Finally getting to scratch the itch (South West)

slide13

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
It’s been almost 15 years since I started playing pool again. Have gone through a number of cues in that time, some great ones, but about 8 years ago ended up with a pair of Runde cues that I absolutely love and have been using ever since.

But, there have been a few cue makers I’ve always wanted to try and haven’t had the chance yet. Tascarella, Sugartree, and South West. I put my name down on the South West list back in 2014 thinking it’d be a 10 year or so wait. Well, as many will know, the wait has gotten a bit longer than that so I’ve got a ways to go yet. But, at one point I had also registered my interest in a satin “pacifier” cue if the opportunity was available.

That was years ago but just recently got the call from Laurie that there would be some satins available and one was mine if I still wanted it. Didn’t have to think too long on that one, I’ll finally get my hands on a South West and can scratch one of the few remaining pool cue itches I have yet to scratch.


Arriving today, straight from Las Vegas, pics to follow.
 

slide13

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Need to get some better pics sometime, was too focused on playing with it.

Specs:
Butt - 15.6oz
Shaft 1 - 3.6oz
Shaft 2 - 3.9oz

I get a balance point of about 18.6 “ to 19.1” depending on the shaft. That is nice, as someone used to playing SS jointed 5/16x14 cues I was afraid it’d be too back-weighted possibly but I can work with this range no problem. And actually, the balance is interesting….it feels very lively and dense but very comfortable. Very natural.

The satin finish is fantastic, I like this much better than a glossy finish actually, didn’t expect that. It’s less satin than I expected, just not high gloss. Very very nice feeling in hand.

The tip is hard and the 13mm shaft is not low deflection, obviously. Coming from a Revo most recently and a 12mm wood shaft with a soft tip, let’s just say it’s an adjustment. But not a terribly difficult one. Took me a few racks but after that it started feeling more and more natural.

If it makes any sense, I like it more than I expected. I kinda thought maybe this would be something I’d play here and there but mostly it’d be just to have a South West….but I don’t know, I find myself considering taking it to league night on Monday now. It’s less forgiving of a bad stroke than the Revo for sure…but more rewarding on the good ones.

It’s one of the simplest looking yet the most expensive cue I’ve purchased. Didn’t get a shot with the second shaft.

9YQ0A7h.jpg


4ihHtV3.jpg




z7TOCnI.jpg
 

slide13

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Great looking cue.
I like cues without points and without all that decoration some people enjoy.
Just want a working tool that's straight and doesn't draw attention.
Congratulations.

Thanks! My two Runde’s have points and one has inlays and everything and I love them dearly….but there is something very business like about a simple maple cue. It has a whole different vibe and I’m digging it for sure.
 

NevadaP

Well-known member
Great looking cue.
I like cues without points and without all that decoration some people enjoy.
Just want a working tool that's straight and doesn't draw attention.
Congratulations.
If you aren't already familiar with John Chaplin at Coos Cues, you may enjoy seeing his work.

I have two of his cues. They are beautiful and functional. I'm very glad I discovered John.
 

NevadaP

Well-known member
If you aren't already familiar with John Chaplin at Coos Cues, you may enjoy seeing his work.

I have two of his cues. They are beautiful and functional. I'm very glad I discovered John.
This is my current shooter and 'go to' cue. It was the second I bought from John at Coos Cues.
 

9Ballr

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member

jtompilot

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I scratched mine 20 years ago and had to take antibiotics 🤣till I got rid of that piece of lumber and started using a Joss West. Your results may vary. Have fun, beautiful cues to look at.
 

9Ballr

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Yes, John had a political disagreement with YouTube, so switched all his posted videos to Rumble some time ago. I see that he maintains his primary website, but his updates mostly appear as videos on this Rumble channel.

This makes it even more likely that I'll get a cue from him. Gotta support this man.
 

3kushn

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Need to get some better pics sometime, was too focused on playing with it.

Specs:
Butt - 15.6oz
Shaft 1 - 3.6oz
Shaft 2 - 3.9oz

I get a balance point of about 18.6 “ to 19.1” depending on the shaft. That is nice, as someone used to playing SS jointed 5/16x14 cues I was afraid it’d be too back-weighted possibly but I can work with this range no problem. And actually, the balance is interesting….it feels very lively and dense but very comfortable. Very natural.

The satin finish is fantastic, I like this much better than a glossy finish actually, didn’t expect that. It’s less satin than I expected, just not high gloss. Very very nice feeling in hand.

The tip is hard and the 13mm shaft is not low deflection, obviously. Coming from a Revo most recently and a 12mm wood shaft with a soft tip, let’s just say it’s an adjustment. But not a terribly difficult one. Took me a few racks but after that it started feeling more and more natural.

If it makes any sense, I like it more than I expected. I kinda thought maybe this would be something I’d play here and there but mostly it’d be just to have a South West….but I don’t know, I find myself considering taking it to league night on Monday now. It’s less forgiving of a bad stroke than the Revo for sure…but more rewarding on the good ones.

It’s one of the simplest looking yet the most expensive cue I’ve purchased. Didn’t get a shot with the second shaft.

9YQ0A7h.jpg


4ihHtV3.jpg




z7TOCnI.jpg
Description of the sounds perfect to me. The only thing I'd change if I ordered one 10 years ago would be to have it wrapless.
I'm sure that wrap is flawless and if I saw this cue for sale somehow and affordable?? I'd snatch it up in a nano second. Regardless of the wrap.

You gotta put it in your bag and play with it.
Don't stick it in a black hole where you'll never have the chance to enjoy it.
 

jtompilot

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
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