All good points, but I still think a magic rack would increase almost anybody's runout percentage against the ghost. In my case, I am an admittedly terrible racker, and even with a lot of effort I struggle to give myself consistent racks. So to have a consistent rack with a wired ball means less traffic on the table and you can find a pretty good medium speed where they spread out nice. Not to mention the 9 doesn't float in front of a pocket and screw up an otherwise basic runout.
I definitely think 10-ball is the way to go, but my terrible racking ability really punishes me in 10-ball, so that one I would definitely need a magic rack lol. There's a couple guys I play 10-ball with semi-regularly and the difference in runout when we use a magic rack v. when we don't is astronomical. I'll see if I can borrow one and try the 10-ball ghost.
Thanks for the suggestions and advice.
I wasn't really meaning to give advice so much as, I was more or less giving my opinion based on my results with magic rack vs wooden rack, from one type game to another, different conditions and different equipment.
I understand. Most people, unless they spend a lot of quality time practicing their break and racking with a wooden rack, they will as you said, not do as well with a wooden rack.
I will admit, it is harder to learn the 9 ball break with a wooden rack. But, watch a lot of old videos of Buddy Hall, Earl Strickland and other pros before rack templates came out. Sure, they were the elites but, if they could do it often, a strong amateur can do it at least sometimes.
And yes, even after you get your break zoned in with a certain table, balls and conditions, well, a lot of it goes out the window the second you play on different equipment or under different conditions.
Having said that, IMO, it's worth the effort because it will give you more of an idea of what to expect even if it's not 100% accurate. Not to mention, ever so often, you will get lucky and play on same type table and under very similar conditions. At that point, well, you will have an advantage over most everyone you face that's not at least close to shortstop speed because most all shortstop speed and above players will as you know, have a shortstop break to go with their shortstop game.
Yes, I think you would be better served to play 10 ball for several reasons. As you know, the extra ball matters but, it's more the way they spread on the break. Most of the track lines (the 8/4, 7/3.5, 6/3 and the 5/2.5) are blocked making it harder to go up and down table, not to mention, banks are more out to blocked until three or four balls are pocketed. That, IMO, is why a person needs to have a really strong break and be very efficient with cue speed to be a good 10 ball player.
I'm due to have back surgery in December so, for now, my 10 ball break is nothing to brag about. I can still make a ball on break most of the time but, as we know, just making a ball isn't good enough in 10 ball. We have to make a couple balls and see the 1 or it's really hard to get out and I end up having to play safe.
Thing we me is, lol....I never get to play safe. I rarely leave my house so, 90% of my play is against the ghost.
After I recover from surgery and if it's successful this time, I am going to try to make some tournaments.
As of late, the only person I have been able to match up with in action was David Rowell. I just happened to run into him and got lucky enough to play a few sets.
Anyways, yes, get a template and put up some 10 ball sets for people like myself to watch.
I may try to play a set if my back will let me. It won't be pretty but, as they say, "it beats the alternative".
I look forward to your next sets, regardless of what game or rack you use.
Have a good one,
Jeff