Is Southwest the best?

[Danimal]

Most top pros in Taiwan use SW cues (ebony forearm), and as I heard, all of them are DPK or Jerry era SW's, I am not 100% sure though, hope some one would correct me.

Kevin Cheng's cue (the one he used in the US Open)is a '98, however, at the Derby he was trying out a cue that Bob Meucci made for him.

Both Ko's' cues are post-2000 (2000 and 2006, iirc).

Yu Lung Chang has a DPK with an old yellow micarta ferrule.

I didn't ask Jung Lin about his SW, and he sometimes mixes it up with another cue that he favors (might be a Carmelli, can't remember at this time).

 

[filluptieu]

From what I can tell in the custom market they are one of the most consistent hit from cue to cue. Also Laurie's customer service is without a doubt 100% better then any cue maker or manufacture. Don't think anyone will deny that.

 

[filluptieu]

Kevin Cheng's cue (the one he used in the US Open)is a '98, however, at the Derby he was trying out a cue that Bob Meucci made for him.

Both Ko's' cues are post-2000 (2000 and 2006, iirc).

Yu Lung Chang has a DPK with an old yellow micarta ferrule.

I didn't ask Jung Lin about his SW, and he sometimes mixes it up with another cue that he favors (might be a Carmelli, can't remember at this time).

Jung lin chang's cue is a lucky cue from Japan. High end custom similar to bb cues

 

[filluptieu]

I am puzzled by SW cues also.

I have tried 2 cues with exact wood combination (both ebony forearm with PH points), they play the EXACT opposite, one very stiff with a lot of deflection, one is much less stiff and almost a low deflection cue. I just could not believe it. both are newer SW's.

I have been told by some SW collectors there is a reason many ONLY crave Jerry Franklin SW, but still there are hits and misses to some. a Pro in Vietnam recently bought a Eb/Eb Jerry SW and it was almost unplayable to him due to the balance was too too much backward.

Most top pros in Taiwan use SW cues (ebony forearm), and as I heard, all of them are DPK or Jerry era SW's, I am not 100% sure though, hope some one would correct me.

I question if any of the shafts you hit with were altered. It is possible.

Also, the jf cues are really not that different but I can say that my jf shaft is a bit more lively in feel then my post jf shafts

 

[dawgcpa]

Sw

In my opinion, it is about balance for the individual. You will find that one cue that fits you well. It may or not be a SW.

As for the SW cues, I've had 4. A pacifier, ebony nosed franklin era, goncalo alves and birdseye, and cocobolo and birdseye.

My ultimate goal with a cue is to move the ball around with the least amount of effort. For my taste, the goncalo alves and birdseye does that. The cocobolo and birdseye would be a close second. Both cues played fantastically and were the 2 best cues I've ever hit.

The ebony nosed one I had required more effort to get the ball around. If I was as good as KO, that probably wouldn't be a problem but it was for me.

The pacifier was too light.

I've owed some of the following: Klapp, Carmeli, Rick Howard, Tascarella, Cantando, Orlandi, Romero.

In my opinion, the GA SW is hands down the best playing cue I've ever hit. I'm also playing the best I've ever played with it. I can't tell you why, but when you run out more with a cue, you know it just feels better. The one thing about them, they typically hold their value and people will buy them. So, if you try one and don't like it, you can move it....

 

[ctran]

Kevin Cheng's cue (the one he used in the US Open)is a '98, however, at the Derby he was trying out a cue that Bob Meucci made for him.

Both Ko's' cues are post-2000 (2000 and 2006, iirc).

Yu Lung Chang has a DPK with an old yellow micarta ferrule.

I didn't ask Jung Lin about his SW, and he sometimes mixes it up with another cue that he favors (might be a Carmelli, can't remember at this time).

thanks for the info.

I question if any of the shafts you hit with were altered. It is possible.

Also, the jf cues are really not that different but I can say that my jf shaft is a bit more lively in feel then my post jf shafts

they were with original shafts. an Predate collector also told me that JF shafts are better than newer shafts also

 

[ga9ball]

South West

Well since l do not believe in coincidence, South West must play the best if every Major Tournament 2015 ( Men & Women ) was won with a South West!
Mens: World 9 Ball - World 10 Ball - Beijing Open - US Open 9 ball - World Cup of Pool -
Women's - China Open - Tournament of Champions - All Japan Open - Tornado Open

As for the Franklin era vs New SW, Mickey Bunker ( Jerry Franklin's Nephew ) has been there since 1985 working on the same equipment and using the same process. Al Lawrence has been there since 1989 so l think not much has changed. The wood is stored and cut the same way, with strict tolerances.
Laurie Franklin has carried the torch with class & dignity, so let's give her credit.

I play with a SW, as do both my son's. I collect many and sold many more to very happy customers.

