Yes, but there are 1000000 informed, probably 2x uninformed, opinions in cues. What needs to be explained to the consumer is that if you read interviews by every cuemaker, they all have alot in common. They all use the best construction methods available, they all use the best shaftwood, they all use the best joint, their cues have the best feedback. Now how can this be true if they all assemble the cues differently, they all use different joints and they all have different ideas of feedback.
I think as a dealer, we all have the same idea of what we want in cues. I wouldn't want to sell inferior products either. As far as hardwoods, some people claim bacote has the best feedback. Ok fine, but compared to what and how do you quantify it? My problem with a lot of what I read is that there is no way to prove a lot of whats said, so in the end you have a lot of statements that don't help the cause, they just confuse customers.
Experience is good, and its helpful. But what experience means in cues is YOUR experience. I'll touch on this a bit later.
You are looking at tap tones, and thats fine. I look at coring slightly different than you do. Does that make either one of us wrong, probably not, but when a consumer hears the plethora of information, he then needs to make a decision, usually predicated on presentation, or in most cases, price. What you are saying when you claim to not be able to articulate the science, is really it's a feel issue, or better yet a "hit" issue. The problem lies in the old adage that hit is subjective. So a thuddy sounding cue to you, may be the nuts to another.
You and I, base our opinions on what we like, and what we are used to. Also what our cuemakers feed us. We want, or better yet, need to agree with our cuemakers philosophy, because we need to be comfortable selling a product. There are other dealers, that would sell their mothers, without thinking about it for a second. You know us, we like classically designed cues. When Mark and I talk about adding a cuemaker to the stable, the criteria is simple. Its 4 points, veneers, traditional inlays, etc.. We don't sell anything else unless its consigned or traded. As you've stated here, your comfortable with Ariels cues and philosophy. That is what makes dealing cues interesting. Many cuemakers, different trains of thought, many cuedealers, different trains of though.
The best way I have found is to tell people the cue hits solid. If I tell someone the feedback is great, thats to me, I run the risk of getting told, WTF is this, I cannot feel anything. It's very personal, its why we have the return policy we do. We want the consumer to feel safe that the cue they are buying is sound and well made. But something as small as a tip change, could be the difference between a happy customer and an irate one.
I can appreciate your input, both as a former customer and a fellow dealer and thats great. I hope you didn't think I was pushing you, it was just a simple set of questions. Nor did I want to put you on the defensive, ahh maybe a little.
Thank you again for sending us the Frye.
Best always,
JV
) and Dennis does not core at all. But, he will select out birdseye maple that has figure and relatively high tap tone. I don't want cues with forearms and shafts made from thuddy sounding woods for myself or any of my customers if I can help it. I might not be able to articulate the science of it but it has to do with the way the cue vibrates and feels in your hand when striking balls with it. That's my 3 cents.
