Iwan Simonis

Overview

Iwan Simonis is the North American distributor for Simonis billiard cloth, manufactured by the Belgian company Iwan Simonis since 1680. The brand supplies cloth for cue sports including pool, snooker, carom, and pyramide, serving as the official supplier for major championships and tournaments worldwide. It operates from Libertyville, Illinois, handling distribution in North America.

History

The Simonis factory was established in 1680 in Verviers, Belgium, by Guillaume Henri Simon Simonis. The company was formalized by Jacques Joseph Simonis and named after his son Iwan, born in 1769. In 2000, Iwan Simonis Inc. was created in Gurnee, Illinois (later Libertyville), to meet growing North American demand for the cloth.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Simonis cloth is manufactured in the company's dedicated factory in Verviers, Belgium, the only textile mill worldwide focused solely on cue-sports cloth. North American distribution and operations are handled by Iwan Simonis Inc. in Libertyville, Illinois.

Notable Products

• Simonis 860 - Worsted wool blend cloth used in major pool tournaments for consistent play.
• Simonis 757 - Economical cloth option suitable for home and commercial pool tables.
• Simonis 12 - High-speed snooker cloth preferred in professional competitions.
• Simonis 940 - Fast cloth designed specifically for carom billiards.
• Simonis X-Power - Ultra-fast cloth for advanced cue sports performance.

Reputation

Iwan Simonis cloth is regarded by billiard professionals and enthusiasts as a benchmark for quality and durability due to its consistent performance across various cue sports. It holds official supplier status for numerous global tournaments, reflecting trust in its reliability. Some users note higher costs compared to generic alternatives, though the superior nap and speed justify the premium for competitive play.