Just The Facts:
At or around November 1, 2013 I decided I was in the market for one of those so called old growth shafts.
I checked around for reviews and what not and found out about Steve Klapp’s Custom Cues.
After reading the main review on his web site, which made him out to be a god-like producer of old growth shafts, I decided I would give ol' Steve a try.
My Order:
One 140 Year Old Growth Shaft With A Schon Joint.
Ivory Ferrule - Upcharge Required - Of Course.
Kamui Clear Medium Tip - Upcharge Required - Of Course.
He and I were in business so I sent him A One Hundred And Ninety Dollar Check Through My Bank. No Worries Huh...WRONG.
30 days goes by and my new shaft finally arrives.
I grab my STL-13 and new shaft and head out. Very Excited I Must Say.
I put my new cue "Ol' Painless" together and rolled it across the table I was playing on.
Wouldn't You Know It - Yea! To my amazement there was a serious THUMP, THUMP, THUMP, across the table it goes.
What Nah...Really? So I looked closer only to see there was a portion of the cue sticking out on the side, at the joint, about one/sixteenth of one inch...
So I pulled it apart and reinstalled my shaft to the butt section...Yep...Same Thing.
This Cue - The Schon STL-13 Which I Bought From Mike At The Billiard Shop Rolled Nice With A Real Shaft On It So It Wasn't The Butt Section.
Dismayed now I examined the whole shaft for any more surprises, What else could be wrong with this beautiful shaft custom built by Steve Klapp I asked myself.
Just then I viewed the tip… It wasn't the super awesome Kamui Clear Medium Tip I Was So Generously Up Charged For, Nope...It Was An Imposter...
But That Didn't Matter Much Any Way, Cause after five test hits the tip went flying across the pool hall. Wonderful I Thought.
No Problem...There was an obvious mistake, I'll just get my money back and we will start over as this is a cue shaft built by the legend himself.
He is a top notch craftsman...blah blah blah so the review that I read went on. It really painted it on like this klapp guy knew his stuff...Right??
Surely he would stand behind his products after all he has a sterling reputation, Yep thats what he kept bragging to me about....Phooey!.
After he said in an email that he would refund my money I sent him the amateur-night shaft back at my expense. Thanks Steve.
I wait for three weeks and then I email him – His Reply…”I Need Some Time To Come Up With The Money For Your Refund” – A Couple Weeks? Jeesh.
I Wait Two More Months – I really wanted to give this guy the benefit of the doubt.
Two months and nothing, No letters, No Checks…NOTHING!!
I decide to call him and square this away – Would you believe I got through after just a couple rings…
I told him who I was and right away I just got a bunch of sob story crap. Yea like it’s my problem or something. He says he’ll send it right out.
Yep You Guessed It – NOTHING – NADA – ZIP – Zilcho.
So I try calling him again and now of course all I get is that lady telling me Mr. Klapp’s mail box is all full up…GREAT!!
So There You Have It – GEE MR. KLAPP HAVE I LEFT ANYTHING OUT?
Oh Yea the fact that it has been seven months that you have had my hundred and ninety bucks.
If the situation were reversed oh you bet your sweet tooshy I would be in collections and my credit would be tarnished not to mention the late charges from bounced checks…
Oh the humanity…Mr. Klapp YOU HAVE TAKEN MY MONEY SIR, AND NOT PRODUCED ANYTHING FOR IT THAT MAKES YOU A THIEF WHERE I COME FROM.
My Review Of Steve Klapps Custom Cues: Minus Five Stars.
Minus Five Stars For His Junk Equipment.
Minus Five Stars For His Embezzling Practices. - THIEF!
Minus Five Stars For His Customer Service After The Sale.
MINUS @#$%^ FIVE!!!
Thanks For Reading This Review Of Steve Klapps Custom Cues…I Know It Was A Long Read.
Now I’ll Probably Get Banned For Breaking Some Kind Of Rule On Here...
Thanks Again Steve.
K. Smith
Gresham, Oregon