Hitt Cues....Too good to be true?

[senator]

When it comes to this cue, the answer is YES! This is a custom cue created by Andy Bruce of Hitt Cues. Now I could have been happy with this cue just for its looks, but the first time I played with this cue I realized the simple truth....IT IS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE! And I love it. This is one of those rare cues that you don't have to "learn" how to play with. It just feels natural from day one. It has a hit like you wouldn't believe. Anyone who has played with a Hitt Cue knows what I am talking about. And its no wonder. This guy is a perfectionist. For those of you who haven't played with one of his cues, you need to give one a try. You won't regret it.

http://hittcues.researchrobotics.com/

About the cue:
The forearm is made from bird's eye maple with kingwood points and the butt is bird's eye maple with alternating kingwood and ebony points.The kingwood is what got me. First time I saw it, I had to have it. This is truly a beautiful cue, and I know there is no way these pictures do it justice.

 

[JimBo]

It has a hit like you wouldn't believe. Anyone who has played with a .... there is no way these pictures do it justice.

Nice add

Jim

 

[TheFish]

No offense, but are some pple just stupid or what. Its not like we cant see its your first post.

Heres some help
post a bit more before you post this junk

and

be a little more restrained in your comments.


And yes, one thing is for sure. It is too good to be true.

When it comes to this cue, the answer is YES! This is a custom cue created by Andy Bruce of Hitt Cues. Now I could have been happy with this cue just for its looks, but the first time I played with this cue I realized the simple truth....IT IS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE! And I love it. This is one of those rare cues that you don't have to "learn" how to play with. It just feels natural from day one. It has a hit like you wouldn't believe. Anyone who has played with a Hitt Cue knows what I am talking about. And its no wonder. This guy is a perfectionist. For those of you who haven't played with one of his cues, you need to give one a try. You won't regret it.

http://hittcues.researchrobotics.com/

About the cue:
The forearm is made from bird's eye maple with kingwood points and the butt is bird's eye maple with alternating kingwood and ebony points.The kingwood is what got me. First time I saw it, I had to have it. This is truly a beautiful cue, and I know there is no way these pictures do it justice.

 

[deadstroke32]

No offense, but are some pple just stupid or what. Its not like we cant see its your first post.

Heres some help
post a bit more before you post this junk

and

be a little more restrained in your comments.


And yes, one thing is for sure. It is too good to be true.

Ok realy hows the hit ???????

 

[senator]

It has a very solid hit.
Everyone seems to have different opinions about how a pool stick should play. I have been playing pool on and off for the last 15 years or so but I became addicted to the game in 2001. I started in pool league as a sl 3 and now play as a sl 7. My first stick was a Mail, then a Lucasi. I played with my Lucasi for about 2 years and just wanted something different. I then purchase a predator sneaky pete and spent the next 2 months re-learning all of my english. (The stiffer predator shaft requires a slight adjustment when inside or outside english is used because the cue ball has less deflection.) Once I got use to the predator, I swore I would never shoot with another stick because I loved the way it played. But I came to realize over the next 2 years that the 58 in cue was holding back my game. I am about 6' 3" and feel very cramped shooting with a standard length cue (house cues are even worse at 57 in). I knew I would have to go to the custom cue market to get a longer cue and that is what I did. I had several discussions with Andy Bruce of Hitt Cues, picked out my wood choices, and he did the rest. I ended up with a 61 in cue that feels very comfortable to me. I feel like I am able to stretch out a lot more so my stroke isn't so cramped. This cue has a very solid hit that I compare to my predator, but at the same time it seems much more forgiving. Another thing that I like was something I never considered before when playing with different cues. THE BALANCE POINT. It makes a big difference in how a stick feels. Anyway, I described the cue I wanted and that is exactly what I got. So to me, this is the perfect cue.

