I have not been posting much lately due to health issues. My doctor here has me on an ongoing course of treatments that will last a couple of months.

It all started about a month ago where i was getting weaker and weaker every day. First (my doctor is a young woman) gave me a series of tests and i had severe anemia. It was affecting my kidneys, liver and bladder.

Some of the procedures are very uncomfortable but if i ever want to play pool again i need to do this. My health comes first.

I was reluctant to do this but im reaching out to billiards family for emotional support. Thanks for reading this.

I have a cue that I bought where someone replaced the joint with an undersized radial joint. It doesn’t hit as well as I’d like but I love the balance, look, and everything else about it. I know the hit is mostly the tip, ferrule, shaft taper, and a combination of other factors. I know there are cuemakers that feel like the joint so long as it’s installed well, is not a significant factor when it comes to hit. I’ve hit with a lot of cues and have played for over 20 years, currently at a 650 level and I believe there is a difference when it comes to feel and joint materials. I’m asking those with experience, what materials can I plug the shaft and butt with before installing the pin in the butt and threads in the shaft that will give me a great hit with lots of feel. Right now, I’m thinking about ebonite or maple. Maybe phenolic? I want more feedback than it currently has. It just feels dead compared to the other 4 radial butts that I have tried it on with A B testing. It has to be radial as that is what my shafts are. I’m thinking a brass radial pin. Please help with any input. I’m needing to get this figured out in the next few days. Thank-you!