Why Gorina Deserves to Be at the Top of Your Billiard Cloth List
SIMONIS VS. GORINA
Simonis is one of the best-known names in billiard cloth, but name recognition is not the same thing as having only one premium choice. Gorina has been manufacturing billiard cloth in Spain since 1835 and offers serious players, installers and pool-room operators a European made alternative built around speed, precision, durability and consistent play.
Two European Cloth Makers - Gorina Is No Newcomer
Simonis has an extraordinary history dating to 1680 in Belgium. Gorina has its own deep European textile heritage, manufacturing premium billiard cloth in Spain since 1835. That means choosing Gorina is not choosing an imitation or a newcomer. It is choosing a manufacturer with nearly two centuries of billiard-cloth experience.
Simonis may have stronger name recognition in the U.S. market, but Gorina has been refining professional playing surfaces for generations. For players who judge cloth by how it performs on the table rather than by the label alone, Gorina deserves to be compared at the highest level.
Made in Spain. Built for Professional Play.
Gorina cloth is manufactured in Spain, where the company combines generations of textile craftsmanship with modern production. Its premium pool cloths use worsted-wool construction designed to create the smooth, responsive surface serious players expect.
Simonis manufactures its cloth in Belgium and is widely recognized throughout the billiards industry. Gorina offers the same important distinction of true European manufacturing while giving players another premium choice with its own performance characteristics and product philosophy.
The Gorina advantage is simple: premium European cloth should be judged by performance, not popularity.
Gorina's Exclusive Fiber-Winding Process
One of Gorina’s most important manufacturing differences happens before the cloth is ever woven. At its mill, Gorina winds its fibers tighter than any other billiard-cloth facility before those fibers reach the loom. Gorina is the only billiard cloth manufactured using this specific extra-tight fiber-winding process.
That tighter winding creates a denser, more stable yarn structure. During repeated play, the fibers are better able to hold their shape instead of loosening and breaking down as quickly. This helps Gorina cloth maintain its intended playing speed, smooth ball response and consistency for a longer period of use.
For the player, room owner or installer, the benefit is simple: Gorina is engineered not only to play correctly when it is new, but to preserve that correct speed and predictable performance longer. It is a manufacturing advantage
built into the cloth before weaving even begins.
Performance Choices for the Way You Play
Gorina gives players two standout worsted pool-cloth choices, each designed with a different performance priority:
- Basalt is built for an exceptional balance of speed, precision and maximum durability.
- Tournament 2000 is designed for faster tournament-level play and high precision.
- Both are smooth worsted playing surfaces designed for consistent ball response.
- Basalt is a strong choice for busy pool rooms, leagues and demanding home tables.
- Tournament 2000 gives speed-focused players a dedicated high-performance option.
- Pre-cut sizes and a broad color selection make Gorina easy to specify for many table installations.
For players familiar with Simonis 860 or 860 HR, Basalt is the Gorina cloth to put on the table and experience firsthand. For players who prefer a faster surface closer to the role Simonis 760 fills, Tournament 2000 is Gorina’s speed-focused option.
Durability Without Giving Up Speed
The real test is how cloth performs after repeated play. Gorina makes durability central to its performance story, particularly with Basalt, a 24-ounce tournament-grade cloth designed to combine long wear with excellent ball speed and control.
For commercial rooms and serious players, that matters. Replacing cloth also means installation time, table downtime, and the need to maintain a consistent playing experience. Gorina is built for premium play under demanding use.
Tournament Credibility Without Relying on the Name
Simonis has extensive tournament recognition, and Gorina has professional credentials of its own. Gorina was selected as the official cloth supplier for the 2006 International Pool Tour and continues to offer cloth for tournaments, pool halls, leagues, and serious home players.
Gorina does not need to be the most familiar name to belong in the premium category. It has the manufacturing history, professional-use record, and performance-focused products to compete on the table. The best comparison is to play on both.
Simonis vs. Gorina at a Glance
The Gorina Difference
Simonis earned its reputation and remains an excellent premium cloth. But players should not assume that the most recognized name is automatically the best choice for every table, room, or style of play.
Gorina gives serious players another premium European choice – and one that deserves far more attention in North America.
With nearly 200 years of Spanish textile craftsmanship, Gorina’s exclusive tighter-wound fiber process, tournament credentials, dedicated speed and durability options, and strong installer and player testimonials, Gorina offers premium cloth that can stand beside the biggest name in billiards without relying on it.
MADE IN SPAIN.
MANUFACTURING BILLIARD CLOTH SINCE 1835.
ENGINEERED FOR SPEED, PRECISION AND CONSISTENCY.
Before you decide on your next billiard cloth, play on Gorina. Feel the difference for yourself. Billiards’ Best Kept Secret! Explore more at Muellers.com and elevate your game with billiard equipment designed to perform.