billiards_watch said:

9 on the spot.

I can't stress that enough. The template rack changed how 9b is played. A lot of the balls will be at one end of the table because you don't need to break hard to make something. Once you make something then it should be a run out every time.

I played someone with the template rack and was making 2-3 balls every break. I made 4 balls twice in a set that led to run outs. He was putting the 1 on the spot.

I have one of those $75 break cues with a phenolic tip. Best money spent.

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Still need to brake fairly hard if the 3-point rule is in effect.
Don't need crazzy 30mph or higher hard but around 18-20mph
it also depends if the CB is restricted to a box area.

cueball2010 said:

Is this really True? I was told if you have a "good stroke" you can pick up any cue and play just fine.

Like almost instantly. Maybe a half hour of practice.

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Even if you use the same shaft on different cues, they may perform the same, but they will feel different, meaning the feedback that you get from the cue, the vibration is different and may cause you to stroke differently.

In most shots, it wouldn't be a major issue, and a quick rack or two might be enough to adjust, but when pinpoint position is required, it might be more tricky.

Now if you are switching cues and you also switch shafts, the difference is greater.

cueball2010 said:

Have u played with both? I have, i can feel the difference the 8% low rise is steeper. You can feel it get tight on a closed bridge. Maybe negligible with open bridge.

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Yes. 314s, Zs, 12.9 Revo and 12.4 Revo. Owned them all for years. The only one of the bunch I didn’t like was the 12.9 Revo. The taper was ok, but I think the tip diameter was too big and I was getting different English than I intended.

Still, as an American, you’re not going to get a C8 unless you pay international shipping and duty and buy from a Chinese seller to have it imported.

As far as taper for “fact” no one has that answer unless they measure the diameter with calipers every 2” or 50mm and post it. The “taper” names are just marketing bs.

Chopdoc said:

That's the kind of price I am looking for. Not over $200. I don't think it's unreasonable. That one I passed up was in new condition though. There have been others, that's just one record I saved.

Funny how prices go. I hate and avoid the value issue. It's the same with customs, Funny how prices go. Value is such an ethereal thing in such matters.

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I've made it my mission to find a cue that you value but don't have at a cheap price! LOL It would be a source of pride with me if I could actually do it considering all of your vast resources!