Pool cue knowledge in pool rooms

[Missing Link]

In my area, league players either use a Moochy or a "Josh" (Joss) cue, a few of us have Schon's or Predators, and EVERYBODY wants a Gulyassy. I see alot of Lucasi and Viking as well.
Most guy know what Scruggs, SW, Sugartree, and Bluegrass are. For a long time, the most popular cue was to buy your favorite house cue from the room, have it cut down to 30", jointed, and a 30" predator shaft installed with the cat removed and refinished.

 

[Kevin3824]

I am not real knowledgeable about the different non production cues. In fact I don't even think I know a lot about the production cues. I do have a burning desire to improve my skill level to a very high level. I spend a lot of time on my own table doing drills. I am not part of any league and don't go to halls or bars often these days.

I do however, spend a lot of time thinking about pool while I am in public venue. I come in contact with a lot of people that are in the 18-25 age bracket. This leads to conversations. From what I have seen in pool is still an activity the young people do but they don't do it often unless they are in a league. Most people I have come into contact with could not name any professional male players. There have been a few that could name one or two of the female pros but sometimes only referring to them by their nic names. The only cues they come into contact with are those they see at the local walmart, k-mart, or possibly pool hall. Most would choose a cue by color or design. In the few times I have been to the pool halls locally I cannot recall ever seeing anyone other than myself bring their own chalk with them. Most of then would consider any cue that is over $50 to be high end. They see graphite cues as never getting warped so therefore a great cue.

I can remember seeing a few players in there with cues that looked really nice quality and have seen the occasional Carmeli. I have never seen anyone playing with a Black Boar though. I think that most of the people that buy custom cues that are on the high priced end are collectors and do not play with them regularly. Honestly, I am a firm believer that it is not the cue that makes the player. I think that has been proven over and over again when you look at the pro players most seem to be using production cues. I have seen many people with house cues off the wall win games against players holding cues that cost hundreds of dollars.

 

[ru4au2]

I am not real knowledgeable about the different non production cues. In fact I don't even think I know a lot about the production cues. I do have a burning desire to improve my skill level to a very high level. I spend a lot of time on my own table doing drills. I am not part of any league and don't go to halls or bars often these days.

I do however, spend a lot of time thinking about pool while I am in public venue. I come in contact with a lot of people that are in the 18-25 age bracket. This leads to conversations. From what I have seen in pool is still an activity the young people do but they don't do it often unless they are in a league. Most people I have come into contact with could not name any professional male players. There have been a few that could name one or two of the female pros but sometimes only referring to them by their nic names. The only cues they come into contact with are those they see at the local walmart, k-mart, or possibly pool hall. Most would choose a cue by color or design. In the few times I have been to the pool halls locally I cannot recall ever seeing anyone other than myself bring their own chalk with them. Most of then would consider any cue that is over $50 to be high end. They see graphite cues as never getting warped so therefore a great cue.

I can remember seeing a few players in there with cues that looked really nice quality and have seen the occasional Carmeli. I have never seen anyone playing with a Black Boar though. I think that most of the people that buy custom cues that are on the high priced end are collectors and do not play with them regularly. Honestly, I am a firm believer that it is not the cue that makes the player. I think that has been proven over and over again when you look at the pro players most seem to be using production cues. I have seen many people with house cues off the wall win games against players holding cues that cost hundreds of dollars.

I understand its the Indian not the arrow...I just like pretty arrows....I am an APA 7 so I'm not saying I am a better player than many of the people I'm talking about...In fact the conversation I was speaking of He was an APA 9

 

[Kevin3824]

I am sorry I thought the original question was that of the average person in a pool rooms knowledge of custom pool cues vs production cues. Or possibly the average persons knowledge of pool itself.

I did not and still don't not see the correlations of APA (Amateur) handicap or skill level. Nor was I trying to infer anything about how good a player you or anyone else is.

 

[Los Gatos Taki]

In my area, I believe the lack of cue maker knowledge is a result of the decline in pool halls and players, tighter money, the major improvement in inexpensive production cues, and the low deflection shafts. Many years ago, it was not unusual to see big name custom cues in the display cases in pool halls. Many of these cues were used and purchased from customers or being sold for their customers. Also, the buying and selling of big name cues between pool players was openly allowed in many pool halls. At that time, many believed if you wanted a cue that felt and played good, you had to by a custom cue made by a cue maker who knew how to make such a cue. Production type cues were considered poorly made. Pool operator would even help you locate a certain custom cue. This pool hall environment made it easier to gain information about the many custom cue makers available. This environment, in many areas, is all but gone today.
The decline in pool halls, player, and tight money has made it necessary for many pool halls to carry only low cost production cues. Newer players inquiring about purchasing a cue, only hear about the cue the operator carries. Also, many pool halls now frown on players buying and selling, among themselves, in the pool hall. They fell it costs them profits.
The low deflection shafts have made a great impact on custom cue purchases. Newer players, owning a lower cost production cue, are learning to purchase a low deflection shaft for $200 instead of a custom cue for $2000, Many players in my area have a low cost cue but later purchased a low deflection shaft. Even many pro players, sponsored by a production cue company, are using low deflection shafts that are not necessarily by the same cue maker.

 

[pwd72s]

I am not really knocking them....I guess there is a diffrence in playing pool and cue collecting...I guess i get really obsessive and try to know as much as possible as i can about all aspects...Don't get me wrong super nice people...I just want people to talk to about those things....I guess thats why AZB is here

Most people in pool halls who carry their own cue are players. Some are collectors, but for the most part players. So, they will suggest a cue that works well for them.

I play with a Keith Josey. I like it's firm hit with great feedback. Others might think it's hit is horrible.

If you're into playing, I'd suggest you buy what works best for you. If it's collecting you're into, buy based on status of ownership and looks that appeal to you. Many custom cues are also good playing cues, but not all...

 

[Pushout]

From my limited experience I have found that contrary to what most would like to believe the majority of pool players don't belong to or know about AZ Billiards

They don' t have exposure to any other type of cue except for the production type cues that most PH carry.

They don't know about or follow the top players in the world, except for very few names that they may have heard about.

If you show some of the local PH regulars a cue such as a SW, Gina, Blue Grass and etc that cost more than $600 they shake their head and will tell you that It is over priced and not worth the money. Many local A to A + players don't really care or know about many custom cue makers. There is one person that has a production cue that is a Eddie Taylor edition. He keeps it locked up and never uses it. He thinks it is worth a ton of money and others will tell him the same. He brags about it all the time.

Very rarely does anyone ever notice or comment on any of my cues except for some one that's is into cue collecting and always looks at other players cue.

In my experience those same people know little about the history of the game or the legendary players. Many have heard of Minnesota Fats, few, if any, have ever heard of Willie Mosconi. And, they just don't care.