

K-55 cushions have cloth, usually canvas, vulcanized into the top of the rubber to adjust rebound accuracy and speed. On a carom table, the K-55 profile is used (with a somewhat sharper angle than pool cushions). When installed properly the distance from the nose of the cushion to the covered slate surface is 1 + 7⁄ 16 inches (37 mm) while using a regulation 2 + 1⁄ 4-inch (57 mm) ball set.

The standard on American pool tables is the K-66 profile, which as defined by the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) has a base of 1 + 3⁄ 16 inches (30 mm) and a nose height of 1 inch (25 mm). The profile of the rail cushion, which is the cushion's angle in relation to the bed of the table, varies between table types. The purpose of the cushion rubber is to cause the billiard balls to rebound off the rubber while minimizing the loss of kinetic energy. The cushions are made from an elastic material such as vulcanized rubber (gum or synthetic). There are several different materials and design philosophies associated with cushion rubber. Parts and equipment Cushions Ĭushions (also sometimes called "rail cushions", "cushion rubber", or rarely "bumpers") are located on the inner sides of a table's wooden rails.
