tastes change with the times.
i still have all old solid oak, mahogany, or maple furniture instead of the cheap paper board and fiberboard stuff you get at the furniture stores that have a 400% markup.
old school cues
25 plus year old harleys
old american made tools
etc.
and happy as a pig in shit

What they really enjoy is you asking them questions while they work. Don't mind the jeers, just keep asking them how this will play, will my break be better, what kind of cloth are you using, is that what you would use on the Accustats tables?

Just finished watching it. That was a sensational final.

Watched this match years ago, but forgot about that shot. Interesting that both Fels and Double J noticed the skid right away, and of course Engert’s reaction says he thought something strange happened. Nice slow motion replay at 1:25:48 with further commentary.
Side note, used to have a copy of Fels’ book Mastering Pool, but lost it sadly. Also, boy do I envy Rempe’s mechanics.

pretty soon they will have the tournaments in Bangladesh. then they can get some real good deals on room rates.
and cheap food.

Didn't read the whole thread...

So my experience with Kielwood...
Bob Danielson ss360/2 in 12.25mm (have/have had several of them in different joints - 5 total I think).
Hsunami 2.0
Prather (one of his original personal shafts)

Not sure how I'd compare them to Z shafts as I never had one. What I would say is they are consistent playing, stable and I enjoy playing with them. I don't feel a ton of difference in deflection compared to other low deflection or carbon shafts... it takes a wee bit to get used to it, but when you do all good.

If I notice any difference with kielwood, it is that it can get a bit sticky quicker... I need to stay on top of my shaft maintenance (clean/wax) until I get a good super smooth finish. Then it is fine.

One thing about the SS360/2 I had both his hydex and micarta ferrules. I could tell they were different. Not bad, just different. The shafts were matched and very similar... just a touch different feel. Bob has always been great to work with.

Best of luck!

How is the market doing in other countries? If it's still big in certain countries where cash-flush collectors are known to scarf them up, that's probably sustaining cue makers and driving up the domestic prices.

For the current generation, I suspect the technology of makers like Predator or Cuetec is more attractive than expensive old-school cues made with some secret sauce.

its only about the cost of three pieces of the chalk you buy.