I don't think anybody here was trashing on Adam Balabushka cues, but you seem very sensitive about it.
They are (were) Adam cues, of typical (very good) Adam quality. That said, the Balabushka line is in fact notoriously more expensive even though one can get virtually the same playing cue from a much less expensive cue in the Adam line.
I have several "vintage" Adam cues myself. And I would like an Adam Balabushka, an older one, but I don't have one yet. Why? The price. All of my Adam cues were bought for very, very low prices. It is extremely difficult to find one with the Balabushka name on it for such a low price. The name just attracts too much attention and helps them hold stronger value...in spite of the fact that they aren't really any better than numerous other Adam cues.
But in point of fact, JOSS and Dan Janes do still make sharp pointed cues. Their main production cues have rounded CNC points, but they do still make customs with sharp points. Schon, as you point out, does not, not even on their "customs".
You seem very sensitive about the Adam and/or Balabushka cues. I think I can understand why. I think they have more fans than you realize. Just look at the success of the cue line.
Equally, some others seem to be sensitive in a different way. Any time the cues are mentioned they have to get on a high and mighty horse about the real Balabushka cues. I really think it's a bit over the top. I don't think anybody really tries to compare the Adam cues with real Balabushka cues. Frankly, when people feel the need to rub it in everybody's noses about how many Bushkas they have had or played with it is eminently rude.
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