Cushions

Table cushions wear out quietly: the rubber hardens over the years regardless of how much you play, and at some point the ball stops rebounding and starts sticking to the rail. New rubber is cheaper than a new table and transforms the one you have.

Pool uses the K-66 profile, snooker L-77 or steel block; the profiles are not interchangeable, as the contact height against the ball differs. There is a simple test: a ball rolled from the middle of the table should come off the cushion and travel at least three table lengths. If it loses energy or sounds dead, the rubber needs replacing. Typical life is 10–15 years. Rubber is changed together with the cloth, so see cloths, pockets and nets and assembly tools.