What Is the Simonis 300 Rapide?
Launched in 1980 by Iwan Simonis, the 300 Rapide set a new benchmark for carom billiard cloth quality and performance. Within a few years of its release, it became the reference cloth for amateur and professional carom players worldwide.
Iwan Simonis has manufactured billiard cloth in Verviers, Belgium since 1680, representing over 340 years of dedicated textile production. That history makes them the oldest company in the billiard industry and the only textile mill in the world focused solely on billiard cloth.
The 300 Rapide is engineered specifically for carom disciplines: 3-cushion, artistic billiards, and other carom games. It is not a pool cloth and should not be compared to the Simonis 860 or 760, which serve entirely different purposes.
Officially approved by the International Carom Federation for tournament play, the 300 Rapide has been the cloth of choice on the UMB Tour for more than 30 years. Its specifications tell the story: 90% Wool and 10% Nylon, weighing approximately 9 oz/yd² (±300 g/m²), available in 78-inch width for the US market.
Why Carom Cloth Is Different from Pool Cloth
Carom billiards uses larger balls, 61.5 mm in diameter compared to 57.2 mm for standard pool balls. The cloth must accommodate faster, more precise ball travel across a pocketless table where accuracy is measured in millimeters.
The 300 Rapide features nap-free, worsted construction. It will not pill, fluff, or shed like the napped "felt" cloths commonly found on entry-level or pool tables. For carom play, nap-free construction is not just a premium upgrade — it is essential. Consistent ball speed and accurate spin response are fundamental to the game, and napped cloth cannot deliver that level of precision.
Carom tables are typically heated to approximately 95 to 100°F. This removes moisture from the cloth and slate, making play faster and more consistent. The 300 Rapide is engineered to perform optimally under these heated conditions. Pool cloths are not designed for heated table environments and will degrade faster when exposed to sustained heat. Using pool cloth on a carom table leads to premature wear and inconsistent play.
Worsted construction allows the cue ball and object balls to travel with minimal friction variation. This consistency is critical for position play in 3-cushion billiards, where players focused on precise positioning average 2 to 3 points per inning compared to 0.5 to 1.0 for those who are not. The cloth plays a direct role in making that level of control possible.
Simonis 300 Rapide Specs, Colors, and Table Sizes
Full specifications: 90% Wool / 10% Nylon, ±300 g/m² (±9 oz/yd²), 78-inch width. Pre-cut sets include both bed cloth and rail cloths.
Available colors:
- Prestige™ (Tournament Blue) — the newest addition, mirroring the look of professional UMB events
- Blue-Green — the most common choice in club and competitive settings alongside Tournament Blue
- Simonis Green™ — a classic option popular for home installations
- Delsa Blue™ — a distinctive lighter blue
- Electric Blue — a bold option available in limited quantities
Table sizes: The 300 Rapide is available for 8 ft (including oversized), 9 ft, 10 ft, and 12 ft tables. Buyers should confirm their table's exact playing surface dimensions before ordering to ensure the correct pre-cut set.
Retail pricing ranges from approximately $485 for an 8 ft set to $545 or more for a 9 ft set from authorized dealers. Each set includes pre-cut rail cloths, which simplifies installation.
For the rails, the 300 Rapide pairs with Simonis PreciShot cushion cloth, which Iwan Simonis describes as "the winning combination" for carom tables. Purchasing both together ensures a consistent playing system from cushion to bed surface.
How to Verify Authenticity: Spotting Genuine Simonis Cloth
Simonis cloth is sold in over 50 countries and is the most counterfeited billiard cloth brand on the market. Authenticity verification is a practical concern, not just a formality.
Authentic Iwan Simonis cloth features three distinct authenticity markings on every roll. Buyers of gray-market or counterfeit cloth will not find all three. The most definitive check is a UV-visible serial number printed in the middle of the cloth width, only visible under black light. Additional selvedge markings on the edge of the cloth also confirm authenticity. Inspect these before installation.
Billiard City is an authorized Iwan Simonis dealer, meaning every roll we sell is sourced directly through official channels. This protects buyers from counterfeit products and ensures warranty validity.
