Accu-Rack vs. Magic Rack – Which Pool Rack Template is Best?
Racking balls is a crucial part of pool, but did you know there are alternatives to the typical wood or plastic pool ball racks players are used to?
These alternative racks are known in the billiards world as “template racks”. They do a great job of keeping pool balls in place, preventing gaps in the rack, and helping to keep the rack area of your table’s felt in good condition.
In this article, we’re going to discuss the best template rack options – the Outsville Accu-Rack and the CueSports Magic Rack. We hope to help you gain a better understanding of these rack options before you make your template rack purchase.
First, let’s briefly go over what exactly a template rack is and why it might be beneficial to use one.
What is a Template Rack in Pool?
A template rack is a non-traditional billiards rack that is constructed from polyester or high-quality plastic, as opposed to the normal wood or flimsy plastic racks you see on most tables.
These thin racks lay flat on the table and are typically left on the table when breaking.
Template racks serve a few main purposes:
- Very flat and super low profile to easily place balls in a racked position without worrying about lifting a rack off the table and messing up the balls
- Ensures a tight rack which helps get the balls spread out more when breaking
- Creates more favorable 8 ball positions after a break due to the 8 ball having contact with all other balls around it
Why Use a Template Rack?
While nothing lasts forever, template racks are known for being extremely durable. They will last a long time and are typically a great investment if you’re looking to switch racks.
They weigh almost nothing, and can be easily folded/rolled up for storing or transporting. They take up less space than a typical wood or plastic rack.
People that use these don’t have to tap balls down to get them to stay in place, making template racks a great option for players who want to prevent the balls from settling in these “dips” and prevent general felt wear and tear over time.
There are two main template racks that get all the love – the Accu-Rack and the Magic Rack.
Accu-Rack and Magic Rack
Both racks are very similar in their use and purpose, but have slight physical differences.
Let’s take a look at the features for each.
Accu-Rack
- Made in the USA
- The #1 selling ball racking template available on the market
- Polyester slurry coated material
- Crease and curl-proof when rolling up to put away
- Option of buying the revolutionary Solo Rack which provides a template for the three most popular games of pool!
This Accu-Rack package deal comes with all three rack options – the Solo, the Diamond 9, and the Pro 10. This is really the best value you’re going to get and provides you with enough racks to take one with you wherever you go, and leave the rest at home.
Magic Rack
- High quality grade-A plastic construction
- Only 0.14mm thick
- Rack option for all three of the most common pool games
- Ultra durable
- Weighs less than a piece of paper
You can get the Magic Rack package deal that includes two templates that will cover 8-ball, 9-ball and 10-ball just like the above Accu-Rack, but comes in at about $15 cheaper.
Each of these great rack options are built with slots cut out in order to keep the pool balls in place which will result in no ball shifting.
Which Rack is Better?
The general consensus is that the Accu-Rack is a little better overall, which makes sense given the product is more expensive and made with higher quality materials. Here are a couple things worth mentioning when it comes to comparing the two racks:
- The Accu-Rack is slightly thicker, but the public perception is that it is a bit more durable
- Accu-rack is known to be a little more flexible and less likely to crease
- Magic rack is cheaper
- Magic rack is known for having a less natural break, because it forces the balls together more than the Accu-Rack
While more people might consider the Accu-Rack better, this doesn’t mean the Magic Rack won’t accomplish what you want it to. Both racks achieve creating a tighter rack, and helping keep your table in good shape – the two main reasons to buy a template rack!
Why Doesn’t Every Player Use a Template Rack?
As you can tell, template racks get a lot of love, but may not be for pool purists.
Two negatives of template racks:
- Balls can roll and wobble over the template during the break since the rack is left on the table when breaking
- Using a template may prevent the pool ball rolls from being totally random, which according to some, is how pool was originally meant to be played
These are certainly valid reasons to reject a template rack, but everyone is different and every person can enjoy their freedom to play pool however they’d like!
Wrap Up
We hope you learned a little more about pool rack templates and are now a little more informed before making a decision on your new ball rack.
Ultimately, template racks are great accessories for anyone who wants a little more consistency with their breaks. They won’t change your game much, if at all, but are certainly a friendly alternative if you find yourself needing cleaner felt or playing games at other places outside of your own home.
Feel free to check out our other billiard accessory posts, and as always.. Happy shooting!
