Balabushka cues made in japan ! are they any good and worth the money ?

Newart japan. Chrome will translate the website. JDM product. some american customs. Lots of stuff we don't see in the states. ADAM JAPAN cues
 
onlypool said:
I am looking for a NEW(or possibly used), old school "traditional style" cue with the color veneer points, etc and i looked at the Japan Balabushka's ($600 to $1350). They look really nice on a computer screen but that doesn't mean much. Does anyone have info on them or maybe another manufacturer?
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You know… I don’t see why anyone wouldn’t just buy these cues or similar. More than likely made in China. Small chance that it was made in Taiwan. But if it’s like any of the other vintages from Adam Japan/Competition Sports, it should be fine.

Many of these are from ~2002-2010, new old stock when Competition Sports was sold. I think you should let us know ;)

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2PC Pool Cue Mosconi Balabushka Hof Replica /Adam/ Helmstetter Billiards SECOND | eBay

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Vintage Adam Balabushka Replica Pool Cue 4pt all inlaid billiards, new/old stock | eBay

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garczar said:
Good luck finding an ADAM Japan-made 'bushka style. Those cues have been made in China for some time. Still nice cues tho. I'd rather have a Schon or a US made custom if i was buying that style.
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There is a guy on the open billiards market that sells a few a year. They look legit.
 
onlypool said:
thanks. I'll look that up. It did lead me to some of those cues available on the "Asian ? ebay" . That's interesting too. Any idea what the import fee(s) are from Japan ?
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Idk I've always wondered myself. Probably a c-note on top of whatever price is if i had to guess . Looks like their inventory is low right now. A few years ago they had tons of cues
 
Old helmstetter...getting ready to refurbish it. Most don't realize these are full splice cues. And I believe the rosewood in this is brazillian. Not bad for the price you can get them. Seriously undervalued imo
 

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Truly my opinion is these are in line with a Meucci cue. Ok for an entry level cue but spending that much money on a new cue is crazy.

IMO, you would be much better buying a Rick Howard, Andy Gilbert or other "custom cue" second hand. You will get a better cue, better shafts, etc. It will be for the same or less money and you will have a real cue. I often take my Rick Howard sneaky pete to play in places where I dont want to play with my Gus.

I wish you the best in whatever you decide.

Ken
 
Ken_4fun said:
Truly my opinion is these are in line with a Meucci cue. Ok for an entry level cue but spending that much money on a new cue is crazy.

IMO, you would be much better buying a Rick Howard, Andy Gilbert or other "custom cue" second hand. You will get a better cue, better shafts, etc. It will be for the same or less money and you will have a real cue. I often take my Rick Howard sneaky pete to play in places where I dont want to play with my Gus.

I wish you the best in whatever you decide.

Ken
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They are made WAY better than a Meucci. Not even close. They ask for too much in most cases but they are very well made.
 
Ken_4fun said:
Truly my opinion is these are in line with a Meucci cue. Ok for an entry level cue but spending that much money on a new cue is crazy.

IMO, you would be much better buying a Rick Howard, Andy Gilbert or other "custom cue" second hand. You will get a better cue, better shafts, etc. It will be for the same or less money and you will have a real cue. I often take my Rick Howard sneaky pete to play in places where I dont want to play with my Gus.

I wish you the best in whatever you decide.

Ken
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You can get a Japanese adam or helmstetter (different companies) comparable quality for a few hundred bucks. The problem is finding them. The cue in the pic I got for $250 I paid that much because I wanted it. To me it was worth it. Have a new full splice with 4 veneers built buy a custom maker your looking at $1500 minimum. (The points on mine are all dead even) a full splice with veneers and dead even points by a top cuemaker 2k plus
 
NobodySpecial said:
My Adam Balabushka is easily one of the best hitting cues I own. Having said that, the leather wrap was crap before I had it redone, and none of the ebony is anywhere near black.
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I had at least one person boast to me their Adam Balabushka were made and signed by George Balabushka himself.
 
RDeca said:
You can get a Japanese adam or helmstetter (different companies) comparable quality for a few hundred bucks. The problem is finding them. The cue in the pic I got for $250 I paid that much because I wanted it. To me it was worth it. Have a new full splice with 4 veneers built buy a custom maker your looking at $1500 minimum. (The points on mine are all dead even) a full splice with veneers and dead even points by a top cuemaker 2k plus
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The Adam cue company made the Helmstetter series of cues plus a couple others.
 
ctyhntr said:
I had at least one person boast to me their Adam Balabushka were made and signed by George Balabushka himself.
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Yeah seen that before.
When they are told it's a $500 or so replica they argue.
Still pretty darn good cues if over priced.
 
measureman said:
The Adam cue company made the Helmstetter series of cues plus a couple others.
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I should had a question mark in there. . I read a post years ago on it. The quality is definitely there. On par and better than a lot of usa top makers of the era. IMO
 
RDeca said:
You can get a Japanese adam or helmstetter (different companies) comparable quality for a few hundred bucks. The problem is finding them. The cue in the pic I got for $250 I paid that much because I wanted it. To me it was worth it. Have a new full splice with 4 veneers built buy a custom maker your looking at $1500 minimum. (The points on mine are all dead even) a full splice with veneers and dead even points by a top cuemaker 2k plus
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Japanese Adam made Japanese Helmstetter. Is there some confusion?

Today, Adam USA and Helmstetter are offered by the Balabushka Cue Company out of AZ. I can list out the history, if you need it. Adam Japan today make the Musashi line .
 
RDeca said:
I should had a question mark in there. . I read a post years ago on it. The quality is definitely there. On par and better than a lot of usa top makers of the era. IMO
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Ah, okay. I’m sure you read false information on AZBilliards. It’s unfortunately a common rampant theme. Posters don’t seem to mind posting misleading information, and they pump it like it’s some kind of truth.
 
Cornerman said:
Ah, okay. I’m sure you read false information on AZBilliards. It’s unfortunately a common rampant theme. Posters don’t seem to mind posting misleading information, and they pump it like it’s some kind of truth.
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No it seemed legit. The guy emailed Richard helmstetter or something so he said anyways I'll see if I can find it. Also they make the "Kenbo" adam cues in the link posted earlier. Link "adam ny" . The adam cue on the website can be seen in the factory tour
 
RDeca said:
No it seemed legit. The guy emailed Richard helmstetter or something so he said anyways I'll see if I can find it.
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Sorry, i was responding to your statement that Adam Japan and Helmstetter were two different companies. If you had a question, I (and others) can clairfy.

Or if that is too fuzzy, I’ll just shut up.
 
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