CHALK TEST - Taom Pyro vs. Master

dr_dave · Jun 10, 2020

FYI, I just posted a new video documenting chalk performance tests I did with Taom Pyro. Check it out:

CHALK TEST – Taom Pyro vs. Master

Here's the direct YouTube video link.

Tests performed [with timestamp links] include:
1 – Number of Hits Before a Miscue [1:00]
2 – Miscue Limit [2:10]
3 – Cling / Skid / Kick [2:43]
-- 3a - cling shot examples [2:56]
-- 3b - throw effects [3:33]
-- 3c - chalk cling tests [4:29]
4 – Chalk Persistence on the Tip [5:56]
Summary of Results [6:47]

Honestly, I was a little surprised by some of the results. As always, I look forward to your feedback, comments, questions, complaints, and requests.

Enjoy,
Dave

Patrick Johnson · Jun 10, 2020

dr_dave said:
FYI, I just posted a new video documenting chalk performance tests I did with Taom Pyro.

You conclude that Taom Pyro leaves the least residue on the CB - an important plus. But is there a tradeoff, maybe that it also sticks less to the tip, or that it flies off the tip more?

pj
chgo

td873 · Jun 10, 2020

Cool. Thanks!

-td

dr_dave · Jun 10, 2020

Patrick Johnson said:
You conclude that Taom Pyro leaves the least residue on the CB - an important plus. But is there a tradeoff, maybe that it also sticks less to the tip, or that it flies off the tip more?

That's what I thought also, but it persists on the tip fairly well, per my "# of hits before miscue" and "chalk on the tip" persistence tests. If you haven't done so yet, watch the entire video.

Honestly, I was very surprised by the Taom chalk persistence tests, especially since it doesn't seem to go on the tip as easily either.

Regards,
Dave

Bavafongoul · Jun 10, 2020

Thank you for your analysis and assessment since nowadays there are so many choices for chalk.

Matt B.

mikemosconi · Jun 10, 2020

Thanks, I will stay with Master chalk- very happy with my game right now- why upset the apple cart. Straight old fashioned maple shafts and master chalk- just not interested in anything else, I don't need to add another variable to my game- worked so hard on consistency and I feel like I am where I want to be at this late stage.

Geosnooker · Jun 10, 2020

Ronnie O'Sullivan was asked after a match about the chalk he was using. He had to reach into his vest pocket and pull it out. His answer was something like ‘Masters’. He mentioned that he usually used Triangle but just nicked whatever was around.

CocoboloCowboy · Jun 10, 2020

Chalk is quite simple, Master Green works well IMHO.

Wheel is not in need of reinvention.

Want to come up with a GREAT POOL ACCESSOEY, Clone the Hagger Cue Extension IMHO.

Sell it user $20.00 like Hagger did make a killing.

dr_dave · Jun 10, 2020

Bavafongoul said:
Thank you for your analysis and assessment since nowadays there are so many choices for chalk.

You’re welcome. I’m glad you liked it.

Regards,
Dave

dr_dave · Jun 10, 2020

mikemosconi said:
Thanks, I will stay with Master chalk- very happy with my game right now- why upset the apple cart. Straight old fashioned maple shafts and master chalk- just not interested in anything else, I don't need to add another variable to my game- worked so hard on consistency and I feel like I am where I want to be at this late stage.

I have also always used Master chalk, and cling/skid/kick doesn’t happen frequently enough for most amateur players like me to worry about; but if I were a top pro playing straight pool (where you can’t wipe or clean the CB while playing) I would surely use the chalk with the least chances for cling/skid/kick.

Regards,
Dave

dr_dave · Jun 10, 2020

Geosnooker said:
Ronnie O'Sullivan was asked after a match about the chalk he was using. He had to reach into his vest pocket and pull it out. His answer was something like ‘Masters’. He mentioned that he usually used Triangle but just nicked whatever was around.

I also use Master chalk, so shouldn’t I be able to play as well as he does? :grin-square:

Regards,
Dave

Bob Jewett · Jun 10, 2020

dr_dave said:
... where you can’t wipe or clean the CB while playing ...

Although it is not explicit, under WPA rules, the ref cleans balls on request.

dr_dave · Jun 11, 2020

Bob Jewett said:
Although it is not explicit, under WPA rules, the ref cleans balls on request.

If I were good enough to play at a level where cling/skid/kick was a huge factor, and if I were playing in a tournament with a dedicated ref and money on the line, I would probably ask for the CB to be cleaned often (especially if my opponent or I were using chalks that stick to the CB).

Regards,
Dave

garczar · Jun 11, 2020

I hate the shape. MUCH prefer a cube. Round piece just feels weird when using it.

Poolhall60561 · Jun 11, 2020

At $20 a piece it’s not the most expensive but it’s close.

StraightPoolIU · Jun 11, 2020

I use the Taom Pyro for one reason that has nothing to do with performance...it is the one chalk that doesn't get on my hands. Obviously it also doesn't get on the cue ball which is another plus. It does stay on the tip pretty well.

The only negative I've found...and I'm curious if this is the case for anyone else....it doesn't seem to want to stay on the edges of my tip where I need it most. It's so strange that it only gets knocked off the edges.

CocoboloCowboy · Jun 11, 2020

Poolhall60561 said:
At $20 a piece it’s not the most expensive but it’s close.

$20.00/cube is crazy high, what does it have bones of dinosaurs in it, or gold leaf?

mikemosconi · Jun 11, 2020

dr_dave said:
I have also always used Master chalk, and cling/skid/kick doesn’t happen frequently enough for most amateur players like me to worry about; but if I were a top pro playing straight pool (where you can’t wipe or clean the CB while playing) I would surely use the chalk with the least chances for cling/skid/kick.

Regards,
Dave

Well, I do play a lot of 14.1. so did many great 14.1 players from 1930 to 2000 and if they could all run hundreds and not complain - why should I? I just don't believe in making excuses for a miss, not my cue, not my chalk, just me if I miss.

I remember in the 1989 US OPEN 14.1 DiLiberto opened up against Varner with a 70 ball run, when he missed the next ball to end the run he yelled out"that skidded" - he ended up losing the match as Varner had two runs of 60+ in that match. Those who make excuses show weakness and a lack of class. I know that some may say "why not use the most proven chalk"? My answer would be because Master chalk is already proven- to me at least.

Bob Jewett · Jun 11, 2020

mikemosconi said:
... I just don't believe in making excuses for a miss, not my cue, not my chalk, just me if I miss.

I remember in the 1989 US OPEN 14.1 DiLiberto opened up against Varner with a 70 ball run, when he missed the next ball to end the run he yelled out"that skidded" - he ended up losing the match as Varner had two runs of 60+ in that match....

What should DiLiberto done to have avoided the skid? Where did he go wrong?

robertod · Jun 11, 2020

I forget what YouTube match I was watching and who the pro that was commentating on the match but I will never forget what was mentioned about the chalk being used. ANd the pro said he would use nothing other than Taom because it kept everything so much cleaner. Nothing about skids only about how clean the table ,balls, and hands were.

With that being said, I would never spend $20 on chalk even if I can can afford it. I would even guess they could make more profit if they lowered the price and sold more quantity.

Sometimes I get more out of the stories and comments during a match than the actual video of the game.

CHALK TEST - Taom Pyro vs. Master

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