 

[Purdman]

Predator Has A Stiffer Shaft

Please explain????
Purdman

 

[senator]

The method Predator uses to build shafts is with 10 splices glued together. If you are unfamiliar with this, please check their website. This, along with the taper they use, creates a shaft that has a stiffer spine. So when you hit the cue ball with anything other that absolute center ball, some energy is translated into side movement or deflection. Players who use mostly center ball or low english on the cue ball won't generally notice a big difference. For the more advanced players who use side spin to throw object balls or for advanced position play, you will notice a difference. Anytime you use inside or outside english, it affects the path of the cue ball and advanced players learn to compensate their aim for this. The stiffer the shaft. the less squirt the cue ball has. The more "whippy" a shaft is, the more squirt the cueball willl have. Put it like this, when I switched from my Lucasi to the Predator, anytime I shot using inside or outside english, the difference between where I aimed and where the cue ball went could be up to maybe 1/3 of an inch or so on a 9ft table because the Lucasi had more of a whippy shaft and the predator had a stiffer shaft. I know that doesn't sound like a lot but it is enough to cause a miss on longer shots. Everyone has their own idea of how a pool cue should feel and how it should play. This will be based on many factors including the players style and preference. That's the great thing about custom cues. You get what you want. And that is why I love my cue, it is exactly what "I" wanted.

 

[senator]

No offense, but are some pple just stupid or what. Its not like we cant see its your first post.

Heres some help
post a bit more before you post this junk

and

be a little more restrained in your comments.


And yes, one thing is for sure. It is too good to be true.

What difference does it make if this is my 1st post? I don't normally spend a lot of time on a computer because I would rather be playing pool. I came across the cue gallery one day and just wanted to share some info and pics on my stick. Just because this is my 1st post, does that make my opinion more or less true? You don't have to read anything you don't won't to. If my comments don't appeal to you, please feel free to skip right over them and go straight to the next thread. And one more thing......In case you didn't know, pool is more that just a video game on your computer!

 

[Sheldon]

The stiffer the shaft. the less squirt the cue ball has. The more "whippy" a shaft is, the more squirt the cueball willl have. Put it like this, when I switched from my Lucasi to the Predator, anytime I shot using inside or outside english, the difference between where I aimed and where the cue ball went could be up to maybe 1/3 of an inch or so on a 9ft table because the Lucasi had more of a whippy shaft and the predator had a stiffer shaft.

While I have no doubt what you experienced is true, the conclusion you reached is not. The major factor is weight in the last 6" of the shaft. (endmass)

There is a very detailed article here on it.
http://www.sfbilliards.com/Shepard_squirt.pdf

 

[mjantti]

The stiffer the shaft. the less squirt the cue ball has. The more "whippy" a shaft is, the more squirt the cueball willl have.

A common misconception, a fallacy. Actually, it's usually vice versa. A 9mm extremely whippy shaft has less deflection than a shaft made out of rigid steel rod. As knowledgeable Sheldon stated, the deflection is related to the weight of the end of the shaft, not it's stiffness. The Predator anti-deflection system is based on a extremely lightweight carbonfiber rod inside the tip end of the shaft combined with a very light ferrule. There is less deflection in Predator because the light shaft end will bend more away from the cueball when applying sidespin as compared to a stiffer shaft end which would bend less away from cueball thus creating more deflection. This is the reason why Predator shafts feel "hollow".

 

[Purdman]

A common misconception, a fallacy. Actually, it's usually vice versa. A 9mm extremely whippy shaft has less deflection than a shaft made out of rigid steel rod. As knowledgeable Sheldon stated, the deflection is related to the weight of the end of the shaft, not it's stiffness. The Predator anti-deflection system is based on a extremely lightweight carbonfiber rod inside the tip end of the shaft combined with a very light ferrule. There is less deflection in Predator because the light shaft end will bend more away from the cueball when applying sidespin as compared to a stiffer shaft end which would bend less away from cueball thus creating more deflection. This is the reason why Predator shafts feel "hollow".

Correct me if I am wrong please. When the cue tip and the cueball meet, something has to give. Stiff shaft, more cue ball deflection. Whippy shaft, more shaft deflection. That's how I understood it. That is why I asked in the first place. It's his first post and he is absolutely wrong in his conclusion.
Purdman

 

[crawdaddio]

Nice lookin' cue.............

 

[bobroberts]

Senator, what i think is that because its you only posted a few times and your post reads more like a commercial then a regular post is that you are advertising
for Hitt and maybe even have a monentary interest in it.But thats just MHO

 

[Mr. Wilson]

The website is incomplete.

