Break Cue or Break shaft for existing cue

[boyersj]

I would like to put out a question I have been contemplating for a few weeks. I have a Schon butt that weighs 15.1 ounces and have been considering getting a custom shaft built with a phenolic ferrule and a break tip (haven't decided the tip yet either).

During these tough economic times I am hestitant to spend money for a BK2 when I can get a custom shaft in the $100 range - $150 range, provided I can get a comparable break cue.

I have a 3x7 case so I have room for the additional cue (even though my girlfriend believes the third slot is reserved for her cue :smile: )

I am willing to spit out the cost for a BK (since another thread is basically confirming is is the best) but I am also going to be buying a breakrak from ceebee so I can improve the break stroke as well as upgrading my equipment! I don't think my pool budget will allow me to get the breakrak and the BK at the same time. As a result the BK would need to wait whileas I could get a custom shaft at the same time.

Please provide your thoughts, Thanks in advanced!

Steve

 

[dirtypool40]

An interesting idea, one I am sort of working on myself.

I have several gorgeous cues on order, and currently play with a simple but solid "Merry Widow".

I have a break / jump on order, but I am considering going to a specific jump cue (ala lomax, etc) and just using a stiff taper shaft / phenolic tip on the Merry Widow I play with now.

And PLEASE don't swallow all that Predator Kool-aid. They aren't any better than any other $150-200 Break cue. We have a local predator "rep / pro" who is always hawking (or is it hocking?) that crap. He had us all breaking with the newest, sexiest, sport grip, blah blah break cue, and I was unimpressed to say the least.

Weight I know is subjective, but the thing had a very "flat" hit, long taper and poor balance. Never felt like I generated any power with it. One of the poorer feeling / performing dedicated break cues I've handled. JMHO:thumbup:

 

[cigardave]

Here's an idea... unless your playing cue has an ivory ferrule, my suggestion is to forego buying a new break cue (or a custom breaking shaft for your Schon butt) and break with your player.... and buy the breakrack.

Break cues are a luxury... not a necessity.

Ever see Rafael change cues after he breaks?... hint, he doesn't. :groucho:

 

[boyersj]

Thanks for response

Here's an idea... unless your playing cue has an ivory ferrule, my suggestion is to forego buying a new break cue (or a custom breaking shaft for your Schon butt) and break with your player.... and buy the breakrack.

Break cues are a luxury... not a necessity.

Ever see Rafael change cues after he breaks?... hint, he doesn't. :groucho:

I am already using the second Schon as a break cue, using the shaft that came with it and a moori medium tip. The cue wasn't purchased as a break cue, but a back-up so I could send my player out for a refurnish and I was overdue a nice present to myself!

I used to break with my playing cue but I do like the fact that I have much less abuse to the tip since I quit breaking with it.

I am definitely getting the breakrak and typically have very good breaks, but I do see other players using the phenolic stuff and having a more consistent result. I will admit I have seriously considered just staying with the equipment I got, but I am curious at the same time...

 

[MJR77]

An interesting idea, one I am sort of working on myself.

I have several gorgeous cues on order, and currently play with a simple but solid "Merry Widow".

I have a break / jump on order, but I am considering going to a specific jump cue (ala lomax, etc) and just using a stiff taper shaft / phenolic tip on the Merry Widow I play with now.

And PLEASE don't swallow all that Predator Kool-aid. They aren't any better than any other $150-200 Break cue. We have a local predator "rep / pro" who is always hawking (or is it hocking?) that crap. He had us all breaking with the newest, sexiest, sport grip, blah blah break cue, and I was unimpressed to say the least.

Weight I know is subjective, but the thing had a very "flat" hit, long taper and poor balance. Never felt like I generated any power with it. One of the poorer feeling / performing dedicated break cues I've handled. JMHO:thumbup:

I was not impressed with my BK2 for the first few days until I learned that I was not hitting close enough to the center of the ball. Once i started to do that the hit was phenomenal. It felt like I was getting lots of power and the balls would scatter nice. It just takes some getting used to.

 

[Quesports]

Mike Lambros produces a J/B shaft but it is not cheap. Billiard Warehouse has them for $225.00 free s/h. It comes in a 3/8 x 10 pin not sure if that is helpful.
Good Luck!

 

[ceebee]

BoyersJ... I do believe a break shaft, on your Schon, will do you just fine. The butt is just something to mount "the business end of the cue" on. An extra shaft will actually increase the cue's value.

I am not a fan of phenolic tips, I don't feel the extra hardness is needed. If you read my book, you will see there are several break shots where you will need to hit just a bit off center ball, the phenolic tip won't be your friend, in that arena.

There a few differences in a good break shaft that I like, a larger dia tip (13.3-13.5), a flatter crown on the tip, a shorter ferrule & a taper with more column strength. All of these ingredients work for you, in the break shot. Then buy yourself a good Jump Cue & you are ready to play any kind of Pool.

 

[Randy9Ball]

Here's an idea... unless your playing cue has an ivory ferrule, my suggestion is to forego buying a new break cue (or a custom breaking shaft for your Schon butt) and break with your player.... and buy the breakrack.

Break cues are a luxury... not a necessity.

Ever see Rafael change cues after he breaks?... hint, he doesn't. :groucho:

Same goes for Shane.

 

[cigardave]

Same goes for Shane.

True dat!!

And it corresponds well with Blackjack's book... the first chapter on breaking... he emphasizes that the break shot should be stroked like any other pool shot, except that it essentially a stop shot from distance and that the speed that you hit the CB should correspond to your ability to control the rock.

Most of us break WAY too hard.

We try to emulate the pros but don't have the stroke and control that they do.

Most of us don't truly need a break cue.