Anyone who has bothered to read my "Introductions are in Order" post knows that I play a lot of Meuccis and also some of the specifics of my pool background, therefore I'm not going to go into all that here; this is going to be long enough as it is.
I just wanted to post a review of the new cue I've been working out for the last two months. For those of us who cannot yet afford a high-end custom cue, reviews of factory production equipment are more useful, IMHO.
The cue in question is a Meucci Power Piston Demo model (you can see a pic of it @Budgetcues.com. It's the exact same stick except I had my wrap clearcoated) 18.5 oz. with a Blackdot 12.75mm shaft, 15" pro taper, Moori medium tip. If you haven't seen the cue before, it's just a black cue with a black w/white speckle irish linen wrap with Ivorine joint collar and buttcap. Very simple, almost a sneaky pete style. By the way, you can get any color wrap you want.
I felt that my experience with Budgetcues to be a good one. I ordered the cue over the phone through a gentleman named Mark and received the cue in just over two weeks, in exactly the condition requested. I was told that I could have received the cue in less than a week except that I wanted a clearcoated wrap and that they had none in stock at the time so would have to have one built.
I began playing with the cue about two months ago. Note: my previous shooter was an HP-3 @ 19.25 oz. w/ the blackdot shaft also 12.75mm.
Shooting impressions (day 1-day 2): The stick feels like it shoots firmer than the HP-3. There also feels as if there is less vibration (there wasn't much with the HP-3, yet somehow there seems to be less anyway). It also seems to aim differently as I missed many cut shots over 20 degrees. Same with banks and kicks.
HOWEVER, it puts a significantly higher level of english on the CB for the same speed stroke(tips on both HP-3 and PPD are mooris/medium). In other words, this thing draws like Mike Massey is hangin' on it.
Interval: 4 days
Shooting impressions (day 4): Figured out why I'm missing cut shots. I was used to slightly more deflection with HP-3. Example: before, if the CB was near the long axis of the table at one end and the OB on the left rail between the first and second diamond near the other end, I aimed slightly forward of the 'crease' between the OB and the rail. If the scenario was reversed, I aimed slightly back of the crease.
It was just my habit from experience trying to pocket these rail shots.
With this cue I aim at the crease. Period.
Interval:14 days
SI(day 7): Stroke mechanics! Focus on stroke mechanics, specifically follow through (I believe I must have been 'poking' at the CB some significant part of the time, producing unintended english/squirt?). Now table-length higher speed accuracy improves. Some reason still having difficulty with all banks, hitting maybe 50/50 or less regardless of set-up.
Masse may not be an option with this cue.
Interval:9 days
SI(day 12): Banking problem turns out to be the same as cutting problem, I have to account for less deflection than I had gotten used to before. I am not a great banker, but the banks I used to be comfortable with start to fall again. Note: There is obvious improvement as I work with this cue, but I feel there is a very high level of concentration necessary to play well. If this turns out to be the case long term, I'm not sure how long I'll want to play with this cue. Automatic shots should be automatic shots, after all.
Interval:3 days
SI(day 13): I start getting more comfortable with kick shots. Certain kick shots turn out to be easier than they ever were with the HP-3. However, I'm uncertain how much is due to the cue, as I changed technique, using far less lateral english of any degree, opting for high/low/center instead. Only writing about it because my confidence on kick shots has soared. Whoopee! Side note: Managed a half-decent masse shot as well.
Interval:15 days
SI(day 18): Finally starting to feel comfortable with this stick. Was able to shoot most of my games without consciously correcting myself before the shot. In other words, it's starting to feel 'normal.'
Interval:6 days
SI(day 20): Won my first 8-ball tourney with the new stick. Even had 2 EROs, one on my break, the other after my opponent scratched on the break. Never even thought about grabbing my other cue; it stayed in the case the whole night.
Conclusions: I have begun to feel truly comfortable with this cue after over two months and just under 30 days of shooting. The high level of concentration I felt was necessary before either doesn't seem so difficult or, more likely, I've eliminated a lot of sloppy technique while trying to master this cue.
As for the cue itself, I originally purchased it to replace the HP-3, to try out the 'Power Piston technology,' and to have a shooter I didn't have to worry about as much at the bar (the Demo is only $200.00). Considering that the HP-3 is twice as much retail, the Demo is a bargain, especially as it is a more efficient and precise instrument for half the cost.
In spite of its moniker, 'Power Piston,' this is not a power hitter. If you're into blasting away at stuff, this cue probably will not be to your liking, as it is too easy to put unintended english on the CB at higher speeds. This is a finesse shooter, making the most from just the momentum of the cue itself.
It also snubs sloppy technique. A little unintended right or left of center at impact will either spoil the shot or create shape you may have never even thought was possible from that set-up.
