Is replacing Pool Table Rails due to hard rubber really necessary?

Question

I have an American Heritage 8' slate table, purchased in 2001. Due to a spill I am having it recovered. The tech said my bumpers are hard and I need to replace them for $300. They do feel hard, but I never noticed that being a problem. Nobody in my family is a serious pool player. Is this really something that I need to have done or is it an unnecessary expense? Seems like if they went bad after only 6 years this is not something I want to be doing repeatedly in the future.

Answer 1

if your a little bit handy, and have time to do the project, you can do it easially by yourself, as rail rubber is really cheap at pooldarts.com . did you notice the cushions dead b4 he said anything? if not, i wouldnt worry about it, unless it is indeed hard. when they get hard, they start to crack, and look and feel like a dried up rubber band. what kind of stain is on it that cannot be gotten off, paint? if it plays fine, i wouldnt worry a bit about cosmetics unless you, look at it as a showpiece. just a few thoughts to ask yourself.

Answer 2

If nobody in your house is any good they likely won't even notice a newer set of cushions. I wouldn't call it an unnecessary expense since the table is not playing correctly with dead rails, but it should not be a huge deal. And yes, they will wear out again every so often, and you would have to replace them several times over the years.

If you want to spend the money once and then not worry about it, I would contact a Olhausen dealer and ask if they can install Accufast cushions on your table. These cushions are the only I am aware of with a lifetime warranty, and should easily outlast any other brand.

Answer 3

For normal playing, the rails don't matter much, but advanced players that use a lot of English (side spin) would notice a huge difference.

In order to setup shots using English, the ball has to "sink" into the rubber, create enough contact for the side spin to be effective.

Answer 4

Im not saying it dont happen but it does not sound right any chance of a second opinion

I would say no if no one is that serious anyway and it prob better than most tables you would play on elsewhere

Answer 5

no it is not.