Hello all,
I'd like to introduce myself
My name is Bob and I've played pool off and on for over 50 years. Having not had sufficient room for a table in Florida, I've been on a 16 year hiatus, but I've still got my original Brunswick Willie Hoppe Professional cue which I bought at 15, if memory serves, for c. $20. I'm now 64 and my wife and I are moving from Orlando to Denver.
I've had the unbelievable good fortune of locating and buying purportedly a one private owner, early edition, Brunswick nine foot drop pocket Anniversary which I found located right in my new back yard of downtown Denver. I've literally dreamt of owning this table since I first played on one in the very early 60's. We are currently building a townhome with an 800 sq. ft. unobstructed basement to accommodate the table. Most "modern" bowling facilities in the 60's had a dozen or so Anniversaries, and not being 18, I spent hours peering though the slats that divided off the bowling alley from the "Billiard Room". I won't even see the table 'til September, but my wife and daughter have, and even they say it's gorgeous, and for someone who doesn't share my love of the game, that's pretty impressive, so I'm very optimistic. Let's face facts; I'm soooo stoked I'm like a kid on Christmas eve!!!
I belong to various other forums on different topics, and I am going to try my best not to be the guy who comes on line to pick the experts' brains, and then has nothing to contribute, and is never seen again.
However, at best, I'm an advanced amateur, but I will try to participate as I am able; although my game and knowledge can't hold a candle to all of you.
Sooooo, I haven't a clue where to place this thread since it's an introduction, and I've touched on some brief pool history, and now the inevitable rookie question which everyone hates, and that's regarding basically three cues I'm considering, so here goes. Thanks for bearing with me here!
Being a product of the 60's, my cue tastes lean towards the very traditional. It's not that I don't appreciate all the skill and craftsmanship of the custom cues, it's just that I lean heavily towards a basic four point cue. I find many to look at, but as my eye travels downward, nearly all production cues can't seem to refrain from the decorative do dads and gingerbread. Even most Joss present very nicely, but there's almost always the inescapable ornate butt sleeve.
So, the obvious choice for me is a SP. That leaves me some nice choices, but to date I've always played with a smooth black leather wrap. I'm hoping as I am able to locate each of my choices locally and play with them, to convince myself to forego the necessity of any wrap whatsoever; but that may be a really tough sell.
I've narrowed down things to the Joss SP, ($317) one of the Predator Roadline not so sneaky petes, ($280 - $440) and since Schmelke ($400 - $450) has no problem adding a leather wrap to their cues, the Schmelke mid line R070. I'll be adding a 314/2 to whichever I choose, not that my game warrants it, but with a few months of practice I hope to get back to the playing level where applying English might improve my game. I just feel that an LD shaft will make my need for adjusting for squirt less of an ordeal to learn to deal with.
I see Joss has quite a loyal following here in the sub $500 price point, which by the way is my current limit. I see a loyal Predator fan base also. I would really like some solid first hand experience with how the Schmelke product holds up against the competition. The Schmelke gets up there in cost pretty quickly, since on a lot their cues, the LD shafts approach up to $275. The less expensive the cue, the more they charge for the upgraded LD shaft. It varies from $215 to $275.
I also know I should most likely buy a plain-Jane Player's brand cue, and practice, practice, and practice! It's just that after all this good fortune in my life, I really, really want to treat myself to a slightly upgraded cue and at least try the newer technologies regarding deflection. Also, if any of the artisans here can add a smooth black leather wrap to the Joss JOSSP pete, I would be most interested in speaking with you.
If you're still awake after reading all of this, I would sincerely appreciate your inputs.
Thanks a million! :smile:
I'd like to introduce myself
My name is Bob and I've played pool off and on for over 50 years. Having not had sufficient room for a table in Florida, I've been on a 16 year hiatus, but I've still got my original Brunswick Willie Hoppe Professional cue which I bought at 15, if memory serves, for c. $20. I'm now 64 and my wife and I are moving from Orlando to Denver.
I've had the unbelievable good fortune of locating and buying purportedly a one private owner, early edition, Brunswick nine foot drop pocket Anniversary which I found located right in my new back yard of downtown Denver. I've literally dreamt of owning this table since I first played on one in the very early 60's. We are currently building a townhome with an 800 sq. ft. unobstructed basement to accommodate the table. Most "modern" bowling facilities in the 60's had a dozen or so Anniversaries, and not being 18, I spent hours peering though the slats that divided off the bowling alley from the "Billiard Room". I won't even see the table 'til September, but my wife and daughter have, and even they say it's gorgeous, and for someone who doesn't share my love of the game, that's pretty impressive, so I'm very optimistic. Let's face facts; I'm soooo stoked I'm like a kid on Christmas eve!!!
I belong to various other forums on different topics, and I am going to try my best not to be the guy who comes on line to pick the experts' brains, and then has nothing to contribute, and is never seen again.
However, at best, I'm an advanced amateur, but I will try to participate as I am able; although my game and knowledge can't hold a candle to all of you.
Sooooo, I haven't a clue where to place this thread since it's an introduction, and I've touched on some brief pool history, and now the inevitable rookie question which everyone hates, and that's regarding basically three cues I'm considering, so here goes. Thanks for bearing with me here!
Being a product of the 60's, my cue tastes lean towards the very traditional. It's not that I don't appreciate all the skill and craftsmanship of the custom cues, it's just that I lean heavily towards a basic four point cue. I find many to look at, but as my eye travels downward, nearly all production cues can't seem to refrain from the decorative do dads and gingerbread. Even most Joss present very nicely, but there's almost always the inescapable ornate butt sleeve.
So, the obvious choice for me is a SP. That leaves me some nice choices, but to date I've always played with a smooth black leather wrap. I'm hoping as I am able to locate each of my choices locally and play with them, to convince myself to forego the necessity of any wrap whatsoever; but that may be a really tough sell.
I've narrowed down things to the Joss SP, ($317) one of the Predator Roadline not so sneaky petes, ($280 - $440) and since Schmelke ($400 - $450) has no problem adding a leather wrap to their cues, the Schmelke mid line R070. I'll be adding a 314/2 to whichever I choose, not that my game warrants it, but with a few months of practice I hope to get back to the playing level where applying English might improve my game. I just feel that an LD shaft will make my need for adjusting for squirt less of an ordeal to learn to deal with.
I see Joss has quite a loyal following here in the sub $500 price point, which by the way is my current limit. I see a loyal Predator fan base also. I would really like some solid first hand experience with how the Schmelke product holds up against the competition. The Schmelke gets up there in cost pretty quickly, since on a lot their cues, the LD shafts approach up to $275. The less expensive the cue, the more they charge for the upgraded LD shaft. It varies from $215 to $275.
I also know I should most likely buy a plain-Jane Player's brand cue, and practice, practice, and practice! It's just that after all this good fortune in my life, I really, really want to treat myself to a slightly upgraded cue and at least try the newer technologies regarding deflection. Also, if any of the artisans here can add a smooth black leather wrap to the Joss JOSSP pete, I would be most interested in speaking with you.
If you're still awake after reading all of this, I would sincerely appreciate your inputs.
Thanks a million! :smile:
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but I wanted to welcome you to the forum. U sound like a very nice guy.
