Stopped in the pool hall yesterday and a man i know is hitting some balls with a beautiful ebony and ivory cue that had a graphite shaft on it. I asked who made the cue and he replied Bender many years ago. Went on to tell me about the shaft saying you can't play with the Bender shafts too .ugh deflection.
I told him I can't stand low deflection and probably would like the original shafts. He pulled one out and showed it to me. Mammoth ivory ferrule on a very nice 12.75 smooth shaft. I said oh yeah that's nice. Joint collar had double steel rings that were smooth to the joint asked if the rings popped in the butt and he replied not all. I asked is it heavy figuring it would be 20+ but he said 19.25.
He put the shaft on the cue and wanted me to hit some balls. I set up a spot shot and hammered it with all the high inside I felt i could safely play. Allowed for huge deflection and hit center pocket. I got a big grin and told him that is perfect. I hit about 3 more balls smooth stroking that great work of craftsmanship. Told him I don't care for thin handles but his cue was so well balanced that it felt like a 18 ounce cue and he had to really cherish it. His reply was you can't guess how much it cost. I said I have a pretty good idea what you would have paid for it and what it is worth now. It is a fair investment for you.
I told him I can't stand low deflection and probably would like the original shafts. He pulled one out and showed it to me. Mammoth ivory ferrule on a very nice 12.75 smooth shaft. I said oh yeah that's nice. Joint collar had double steel rings that were smooth to the joint asked if the rings popped in the butt and he replied not all. I asked is it heavy figuring it would be 20+ but he said 19.25.
He put the shaft on the cue and wanted me to hit some balls. I set up a spot shot and hammered it with all the high inside I felt i could safely play. Allowed for huge deflection and hit center pocket. I got a big grin and told him that is perfect. I hit about 3 more balls smooth stroking that great work of craftsmanship. Told him I don't care for thin handles but his cue was so well balanced that it felt like a 18 ounce cue and he had to really cherish it. His reply was you can't guess how much it cost. I said I have a pretty good idea what you would have paid for it and what it is worth now. It is a fair investment for you.
