I don't want this post to criticize anyone's suggestions, but after this many pages of posts am I the only one that thinks anything associated with the word hillbilly is somewhat... derogatory? Please don't take this as a criticism. I'm thinking about the market you're trying to sell this cue towards. I know Mr. Bryant would like something associated with his name, but wouldn't you think you'd deter some people from buying a cue called the redneck, the whitetrash, etc. Again I must apoligize but Hillbilly just... well I don't know. From a marketing approach I don't think it'll be as sucessful. I don't think the japanese market for one would enjoy a stick associated with a name that brings that type of imagery to mind, and in some places the word hillbilly still has a negative connotation. It just seems the explanation is needed as to why it's called that.
A name for a product can make or break it. Case in point, when Chevy trucks came out with the Nova it did not sell in spanish speaking countries at all... Nova or NO VA means "doesn't go" and lack of thinking about its market really hurt chevy sales. Again I mean no offense but if a decent portion of sales go out of the country one should think of how "hillbilly" will be met. To me it doesn't have the "classy" aspect you want to convey about the new X breaker. I know tons of people who absolutely hate the predator BK because if the cat on the break cue and I think to myself if they didn't put that on the cue, less people would have been put off.
I really like BALLISTIC it's catchy it needs no explanation. It conveys power precision and control. Ballistics is the science that deals with the motion, behavior, and effects of projectiles, the science or art of designing and hurling projectiles so as to achieve a desired performance. It's not just a cue with a hard tip, it's designed with control and precision not only on the break but also on the Jump.
I'm not great with logos but I can do ads. I think a good picture for an ad is to show a black and white blueprint of a ballistic missile and the X breaker with text pointing to what each part is designed for. A side by side comparision would show the tip of a missile has the warhead and power, the Xbreaker would have it's special tip. The body of the missile talks about its streamline design and fuel, the Xbreaker it's shaft or joint construction. The end of the missle show's its tail and jets of fire propelling and controlling, the Xbreaker would show it's new rear weight and maximizer. In essence it compares the cue's technology to a sophisticated ballistic missle. I drew up a few ad ideas too.
Another idea I had would be the Xbreaker logo (X marks the spot) as a target the cueball is aiming for. It's late over here and I just put together 2 quick pictures of other ideas. Forgive my typing I'm a bit tired.
However, as I have previously stated, should they decide on another's submission, but would still like to use the jug as part of the logo, I can re-do to accomodate the new name.
I am just trying very hard to stay within the parameters of both what Richard and Charlie are looking for, both in the name and the subsequent logo. I am beginning to wonder if I am putting too much effort into something I won't likely win anyways. Ah well, it has been fun...even if I am in trouble for spending too much time in front of the computer...LOL!!!!!!!!
sorry for the nab drunk idea