CHALK - are these really better than Master Chalk?

[KMRUNOUT]

Chalk is like tips, ferrules, joint types on cues, etc. It is subjective, ask 20 different people what they like on any of the above listed items and you'll get a host of different answers and more often than not people are very passionate about their choices and will defend them. As far as chalk goes I'm one of those nut jobs that have a hoarded stash of preflag Masters which is all I use.

It is odd the things many people think. Someone else posted that "the difference in chalks is between the ears".

It's this simple: There *are* physical, chemical, and functional differences between different chalks (and tips, and ferrules, etc.). These differences are *not* subjective. They are factual, demonstrable differences. It appears that there is a wide range in sensitivity among different people. Some are able to distinguish the differences, and some are not. When the ones who are not capable advocate the claim that there is in fact no difference, they make themselves look foolish. (I'm not saying you are doing this Colonel...your post just made me think of it.) The only subjectivity in this sort of topic is:

1) One's capability to discern the differences
2) One's estimation on whether the differences *that they are capable of discerning* are significant differences.
3) One's opinion on which of the differences deemed as significant they prefer. (personal preference)

Of course any choice in equipment that makes one feel confident will likely have a positive effect whether this feeling is based on fact or not.

I personally use Blue Diamond. My perception is that it "goes on the tip" better than Master's. Also it seems more consistent under a wider range of humidity conditions. I have no data to support this, and I might believe something that is false. I also use Kamui sometimes and I can't see how anyone wouldn't say it is radically different than Masters, for example. In some informal testing using *maximum* spin, I was able to play at the outer limits of the cue ball more reliably using Kamui chalk. I am able to personally conclude that Kamui is much better for avoiding miscues when using extreme spin than any other chalk, and by a significant margin. I can also conclude that it is very messy and gets all over the cue ball.

KMRUNOUT

 

[shinobi]

I'm fine with virtually any chalk (including Master) with the exception of Silver Cup chalk. That chalk is so bad (for miscuing when using moderate to extreme english) you may as well play without chalk.

 

[Colonel]

It is odd the things many people think. Someone else posted that "the difference in chalks is between the ears".

It's this simple: There *are* physical, chemical, and functional differences between different chalks (and tips, and ferrules, etc.). These differences are *not* subjective. They are factual, demonstrable differences. It appears that there is a wide range in sensitivity among different people. Some are able to distinguish the differences, and some are not. When the ones who are not capable advocate the claim that there is in fact no difference, they make themselves look foolish. (I'm not saying you are doing this Colonel...your post just made me think of it.) The only subjectivity in this sort of topic is:

1) One's capability to discern the differences
2) One's estimation on whether the differences *that they are capable of discerning* are significant differences.
3) One's opinion on which of the differences deemed as significant they prefer. (personal preference)

Of course any choice in equipment that makes one feel confident will likely have a positive effect whether this feeling is based on fact or not.

I personally use Blue Diamond. My perception is that it "goes on the tip" better than Master's. Also it seems more consistent under a wider range of humidity conditions. I have no data to support this, and I might believe something that is false. I also use Kamui sometimes and I can't see how anyone wouldn't say it is radically different than Masters, for example. In some informal testing using *maximum* spin, I was able to play at the outer limits of the cue ball more reliably using Kamui chalk. I am able to personally conclude that Kamui is much better for avoiding miscues when using extreme spin than any other chalk, and by a significant margin. I can also conclude that it is very messy and gets all over the cue ball.

KMRUNOUT

It appears you misconstrued what I meant by subjective. I agree there are distinct differences in all the items mentioned, chalk, tips etc. what I meant is subjective is people's choices and that 20 different people will have 20 answers as to what's best. I'm very particular about all of my equipment selections but what I think is great, another player doesn't like, it's subjective from player to player but I believe you are correct that whatever any player chooses, if his choices are a source of confidence that's a real thing for them.

 

[KRJ]

I didn't summarize the results in the video immediately after that particular experiment (... I meant too), but they are summarized and discussed at the end of the video starting at 17:27.

The Blue Diamond and Kamui chalks persisted on the tip longer than the others (especially the Kamui). However, I don't think anyone would recommend hitting many off-center shots in a row before chalking in a real game.

Regards,
Dave

I only chalk once before games in league and tourneys,,,,,,57 shots in a row before a mis cue using only center , draw and follow.... Next time I will just use side spin only....

 

[BRussell]

I'm fine with virtually any chalk (including Master) with the exception of Silver Cup chalk. That chalk is so bad (for miscuing when using moderate to extreme english) you may as well play without chalk.

I've heard people say that too, but I think Dr. Dave would say that's a testable claim. Do what he did and see if you get more miscues with Silver Cup.

 

[Island Drive]

I know some folks who just do not care about chalk. To them chalk is chalk is chalk.

Then I know players who are extremely chalk sensitive. They not only carry a specific brand in their pocket, but it has to be worn down to a certain level to be game ready. And they never leave it on the table where another player may pollute the cube with foreign chalk.

I know players who actually humidify their chalk before they play it, and actually feel to be at a disadvantage if they do not have their special blend of chalk and moisture.

There are only two reasons to explain this wide discrepancy among players.

