Pockets and Nets

Pockets and ball nets show a table age faster than anything else: leather nets harden and crack, braiding frays, and a chipped pocket corner decides whether a ball drops or bounces back onto the table.

Pool tables use two systems: nets hung under each pocket, or a return that gathers the balls in one place. Snooker tables use leather nets only, with narrow, sharply cut jaws — which is why pool balls jam in them. When buying, check the mounting hole spacing, the material (real leather outlasts synthetic) and whether the set covers all six pockets, since a single replacement rarely matches in colour. See also table parts, cushions and cloths.