Sardo Tight Rack Question:?

Question

I've been wanting a Sardo Tight Rack for years as I play between 10-30 games a day. I recently started looking again at what is available and I haven't exactly been able to find out the difference between the M-2000, M-3000 and M-5000 except that the M-2000 is quite a bit more than the newer models. Does anyone out there know the practical differences in using the models and why the older model would be nearly 3 times as much?

Can you explain the difference in the models and the amount of wear, difficulty of use?

Thanks so much!

Answer 1

First of all, I want to say that I own a M-3000 model Sardo rack.  I bought one because I thought that it would be something special because, hey, that's what the pro's use, right?  I can't really speak for the other models, but I will throw in my two cents on the whole issue of the Sardo rack.  Have you ever noticed that when they play 9-ball on TV, they don't put the apex ball on the foot spot as in BCA rules?  They acutally put the 9-ball on the foot spot.  Do you want to know why?  We have the Sardo rack to thank for that.  You see, the Sardo rack does do exactly what it claims to do.  Not only do you get a perfectly tight rack every time, you get the "exact same rack" every time.  It gets to the point where you can predict with frightening accuracy where the balls will go on the break.  It got to the point where professional players were making the 9-ball on the break far too often.  So, to compensate for this, they moved the entire rack forward and now they put the 9-ball on the foot spot.  This is why players today break from the side as opposed to more straight on.  They are now playing for the 1-ball in one of the side pockets.  They couldn't do that with the traditional racking position.  My big problem with the Sardo rack, is that it doesn't provide a more random result with the break.  It's one thing to play cue ball position on the break.  I'm all for that, but it's kind of a crutch to have the balls always move in the some position every time you break.  Where's the variety in that?  You need to be able to deal with all types of layouts that come from open break shots.  It's entirely possible to have a good tight rack without having a carbon copy every time you break.  Incidentally, my hats off to you for your dedication to the best game I've ever played.  It does my heart good to hear that there are people out there who are knowledgeable and who share my passion for pool.  Best of luck in your decision.  M.D.-BCA Instructor/Referee.