skor said:

Then maybe “investing” is not the right word to use here.

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Agree the choice to use 'investment' sets the tone for discussion of...cues as investments.

The Air rush shaft does not have a ferrule, so you cannot damage it...
Compared to the break shaft, there is a difference in the tip diameter and tip material, but overall construction they look similar.

As I wrote above, LD has no concern with the break, so you could keep using the current break shaft.

If you wish to get a CF break shaft, then consider the Raven break shaft that only costs $200. I have one, and it works great. I don't know how low deflection it is, as I never bothered to test it, but usually, a CF shaft will have less deflection than a standard wooden shaft.

CONSIDER MCDERMOTT TRADES

triley41395 said:

Even if it were an early JW, there are better deals to be made from reputable sellers.

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Yup.

With a simple four point with veneers cue, no inlays or rings, it really has to be "something" to make this value range viable.

Without any documentation, it would take a really solid identification by a reputable person to make that a reality.

I do notice it isn't banged up. Inasmuch as it was found wrapped in a blanket with that OB, obviously someone's player, it was taken care of for a long time. Now, some people are just more careful with their cues, but the general condition of that butt did draw my attention.

One indication of age is that it seems to have little finish left on it. So, it didn't originally have a very modern finish. That takes wear. Wear requires use. And with that use we don't see nicks, dents or scratches? I found that remarkable.

The overall design is pretty standard, it hit's a lot of points on that, which also makes it frustrating for some because it resembles many but does not exactly match any as far as what has been publicly pointed out.

Chopdoc said:

The construction can be revealed. It can tell what is under the wrap without removing it. It can tell what type of hardware secures an A joint for example, if it has one at all.

Construction details can help identify a cue and value it.

With very valuable cues it becomes part of the documentation, part of the provenance, which helps support the cue's value going forward. With unknown or newly identified cues it begins a chain of documentation and provenance.

Imagine a barn find rare muscle car, and all the documentation from the original purchase, every oil change, every wiper blade change, every registration renewal, is found in the trunk. With very valuable cars, the chain of historical documentation helps support the value.

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All true.. to be honest we didn't need the x-ray to verify the maker. The back-end assembly did that in as long as it took to get the bumper off. We were 99% before we removed the bumper just based on general experience. We did the x-rays before the restoration to see if it had an A-joint, and where it was. The fact it did not have one, told us a different story. But it is a great cue and Balabushka did some consistent things, and some things were a work in progress for him that evolved over time.
JV

I don't understand why the DCC immediately goes to implementing ridiculous rules before trying more sensible options. A few sensible options include:

1. Limit the entries as SJM suggested

2. Increase the entry fee by an amount that is enough to make some people think twice about entering and a smaller increase for the re-buy

3. Enforce existing other rules like the dress code

4. Implement all three of the changes above together.

Two years ago, my match started late, and the time police came to put us on the clock because our match was over the prohibited time (but we just started). We had explained this to the tournament desk, but I guess there was no communication between the desk and the enforcers (another charming aspect of the DCC). While the time debate ensued, I couldn't help but notice that my opponent was basically wearing pajamas and was blatantly in violation of the dress code that required a collared shirt or henley.

I plan on going this year, but this rule change does increase the probability that I will choose to take my pool playing money to some other event.

lfigueroa pointed this out to me on pocket sizes years ago, and he has said as much in this thread, but I want to say it the way he said it to me years ago. He pointed out that as pocket size decreases, it initially makes the game more difficult, but as the size continues to decrease, it has to change the game. It changes how players make decisions, and the game changes. At some point, it becomes a different game entirely.

The same goes here, and lfigueroa has pointed this out. This rule change is big enough, that DCC one pocket is some new game. It's not the game that one pocket players love.

kollegedave

David in FL said:

In that light, can someone explain what x-raying the cue will tell you and how that would help identify who made the cue/blank?

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The construction can be revealed. It can tell what is under the wrap without removing it. It can tell what type of hardware secures an A joint for example, if it has one at all.

Construction details can help identify a cue and value it.

With very valuable cues it becomes part of the documentation, part of the provenance, which helps support the cue's value going forward. With unknown or newly identified cues it begins a chain of documentation and provenance.

Imagine a barn find rare muscle car, and all the documentation from the original purchase, every oil change, every wiper blade change, every registration renewal, is found in the trunk. With very valuable cars, the chain of historical documentation helps support the value.

classiccues said:

This is why you pay people to ID cues AND write LOA's.

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Absolutely. I have a few cues worth that.

Many simply aren't worth it, but the market has changed much. I was very surprised to see a few "low value" and even Asian made (not Japan even) cues for sale on a site where I was used to seeing high value cues. When did that happen? Some time in the last five years I guess, I just noticed it since I am back. To me, they are like peanuts, too much fun to sit there shelling and eating to stop. Some of those peanuts might be the best cue some guys ever own, and that's OK. It's theirs and they can treasure it.

Nobody knows everything, but some know more than most, and each has an area where they know more and areas where they know little. Sometimes you just have to get a cue in front of the right "expert".

Some years ago I bought a cue from Dick Abbott. It was a pleasure conversing with him on that cue and other matters regarding cues, cue makers, and history. Steve Piesner surprised me and humbled me by recognizing me for my help. Both are gone.

Like the great makers, the collectors and dealers pass, and we lose great knowledge and even wisdom on this are we all appreciate so much.

The time is already here when a cue could turn up and the one person to best identify it is gone.

Most of the conversations about the identity and value of truly valuable cues are more discrete and not handled openly in a forum such as this for what I think are obvious reasons. I don't show off my best cues here, or anywhere, just as I don't show off my gun collection.

I really appreciate you showing off this fine example and sharing the story. That cue is stunning. I imagine if it could speak it would have some great stories to tell.

skor said:

To your question, if a shat can take the beating of jump shots, it could handle a break shot.

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I thought this at first. But I am starting to think that a break shot has way more force involved. Break shot around 16mph? If it was possible to put that much force into a jump shot I would think we could clear a full 9 foot table. I think the "beating of jump shots" is actually an illusion from lifting a ball off slate.