If ANYONE reading this has a South West they Don't like, l am most likely a buyer. Also l will buy your spot in line for a generous profit if your willing.
My phone number is at the bottom.
Take care
Greg

 

[Shooter08]

Passion

Well since l do not believe in coincidence, South West must play the best if every Major Tournament ( Men & Women ) was won with a South West!
Mens: World 9 Ball - World 10 Ball - Beijing Open - US Open 9 ball - World Cup of Pool -
Women's - China Open - Tournament of Champions - All Japan Open - Tornado Open

As for the Franklin era vs New SW, Mickey Bunker ( Jerry Franklin's Nephew ) has been there since 1985 working on the same equipment and using the same process. Al Lawrence has been there since 1989 so l think not much has changed. The wood is stored and cut the same way, with strict tolerances.
Laurie Franklin has carried the torch with class & dignity, so let's give her credit.

I play with a SW, as do both my son's. I collect many and sold many more to very happy customers.

If ANYONE reading this has a South West they Don't like, l am most likely a buyer. Also l will buy your spot in line for a generous profit if your willing.
My phone number is at the bottom.
Take care
Greg

Greg, I definitely appreciate your passion for Southwest Cues as I feel the same about Runde cues. Chances are if I try a Southwest it will be a pacifier, do they play similar to their ordered cues? Thx for your opinion in advance.

 

[ga9ball]

Well all these Satin ( Pacifier) played great!!

I think if Laurie Franklin of SW sponsored pro players, they all would play with one!!




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[9Ballr]

Well since l do not believe in coincidence, South West must play the best if every Major Tournament ( Men & Women ) was won with a South West!
Mens: World 9 Ball - World 10 Ball - Beijing Open - US Open 9 ball - World Cup of Pool -
Women's - China Open - Tournament of Champions - All Japan Open - Tornado Open

I'm interested in knowing where you get your facts.
Not trying to challenge you or anything just interesting.

I looked here and I don't see all that many players who used
SW cues when they won. Possibly just one or two since 1990.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_WPA_World_Nine-ball_champions

Same here with the 10 ball:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WPA_World_Ten-ball_Championship

The rest I didn't check.

Please don't feel all sensitive about this or challenged, sure as heck
is plenty of sensitive testosterone ridden members here on this
forum....lol, I'm not challenging you in the least, just wondering
if there is some information out there that's more reliable than
those wiki links I posted.

Thanks

 

[ga9ball]

South West

I'm interested in knowing where you get your facts.
Not trying to challenge you or anything just interesting.

I looked here and I don't see all that many players who used
SW cues when they won. Possibly just one or two since 1990.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_WPA_World_Nine-ball_champions

Same here with the 10 ball:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WPA_World_Ten-ball_Championship

The rest I didn't check.

Please don't feel all sensitive about this or challenged, sure as heck
is plenty of sensitive testosterone ridden members here on this
forum....lol, I'm not challenging you in the least, just wondering
if there is some information out there that's more reliable than
those wiki links I posted.

Thanks

Ko won the World 9 & 10 ball 2015
Kevin Cheng won the Beijing open & US Open 2015
Ko & Chang won the World Cup of Pool ( doubles )2015

Ga Young Kim won all the woman's events l mentioned.2015

All of them play with a SW, and Chang ( Patrick ) plays with a Kersenbrock ( taught Jerry Franklin ) same parabolic specs with same 3/8-11 Flat Face!

Many other Top Asian Pro's have won tournaments or have placed in top 5 with a SW cue.
To say they play the best is subjective, but something must be right about them.

" South West = The Best " been saying it for years!
Cactus Power

 

[Veteran68]

^^^ You're quoting 3 or 4 people from tournaments in the last year. I'd say it's more the players than the cues.

I can't validate it, but I've read a few times that more tournaments have been won with Meucci's over the years than any other single brand. Cuetec is probably way up there too considering how many pros they used to sponsor.

 

[dawgcpa]

^^^ You're quoting 3 or 4 people from tournaments in the last year. I'd say it's more the players than the cues.

I can't validate it, but I've read a few times that more tournaments have been won with Meucci's over the years than any other single brand. Cuetec is probably way up there too considering how many pros they used to sponsor.

Doesn't it say something that they want to play a southwest. Yes, they could choose to play anything they want but they play southwest...

Also, they buy their southwests instead of getting sponsored by meucci or cuetec...

 

[Shooter08]

Not a pissing match

^^^ You're quoting 3 or 4 people from tournaments in the last year. I'd say it's more the players than the cues.

I can't validate it, but I've read a few times that more tournaments have been won with Meucci's over the years than any other single brand. Cuetec is probably way up there too considering how many pros they used to sponsor.

Please don't turn this discussion to a pissing match. I had a question and your input is not what I'm looking for. As far as tournament wins I've always heard that Schon Cues or Schon cues w/ predator shafts have won the most.

 

[ga9ball]

South West

^^^ You're quoting 3 or 4 people from tournaments in the last year. I'd say it's more the players than the cues.

I can't validate it, but I've read a few times that more tournaments have been won with Meucci's over the years than any other single brand. Cuetec is probably way up there too considering how many pros they used to sponsor.

