristics over time, even with frequent use. This level of consistency is one of the reasons Simonis has remained the standard for tournament play for generations.
Simonis cloth also naturally resists liquid penetration thanks to its dense weave and proprietary manufacturing process. Small spills can often be cleaned before they soak into the cloth to help protect the appearance and performance over time.
Caring for Your Simonis Cloth
Proper maintenance helps extend the life and performance of your Simonis cloth. Regular brushing keeps the surface clean and smooth, while removing chalk buildup helps maintain consistent ball roll. For deeper cleaning, the Simonis X-1 table brush can be used to lift embedded chalk and fine particles without damaging the cloth.
Need Help Choosing a Simonis Cloth?
Not sure which Simonis cloth is right for your table? The PoolDawg team can help you choose the best option based on table size, usage, and playing style so you get the right speed and performance for your setup.
FAQs About Simonis Cloth
What is the difference between Simonis 860 and Simonis 760 cloth?
Simonis 860 offers a balanced playing speed with strong control, making it ideal for most home and league tables. Simonis 760 is a faster cloth that creates a more responsive, quicker-playing surface preferred by advanced players.
What size Simonis cloth do I need for my pool table?
Simonis cloth is sized based on your table (7 ft, 8 ft, or 9 ft). Choosing the correct size ensures proper fit, smooth installation, and consistent play across the entire surface.
Is Simonis 860 or 860 HR better for home use?
Simonis 860 is typically preferred for home use because it offers a balanced speed and feel. 860 HR is better suited for high-use environments where added durability and wear resistance are more important.
How long does Simonis cloth typically last?
With proper care and normal use, Simonis cloth can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, depending on how often the table is played on and maintained.
Can I install Simonis cloth on my pool table myself?
Yes, it is possible to install Simonis cloth yourself, but proper installation is important for performance. Following a detailed installation guide is recommended to ensure a smooth, even playing surface. For further instructions, check out our guide on how to refelt a pool table.