I believe he still uses Prather (the original Kielwood) blanks and finishes them out, but it's been a while since I spoke to him about that so he may have a new source.
can never protect fully against savers. how would that work?
i don't think it's very prevalent in the current situation though. these top guys that play in MR / pred finals have an abundance of opportunities, good paying tournaments, and better sponsor deals than having to peddle cues. not that they won't complain, they're pool players after all, but shane doesn't have to split with yapp, or fedor. so why would he?
In the case of these guys your probably right. Back in the day in the US tournament, pick the names it doesn't matter, the regular crew would basically cut up all the top end money.
The problem with the MR tournaments for the players are, they are legit. They have to pay taxes and it is all accounted for. In Florida there is no state income tax. In say CA they have to pay state and fed taxes if the tournament is held there.
People on Wheel of Fortune sadly discover that. Pool players all of a sudden need to keep records no getting paid in cash and shoving it in your pocket
Because reasons listed, nobody wants to sit there and practice the rail speed before every match. If the lag is a skill shot then make it more skillful and less luck.
If you were a pro would you want to have to practice the lag?
I'm interestesed in the 2x4 case and the 1x2 case and i will purchase them both. $299. Michael Candeloro, 72 Pinkneyville Road, Sparta NJ 07871. I will write you 2 checks.
I believe that the wood used for pool cue shafts -- which start out as hard, dense, rock maple and have been turned down over the years -- is unaffected by humidity (and heat and cold) and any imagined changes are in the player's head and more of an excuse than anything else.
Plus, this is an old "talking point" put out by the carbon fiber manufacturers and you will hear it from any number of the professional players they sponsor.
