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Bringing aftermarket racks to league night?

In my local 8-ball league, I am allowed to use an aftermarket racking device as long as my opponents agree to it and they are allowed to use it if they wish to. I am referring to devices such as the Delta 13 rack and the "Magic Rack", etc. In my league, we play on Valley bar boxes with the plastic racks. Do you think that an aftermarket rack would be a significant improvement for bar box 8-ball? Also, how would you feel if your opponent brought one of these to league night? Would you agree to them using it? If you let them use it, would you want to use it or would you stick to the plastic rack? Does anyone have any first hand experience on either side of this situation?

Update:

I'm right there with you about the distinction between the flimsy plastic and the durable plastic racks, Tim. I'm really leaning towards doing this. I have to see what my team would think. Great answers so far!

4 Answers

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  • 9 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    There's so much traffic in bar box 8 ball in general that getting a tight rack you is more critical than perhaps in any other game. One 8 ball league I used to play would give ball spots each game (the weaker player would only have to pocket 6 or 5 of his group before being on the 8 ball, for example) and I could see a smarter, weaker player having an advantage with a slug rack in this case.

    In some pool halls I've been to, many regulars bring their own Magic Rack for league and tournament play (carrying your own Delta-13 or other rack might be a little tacky, I guess). I've never heard a fight break out over it, but I can't say people have opposed using it. Personally, I wouldn't be opposed to it. And I figure if you're in a place with more serious players, most of them would agree to it.

    Having said that, I do have to say my peace about the term 'plastic rack'. I know what everyone's referring to but there is a thick plastic rack that I've found to be durable and great for racking. I'm not sure I've ever seen a broken one of these, but I've experienced way too many wooden racks that have fallen apart.

  • ?
    Lv 7
    9 years ago

    I would have no objection to anyone using a better rack, if I was playing that person and racking I would use it, I would not walk across the room to pick it up.

  • 9 years ago

    I've never seen anyone bring their own rack, but I've thought about it. I doubt anyone would object to the Delta 13, it just looks like a regular rack made out of aluminum. Am I missing something? I am surprised at the number of people that whine about the nice wooden racks because they're "too big" though. It's very strange.

    The magic rack might be a harder sell since it stays on the table, and I've seen a couple of reviews where they said people didn't like the idea of keeping them there. It might be worth a shot though since they're so cheap.

  • 9 years ago

    Those cheap plastic standard racks don't keep the balls tight enough. I think that it's a great idea to use an aftermarket rack like the Delta 13 or the Magic Rack in your league nights. Anything that will help keep the balls tightly frozen together with ease will be ideal. After all, who wants to spend too much time just racking balls. And I agree that it is only fair if everyone who plays in the league can use it, whether it's the people on your team, or the opposing team.

    I'm like a brain surgeon when it comes to the rack. Anyone who understands the game knows that a tight rack is essential to maximize the force of impact on the break. Whenever I play someone, especially in competition, I always demand a tight rack. If I don't like the way my opponent racked the balls, I will ask them to rerack. If I'm still not satisfied, I will rerack the balls myself.

    I've checked out both of the devices mentioned above, and I'm very impressed with them. I think either one of them can be very useful. If you are the captain of your team, you should have your team vote for the racking device that they would like to use. Hope you guys can come to a decision. Good luck!

    Source(s): Advanced level player, tournament player, and long-time student of the game.
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