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Lowell · Sep 4, 2026

Jaden said:
That's because shafts have gotten so much lower in the CB deflection department. The reason that the old school teachings had the bridge 8-10 inches was because that's where the standard wood shafts had their natural pivot point. Bridging at the pivot point gives a higher margin for stroke error/deficiency.

Deflection has gotten so low that the pivot points are much farther back. I've seen them as far as 19". So players naturally now end up bridging farther back and if you play with a low deflection shaft, it would behoove you to find your cue's pivot point and bridge there. This is also independent of using bhe.

People may think that parallel english works on sld(super low deflection) shafts but it doesn't. The only way that works is on tables with big pockets. On my table I'd miss every shot without adjusting aim or stroke somehow (3.9" corners). BHE and fhe are the best methods, but holding the bridge near or at the pivot point is beyond adjusting for side spin. It allows for stroke errors like swiping. Your cue ball won't go anywhere near where you were expecting but you'll still make the shot.

I play mainly on tables with 4.5 inch pockets and only use parallel English.

I find it easier and more reliable to just alter my aim (when necessary) than messing with FHE/BHE.

ShootingArts · Sep 4, 2026

fastone371 said:
I guess I am going to have to start thinking about a username change soon, it must be customary on AZB I guess.

Some have to change user names constantly for one reason or another, several times a year! Others go a score of years without changing their name.

I have been shootingarts on the internet since the eighties. It was my domain name for years too. I found it to be far more versatile than expected. Rifles, pistols, outdoor photography, pool, it has fit them all fairly well!

Hu

jbart65 · Sep 4, 2026

garczar said:
FIVE yrs???? How many top class big table players do think the US will produce in five yrs???

Two or three.

garczar said:
How many Euros???

Other than Vogel, I don't see any rapid risers in Europe under 18.

garczar said:
Please stick to reality.

I'd rather not. Reality is often too depressing. Besides, people who stick to reality limit themselves and generally don't accomplish much. I'd rather be a dreamer.

garczar said:
Filling a vacuum doesn't mean squat here. My honest outlook? The US wins 4 of the next 15 MC's and even that may be a tad optimistic.

I don't actually care very much how often the U.S. wins. I just want the event to be more competitive. It's great for pool and it's a great event to watch when the Mosconi is close.

jimmyg · Sep 4, 2026

jazznpool · Sep 4, 2026

Outstanding cue build.

jbart65 · Sep 4, 2026

garczar said:
The US may never be the favorite in the MC ever again.

Never is a long time.

garczar said:
Europe cranks out top players where the US might have,what, 10-15(maybe) players that can compete much less win. I

European player development might have hit a lull. Only clear stars among Euros under 25 are Kledio Kaci and Neuhausen. Felix Vogel is the only under-20 star rapidly rising. Still plenty of top players in their late 20s to 30s, of course.

garczar said:
'd take any Euro team you choose to assemble over the US. Europe has a WELL established big table pool scene. What does the US have? A sea of barboxes. For every player the US 'might' produce the Euros will have at least 5 if not way more. Its good to have a dream i guess, i just prefer to stick to reality and not fantasy.

If everyone just doesn't say the U.S. sucks, as you do, you think they are dreaming!
'
I am well aware of - and realistic - about the U.S. talent deficit. So is Matchroom. That's why MR - and Predator for that matter - are trying to rectify it. I wish them good luck, but anyone can see the challenge is daunting.-

jimmyg · Sep 4, 2026

Newsheriffintwn · Sep 4, 2026

Here's a cue I completed in 2021 and received back inn on trade. The cue shows signs of use with small dings and some finish wear (chips) on shaft collar of the kielwood shaft. One dent is deep pictured with blue circle. None of the wear has any affect on the play of the cue. The cue and shafts are all straight and play exceptional!

The cue features very figured kielwood forearm and nicely figured bubinga handle, abalone and metal ring work throughout. All white is juma so no shipping worries!

The cue comes with 3 shafts Maple, Kielwood and a CF shaft. The maple and kielwood shaft all have the CF tube upgrade I installed at time of build, all shafts have new ultraskin soft tips.

A beautiful great playing cue ready to run some racks and look great doing it! Priced right for quick sale

Any questions PM me

Pay Pal ONLY.....................950 shipped UPS in ABS tube in the U.S.

Specs

Butt 29"
Maple shaft 29"
Kielwood shaft 29"
CF shaft 29"
Total 58"

Butt 15.4oz
Maple shaft 3.8oz Total 19.2oz 12..5 mm
Kielwood shaft 3.6oz Total 19.oz 12.8 mm
Cf shaft 4.4oz Total 19.8oz 12.4 mm
Joint 3/8-10 mod pin
Joint dia .842
Butt dia 1.232