After reading many reviews of various tip tools, I finally made the choice to purchase a Last4ever tip tool from Joel Pope. I've done a lot of research about the tool, including its past history regarding prices, sales, and overall the developmental improvements of the product. I messaged Joel sometime in December if he had any promotions for his products and he offered to charge me for the price of standard U.S shipping and he'll cover the cost difference that would be to ship to Canada. I gladly accepted and ordered two tip tools.
Fast forward to late January, I received the products and the combo tool was as described, it worked flawlessly. The other tool that I ordered, Dime++, didn't look as presentable as I hoped it would be and just overall wasn't pleasing. On the scuffing side of the tool, it had a significant amount of excess glue (see below for photos) and which made it look unprofessional. I looked at other people's tip tools and it didn't look like this. This was a concern to me because this tool wasn't for myself, it was for a student of mine and I wouldn't appreciate a gift to its full potential if it had a few visual discrepancies. I never got a chance to actually use the tool because I wanted to see if Joel would be able exchange the product for me (I wasn't sure if he would accept a used product). I sent an email to Joel and he kindly accepted my request without hesitation. I also requested if I could receive his new factory made combo tool instead of the Dime++ as the new replacement as the needs of my student had changed. Again, he also accepted without hesitation.
After confirming my requests, Joel sent my tip tool immediately without waiting to receive my tool first. It's a small action but it's something I really appreciated. I would've been okay with sending my tip tool first but Joel gave me the impression that I shouldn't wait after my unsatisfactory purchase. Thank you Joel and I hope no one screws this trust of yours for any future customers.
Fast forward to early February, both Joel and myself have received our tip tools and thanked Joel via email for his assistance. Upon receiving the new product, I was blown away by the consistency of his new factory made tools. The aluminium cuts are now consistently smooth and doesn't have any leftover scars from the cut (see photos below). Personally I don't mind either looks but if I had to choose, I'd like the factory made tools in silver. The only thing I kinda wished Joel told me beforehand was that the color has changed (the new factory combo tools are now in gold aluminum). Not a big deal, but when you're shopping online and the product is displayed as silver, you'd kinda expect it to be that color.
Dime++ with excess glue
Handmade tip tool by Joel Pope
(notice the aluminum cut scars)
Factory made tip tool
(Notice how the cuts are now smooth and consistent)
Now on to the actual review of the product:
The Last4ever tip tool is the most consistent tip tool I've used thus far. I also own the Chalk Shark tip tool and the Last4ever is way more consistent to use, easier to shape with and shaves off less layers than the Chalk Shark. The product is also very well made and easy to use. The only thing I don't necessarily agree with is the mushroom repair. I understand the method behind it, but this concept requires you to roll the shaft on a flat surface and because this is the billiards industry, the most convenient flat surface around is undeniably the pool table. By using the mushroom repair, the excess leather will get on the cloth and it will remain there until the staff (or yourself if it's your own table) cleans it. Unless you have a flat table to use, I'm against using the mushroom repair on a pool table. Overall this product is great, lives up to the recommendations that hundreds of azbilliards members claim it to be and Joel's customer service is top notch. Thank you Joel, wish you the best of your future business.
Fast forward to late January, I received the products and the combo tool was as described, it worked flawlessly. The other tool that I ordered, Dime++, didn't look as presentable as I hoped it would be and just overall wasn't pleasing. On the scuffing side of the tool, it had a significant amount of excess glue (see below for photos) and which made it look unprofessional. I looked at other people's tip tools and it didn't look like this. This was a concern to me because this tool wasn't for myself, it was for a student of mine and I wouldn't appreciate a gift to its full potential if it had a few visual discrepancies. I never got a chance to actually use the tool because I wanted to see if Joel would be able exchange the product for me (I wasn't sure if he would accept a used product). I sent an email to Joel and he kindly accepted my request without hesitation. I also requested if I could receive his new factory made combo tool instead of the Dime++ as the new replacement as the needs of my student had changed. Again, he also accepted without hesitation.
After confirming my requests, Joel sent my tip tool immediately without waiting to receive my tool first. It's a small action but it's something I really appreciated. I would've been okay with sending my tip tool first but Joel gave me the impression that I shouldn't wait after my unsatisfactory purchase. Thank you Joel and I hope no one screws this trust of yours for any future customers.
Fast forward to early February, both Joel and myself have received our tip tools and thanked Joel via email for his assistance. Upon receiving the new product, I was blown away by the consistency of his new factory made tools. The aluminium cuts are now consistently smooth and doesn't have any leftover scars from the cut (see photos below). Personally I don't mind either looks but if I had to choose, I'd like the factory made tools in silver. The only thing I kinda wished Joel told me beforehand was that the color has changed (the new factory combo tools are now in gold aluminum). Not a big deal, but when you're shopping online and the product is displayed as silver, you'd kinda expect it to be that color.
Dime++ with excess glue
Handmade tip tool by Joel Pope
(notice the aluminum cut scars)
Factory made tip tool
(Notice how the cuts are now smooth and consistent)
Now on to the actual review of the product:
The Last4ever tip tool is the most consistent tip tool I've used thus far. I also own the Chalk Shark tip tool and the Last4ever is way more consistent to use, easier to shape with and shaves off less layers than the Chalk Shark. The product is also very well made and easy to use. The only thing I don't necessarily agree with is the mushroom repair. I understand the method behind it, but this concept requires you to roll the shaft on a flat surface and because this is the billiards industry, the most convenient flat surface around is undeniably the pool table. By using the mushroom repair, the excess leather will get on the cloth and it will remain there until the staff (or yourself if it's your own table) cleans it. Unless you have a flat table to use, I'm against using the mushroom repair on a pool table. Overall this product is great, lives up to the recommendations that hundreds of azbilliards members claim it to be and Joel's customer service is top notch. Thank you Joel, wish you the best of your future business.
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