next time they'll complain Pinoys using (or eating) crickets on the table

July 24, 2025: After much thought and research, I purchased a Bulletproof carbon fiber cue shaft ( 11.8mm, 5/16x14, soft Recoil tip). Turns out this is one of the few items I've purchased in a long time that's actually way better than I expected. My current playing cue is (make that was) a Cuetec SVB Ghost, 11.8mm Cynergy shaft with Kamui Super Soft Tip purchased used when the shaft I was using on my Helmstetter (Adams Reproduction) was damaged. This shaft was purchased to use with the Helmstetter.

Bottom line. I love this shaft and at the Bulletproof price point it's an absolute steal. Keep in mind I am no expert and this is my perception. No scientific testing done.

Bulletproof shaft arrived a few hours before my weekly recreational league team match. The shipped tip was dime radius which matches what I normally play. Plan was to hit a few balls with it then use my current cue until I had a chance to get used to the Bulletproof. Change of plans. As far as I can tell no adjustments were needed in aiming. The hit is almost imperceptible from what I am used to other than speed control seems a bit more consistent than with the Kamui tip on the Cuetec. Took it to league. Won. Likely not entirely due to the shaft but it didn't hurt either.

I saw a couple of mentions of a different sound when using this shaft. I didn't notice any but, then, my hearing is about shot so that may be why.

One caution, The first couple of times I tried a hard draw shot with the Bulletproof I noticed marks on the pool cloth (not from chalk). After some examination I found there was a slight sharp edge on the tip just below the radius. Some careful tapering with a nail file smoothed off the edge and all is good now.

I always loved the balance and hit of the Helmstetter and I'm thrilled to have a new shaft for it. This is my third replacement shaft for this cue. The last two simply deteriorated with age and use. They were, in order, a Dominick D3 and a Bob Danielson SS360/2P Pro taper. Both played great. The Bob Danielson was my favorite. Time, wear, and southern humidity finally got to them. Looking forward to years of use from the Bulletproof shaft.

Cheers y'all.

There's a reason most famous sportspeople (and most famous people in general) don't have unfiltered social media accounts.

MattPoland said:

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My guess is that Yapp is going to end up regretting making such a public accusation (regardless if it's true or not)...if Yapp hasn't regretted it already. It's a lose-lose situation airing this out in public. If you think something nefarious is going on, talk to MR and the tournament director privately. Don't post the accusation publicly on FB.

Jaden said:

The filipinos were absolutely sucking in this new format and it's no secret that they are quite often angle shooters. I have no direct knowledge of anything but I wouldn't doubt it.

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not really. few of them travelled during the pandemic, and when it opened up it was a slow trickle of asian players coming, and sometime there MR changed break rules. add to that visa problems and relatively low prize funds until last year. that the most pool playing nation on earth was gonna practice like hell and get results when MR threw a 1000000 prize fund world championship is hardly surprising

fjk said:

Call me a dinosaur, but I equate old-skool cues and shafts to classic muscle cars. Those cars don't handle as well, aren't as fast, aren't as efficient, aren't as safe, and aren't as reliable. But, I still love them and will be paying a premium over the technologically superior Tesla. My money bets there will always be people like me that feel the same. It's a big world with lots of buyers for custom collectibles that few others own. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

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Old school pool cues, like high end automatic watches, can get uber fancy but requires artisans to work on them when maintenance is required. I love both as well and will need serious time trying to make any switch to CF.

My coworkers used to make fun of my Breitling and Omega watches while sporting GSHOCKS. Fast forward a few months, and I find them shopping for Rolex, IWC's, and even Panerai. Go figure...