strange opinion plus question

trinacria

in efren we trust
Silver Member
so im 40, ive been out of pool for almost a decade, and even when i was in it, i was in it periodically, i had talent but the pool players i knew were broke losers so i was always in the employed section of the pool world. if i stayed with it, i could have been good good. my pot making ability was natural, and my stroke can make the cue ball dance like a stripper who just found out shes pregnant. but i never really stayed in it for consecutive years where you really learn the game. anyway, what i did see while i was paying attention was, the best players i ever seen can run racks with a house cue. i learned on a lucasi and stepped forward from there. i wanna get back in the game. i still own about 5k worth of cues, do i pick it back up on a bar cue or do i go back to the LD shit that ruined my game in the first place and stick with it? bc eventuallt ill use my own cue. i know this is a weird ask, but do i stick with the tech or go basic?
 
so im 40, ive been out of pool for almost a decade, and even when i was in it, i was in it periodically, i had talent but the pool players i knew were broke losers so i was always in the employed section of the pool world. if i stayed with it, i could have been good good. my pot making ability was natural, and my stroke can make the cue ball dance like a stripper who just found out shes pregnant. but i never really stayed in it for consecutive years where you really learn the game. anyway, what i did see while i was paying attention was, the best players i ever seen can run racks with a house cue. i learned on a lucasi and stepped forward from there. i wanna get back in the game. i still own about 5k worth of cues, do i pick it back up on a bar cue or do i go back to the LD shit that ruined my game in the first place and stick with it? bc eventuallt ill use my own cue. i know this is a weird ask, but do i stick with the tech or go basic?
congratulations on hitting your 40s. get yourself ready for a world of pain. anyhow, welcome back. same as you, I just came back to playing again consistently last spring after around 15 years of absence. for me, I just started again with just a plain house cue since I don't have my old cue anymore. quite rusty at first, my banking was solid although aiming on shots is a bit challenging now. damaged left eye coupled with old blurry eyes now. pocketing was hit and miss. also, my stroke is different now due to developing bigger arms. I was accustomed to lighter cues back in the day, now I prefer heavier cues. much more controlled and longer strokes compared to shorter strokes when I was younger. also, I use a much smaller tip now from what I was using back then 13mm/12.75mm. get your feet wet again then go from there.
 
I suck with a house cue. Even the ones in my poolroom at home. For a cheap "going to bars" cue I got from Rick Howard is a true sneaky pete and I think I paid $400 for it a few years ago. It plays nearly as good as my more expensive cues and doesnt draw attention. I asked for straight grain with cocobola.

I think it turned out great.

Ken

IMG-1727.jpg
IMG-1728.jpg
 
i wanna get back in the game. i still own about 5k worth of cues, do i pick it back up on a bar cue or do i go back to the LD shit that ruined my game in the first place and stick with it? bc eventuallt ill use my own cue. i know this is a weird ask, but do i stick with the tech or go basic?
I'd suggest you use your own equipment. If you think you'll be stepping back in with both feet, why wouldn't you use better quality equipment?
Maybe with the gap in time, whatever it was that gave you problems with LD stuff won't be that way this time. You won't be transitioning to it, you'll be using it from the start (or re-start).
You may end up finding out that what you defined as tech in years past, has become so widely adopted now that it leans more towards basic.
 
First off, I would study Dr Dave's information on deflection. That should help you make a decision on regular verses LD shafts. Next, select a cue to start with. Stay with that cue and do not switch back and forth. Do not be afraid to take this cue to a bar. With a little attention, it should be safe.
The next step is to perfect your stroke. Shoot 50 or so straight in long shots every time you get to a table. This is how you find out if it is the cue or YOU.

Welcome back to the 'green felt'.
 
Just screw together your favorite of the bunch and go play. Forget all the hype of carbon this and low deflection that and PLAY.
No, no, no. You need the latest and greatest painted Predator bullshit to be your best. /s

Seriously though, find a cue you like the looks of and play with it. If you get half-way decent, you will adjust to most anything you pick up anyway. If you like, upgrade the shaft later.
 
Bang on Texas Carom Club i saw a lot of players over the yrs hustling with house cues, they shot lights out either you got it or you don't skill that is.
You cant just show up at a bar on Fri, Sat night with your own cue and expect to get action. Now if somebody did show up with their own then yes please 😁

I've played with cues that had a Crack from the bottom of the butt to 10" up the cue because it had the best tip in the place and was still a slip on tip. If you couldn't play with garbage like that along with the big cue ball you couldn't play.

I guess thats why I don't believe in home court advantage.
 
I suck with a house cue. Even the ones in my poolroom at home. For a cheap "going to bars" cue I got from Rick Howard is a true sneaky pete and I think I paid $400 for it a few years ago. It plays nearly as good as my more expensive cues and doesnt draw attention. I asked for straight grain with cocobola.

I think it turned out great.

Ken

View attachment 878143View attachment 878144
That case screams "HUSTLER" even before you take any cue out of it.... I love it (and the cue) :cool:
 
Back
Top