- A Longoni with their S2 shaft was by far the standout favorite of the production cues I tested...It just felt right in every aspect. Their build quality was excellent and it felt perfect in my hands. For a brand I have never considered, I will be putting one into my arsenal soon....Their Expo pricing was a bit.....steep. The only downside is the proprietary pin.
I own two Longonis, both with a Luna Nera carbon shaft (they call it graphite). One for a pool hall locker and one for home.
Before settling on Longoni, I tried a bunch of production shafts - Predator, Cuetec, Becue, Viking, Pechauer, Lucasi, Whyte Carbon and a few others.
I liked Longoni and Predator best, but not by a lot, over Whyte Carbon and Cuetec. I didn't feel a huge difference, though. I did think the Longoni felt better in my hands and was better made. Longoni prices weren't terrible before the tariffs, but they did rise notably after that.
Longoni has a quick-install, quick release joint. I do have to tighten once in a great while, but it's very fast to assemble.
The Longoni extension system is the best on the market in my view. By far. Different sizes, stackable, and they go on with a half twist. I do recommend a fingerprint worth of WD40 to lube the connection the very first time. It's a bit stiff to start.
- The variety of chalk available is absolutely mind blowing...It is freaking chalk.
Hope it drives down prices!
Chalk is chalk, sure. I always though cheap chalks were gritty and dirty, but they worked fine. Kamui Roku was my first experience with "clean" chalk, but Taom took it to a new level.
And while Taom is expensive at $20, it's 50% cheaper than the Roku ($30)! I don't understand how Kamui can price it that high.
I admittedly do appreciate chalks that feel nice when they are applied. Kamui Roku felt nicer to apply than Taom, and the new DrV might feel even nicer.
Worth the cost? No, but I am at the age, and I have the means, when I can buy the chalk I like best. I only go thru a few cubes a year.
