The Ultimate of Billiard Cloth Guide: CPBA vs. Simonis vs. Gorina

If you’re serious about billiards, you know the cloth is the soul of the table. It’s not just about looks; it’s about friction, speed, and control. Today, we compare the three titans dominating the professional Pool and Carom markets in 2026.

1. CPBA: The Revolution of the World Nineball Tour ?

CPBA has become the giant to beat. Following its partnership with Matchroom, the CPBA Royal Apex is now the official standard for the world's biggest tournaments.

• Specialty: Professional Pool.

• Best For: Exceptional value-for-money and extreme resistance to ball-burn marks.

• The Feel: A very fast cloth with an ultra-smooth surface that keeps spin active for longer. Ideal if you want high-level competition conditions.

2. Iwan Simonis: The Belgian Legend 

To speak of Simonis is to speak of the history of billiards. The Simonis 860 (Pool) and Simonis 300 Rapide (Carom) remain the absolute benchmarks for consistency.

• Specialty: Pool (860/760) and Carom (300).

• Best For: Unmatched control. There is no more predictable cloth in the world. If you execute the shot correctly, the ball goes exactly where you intended, with no "skidding" or surprises.

• The Feel: A more "textured" yet refined touch. It’s the "Mercedes" of cloths: reliable, elegant, and long-lasting if properly maintained.

3. Gorina: The Master of Carom 

Hailing from Spain, Gorina (especially the Granito range) is the top choice for 3-Cushion Billiards worldwide.

• Specialty: Carom / 3-Cushion Billiards.

• Best For: Its elasticity and the purity of its worsted wool. The Granito Tournament 2000 is considered by many to be the best carom cloth ever made.

• The Feel: It offers an extremely long, quiet, and smooth roll. In the Pool world, their Billar Star model is a fantastic option for those seeking durability without sacrificing speed.

Which one is your favorite? Do you prefer the pure speed of CPBA, the classic control of Simonis, or the infinite roll of Gorina?