Estimated Read Time: 7 mins | Updated: December 3, 2025

When most people talk about pool tables, they focus on the slate, the cloth, or even the balls. But pockets—the humble catch at the end of every shot—make just as big a difference in how your table plays, sounds, and lasts. The material used in those pockets affects everything from bounce-outs to maintenance.

The three main options are leather, Kydex (plastic), and cast (metal or molded). Here’s how they stack up.

Table of Contents

• Leather Pockets: Classic and Quiet
• Kydex (Plastic) Pockets: Durable and Practical
• Cast Pockets: Indestructible but Unforgiving
• Side-by-Side Comparison
• Choosing the Right Pocket

1. Leather Pockets: Classic and Quiet

Leather has been the traditional choice for high-end pool tables for over a century. You’ll find them on furniture-style tables and most tournament-grade drop-pocket setups.

Pros:

• Durability: High-quality leather pockets last for years of steady play. They can eventually dry out or tear, but not before enduring thousands of impacts.
• Play feel: Leather absorbs energy, meaning fewer bounce-outs on rattled shots. Balls land softly and stay in place.
• Noise: Quietest option. A sinking ball gives a muted thud, not a clatter.
• Aesthetics: Available in shield or fringe styles and finishes that match fine wood tables—adds elegance to a game room.

Cons:

• Maintenance: Needs occasional conditioning to prevent cracking.
• Cost: $150–$250+ for a full set.
• Replacement: When stitching or baskets fail, replacement is pricier and more involved than plastic.

Best for: Luxury home tables and tournament setups where appearance and play consistency matter.

2. Kydex (Plastic) Pockets: Durable and Practical

Kydex is a branded thermoplastic known for toughness. Many commercial and competition tables use synthetic pocket liners instead of full leather.

Pros:

• Durability: Resistant to rot, humidity, and tearing. Great for high-traffic environments.
• Low upkeep: No conditioning needed. If a liner cracks, replacements are cheap and easy to install.
• Cost: Affordable—typically $20–$40 for a set.
• Consistency: Holds up under thousands of games with minimal change in play.

Cons:

• Bounce-outs: The rigid surface doesn’t absorb impact. Fast shots can ricochet back onto the table.
• Noise: Noticeably louder than leather. Balls hitting plastic make a sharp clack and can rattle noisily.
• Looks: Functional but plain; usually black plastic, hidden under the rails.

Best for: Pool halls, bars, and modern tournament tables where durability and easy replacement outweigh aesthetics.

3. Cast Pockets: Indestructible but Unforgiving

“Cast” pockets refer to either cast metal (iron, steel, brass) pocket irons or molded cast plastic pockets common in coin-op bar tables.

Pros:

• Durability: Metal pocket irons essentially last forever. Cast plastic is rugged and designed for heavy abuse.
• Maintenance: Minimal. Just wipe clean and check mounting bolts occasionally.
• Cost: Very low; often built into the table. Replacement liners are cheap.

Cons:

• Bounce-outs: Hardest, least forgiving option. Shots that don’t drop clean can spit out violently.
• Noise: Loudest of the three. Balls smacking metal or hard plastic sound like a box of rocks.
• Aesthetics: Functional, not decorative. Metal is usually hidden under leather trim; plastic is just a utilitarian cup.

Best for: Coin-operated tables, bar environments, and antique restorations where toughness matters more than quiet or style.

4. Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Leather	Kydex (Plastic)	Cast (Metal/Plastic)
Durability	High, but can dry/tear over time	Very high, resists wear and rot	Virtually indestructible (metal)
Bounce-outs	Minimal—absorbs impact	Moderate—hard surface can ricochet	High—very rigid, least forgiving
Noise	Quiet, muted thud	Louder, sharp clack	Loudest—metal clang or hard rattle
Maintenance	Needs conditioning, eventual replacement	Low, easy/cheap replacement	Minimal, rarely replaced
Cost	Highest ($150–$250+)	Low ($20–$40)	Lowest (often built-in)
Aesthetics	Classic, elegant, furniture-style	Plain, utilitarian	Functional, rarely visible

5. Choosing the Right Pocket

• For Home Use: Choose leather for the traditional, quiet, upscale feel.
• For Commercial/Heavy Play: Opt for Kydex or cast for toughness and easy replacement.
• For Tournaments: Hybrid setups (leather trim with synthetic liners) offer quiet play and long life.

In short: leather is luxury, Kydex is practical, and cast is bulletproof. Match your choice to how and where your table will be played, and you’ll get the best performance and lifespan.