So as you've all probably read on the prior thread - http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=157109 - I've recently received a cue from Tony Zinola. If you've not read the prior thread, please do so as it captures the process and my thoughts on ordering a cue from Tony and dealing with him directly.
I (finally) received the cue after a new forearm and joint protectors delayed delivery. THe Fedex guy arrived at noon on Friday. Happy happpy joy joy.... I love getting new cues.
I tore open the box and found that I had to use my ninja like surgeon skills to cut the tape on the bubble pack, as I didn't want to touch the cue. He packed it pretty well. So I get it open with no damage and begin my assessment...
The cue is stunning. I've only seen about a billion pictures of it, and it never really dawned on me exacly how large pictures make things seem. The notched diamond inlays are executed with precision. I thought I saw a flaw in a picture concerning a diamond and told Tony about it. I checked it in person and couldn't find it at all... It's amazing how deceiving detailed pictures really can be.
The inlays are top notch, and the ivory butt bumper plug (or whatever you want to call it) completely kicks ass. When I ordered it, I told Tony I wanted it bumperless but I didn't want his standard "Zinzola 2009 75" like I've seen on his other bumperless cues. I'm special so I wanted this to be the same. I asked if he could engrave a notched diamond or something, and this is what he came up with. Above and beyond IMO.
There are still some VERY minor buffing scuffs in the finish. I think a quick buffing over will take care of it. His finish is nice, no waves at all.
The veneers are very nice and tight - very uniform. I will say that there is one point that is a fraction of an inch off of the rest, but I'm looking over this cue with incredible scrutiny, to be honest with you. I don't think many would really notice at all..
In terms of playability - I have to say I'm a bit... well - stuck up. I've been playing steadily (2x a week for the past 2yrs) with a Searing, so I think I have to set the bar a bit high in this area.
I asked for a 19.5oz cue with a balance point of 19.5". The cue came out at 19.46oz and balance point of 19.5". The cue is SLIGHTLY thinner than what I am used to. I put it together and the joint fitment is nice and tight. His shafts are smooth and well conditioned. I've received a few cues in the past that just sent shafts out untouched, and it just feels... well - cheap. Not the case here.
I started hitting a few balls with it and it feels great. There's an odd noise coming from it, but I quickly realized - the tip is a piece of crap (in my taste). It's too hard - WAY too hard for my liking. It's a Wizard tip, so I had it knocked off and put on a triangle... MUCH BETTER! It's amazing how many people out there may cast a negative opinion of a cue because of a $5 tip.
Anyways, 30 minutes later I was playing a guy $40/game one pocket using this cue after only having it for one day, so I'd say it fits my expectations on playability rather easily. I had about half the pool hall checking this cue out and were all very impressed with it. I think there was even one guy that wanted to contact Tony to discuss a cue as well. Everyone was complimenting the veneers and ringwork.
All in all, my perception of Tony was wrong. I was incredibly harsh on him early this year, and I think that it only helped fuel him to become a better maker. I'm very happy with the cue I received and already have him starting on another. With him only building 75 cues to date in the past almost 3 years, I think that by the time he hits cue #200 he will be known.
It's a great looking player, for sure. The End.
Detailed pictures:
I (finally) received the cue after a new forearm and joint protectors delayed delivery. THe Fedex guy arrived at noon on Friday. Happy happpy joy joy.... I love getting new cues.
I tore open the box and found that I had to use my ninja like surgeon skills to cut the tape on the bubble pack, as I didn't want to touch the cue. He packed it pretty well. So I get it open with no damage and begin my assessment...
The cue is stunning. I've only seen about a billion pictures of it, and it never really dawned on me exacly how large pictures make things seem. The notched diamond inlays are executed with precision. I thought I saw a flaw in a picture concerning a diamond and told Tony about it. I checked it in person and couldn't find it at all... It's amazing how deceiving detailed pictures really can be.
The inlays are top notch, and the ivory butt bumper plug (or whatever you want to call it) completely kicks ass. When I ordered it, I told Tony I wanted it bumperless but I didn't want his standard "Zinzola 2009 75" like I've seen on his other bumperless cues. I'm special so I wanted this to be the same. I asked if he could engrave a notched diamond or something, and this is what he came up with. Above and beyond IMO.
There are still some VERY minor buffing scuffs in the finish. I think a quick buffing over will take care of it. His finish is nice, no waves at all.
The veneers are very nice and tight - very uniform. I will say that there is one point that is a fraction of an inch off of the rest, but I'm looking over this cue with incredible scrutiny, to be honest with you. I don't think many would really notice at all..
In terms of playability - I have to say I'm a bit... well - stuck up. I've been playing steadily (2x a week for the past 2yrs) with a Searing, so I think I have to set the bar a bit high in this area.
I asked for a 19.5oz cue with a balance point of 19.5". The cue came out at 19.46oz and balance point of 19.5". The cue is SLIGHTLY thinner than what I am used to. I put it together and the joint fitment is nice and tight. His shafts are smooth and well conditioned. I've received a few cues in the past that just sent shafts out untouched, and it just feels... well - cheap. Not the case here.
I started hitting a few balls with it and it feels great. There's an odd noise coming from it, but I quickly realized - the tip is a piece of crap (in my taste). It's too hard - WAY too hard for my liking. It's a Wizard tip, so I had it knocked off and put on a triangle... MUCH BETTER! It's amazing how many people out there may cast a negative opinion of a cue because of a $5 tip.
Anyways, 30 minutes later I was playing a guy $40/game one pocket using this cue after only having it for one day, so I'd say it fits my expectations on playability rather easily. I had about half the pool hall checking this cue out and were all very impressed with it. I think there was even one guy that wanted to contact Tony to discuss a cue as well. Everyone was complimenting the veneers and ringwork.
All in all, my perception of Tony was wrong. I was incredibly harsh on him early this year, and I think that it only helped fuel him to become a better maker. I'm very happy with the cue I received and already have him starting on another. With him only building 75 cues to date in the past almost 3 years, I think that by the time he hits cue #200 he will be known.
It's a great looking player, for sure. The End.
Detailed pictures:
