Cuetec Fires Strickland

[JAM]

Origin of the Banjo - http://bluegrassbanjo.org/banhist.html
History of Apple Pie - http://www.foodtimeline.org/foodpies.html

I am actually quite familiar with the origin of the banjo, even when they were formed out of gords in Africa. Bluegrass music is American as apple pie, and one of the distinctive instruments that is prominent in bluegrass music is, in fact, the banjo.

The buffalo was rendered nearly extinct by ourselves. The same way we perpetrated genocide on the Indians and Africans.

Now we're talking. The Americans pool culture is a strong advocate for American pro players becoming extinct.

As for the American Pool Player - he is alive and well. More than 300,000 players gather each week to play pool competitively in leagues and tournaments. There is a plentitude of tournaments in America for players of all skill levels. The majority of pool players in attendance at the Derby City Classic were United States Citizens.

But not enough to elevate pool's status as a sport here in the States. I'm not talking about the 300,000 pool players in the States. Rather, I am talking about the several hundred pro players who contine to wander in a Nowhere Man's Land here in America when it comes to pool.

Strickland is the attraction for this thread but he has ceased to be it's focal point. You can type his name as large as you want to but it will not make a difference. People have moved past him, the cues have been shown to be good enough for champions to use without being paid for it. Other good players have come forth to speak in favor of the cues. The detractors have not been able to offer any definition of quality that does not include Cuetec.

The debate is over. Strickland lost his spot, the cues aren't the problem for his poor playing and erratic and offensive behavior. This has ZERO to do with any persecuting a player from the USA. All of Earl's accolades were won by him and all of his troubles are his fault.

You'er right. There is no more debate. Cuetec wouldn't be where it is today if it wasn't for:
STRICKLAND, STRICKLAND, STRICKLAND!

Soon another production cue company will take their spot in the eyes of American social shooters. I hope that it is Fury cues, John, because, IMHO, the company gives back to the American pool culture in a very big way.

JAM

 

[SCCues]

Just a thought.... But if they make such a bad cue that no one can get any better with, why is Allison Fisher one of the best???


Craig

The main reason Allison is one of the best female players ever is she only has a couple of serious threats to beat her in a tournament (Karen Corr for one) and she could win with any cue. In Earl's defense just look at the huge number of really good male pool players that he has to compete against. When Earl enters a tournament there's not just a couple of players who can win it there are tons of players capable of winning the event. Men's professional pool is TOUGH and i'm not saying that there aren't very many good female players because there are, but not even close to the number of top male players you have to get past to win an event!

 

[JCIN]

played with the metal POS for 17 years,

JAM

I keep seeing the word metal. Cuetech cues are not metal. They are wood clad in fiberglass. Some do have a metal or metal sleeved joint.

It's not like Earl was out there torturing people with an aluminum rod. Although that would be funny. Imagine what he would sound like running a rack?

Tink !!! Tink !!! "Stop looking at me !!!" Tink !!! Tink !!!! Tink !!!! "This Table Sucks" Tink!!! Tink!!! "Rack 'em right this time"

 

[vagabond]

I see it quite differently, Uwate!

Cuetec's parting shots in public was a low blow. I respect Earl Strickland even more for not taking it lying down and providing a reply in public.

Cuetec goes public with a proclamation that was tasteless and low class, just like their product.

JAM

I share the same sentiments.I was shocked when I read those statements from cuetec.I never saw anything like this and no product maufacturer have made such remarks when they were dumping their product endorsing professional athlete/singer/artist/actor/a model.

 

[JAM]

I keep seeing the word metal. Cuetech cues are not metal. They are wood clad in fiberglass. Some do have a metal or metal sleeved joint.

It's not like Earl was out there torturing people with an aluminum rod. Although that would be funny. Imagine what he would sound like running a rack?

Tink !!! Tink !!! "Stop looking at me !!!" Tink !!! Tink !!!! Tink !!!! "This Table Sucks" Tink!!! Tink!!! "Rack 'em right this time"

Now that's funny! LOL

I guess it wouldn't be a good thing to shoot pool with a Cuetec, though, if there is a thunderstorm outside. It could be hazardous to one's health!

Many American cuemakers have taken their products overseas and don't even bother with selling cues here in the States because mainstream American players don't understand why they cost so much to make, how many hours are spent creating these masterpieces.

However, there are some EXCELLENT first-class AMERICANcuemakers who know how to create a real cue and have the capability to adapt a cue to individual players. Wait until Earl Strickland gets one of these in his hands. There will be a new sheriff in town!

JAM

 

[Rich93]

I suspect that the main reason Strickland was fired was because he wasn't winning anymore, not his antics. It's a harsh reality, but there it is. By having a pro endorser, a manufacturer is saying "Earl plays with our inexpensive cue and wins, and so can you." When he stops winning, the message becomes "he used to win with our cue, for those of you who still remember". Not nearly so effective. They'll look for a winner to replace him. Like I say, a harsh reality.

