Thanks to all who sent some info. GREAT STUFF ! For the record i did buy a like new (used) Balabushka. I have not tested it much (maybe 10 shots) so i have no real info/feedback except i don't see any problems. I am/will be working on adjusting the weight (assuming i think it needs it after an hour or two of testing)
Balabushka cues made in japan ! are they any good and worth the money ?
- Thread starter onlypool
- Start date
And what did you get? Photos ?
These are Japan ADAM cues according to this seller. I asked them directly if these are made in Japan and they said yes. https://adam-ny.com/product/kenbu/
Yep. The Balabushka Cue Company only have the rights to manufacture Adam and Helmstetter brand for the US. Adam Japan still can manage the manufacture the Adam brand out of Japan. It’s a weird agreement. I thought Adam Japan weren’t allowed to export the Adam Japan line into the USA. Maybe the cues going to Adam Japan aren’t branded as Adam?
I got a hold of this outfit via SBExpo. AFAIK these are the only ADAM-Japan cues that are 'getable' now in the US. I recently msg'd them and the prices are $1200/cue. They said delivery depends on just what the shop is making at the time.
These are the Competition Sports cues, made by Adam Japan. Model # in picture. I believe it was off one of the old websites that may no longer be active. Small photo but good enough to see that these cues on eBay are not really original. Small details, but proportions are off. Ex: CS-434 and CS-435, the metal rings are not as large. CS-432, oval, not diamond.
That said, I would make an offer and pick one up, but one of the cheaper ones. I'm sure they are fine. I have a couple of "Chinese" cues and they are fine. Such as Kaiser cues, that are a bit lacking in fit and finish, but hits fine (just a stick after all). I have a Kaiser K523, where the design work is pretty crappy, but at least it's not decals.I have some other no-name one I bought off Ali-Express (I think), and it hits fine too. The fit and finish are lacking (wrap was rough and points, though real, are sucky). But can't complain for $60, with real points.
I'll go in on one of these homage cues, I'm sure it'll hit just fine. As long as the rings don't get loose and rattle (Adam cues have done that...circa 1980 Adam cue). At leas they don't look like decals.
That said, I would make an offer and pick one up, but one of the cheaper ones. I'm sure they are fine. I have a couple of "Chinese" cues and they are fine. Such as Kaiser cues, that are a bit lacking in fit and finish, but hits fine (just a stick after all). I have a Kaiser K523, where the design work is pretty crappy, but at least it's not decals.I have some other no-name one I bought off Ali-Express (I think), and it hits fine too. The fit and finish are lacking (wrap was rough and points, though real, are sucky). But can't complain for $60, with real points.
I'll go in on one of these homage cues, I'm sure it'll hit just fine. As long as the rings don't get loose and rattle (Adam cues have done that...circa 1980 Adam cue). At leas they don't look like decals.
Attachments
It is the GB 8 - here is a link to good pics of the cue. I bought the cue used but it looked new. Sadly I still have not had time to play with it except maybe 10 shots. I have inspected it very well and it seems to be well made with good materials. Its very straight. The shaft is perfect (13mm?) but it will need those personalized, finish touches. So far i'm happy with the purchase. I think it has a Tiger tip on it but i really am not well versed on the new tips these days so i have zero feedback there. It looks very normal to me ! I have not personally weighed the cue (reported to be 19.5 oz) so that is another area to look into. I'm researching weight bolts since i expect to add another oz. I think this week i'll get in a few hours testing it so i'll post some feedback later. link
Balabushka GB08 Pool Cue
This Balabushka pool cue sticks esteemed design and reputation became available to the public again in 1980, as the family of the late George Balabushka gave their permission and license to begin constructing the classic cues once again. If quality in design and construction paired with a...
www.pooldawg.com
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I know somebody that has an AH-12 Century that's REALLY impressive because it is just like new. It's pure.
He might be at an age where it does no good to just look at them but also knows their value, so they won't be
going at bargain basement prices. Let me know if you're interested and I'll get in touch with him.