However, use good stroke mechanics and in general ease up on velocity/power and this cue shines. Aiming is as close to point-and-shoot as I've ever experienced. This means that I can devote more mental energy to shape, as the shot-making solution requires less calculation.
Overall, I feel this is the best shooting Meucci I've ever played. Certainly it delivers the most performance vs. cost.
Now that I have been playing with this cue for several months I felt that an addendum to the original review was necessary.
In fact, I put this cue away for three weeks as I worked out a couple new-to-me cues (an Audrick and a custom Pechauer which will both be reviewed soon). It wasn't that I didn't like the Meucci, it's just that I wanted to try out my new toys and there is only so much time.
However, my game was in the dumps and in desperation I took the Meucci demo out of the case and in doing so made a few interesting discoveries.
First, in side-by-side shoots vs. my Meucci Original DH-2 the new Meucci lacks the feel/feedback of the older Meucci. The blackdot shaft just has less feedback, or feels 'deader.'
However, shooting the same english in practice, the new Meucci puts noticeably more spin on the cue ball than the older regular shafted DH-2. To make it even more confusing, the DH-2 draws harder with less effort, while the newer cue apears to play the top of the cue better. Note: I found that regular shaping and roughing of the tip helped maintain a consistent and reliable level of english.
While making these discoveries, I somewhat accidentally learned how to shoot long green higher speed shots precisely. I noted in the first review that stroke mechanics were very important to shooting well with the newer stick. More recently I learned that by shooting top english I was able to improve my consistency. I can play the bottom of the CB, but it does require more focus and is consequently more difficult to be consistent.
My bank shot success also improved dramatically once I figured out that less is more. This cue puts a lot of english on the ball, therefore less angle and less english is required. I found that by using a slower/lighter stroke also improved my success with banks. Ditto for kick shots.
To make a long story a bit longer, I am back to using this cue full-time (at least until next week when I have decided to officially start evaluating the custom Peach). Note: I also noticed that if I use a closed bridge just by tightening up my circle improved my accuracy.
So there you have it folks. Again, I find myself impressed with the Meucci Power Piston Demo. While it does lack the intuitive feel of the original creation by Bob, it can and will deliver a very high level of performance, which for the most part is higher than that of its older edition. In other words, the newer rendition may not feel so nice and sweet, but it can reward the player with a higher level of performance. So the only question that can be asked is what do you prefer? A wonderful feeling cue or a cue that feels a little numb in comparison to its older sibling but gives the satisfaction of higher performance.
I just wanted to post a review of the new cue I've been working out for the last two months. For those of us who cannot yet afford a high-end custom cue, reviews of factory production equipment are more useful, IMHO.
The cue in question is a Meucci Power Piston Demo model (you can see a pic of it @Budgetcues.com. It's the exact same stick except I had my wrap clearcoated) 18.5 oz. with a Blackdot 12.75mm shaft, 15" pro taper, Moori medium tip. If you haven't seen the cue before, it's just a black cue with a black w/white speckle irish linen wrap with Ivorine joint collar and buttcap. Very simple, almost a sneaky pete style. By the way, you can get any color wrap you want.
I felt that my experience with Budgetcues to be a good one. I ordered the cue over the phone through a gentleman named Mark and received the cue in just over two weeks, in exactly the condition requested. I was told that I could have received the cue in less than a week except that I wanted a clearcoated wrap and that they had none in stock at the time so would have to have one built.
I began playing with the cue about two months ago. Note: my previous shooter was an HP-3 @ 19.25 oz. w/ the blackdot shaft also 12.75mm.
Shooting impressions (day 1-day 2): The stick feels like it shoots firmer than the HP-3. There also feels as if there is less vibration (there wasn't much with the HP-3, yet somehow there seems to be less anyway). It also seems to aim differently as I missed many cut shots over 20 degrees. Same with banks and kicks.
HOWEVER, it puts a significantly higher level of english on the CB for the same speed stroke(tips on both HP-3 and PPD are mooris/medium). In other words, this thing draws like Mike Massey is hangin' on it.
Interval: 4 days
Shooting impressions (day 4): Figured out why I'm missing cut shots. I was used to slightly more deflection with HP-3. Example: before, if the CB was near the long axis of the table at one end and the OB on the left rail between the first and second diamond near the other end, I aimed slightly forward of the 'crease' between the OB and the rail. If the scenario was reversed, I aimed slightly back of the crease.
It was just my habit from experience trying to pocket these rail shots.
With this cue I aim at the crease. Period.
Interval:14 days
SI(day 7): Stroke mechanics! Focus on stroke mechanics, specifically follow through (I believe I must have been 'poking' at the CB some significant part of the time, producing unintended english/squirt?). Now table-length higher speed accuracy improves. Some reason still having difficulty with all banks, hitting maybe 50/50 or less regardless of set-up.
