Simonis 760 vs. 860 Pool Table Cloth
(Key Differences Explained & Which One Should You Choose)
By Phill Williams
Last Updated: 8th Mar, 2023, 7 min read
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Has your current pool table felt given up and needs replacement? Maybe you’re in the process of recovering a second-hand table you just bought off craigslist. Or maybe you are just looking for a better quality felt.
Whatever be the case, Simonis pool cloth comes as a no-brainer.
When it comes to pool table felts, no brand comes close to the mighty Simonis. They are well-known for making the finest and most durable pool felts adhering to the competitive standards.
For these reasons and more, Simonis has been one of the best-selling pool cloths in America. No wonder, almost all major international and national pool tournaments use the Simonis pool cloth.
Two of the most popular models in their lineups are - 760 and 860. Both the felts cost pretty much the same, but they play quite differently.
Below, we have explained their characteristics, how they play, and how they are different from one another.
Short Summary: 760 vs. 860
The Simonis 860 has a natural feel to it and is suitable for all pool/billiards games like 8-ball, 9-ball etc.
90 to 95% of players tend to choose and prefer the 860.
It’s fairly fast by most standards, more durable, and resists ball burn marks. The cloth carries the English quite well and allows you to draw on long-distance shots with accuracy.
Overall, if you’re re-doing your home pool table, 860 is your best bet. It’s ideal for all skill players as it’s slightly slower, and you get more control over the cue ball. Also, due to the higher durability, the 860 is the preferred choice in commercial settings.
Choose 760, if speed is what you’re after. Some players say that playing on a 760 feels like playing on a glass top. Clearly, it’s designed for more experienced and seasoned players.
Being a faster cloth, it allows you to play effortlessly. The 760 cloth is quite commonly used on pro-quality tables and for pattern games like bank pool, straight pool, and one pocket. In such games, the break is the most critical aspect of the game, and the speed of the ball is more important than the speed of the cue ball.
Beginners/recreational players should ideally avoid 760, as it may be too challenging for them to handle. One thing to note here is that the 760 is more susceptible to burn marks.
Alternative & Budget Pick
If you’re on a budget, do check the CPBA Competition Worsted Professional Pool Table Cloth. It costs half the price of Simonis while the performance is near-similar to 860.
Simonis 760 Review
The Simonis 760 is the fastest table cloth in the series. The 760 is known for its glass-like feel and plays 20 to 30% faster than the 860. It is mostly used for games like Bank Pool, Straight pool, and one pocket.
Construction
The Simonis 760 pool cloth is constructed using a 21oz worsted blend of 70% wool and 30% nylon. The higher nylon content is what gives the cloth it’s characteristic high speed. The cloth maintains its speed and accuracy over the years and does not significantly slow down over the years.
Control
The higher speed makes the game effortless and allows your play with finesse, but it also results in less control over the ball. Lesser skilled players usually struggle to get sufficient control over the cue ball when playing on 760 cloth. That said, 760 are more suitable for advanced players or pool players who like to play on a smoother and quick surface for effortless gameplay.
Durability
Any pool cloth which weighs more than 19oz is more or less considered very durable. But Simonis takes it one step ahead, and all its felts weigh over 21 oz.
The 760 uses 21 oz worsted felt, which offers long-lasting durability for years of unrestricted play. The benefit of 760 is that it does slow down over time, but at the same time, it is less durable than the 860. Technically, the 760 fabric contains 110 threads per inch (TPI), which is way more than any other brands like Championship and CPBA.
One issue with 760 is that it is susceptible to ball burn marks due to higher nylon content.
Colors & Size
The Simonis 760 comes in 15 colors. You can choose from red, gold, black, wine, dark green, and many more.
The cloth is available in all range of sizes from 7’ to all the way to 12’.
Simonis 860 Review
The 860 is made up of 23 oz worsted blend of 90% wool and 10% nylon. Due to the higher wool percentage, the cloth is medium-fast. In comparison to the 760, the 860 is about 20 to 30% slower.
Material
The 860 is made up of 23 oz worsted blend of 90% wool and 10% nylon. Due to the higher wool percentage, the cloth is medium-fast. In comparison to the 760, the 860 is about 20 to 30% slower.
Control
The reason Simonis 860 is so popular is that it offers a fine balance between control and speed. You would find it easier to control the cue ball, and you can easily put more English or spin in your strokes. As the cloth is neither too fast nor too slow, you can execute the stroke with better control and precision.
This makes the 860 cloth ideal for all types of players, be it beginners or advanced.
Durability
The 860 uses a 23oz blend with 127 threads per inch (TPI) while 760 uses a 21oz blend. As a result, the 860 is more durable than the 760. But the 860 has the tendency to slow down over time - typically after two to three years. Moreover, the 860 cloth is less susceptible to ball burn marks due to the higher percentage of wool in the blend.
The durability of the cloth also depends on the kind of pool balls you use. If your budget permits, use Aramith pool balls as they produce less heat, thus limiting ball burn marks. Moreover, as these balls are purely made of phenolic, they roll true and are more scratch-resistant.
Colors & Sizes
The Simonis 860 comes in a wide variety of color options. You can choose from any of the 27 classic colors. As far as the sizing goes, it comes in all standard pool table sizes from 7’ to 12’.
Key Differences Between Simonis 760 & 860 Cloth
Both 760 and 860 are excellent pool felts and come at a similar price point. But each has its own unique features, and it wouldn’t be right to say which one is better as it depends on the preference and playing style.
So, here we’ll break down the key difference between the two:
- Speed: 760 is 20 to 30% faster than the 860
- Control: 860 offers better control
- Thread per inch: 860 is 127 TPI while 760 is 110
- Durability: 860 is more durable
- Aging: 860 slows down with age while 760 maintain its speed throughout
- Ball Burn marks: 860 is less susceptible to the ball burn marks
- Color: 860 is available in more color options (27)
Who Should Choose Simonis 760?
The 760 is primarily used for larger tables (above 9’) or for specific games like bank pool or straight pool. Experienced players who like to play with finesse and speed also tend to favor 760. And, if you have an old pool table which rather plays slow, using a 760 cloth would help increase the speed of the surface.
Who Should Choose Simonis 860?
The 860 is the preferred pool felt among the two. The way this cloth is designed, it is suitable for all types of players from recreational to experts. The felt is fairly fast by most standards but not superbly quick.
If you plan to participate in tournaments, it’s best to practice on the 860 as most tournaments use the same cloth. As it offers better control, the 860 is also an excellent option for beginners and intermediate players looking to develop and hone their game.
Also, the 860 is more durable and typically lasts 5 to 7 years in a home setting (if properly maintained), which justifies the hefty price tag of the felt.
To Wrap it Up
As already mentioned, both of these felts are excellent options. It comes down to your preference and style of play. Most players tend to choose the 860 mainly due to its durability, traditional feel, and ease of play.
Simonis 760, on the other hand, favors quick play and goes well in the professional setting. Experienced players who like to play fast games prefer the 760s.
So now that you know the difference between the two, choose the one that goes well with your game and situation!