Yes l picked 2015 since it just happened to keep it relevant.
If you took the top Asian Pro's listed below, playing Rotation pool 9-10 Ball all with their South Wests, can any other 5 top them?
They play with SW because they believe they are the best, not because they are sponsored by them. That in itself should be some kind of proof to the quality of play of a SW cue.

Wu Chia Ching
Ko Pin Yi
Ko Ping Chung
Kevin Cheng
Yu Lung Chang ( Patrick )

Woman's - Ga Young Kim & Siming Chen may be the two top in a lot of people's book, and they play SW. When Ga Young Kim got sponsored by another company after years of winning with SW, she started to not win. After her sponsorship ended, and she went back to her Ebony SW, she is winning again.
Is that a coincidence? I do not think so!

I will leave it alone, because l know how the feathers get ruffled about SW cues.

Like l said earlier, l am a buyer if you hate yours, call me!

 

[Shooter08]

I'm the OP, Ty for your input

Yes l picked 2015 since it just happened to keep it relevant.
If you took the top Asian Pro's listed below, playing Rotation pool 9-10 Ball all with their South Wests, can any other 5 top them?
They play with SW because they believe they are the best, not because they are sponsored by them. That in itself should be some kind of proof to the quality of play of a SW cue.

Wu Chia Ching
Ko Pin Yi
Ko Ping Chung
Kevin Cheng
Yu Lung Chang ( Patrick )

Woman's - Ga Young Kim & Siming Chen may be the two top in a lot of people's book, and they play SW. When Ga Young Kim got sponsored by another company after years of winning with SW, she started to not win. After her sponsorship ended, and she went back to her Ebony SW, she is winning again.
Is that a coincidence? I do not think so!

I will leave it alone, because l know how the feathers get ruffled about SW cues.

Like l said earlier, l am a buyer if you hate yours, call me!

Greg, The honest opinion you are providing is what I was hoping to attain, be it positive or negative. I apologize a troll is interfering with a discussion I asked for.

 

[9Ballr]

Ko won the World 9 & 10 ball 2015
Kevin Cheng won the Beijing open & US Open 2015
Ko & Chang won the World Cup of Pool ( doubles )2015

Ga Young Kim won all the woman's events l mentioned.2015

All of them play with a SW, and Chang ( Patrick ) plays with a Kersenbrock ( taught Jerry Franklin ) same parabolic specs with same 3/8-11 Flat Face!

Many other Top Asian Pro's have won tournaments or have placed in top 5 with a SW cue.
To say they play the best is subjective, but something must be right about them.

" South West = The Best " been saying it for years!
Cactus Power ����������

Very interesting information indeed. Thank you for this.

I don't think these players would have lost any of the games they won
strictly because they were not playing a Southwest but the fact that
these people chose Southwest surely says a lot about their quality.

That being said, I haven't been any more impressed by them than
any of the other top custom makers and I know, although anecdotal,
that I don't play any better with a SW cue, or at least I haven't when
I've had a chance to play one.

But maybe that's because I'm nowhere near as good as these people
you mentioned above and they have more sensitivity towards minute
differences that each cue offers.

That being said Boening seems to be able to give them all a
hard time with his 200 dollar Cuetec.

 

[Straightpool_99]

As a foreigner, Southwest is one of the few custom cues I'd consider buying. The reasons are simple:

1. Even though the list is extremely long, I know that when my number comes up, they will make me a cue. A friend of mine have been bumped off lists twice from US cuemakers. That would piss me off to no end.

2. They are known to be extremely professional and to have great customer service. This is even more important when you live overseas and can't just show up at the shop.

3. They are friendly to foreign buyers.

4. They make cues without ivory.

5. Most important: They are known as players cues. Unlike some makers who make wallhangers for collectors who can't run 3 balls, Southwest cues are known for their playability.

 

[Sealegs50]

As a foreigner, Southwest is one of the few custom cues I'd consider buying. The reasons are simple:

1. Even though the list is extremely long, I know that when my number comes up, they will make me a cue. A friend of mine have been bumped off lists twice from US cuemakers. That would piss me off to no end.

2. They are known to be extremely professional and to have great customer service. This is even more important when you live overseas and can't just show up at the shop.

3. They are friendly to foreign buyers.

4. They make cues without ivory.

5. Most important: They are known as players cues. Unlike some makers who make wallhangers for collectors who can't run 3 balls, Southwest cues are known for their playability.

As an American, the reasons are the same.

 

[scsuxci]

I'm the type of player that can switch cues mid tournament and still play well.
I won an event using 5 different cues throughout, so I feel I've played and sold enough cues to give a valid opinion.
Southwests are built very well but would never seek to buy one unless its for flipping.
The ones I've tried felt like i was hitting with a bat, very backend heavy where i felt clumsy when playing. Most guys have to tweak there shafts from the get go due to the thickness throughout the shaft.
Granted people must like them or they wouldn't sell. What i have noticed is most of
the players that actually use them as there main players are in Asia, while the people
in the US and Canada buy them for collectables and investments for future gain down the road.