Their statement blaming his antics is dishonest, I think. They want us to think that they have the interests and image of the game at heart. I doubt if that's the case. They just think they'll sell more cues with a winner.

I can understand Earl dumping on their cues on the way out because they criticized him personally in their announcement. He shouldn't have done it, but I understand why he did. He is an excitable fellow, and they invited the attack.

 

[oceanweb]

I tell you what. I have met plenty of players who use Cuetec cues that would give anyone on this board serious workout. Love them or hate them they aren't crappy cues.

And Cuetec has not stopped trying to innovate and find a way to make the cues feel better to more people. I personally don't like the feel of a Cuetec but I can play with them. I have run a lot of balls using a Cuetec cue. I don't like the feel of every high dollar American cue I play with either. That doesn't mean they are crappy.

I will make this bet right now. $1000. I will take ten cues let anyone on this board hit with all ten of them. Five will be Cuetecs and five will be wood. The shafts on all of them will be painted black to disguise them. And the butts will all be rendered unidentifiable.

On each of the cues I will put a Sniper tip. The tips will all be tested with a durometer to insure that they are all very close together in hardness. Otherwise there will be no change to the stock construction of the cue beyond the cosmetics.

Does anyone care to bet $1000 that they could correctly pick which of the ten cues are Cuetecs and which are not?

You've got a bet...where and when?

 

[JAM]

I suspect that the main reason Strickland was fired was because he wasn't winning anymore, not his antics. It's a harsh reality, but there it is. By having a pro endorser, a manufacturer is saying "Earl plays with our inexpensive cue and wins, and so can you." When he stops winning, the message becomes "he used to win with our cue, for those of you who still remember". Not nearly so effective. They'll look for a winner to replace him. Like I say, a harsh reality.

I tend to think Cuetec, because of the recent Imperial acquisition, is downsizing, and as such, they decided to end Earl's contract.

Earl Strickland was just inducted into the BCA's Hall of Fame this past year. Somebody in the industry circles must have thought him worthy.

As far as winning, when you reach the level of play that Earl Strickland has, it is imperative to have the best-possible equipment. Maybe in times gone by, Earl had no problem winning with a Cuetec, but today, he may need a real professional cue, not a metal twig.

I can understand Earl dumping on their cues on the way out because they criticized him personally in their announcement. He shouldn't have done it, but I understand why he did. He is an excitable fellow, and they invited the attack.

I think Earl did exactly the right thing by responding in public.

In fact, I am impressed that Billiards Digest provided Earl Strickland an opportunity to respond in public. Cuetec took the first swing. In essence, Earl defended himself from the sucker-punching hit.

JAM

 

[Tim-n-NM]

I do not think a Walmart cue would be a 2 ball disadvantage.

more like 3 balls, try it

 

[DelaWho???]

Earl definitely made cuetec. My uncle bought his son a "Strickland" when they got their home table. It was a "Strickland", not a cuetec. I recently found out a coworker shoots pool, and I asked him what he shot with. His relpy...a "Strickland". Both identified their cues as Stricklands because his name was prominantly displayed on the forearm.
I shoot in APA (the only league around) and I'd guess half of the players use cuetecs, and there are a lot of Vipers (Marlboro miles sticks). Then you have the McD , Players, Lucassi, and Viking players many of which have cuetecs for break cues. A lot of the better older players are shooting Meucci's with a 314 shaft. Cuetec is used in some way shape or form by a majority of the league players here.
I own a cuetec python with a fibreglass shaft. I got it for free when I bought my McD. I used it for a year as a break cue, until I bought a stinger. I just didn't like the feel of the fiberglass shaft.
I sent my McD back for service and had to use the cuetec as a player for about 3 weeks. I shot ok with it, but the tip wasn't the moori med I'm used to and I just didn't like the feel of the shaft. I just bought a cheap McD so I would never have to use the cuetec as a player again. I will still use it as a back up break cue because it does break really well.

Now that cuetec is manufacturing a wood shaft cue, they'll be able to replace Earl. They won't get his flair or charisma, but they will get another pro who'll take the deal. I think Earl comes out of this ok. Someone will want him just for name recognition alone.

McCue Banger McCue

 

[Rasta]

The proof is in the pudding: 151 posts and over 4,300 hits in less than a 24-hour period on this thread.

It ain't because of how wonderful Cuetec cues are.

It is because of one word: STRICKLAND!

Buy American cues, and root for the home team while there still is one!

JAM

You're right. Earl is a real life J.R. Ewing. He's also a liability to professional pool, IMO, since he lacks the ability to act professional in too many situations. Rooting for Earl is like rooting for the playground bully.

Good Rolls,
Rasta

 

[oceanweb]

The same way we perpetrated genocide on the Indians and Africans.

Speak for yourself....that was before my time.

 

[JAM]

more like 3 balls, try it

Cuetec is to cue sticks what Sears is to pool tables.

The more I think about it, no wonder Earl Strickland sought finger covers and sports glasses. He was looking for anything and everything to improve his performance.

While all of his opponents were hitting 'em with American-made masterpieces, Earl continues to try with all his might to make this Cuetec stick perform.