Masse may not be an option with this cue.
Interval:9 days
SI(day 12): Banking problem turns out to be the same as cutting problem, I have to account for less deflection than I had gotten used to before. I am not a great banker, but the banks I used to be comfortable with start to fall again. Note: There is obvious improvement as I work with this cue, but I feel there is a very high level of concentration necessary to play well. If this turns out to be the case long term, I'm not sure how long I'll want to play with this cue. Automatic shots should be automatic shots, after all.
Interval:3 days
SI(day 13): I start getting more comfortable with kick shots. Certain kick shots turn out to be easier than they ever were with the HP-3. However, I'm uncertain how much is due to the cue, as I changed technique, using far less lateral english of any degree, opting for high/low/center instead. Only writing about it because my confidence on kick shots has soared. Whoopee! Side note: Managed a half-decent masse shot as well.
Interval:15 days
SI(day 18): Finally starting to feel comfortable with this stick. Was able to shoot most of my games without consciously correcting myself before the shot. In other words, it's starting to feel 'normal.'
Interval:6 days
SI(day 20): Won my first 8-ball tourney with the new stick. Even had 2 EROs, one on my break, the other after my opponent scratched on the break. Never even thought about grabbing my other cue; it stayed in the case the whole night.
Conclusions: I have begun to feel truly comfortable with this cue after over two months and just under 30 days of shooting. The high level of concentration I felt was necessary before either doesn't seem so difficult or, more likely, I've eliminated a lot of sloppy technique while trying to master this cue.
As for the cue itself, I originally purchased it to replace the HP-3, to try out the 'Power Piston technology,' and to have a shooter I didn't have to worry about as much at the bar (the Demo is only $200.00). Considering that the HP-3 is twice as much retail, the Demo is a bargain, especially as it is a more efficient and precise instrument for half the cost.
In spite of its moniker, 'Power Piston,' this is not a power hitter. If you're into blasting away at stuff, this cue probably will not be to your liking, as it is too easy to put unintended english on the CB at higher speeds. This is a finesse shooter, making the most from just the momentum of the cue itself.
It also snubs sloppy technique. A little unintended right or left of center at impact will either spoil the shot or create shape you may have never even thought was possible from that set-up.
However, use good stroke mechanics and in general ease up on velocity/power and this cue shines. Aiming is as close to point-and-shoot as I've ever experienced. This means that I can devote more mental energy to shape, as the shot-making solution requires less calculation.
Overall, I feel this is the best shooting Meucci I've ever played. Certainly it delivers the most performance vs. cost.
Now that I have been playing with this cue for several months I felt that an addendum to the original review was necessary.
In fact, I put this cue away for three weeks as I worked out a couple new-to-me cues (an Audrick and a custom Pechauer which will both be reviewed soon). It wasn't that I didn't like the Meucci, it's just that I wanted to try out my new toys and there is only so much time.
However, my game was in the dumps and in desperation I took the Meucci demo out of the case and in doing so made a few interesting discoveries.
First, in side-by-side shoots vs. my Meucci Original DH-2 the new Meucci lacks the feel/feedback of the older Meucci. The blackdot shaft just has less feedback, or feels 'deader.'
However, shooting the same english in practice, the new Meucci puts noticeably more spin on the cue ball than the older regular shafted DH-2. To make it even more confusing, the DH-2 draws harder with less effort, while the newer cue apears to play the top of the cue better. Note: I found that regular shaping and roughing of the tip helped maintain a consistent and reliable level of english.
While making these discoveries, I somewhat accidentally learned how to shoot long green higher speed shots precisely. I noted in the first review that stroke mechanics were very important to shooting well with the newer stick. More recently I learned that by shooting top english I was able to improve my consistency. I can play the bottom of the CB, but it does require more focus and is consequently more difficult to be consistent.
My bank shot success also improved dramatically once I figured out that less is more. This cue puts a lot of english on the ball, therefore less angle and less english is required. I found that by using a slower/lighter stroke also improved my success with banks. Ditto for kick shots.
To make a long story a bit longer, I am back to using this cue full-time (at least until next week when I have decided to officially start evaluating the custom Peach). Note: I also noticed that if I use a closed bridge just by tightening up my circle improved my accuracy.
So there you have it folks. Again, I find myself impressed with the Meucci Power Piston Demo. While it does lack the intuitive feel of the original creation by Bob, it can and will deliver a very high level of performance, which for the most part is higher than that of its older edition. In other words, the newer rendition may not feel so nice and sweet, but it can reward the player with a higher level of performance. So the only question that can be asked is what do you prefer? A wonderful feeling cue or a cue that feels a little numb in comparison to its older sibling but gives the satisfaction of higher performance.
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