O.k. so we have some initial comments and observations. (We being my regular pool playing buddy and myself).
Starting with delivery: Was sent via 3 day FedEx which was on timing with the tracking number. The cue was also sent in a 2 butt 2 shaft case which was nice in protecting the cue.
After busting open the box and pulling it out of the case all my friend and I had to say was, WoW !... The picture's do not do it justice. Finish on the butt looked real solid and couldn't fill the inlays in the cue. We checked this because we've seen some cues were the finish wasn't that great and you could fill them. Just holding the butt end of the cue it felt very solid, I did noticed 1 small thing which I'll come back too but it's more of a personal preference thing. Looking at the shafts(we got 2) both seemed to be in real solid condition. I believe Al put on Hard Kamui's we forgot to ask for softs so that was our mistake. Ferrule's on the shafts are Titan, same as I believe the new predator's, not sure yet on how customized Al can go here. One of the shafts had about a nice solid 14 in. taper, not sure of the size yet will mic it later tonight. The second shaft was easily 13mm with a concial(sp) taper, we both like this in that we can real customize it later if need be. The second shaft had two small blemishes but nothing that was like extremely noticeable, we were just really nitpicking at it. Shaft to butt match up was pretty much 100% with both shafts.
As far as the hit goes, we both really liked the hit. Felt pretty solid, and felt like you were hitting thru the ball not just hitting the ball if that makes sense. Did not notice no extreme deflection, and did not take to much time adjusting to most shots. Being it's still the first day we'll have to update again after a couple weeks and able to break it in a little more. I play with a Bobby Hunter cue and my buddy uses a Coker, well should say played as he will be using this now, so as a comparison of those two. It didn't feel as stiff as a BH, but did feel really close to the Coker, probably a little more on the harder side(again still will need to see about this after a couple weeks). The Coker my buddy uses is a little a couple years old, so for all you guys who have hit with an older Coker you'll be able to relate will close.
Overall wise after a first day with the cue it was a very positive experience. There was only one thing that I did not like, and again this is just a personal preference and that was the thickness of the butt. For those that know a B.Hunter butt is a rather skinny and is the same size for the entire length. I have come to really like this, so with the cue from Al it was just a little hard to adjust to having a fatter butt sleeve/wrap. My buddy doesn't seem to mind and thought it was fine.
We are going to weigh it later tonight when we mic it, I believe Al told me it was right under 19oz, but it hardly feels like it as it is balanced very well.
Again this is an initial observation/testing and will update this again as we break in the cue. If there is anything in particular you would like to know or anything you would like for us to test feel free to ask and I'll get back to you.