1) People who are chalk sensitive are catering to a psychological condition.

2) People who are chalk sensitive are able to determine a difference in the hit depending
on the brand of chalk.

Anyways you all know who you are.

I will play with any chalk but I prefer the Balabushka brand, followed by Blue Diamond and then Masters.

I can tell the difference too. I have never done this but I would be willing to bet on it.

Masters hits the hardest, Blue Diamond softens the hit and adds some spin, and Balabushka hits the softest and transfers the greatest amount of spin.

I find that Masters and Blue Diamond have about the same adhesion while Balabushka has much more adhesion that either Masters or Blue Diamond.

I cannot comment on Kamui because I have never used it and do not plan to.

So there you have it. Different strokes for different folks, I guess we all have to find our own.

Good luck.

If one looks back when cloth was rag and directional and thick and SLOW, it took one hell of a swing to move whitey around. During all those years if ya miscued it was Me doing something wrong, a tell. Great players NEVER miscued, yeah there was cakey wet chalk at times, and some that seemed kiln dried and too squeaky, but all in all, like a golf tee, chalk either works or it doesn't, and the greats of the depression era would of fixed it if they miscued on dinner.

 

[SmoothStroke]

When you can play inside the cue ball, chalk maybe 5-8 shots or so, that includes using any spin, left,right, up, down.
When you go to the edges is when you need it.

I have students go for 20 shots and never chalk playing inside the cue ball.It works very well to teach them the inside.When they miscue they made a stroking error.

We do chalk after every shot for rhythm purposes and in case you should hit where you did not aim, meaning more to the edge.

Chalk up, it's a good habit

 

[tpoppa]

I think I can get used to just about any decent chaulk. I pick one and stick with it.

 

[measureman]

I was using a layered tip and Masters chalk
In 4 or 5 hours of play I would miscue 4 or 5 times mainly on power draw shots. It got to the point where I was looking to get position with out power drawing.
Fast forward to now. I now play with a Ki Tech hard tip and Predator chalk.
The miscues are gone and I don't hesitate to power draw.
Is it a mental thing or the equipment change?
I don't know but it worked for me.

 

[xXGEARXx]

Same stuff....packaging is a lil different, but it's the same chalk, I tested it, and yep, can go rack after rack without chalking. Some folks like to chalk after every shot, I'm just not one of them.

And it is me AND xXGEARXx currently selling the chalk here on AZB,,,:thumbup:

FIFY!

Yep. Russin Magic chalk is good stuff. Hard to get and I don't really know how much more will go around. So, might as well buy what you can.

I have used this stuff to and if you check out my for sale thread you can read my experiences with it.

 

[Billiardbills]

For the budget minded player, these Morakami chalks are hands down the best. I can play one game of nine ball (shorter game) with only chalking one. I'm a Kamui dealer as well, however most of the guys around here are very budget minded. You get three for less than $10.

On the other side of the fence, I have guys that will ONLY order Kamui .98 or 1.21 BETA chalk from me.

Play Well!

Billiard Bill's
Buying-Selling-Trading
Text/call Bill 239.823.0408 (8am-7pm EST please)
billiardbills@gmail.com
Southwest Florida

 

[jtarewicz15]

Well for a cheaper and good chalk, if you all can get hands on it, Pan Xiao Ting's normal, club and magical chalk are quite good.

Been playing with this for about a year, really good product for the price (even shipped from china)

 

[ceebee]

I am a dyed in the wool Master Chalk user.... way good enough for me.

I bought a $35 Kamui Chalk & later gave it away & changed my tip to get rid of the greasy stuff. Thgat was when it first hit AZB & the shelves in Billiard Stores.

 

[Dockter]

I used the 1080 and came home looking like a smurf every night although I did like the chalk. I changed over to Magic Chalk and love the stuff although RJ lied to me. He claimed no one would steal it but at a tournament last weekend someone walked off with a cube of mine and I was forced to buy a few more boxes. I'm wondering if RJ came in KBG style and grabbed it to force more cash out of me.

 

[jburkm002]

I also carry 1080 or master. Only use it when it's been humid and their chalk has been sitting in it all day. Actually almost always leave it behind when I do use my own chalk.

 

[xXGEARXx]

I have sold plenty of boxes of Magic Chalk locally. The guys love it and they are like most of the people here-they have tried plenty! Pretty strong players that are mindful of equipment. As I have stated before, Magic Chalk grabs better and lasts longer. Covers the tip well and performs. I have also noticed the consistency of the product is very good as well. Not ONE complaint from anyone yet. Locally or otherwise.

 

[KRJ]

I used the 1080 and came home looking like a smurf every night although I did like the chalk. I changed over to Magic Chalk and love the stuff although RJ lied to me. He claimed no one would steal it but at a tournament last weekend someone walked off with a cube of mine and I was forced to buy a few more boxes. I'm wondering if RJ came in KBG style and grabbed it to force more cash out of me.

Damn, outed again. Well, to be fair, nobody really knew much about magic chalk, so you don't think anyone is gonna steal a piece of chalk they don't know anything about.

But then they see Putin drinking vodka, and shooting pool, and suddenly it's a hit