Purchasing from unauthorized sellers risks receiving cloth that fails prematurely, plays inconsistently, or lacks the performance characteristics the 300 Rapide is known for. When you are spending $485 or more on a cloth set, verifying the source matters.
Installation Tips for the Simonis 300 Rapide
Always place the marked (smooth, sheared) side face-up as the playing surface. The back of the cloth is slightly fuzzy and must never face up. This detail is easy to overlook, but getting it wrong will noticeably affect ball speed and response.
Tighter installation results in faster play. Professional carom table mechanics use specialized claw tools with rubber grips to achieve maximum stretch during installation. Proper stretching is not optional. Under-stretched cloth plays slower and inconsistently, undermining the cloth's engineered performance.
Allow the cloth to acclimate to room temperature before installation, especially if the table will be heated. If you are installing on a heated carom table, confirm the heating system is functioning before final cloth installation. The heat will further tighten and settle the cloth into its optimal playing state.
For best results, pair the 300 Rapide bed cloth with Simonis PreciShot rail cloth. This ensures consistent ball response from cushion to playing surface, giving you the complete system Iwan Simonis designed these products to deliver.
Simonis 300 Rapide vs. the New Simonis 330 Rapide
In February 2025, Iwan Simonis announced the Simonis 330 Rapide as the successor to the 300 Rapide, making it the official cloth for the 2025 UMB season. The 330 Rapide weighs approximately ±325 g/m² (slightly heavier) and is available in widths of 170 cm and 195 cm. It is a modest evolution rather than a complete redesign.
The 300 Rapide is not discontinued. It remains available for purchase and is widely stocked by authorized dealers, including Billiard City.
For billiard clubs, home players, and serious amateurs, the 300 Rapide continues to deliver tournament-level performance at a proven price point. The 330 is the new pro standard, but the 300 remains the smart choice for most buyers. The cloth that defined carom billiards for over 45 years did not suddenly stop performing well because a newer version arrived.
Players outfitting a new club or seeking the latest UMB-spec cloth can step up to the 330. Everyone else can confidently stick with the 300 Rapide. Both cloths are available through Billiard City as an authorized Iwan Simonis dealer, so buyers can compare both options and choose based on their specific table setup and performance goals.
Is the Simonis 300 Rapide Right for Your Table?
Ideal for:
- Carom billiard clubs replacing worn cloth
- Serious home players building a dedicated carom setup
- Competitive amateurs who want tournament-approved cloth without stepping up to the 330
Not recommended for: pool tables, snooker tables, or any non-carom application. The speed and construction of the 300 Rapide are calibrated for carom play specifically.
Buyers setting up their first serious carom table will find the 300 Rapide the most accessible entry point into professional-grade carom cloth. It is the same cloth that has covered tournament tables for decades, now available for your home or club.
Billiard City carries the Simonis 300 Rapide with free shipping on US orders over $99, which covers every cloth set we sell. With a 4.7-star rating across 78 verified reviews, we are committed to making sure every order meets expectations.
For wholesale buyers and billiard club owners, our dealer program offers additional purchasing options for bulk or recurring cloth orders. Choose your table size (8 ft through 12 ft) and color before ordering. Our product listings provide size-specific pre-cut sets to simplify the process.
Final Thoughts on the Simonis 300 Rapide
The Simonis 300 Rapide has defined carom billiard cloth standards for over 45 years. Its worsted construction, UMB approval history, and consistent performance make it a benchmark product that has earned its reputation through decades of play at every level.
Even as the 330 Rapide takes over at the top competitive level, the 300 remains the reference cloth for clubs, home players, and serious amateurs worldwide. Buying from an authorized dealer like Billiard City ensures authenticity, proper sourcing, and access to the full range of sizes and colors.
Players serious about carom billiards, across 3-cushion, artistic, and other disciplines, will find the 300 Rapide delivers the speed, spin response, and durability the game demands.
For questions about sizing, color selection, or pairing with PreciShot rail cloth, our team is available to help you make the right choice for your specific table and playing style.