Well, he's free at last. Thank God almighty, Earl is free at last from shooting pool with a cheapie-deepy metal rod.

JAM

 

[oldroller]

Simply

Simply out if Earl was pimping something he didn't like that makes him a whore The amount he was paid is imaterial

 

[JAM]

You're right. Earl is a real life J.R. Ewing. He's also a liability to professional pool, IMO, since he lacks the ability to act professional in too many situations. Rooting for Earl is like rooting for the playground bully.

Good Rolls,
Rasta

Au contraire. The playground bullies are the American culture critics.

Have another puff, puff, Rasta, and look in the mirror.

Earl Strickland is an American champion. To kick him when he's down from getting sucker-punched by Cuetec is not my cup of tea.

When Earl gets a REAL cue in his hands, he will finally be capable of providing his best performance.

Go shoot with a metal rod and see how well you do in a professional tournament against players who have American-made custom cues.

JAM

 

[JAM]

Simply out if Earl was pimping something he didn't like that makes him a whore The amount he was paid is imaterial

You're right, Cuetec was the pimp and used Earl like a prostitute. When he hit his forties, Cuetec decided to kick him out by the wayside and didn't give a hoot about the 17 years he helped to put Cuetec on the map.

Now Earl Strickland is free to shoot with a professional cue.

He gave Cuetec 17 years of his professional career, at a time when he was on top of the world, and in return, they sucker-punched him in public. Cuetec stinks. I'm glad Earl doesn't have to shoot with it anymore.

JAM

 

[Bamacues]

Earl won. Cuetec lost. Allison Fisher does more in one year to sell Cuetecs than Earl did in 16.

Allison is consistently in the winners circle, consistently on television, does her own sales of Cuetecs, holds clinics, makes herself publicly available at events and never speaks ill of the product, the pool industry, or pool in public settings. She exemplifies the dream of a sponsor.

QUOTE]

Is Allison's cue and shaft an "off-the-shelf" item? Which Cuetec shaft does she use?

 

[pooltchr]

This discussion seems to have taken an interesting turn here. Can an inexpensive cue hold back a top player? Or are the top players good enough to be able to win with any (reasonable) cue?
JAM, did Keith's game suffer when he was shooting with a Fury? Or was he good enough to adapt to the cue?
Could Allison be better with a Viking cue?
Would I be a better player if I switched to a Schon?

Is it the cue, or the player?

Steve

 

[TheFish]

this is my question: why does everyone say Cuetec took a low blow. They might have been very clear about why they let go of Earl Strickland, but it wasn't beyond what was true, and it wasn't necessarily inflammatory from the tone of the message. Certainly, they are unhappy about his antics, and they let him go. In addition, we only have a pasted version of the entire message, there might have been more parts that we weren't aware of - so, there is no context.

Don't get me wrong, I think Earl has his good and bad, but its just ironic how some people blindly go running around saying how bad Cuetec is while others are blindly going around doing the same about Earl. Put things into perspective, Earl got paid for 1X years for his work. So is this the thanks he gets? No, it is not. The thanks he gets is in his paycheck. And his value has been used up. This is a business proposition and one side thinks the rate is not useful anymore. Earl isn't a baseball hall-of-famer that endeared fans and have warranted special treatment by the club. He is a good pool player that has had so-so results in the recent years with a notable attitude..and similar to his stature (like most pro athletes), he got dumped after his usefulness...but because pool is not as big as pro sports, free agents don't get traded around to different clubs or sponsors.

 

[JAM]

This discussion seems to have taken an interesting turn here. Can an inexpensive cue hold back a top player? Or are the top players good enough to be able to win with any (reasonable) cue?
JAM, did Keith's game suffer when he was shooting with a Fury? Or was he good enough to adapt to the cue?
Could Allison be better with a Viking cue?
Would I be a better player if I switched to a Schon?

Is it the cue, or the player?

Steve, I know you know it is the player and not the cue.

However, when you're in the pit, in the heat of the battle, playing Efren Reyes and you're faced with a difficult shot, it truly does help to have a cue stick that is specifically designed to your own tastes.

Keith is a road player and can adapt to any environment, to include picking up a house cue right off the wall. However, if he had his way, he'd be playing with a 21-ouncer with a fat butt, a 4-ounce shaft with a professional taper, about 16-1/2 inches, and a medium Moori tip, nickel-shaped.

When a professional-caliber player is trying to advance in a tournament, he needs all the help he can get, to include a cue stick that is made specifically for his style of play. Keith is so very fortunate in that he has an American-made Jack Madden custom cue today which hits 'em perfectly for Keith. Not every player is so fortunate, but I can assure you that most pro players will keep on searching until they find that "hit" they are looking for. I do not believe it is possible for them to get the right "hit" from an over-the-counter cue, so to speak. That's pro players.

Now, if you're talking about players like me, I can shoot with anything, as long as it's about a 19-ouncer and has a good tip on it. Those are my only requirements. So me, I could get an over-the-counter cue and be quite happy with it!

JAM