[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by bdorman

The problem is that the angle-cut of the cushions are too wide at the pockets. It makes for a wider pocket but when a ball hits the cushion inside the pocket it's thrown against the other cushion...and then rattles away from the pocket.

The angle-cut should be 141 degrees (Diamond and Brunswick Gold Crowns). At 141 degrees the pocket is tighter but the cushion rebounds the ball toward the pocket, not out of it. (Yes, you can still rattle a ball in a 141 degree pocket, but it's MUCH less common).

The ProLine pockets at O'Dell are 144-145 degrees. You can't shoot down the rail with any speed at all. The ball will just rattle out. In fact, a ball coming from any direction stands a good chance of rattling out if you hit the inside of the pocket cushion.

This is a symtom of the fact that The Villages buys pool tables for "decor", not playability. They are "furniture tables" meant to look good; how they play is an after-thought to the manufacturer (because they know the customer is buying for appearances).

The sad part is that they probably pay more for a crappy furniture table than they'd pay for the best commercial table (a Diamond ProAm, which is a beautiful table but it doesn't have a decorative theme).

I was stumped why I rattled so many balls on proline tables. Thank you !