to add for the cost of one or two pieces of specialty chalk, you can buy a whole gross/144, of pieces that will last a lifetime.

Hire a ball boy to replace balls to their position during practice sessions. He's gotta keep 'em clean, fetch beers, brush the table during bathroom breaks, etc.
I'd make my own kid do it, but don't have any.

Taper Diameter Length

I have 4 Schons with the stainless joint. I have a 2x6 led light at home with egg crate diffusers, and shoot two leagues, one with Predator style arena lights and one with what looks to be a figure 8 style light. I don't like the figure 8 style light, but on to the stainless joint, I'm 6'2" and have never noticed a glare on the stainless joint.
As to shafts, weight, diameter, and balance are most important, also a reasonably low deflection, but I don't feel you have to have the least as as long as it is somewhat low, just get used to it. The joint match, whether it has one ring two rings or matches means nothing to me.

Bump

only t.d's with balls to enforce slow play and such can be hired.

when it comes to cues, just like shoes.

buy the ones that fit how you want them to. not the brand or looks, or price.

loggerhead12 said:

No phones in the playing area.

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The only downside is that they can be handy for recording a shot that needs a ref.

JABSolstice said:

Shot clock for all major tournaments all the way down to local weekly bar tournaments.

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iusedtoberich said:

-15 sec shot clock, no extensions. Make this tournament move!

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now we're talking

i dont want my light at home to be too bight as when out the lights are rarely even close to bright enough.

the balls look different at different kinds and brightness of lights.

practicing in a very dim lit place helps your overall aiming for when out and about.

No phones in the playing area.