Ball size vs table size

[BoBo17]

Hello,

New here.

I'm looking to buy a secondhand smaller size table (8.5-9 foot) in order to practice my snooker at home.

I would prefer to use full size snooker balls rather than the 2 inch balls that seem common on these tables. I would like to do this so that skills transfer to a full table easier.

However, I notice the pockets tend to be tighter on these tables (~80-82mm) and the rails seem lower (33-36mm). How would using full balls go on a table like this? I figured the tighter pockets would be offset by the shorter shooting distance, but I am concerned that the rails/cushions wouldn't play well?

Am I over-thinking this and should just use the 2 inch balls? I seem to remember struggling with transitioning between the two when I last played, many years ago.

Thoughts? Experiences?

Thank you

[DeanH]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/gds/Guide-to-P...5547753/g.html

came across this some time ago, don't know if others agree with their ideas

[vjmehra]

Hello,

New here.

I'm looking to buy a secondhand smaller size table (8.5-9 foot) in order to practice my snooker at home.

I would prefer to use full size snooker balls rather than the 2 inch balls that seem common on these tables. I would like to do this so that skills transfer to a full table easier.

However, I notice the pockets tend to be tighter on these tables (~80-82mm) and the rails seem lower (33-36mm). How would using full balls go on a table like this? I figured the tighter pockets would be offset by the shorter shooting distance, but I am concerned that the rails/cushions wouldn't play well?

Am I over-thinking this and should just use the 2 inch balls? I seem to remember struggling with transitioning between the two when I last played, many years ago.

Thoughts? Experiences?

Thank you

You should be able to get hold of a table that size configured for 2 1/16 balls, possibly less common, but they definitely exist.

If buying new its easy, just ask for that spec.

[philip in china]

I had a 10' table when I was in China. That was set up for standard sized balls.

I seem to remember seeing some smaller sized tables for sale of Geoff's site. Those were set up for full sized balls. The problem is that they hold their value better than full size tables.

[BoBo17]

Thank you for the replies.

It is good to know that they do exist - I'll continue to look.

You agree that it would be a better option, playing with the full-size balls?

[vjmehra]

Thank you for the replies.

It is good to know that they do exist - I'll continue to look.

You agree that it would be a better option, playing with the full-size balls?

Personally I would say yes absolutely, get the largest table you can with full size balls (although I probably wouldn't bother with 15 reds, 10 max, maybe even 6 for practice).

[Geoff Large]

Look for a 8ft Karnehm and hillman like this http://gclbilliards.com/8ft-karnehm-...-for-sale-500/

or a Enbild like this 8ft http://gclbilliards.com/8ft-x-4ft-so...able-for-sale/

others that have sold are http://gclbilliards.com/snooker-tabl...-8ft-for-sale/

http://gclbilliards.com/willie-holt-...able-for-sale/

http://gclbilliards.com/8ft-snooker-...-lincolnshire/

it all depends on size of table 8ft /9ft or 10ft , but even if they did have the smaller 2 inch ball , all you have to do is is the raise the cushion either by adding a thin slip of 1/16th thick veneer wood to the underside of the rubber block then re-cover or fit new blocks and rubber to take full size balls , and cut the pockets to full size table .

DO NOT BUY A TABLE WITH FOUR LEGS LIKE THIS http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8ft-Snooke...4AAOSw4CFYoHkR
you will have problems with it sagging in the middle due to lack of support on that great span

always buy a three or five sectional slate bed table and 6 legs , there are a lot of thin one piece slate bed 8ft around which have wood screws in cushions rather than bolted into thicker sectional slate bed .

some 9fts come with three sections and modern ones come with 5 sections .

[philip in china]

I thought Geoff would know of one somewhere. That K & H looks lovely. I think you particularly like K & H tables, don't you, Geoff?

Full size balls, definitely. I was going to menion 10 reds but see it has already been done. Now if you can get a century with 10 reds, you are good!

[BoBo17]

Look for a 8ft Karnehm and hillman like this http://gclbilliards.com/8ft-karnehm-...-for-sale-500/

or a Enbild like this 8ft http://gclbilliards.com/8ft-x-4ft-so...able-for-sale/

others that have sold are http://gclbilliards.com/snooker-tabl...-8ft-for-sale/

http://gclbilliards.com/willie-holt-...able-for-sale/

http://gclbilliards.com/8ft-snooker-...-lincolnshire/

it all depends on size of table 8ft /9ft or 10ft , but even if they did have the smaller 2 inch ball , all you have to do is is the raise the cushion either by adding a thin slip of 1/16th thick veneer wood to the underside of the rubber block then re-cover or fit new blocks and rubber to take full size balls , and cut the pockets to full size table .

DO NOT BUY A TABLE WITH FOUR LEGS LIKE THIS http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8ft-Snooke...4AAOSw4CFYoHkR
you will have problems with it sagging in the middle due to lack of support on that great span

always buy a three or five sectional slate bed table and 6 legs , there are a lot of thin one piece slate bed 8ft around which have wood screws in cushions rather than bolted into thicker sectional slate bed .

some 9fts come with three sections and modern ones come with 5 sections .

Thank you for the info. I live in NZ so options are more limited - but I'll use this to guide me while I like.

Cheers