Predator Arcadia vs. Simonis Cloth

When aiming for peak performance from your pool table, the pool table cloth is vital. It governs ball speed, spin potential, accuracy, and the overall feel of the game. Two prominent names consistently surface in discussions about top-tier worsted billiard cloth: the venerable Simonis and the more recent contender, Predator Arcadia.

How do these two compare? Let's explore a factual breakdown, incorporating common player observations and experiences.

Simonis: The Established Benchmark

• Reputation & History: Manufactured in Belgium for over two centuries, Simonis is widely recognized as the benchmark for billiard cloth quality. It serves as the official cloth for numerous professional tournaments globally.
• Construction: Simonis cloths are worsted wool. This involves combing the wool fibers to eliminate shorter strands before tightly weaving them. The result is a smooth, flat, nap-free surface known for speed, consistency, and durability.
• Key Characteristics: Renowned for exceptional quality control, consistent play, accuracy, and longevity. It holds up well against pilling, shedding, and ball burn marks.
• Popular Models:
  • Simonis 860: The most prevalent choice and often considered the tournament standard, particularly for 9-ball. It strikes a balance between speed and control (90% wool, 10% nylon).
  • Simonis 760: Faster than 860 due to a higher nylon content (70% wool, 30% nylon) and slightly lighter weight. Often preferred for games like bank pool or one-pocket, especially on larger tables, though some find its speed excessive for smaller tables.
  • Simonis 860HR (High Resistance): Blends the weight of 860 with the 70/30 wool/nylon mix of 760. Engineered for enhanced durability, making it popular for commercial venues or heavy home use. Its speed is generally perceived as slightly faster than 860 but slower than 760.
• Pros: Proven tournament pedigree, exceptional consistency, high durability (especially 860HR), long-standing reputation.
• Cons: Typically carries a higher price tag.

Predator Arcadia: The High-Performance Contender

• Reputation & History: Arcadia is produced by Predator, a highly regarded brand famous for its performance cues and accessories. Arcadia cloth is positioned as a direct competitor to Simonis, targeting elite performance levels.
• Construction: Like Simonis, Arcadia is a worsted wool cloth engineered for smooth, consistent play.
• Key Characteristics: Designed for durability, speed, and reliable playability. It aims to deliver performance comparable, or potentially superior, to Simonis, often at an attractive price.
• Popular Models:
  • Arcadia Reserve: Predator's top-tier offering, frequently compared directly to Simonis 860 or 860HR. It's built for maximum durability and performance and is the official cloth for many WPA professional events and the US Pro Billiard Series. Available only in Tournament Blue.
  • Arcadia Select: A high-performance choice presented as a more budget-conscious alternative, often likened to Simonis 760 or 860 depending on player perception. Available in various colors.
• Pros: Excellent performance often described as very close to Simonis, potentially greater durability noted by some (especially Reserve vs. 860), frequently more competitively priced.
• Cons: A newer entrant compared to Simonis, thus having a shorter long-term track record. Some installers mention it may stretch differently during installation compared to Simonis.

Head-to-Head & Player Observations:

• Playability & Speed: This is where perspectives can vary.
  • Many players, particularly those using Arcadia Reserve, report it plays very similarly to Simonis 860 or 860HR, sometimes feeling almost identical.
  • Some accounts suggest Arcadia Reserve might play slightly faster than Simonis 860.
  • Conversely, some individuals felt Arcadia (perhaps the Select model, or based on personal feel) played slightly slower than the equivalent Simonis cloth.
  • It's sometimes noted that Arcadia feels very "slick" when brand new, potentially impacting initial cue ball control, though this often diminishes after some play. Others find it accepts spin well.
• Durability:
  • Simonis, especially the 860HR, boasts a well-established reputation for toughness, particularly in commercial environments.
  • Many users find Arcadia (especially Reserve) to be highly durable. Some player accounts suggest the Reserve holds up exceptionally well, potentially even better than Simonis 860 under demanding use (like frequent jump/masse shots).
  • Some comments indicate Arcadia might show dirt or chalk marks more readily than Simonis, although this can be subjective and influenced by maintenance habits.
• Installation: Experienced installers sometimes mention that Arcadia cloth might exhibit more stretch than Simonis, potentially necessitating minor adjustments to their technique.
• Price: Generally, Arcadia cloth (both Select and Reserve) is often priced slightly below the comparable Simonis models (860/860HR), presenting a strong value proposition.
• Overall Sentiment: Simonis is frequently acknowledged as the trusted standard. However, Arcadia receives widespread praise as an excellent alternative offering comparable, top-level performance, often at a better price point. Many who choose Arcadia, particularly the Reserve, express high satisfaction, finding it meets or surpasses expectations, even when compared directly to Simonis 860/860HR. Player loyalty sometimes remains with Simonis due to its extensive history and proven presence in major tournaments.

Which Should You Choose?

• Choose Simonis if: You prioritize the established standard used in the majority of non-Predator sponsored major tournaments, budget is less of a factor, and you value the longest history of proven performance. Simonis 860 is the classic all-arounder, 760 offers more speed, and 860HR provides maximum durability.
• Choose Arcadia if: You seek top-tier, Simonis-level (or potentially exceeding) performance often at a more competitive price, value durability (especially with Reserve), or are outfitting a table for heavy home or potential commercial use where value is important. Arcadia Reserve is the premium selection (in Tournament Blue only), while Select delivers great performance in multiple colors.

In conclusion, both Simonis and Predator Arcadia represent the pinnacle of worsted billiard cloths. For numerous home players and even commercial establishments, Arcadia delivers compelling performance and value that directly challenges the long-reigning champion. Your decision might hinge on specific model comparisons (e.g., Reserve vs. 860HR), current pricing, color availability (Arcadia Reserve is exclusively Tournament Blue), and perhaps a degree of personal brand affinity.