I agree with having a pad on the ferrule but that's how it came. Seems like a waste to just cut it off. It is a natural ferrule and I just burnished it... No additional stuff to make it black.
When I first put mine on it was super tight...It will loosen up after putting it together and taking it apart a few times. I did not put any lubricant on it.
Call Diamond directly or contact your local pool hall and see who maintains their tables and talk to them. I don't think the wait should be that long for Diamond to put one together.
I am interested in how the fit and finish of their cues are. Particularly interested in their break cues. They look nice but it's hard to tell based on pictures. Does anyone here have their cues? Would you share your thoughts on them?
I tried the Rogue, Revo and Defy. I bought the Defy because the taper and feel was good. I used it for a few weeks but never loved it. I ended up going back to the wood shafts that I prefer....Tonkin and Richard Black.