Here's an interesting story about the Espiritu cue. I live in Maryland and last summer I took a lady who had just joined the APA up to Charlie's Pro Shop in Dundalk Maryland to buy her first cue and case. While there, I see this cue sitting on the layaway rack. And I was like, "Damn, I like that cue", but unfortunately someone else already had it on layaway. And what's so ironic is, while I was openly admiring this cue, the guy who was buying the cue walks in at the same time. I told him I loved the cue and offered to take it off his hand (with a couple hundreds dollars on top), needless to say he declined my offer. Anyway after a few weeks, I found myself still thinking about that cue. So I went back and talked to Charlie who said he knew Russ personally and could order me the same cue. Now it's nice to have a one and only design, but have you ever seen a cue that you loved so much, that you just had to have it? So I told Charlie to order it for me.
Now here's the kicker... Back in August I went to the Ballbuster event that was held in Baltimore Maryland, and while I was there, think of my surprise to come across the booth for Russ Espiritu, and he told me that he was working on my cue. Man was I a happy camper that day. Also Russ is a really nice guy, and if I could have afforded it, I would have bought one of the cues he had on display that day. Man does he has some beautiful craftsmanship. Trust me, when I see Russ again, I'll not only "Thank Him" for making such a beautiful cue for me, but I'll make sure I have some cash in the bank so I can buy my next custom cue from him.
A final note, I'm thinking about putting a Predator Z2 shaft on this cue. So I'd like to get some feedback from the group beforehand. Also, if you think putting a Predator Z2 shaft on my new Espiritu cue is a good idea, do you think I should replace the tip with a medium Moori III tip, or just use the tip that comes on the Predator Z2 shaft?
Thanx,
Happy Camper Ed
