I have never used a carbon fiber shaft, and do not intend to ever use one. Instead, I use the wood shafts that came with my Schon SL19. I bought them in the late 1990s, however, since then the name has been changed. Now it's called an STL17 and sells for about $2,500.

Just like last year, plenty of people here have already labelled it a fixed carnival in WeChat groups I’m in.

kingwang said:

During the finals of the Seattle Open, Skyler Woodward was very vocally upset about the ref constantly putting the two ball in the back for his opponent. Basically, he was implying that the two in the back is an advantage for the breaker. I was surprised to hear this but I'm obviously not going to doubt someone of his level.

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Interesting. This is the kind of info or discussion point I was hoping for. I certainly have to say I have noticed from my observations recently, in this format, the 2 at the back has been much more workable than anywhere else. I’ve been recording layout information and it seems to reflect this.

George the Greek said:

I rack the 1 on the spot (9-ball) and 2 at the back. I break from the right side of the original box and the 1 comes up table to the left corner and the 2 to the right corner. I usually make a wing ball almost every break and if the CB doesn't scratch or get kicked I've got a shot on the 1 ball.

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I like one on the spot, especially on these 4” corners. I kind of treat it as solo practice. No one will agree to play it for even petty cash where I live.

Vahmurka said:

I prefer a game played according to official WPA rules of play. There is a clear statement: balls are to be racked randomly. Hence, there is no ground for any personal preference.

Of course, there is always an option of following "my home, my rules" principle.

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Sometimes people will play 9 on the spot here, WPA style as per China open. I enjoy this format.

My post is simply referring to people’s experiences with 9 on the spot MR style. Most American table enthusiasts are playing this, and seeing this as ‘the standard’ here these days.

Was just curious.

ca sn8ke said:

What is the measurement at the tip.

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not sure what u mean the shaft is 29 inches and 12.75 diameter.