Chinese model. Good cues. IMO the prices have gotten way too high on these. for not a lot more you can buy a Schon.It is the GB 8 - here is a link to good pics of the cue. I bought the cue used but it looked new. Sadly I still have not had time to play with it except maybe 10 shots. I have inspected it very well and it seems to be well made with good materials. Its very straight. The shaft is perfect (13mm?) but it will need those personalized, finish touches. So far i'm happy with the purchase. I think it has a Tiger tip on it but i really am not well versed on the new tips these days so i have zero feedback there. It looks very normal to me ! I have not personally weighed the cue (reported to be 19.5 oz) so that is another area to look into. I'm researching weight bolts since i expect to add another oz. I think this week i'll get in a few hours testing it so i'll post some feedback later. link
Balabushka GB08 Pool Cue
This Balabushka pool cue sticks esteemed design and reputation became available to the public again in 1980, as the family of the late George Balabushka gave their permission and license to begin constructing the classic cues once again. If quality in design and construction paired with a...
Nyquil
Well-known member
To be honest the new ones made in china look awesome go check one of the higher end ones on eBay. The shaft probably sucks but easy change. If the hideous signature wasnt there I would own one.
An older Schon or a new Schon? What are they like now that Evan Clark is gone?
"For not a lot more" sure seems like a "good bit more" on these Schon models designed and created by Evan Clark.
Especially the fancier ones that compare to the AH-12 Century.
Schon Pool Cues
Experience the tradition of excellence with Schön Pool Cues. Handcrafted using proprietary techniques, these cues offer unmatched hit and feel. Designed by Evan Clarke, Schön cues epitomize beauty and precision, living up to their name. Each cue is a testament to superior playability and...
www.budgetcues.com
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very easy to remove.
Schon cues have gotten real expensive and you still get those round points.
The Chinese Buskas are not cheap but at least you get sharp points.
I hate round points and would not buy any cue with them,at least notbrand new.
If a round point used cue was a steal yeah I would buy it.
Even later Runde-era Schons had rounded cnc points. Has nothing to do with how they play. Would you rather have a lower quality cue with sharp points? Lot of Chinese/Taiwanese cues have sharp points. I'm taking a round-point Schon or Joss every time if i'm spending bigger bucks. I recently bought a SW-copy Fury for 250bux. Must say its extremely well made for the $. Points aren't dead-even but overall very nice cue.
What guarantees that a Schon plays better than the AH-12 Century? How is that determined and who determines it? Makes more balls? (if so, why) Has a sharper feel at impact? A more dull feel at impact?
A high percentage of players don't even use the shaft that comes with the cue. They go to one of the "higher tech" specialty shafts that produces miracles.
Part of my reasoning has to do with re-sale. Playing there is probably little-to-no difference. Big difference when you go to sell one. A round-point Schon will bring way more money than a sharp point import. Talking production cues here not the hi-end small shop Chinese/Taiwan customs. Don't see many of those in the US anyway.
That makes sense. Doesn't apply to me though. I play with them or keep the cues until death do us part and have no clue about
resale values.
I just don't like round points.
I received my cue (GB3 copy). It's alright. Feels a bit cheap (construction quality). The forearm looks nice, the veneer work seems fine too. The points look good.. The butt..feels cheap, and the inlays look cheap. I'm afraid I might lose the bumper (it's loose). The bumper looks cheap too. The linen wrap could probably use some pressing to smooth/flatten it out some. All in all, what's expected, I guess, these days. The shaft is slightly warped even though the listing did not call that out, with a typical taper and feel of asian cues (needs polishing/burnishing the shaft, for instance).
It's definitely a fake, not a real Adam cue from that era. I'll double check the construction against my friend's 30 year old Adam cue (from Adam NY) when we meet up to play some. A bit better construction quality on the details would've been appreciated, for the price point. The fake MSRP, no way in it's worth that much even under the best light. It just feels cheap, lacking details and polish.
The new ones with signature are made in Taiwan for the Balabushka Cue Company. I've shot with one, and it was excellent.
The new ones without signature... I believe those are made in China by Universal. I expect these to be good, but have not seen one in hand.