I agree, easy on the Imports, and the stereotyping, "JUNK"
there were some good examples made, and dont forget, that, 'Longoni' 'Helmstetter', 'Mezz' and a number of others are all 'IMPORTS' so be careful on your statements.
As to the Asian Imports, a lot of them were very economical cues, but a large part of the problem was because they had know knowledge or were just to fast at producing the proper shafts, so they used a lot of ramin wood and other softer woods, that could be kiln dried and processed quickly so the turn around times could be reduced considerably. If they have made the butt sections and then sub-contracted the shafts, a lot of the cues would have been a lot better in overall quality, they made a lot of very nice, short-splice cues with uniform points and nice veneers, and lots of good wood materials.
If they would have done this and put the pins in the butt section and spent about, $3.00 per cue more, they could have put out some nice quality completed cues.
Anyway, just my 2 cents worth, everytime someone says 'asian junk'
Then I see an asian 'Titlist' or 'Hoppe' knock off and they go on the e-bay site and sell for, $176.90, or, crazy numbers like that, and then at the same time you wil see one sell for, $6.99 with free shipping, Go Figure!!!
Mike 'acedonkeyace' Kennedy