Simonis 860 vs 760 — Pool Table Cloth Compared
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If you're re-covering a pool table, two names come up more than any other: Simonis 860 and Simonis 760. Both are woven by Iwan Simonis in Belgium, both are premium worsted cloth, and both are used on serious tables worldwide. But they play differently — and choosing the wrong one for your table means either a surface that's too fast for your game or cloth that wears out sooner than it should. This guide breaks down the real differences so you can decide with confidence.
Quick answer: Simonis 860 is the heavier, higher-wool, slightly slower cloth that's the standard for tournaments and commercial rooms because it resists ball burn and lasts longer. Simonis 760 is lighter and roughly 10–30% faster, which suits home players who want quicker table speed and don't put their table through daily commercial abuse. Choose 860 for durability and tournament feel; choose 760 for speed and a livelier home game.
What are Simonis 860 and 760?
Both cloths are "worsted" — meaning the wool yarn is combed smooth before weaving, so there's no fuzzy nap on the surface. Nap-free cloth won't pill, fluff or shed, the ball rolls truer, and it's far easier to keep clean than the napped "felt" found on cheaper tables. The difference between the two models comes down to the wool-to-nylon blend and the weight of the weave.
Simonis 860 uses a higher wool content and a denser weave, which is why it was developed as the standard for 9-ball and adopted across professional play. Simonis 760 uses more nylon and a lighter weave, trading some durability for extra speed. Neither is "better" in the abstract — they're tuned for different priorities.
Simonis 860 vs 760: side-by-side
| Feature | Simonis 860 | Simonis 760 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Worsted, nap-free | Worsted, nap-free |
| Blend | 90% wool / 10% nylon | 70% wool / 30% nylon |
| Weight | Heavier / denser (approx. 410 g/m²) | Lighter (approx. 355 g/m²) |
| Speed | Slightly slower, controlled | Roughly 10–30% faster |
| Ball-burn resistance | Excellent (high wool content) | Good |
| Typical lifespan (heavy use) | ~24–36 months | ~18–24 months |
| Best for | Tournaments, pool halls, bars, clubs | Home tables, faster games, players who like speed |
| Widths | 66″ and 78″ | 66″ and 78″ |
Note on weight: manufacturers quote cloth weight in different units (grams per square metre vs. ounces per linear yard), which is why you'll see numbers like "21 oz" and "410 g/m²" for the same cloth. What matters is the relationship: 860 is the heavier, denser of the two.
Speed: how they play differently
Speed is the single biggest reason players pick one over the other. Simonis 760's higher nylon content and lighter weave let the cue ball travel faster and further with the same stroke. Fans of 760 often play bank pool, straight pool and one-pocket, where a quicker surface rewards precise speed control, and plenty of home players simply enjoy how lively it feels.
Simonis 860 plays slightly slower and more controlled. That predictability is exactly why it became the tournament standard — a consistent, medium-fast roll that behaves the same from break to break. If you learned the game on a commercial table, 860 will feel familiar because it's what most quality rooms install.
Durability and ball burn
"Ball burn" is the faint scorching that can appear where the cue ball skids on the cloth, most visible around the break area. The higher wool content in 860 handles friction and heat better, so it resists ball burn and holds up longer under constant play. In a busy commercial room, 860 commonly lasts around 24–36 months, while 760 tends to run about 18–24 months under the same heavy use.
For a home table that's played a few times a week, both cloths will last for many years — durability becomes far less of a deciding factor, which frees you to prioritize the playing speed you prefer.
Which should you choose?
Choose Simonis 860 if you want the tournament-standard feel, you're covering a commercial or heavily used table, or ball-burn resistance and maximum lifespan matter most to you. It's the safe, universally respected default.
Choose Simonis 760 if you want a faster, livelier table, you play games that reward a quick surface, or you simply prefer more speed at home and don't need commercial-grade longevity. Many home enthusiasts love it precisely because it feels quicker than what they've played on elsewhere.
One practical tip: if you regularly play on an 860 table at your local hall and want your home table to feel identical, match the cloth. Consistency between the tables you play on most will do more for your game than chasing the "fastest" possible surface.
Cost, colours and installation
Both cloths sit in a similar premium price bracket, with 860 usually costing a little more than 760 because of its higher wool content and heavier weave. Prices vary by table size (7-, 8- or 9-foot cuts) and colour. Simonis 860 is offered in a very wide colour range — around 28 shades — while 760 comes in a solid selection of popular colours. Whichever you choose, worsted cloth should be installed by an experienced fitter: proper stretching across the slate and rails is what gives you the flat, fast, accurate roll these cloths are known for.
Frequently asked questions
Is Simonis 860 or 760 faster?
Simonis 760 is faster — roughly 10–30% faster than 860, depending on conditions. Its lighter weave and higher nylon content let the cue ball travel further with the same stroke. Simonis 860 plays slightly slower and more controlled.
Which lasts longer, 860 or 760?
Simonis 860 lasts longer. Its higher wool content resists ball burn and wear, giving roughly 24–36 months in heavy commercial use versus about 18–24 months for 760. On a home table, both last for years.
What cloth do professional tournaments use?
Simonis 860 is the long-standing tournament and commercial standard for pool. It was originally developed for 9-ball and is prized for its consistent, controlled speed and durability.
Is Simonis 760 good for a home table?
Yes. Many home players choose 760 for its faster, livelier feel. Because a home table sees far less use than a commercial one, 760's slightly shorter commercial lifespan isn't a concern, so you can pick it purely for the speed you enjoy.
What's the difference in the wool blend?
Simonis 860 is about 90% wool / 10% nylon, while 760 is about 70% wool / 30% nylon. The higher wool content in 860 improves durability and ball-burn resistance; the extra nylon in 760 makes it lighter and faster.
The bottom line
Both Simonis 860 and 760 are excellent worsted cloths — the choice is about priorities, not quality. Go with 860 for tournament feel and maximum durability, or 760 for a faster, livelier surface at home. If you're upgrading your billiard setup, browse the Aska Billiards store for cues, cases and accessories to match your table.