Your "store" is impossible to use and there is no pricing listed.

Is there anyone who can independently state what your cues are like in their fit and finish?

Dave

 

[HittMan]

confusion

I really enjoyed the referenced article...particularly enjoyed the methods. But I don't understand?...

"The parameter Mtip is not the total stick mass. Rather, it is the inertial resistance to sideways motion that the tip possesses. This effective mass Mtip is sometimes called the endmass...It is clear from the last expression that the individual endmass and ball mass values are not important, but rather it is only the ball mass to endmass ratio that matters."

It appears that the article is drawing an effective parallel between mass and resistance to force...is this done so the reader may quantify the values at some later date using this "mass" as a component for some kind of thrust calc that may actually define the curve of the resistance of different shafts?
What seems to be the prevailing conclusion from the methods of this study is that the value of "endmass" equals the weight of the tip or last 6" or so of the shaft and that this is the most significant factor in the actual resistance to sideways motion. I wonder if weight has so strong a correlation to this resistance as does, say, the material used, or better yet, the combination of the material and the chosen structure. Surely, at the level of establishing paramaters for initial consideration; weight may serve as a proxy for clarity but under more rigorous analysis of the elements, other factors would quickly show more promise as leading contributors to the phenomon. Particularly those whose results do not approximate experience. Possibly this is the source of the volume and voracity of the debate on this issue. If I set up a quick experiment where we take a given structure (1 unique shaft) and test its "inertial resistance to sideways motion" at the tip by measuring the "impulse" thrust required to move it a specified distance I think we would find that the location of the bridge/fulcrum would have a much greater effect on the "endmass" than adding or removing weight that might fall within the limits of reasonable possibility. My experience tells me that shortening up my bridge distance allows me to more accurately aim. I am a great believer in the scientific method and great admirer of those who follow it but it is not without its traps. A cursory study of history will provide ample evidence to support this.
I, however, believe this is where my friend and customer comes in. He believes he is more able to estimate accurately where he is sending his cueball with this new cue than with his former cue. Admittedly, this may be partly because of his attitude towards it…he obviously loves his cue…I wish all my customers felt that their cue somehow "speaks" to them. I understand his intuitive thought that a stiff shaft squirts less because it seems more predictable to me, as well. His understanding of this particular description of “squirt” may not agree with his experience at the table. I don’t think this serves as evidence he should not post. I also understand his willingness to post here because there appears to be an invitation in the description of the Cue Gallery. I’ve only read this “squirt” article once and it generated lots of questions. It does not approximate my experience at the table because it is incomplete. Little consideration is given to the fullness of approximations which must be made to make a successful shot. While incomplete, I do not consider it valueless…we must begin somewhere. Like my website…yes my store does not work…for this I can only apologize…and hope that the surfer will look more favorably at the 75% full glass than the 25% empty one. I put a lot of time and effort into my site…take a look…you be the judge…I work on it daily…possibly it will pass muster at a later date. And finally, Senator has no financial connection to me in any form…he’s my friend and occasionally my opponent…my apologies if I or he have offended anyone.

 

[TATE]

Correct me if I am wrong please. When the cue tip and the cueball meet, something has to give. Stiff shaft, more cue ball deflection. Whippy shaft, more shaft deflection. That's how I understood it. That is why I asked in the first place. It's his first post and he is absolutely wrong in his conclusion.
Purdman

I'm not a physics nerd, but the stiffness and whippyness have little to do with it. It's the amount of weight in the last couple of inches of the tip that matter the most in the off-center hit. What happens is the lighter cue end area cue bounces off the cueball more - even if it doesn't bend as much. Get it?

I had a Palmer with a stiff shaft that had a screw on tip/ferrule. It screwed on with a long brass screw, over an inch long. That thing squirted so much you wouldn't believe it. I don't know how anybody could have played with one!

Chris

 

[JoeyInCali]

I'm not a physics nerd, but the stiffness and whippyness have little to do with it. It's the amount of weight in the last couple of inches of the tip that matter the most in the off-center hit. What happens is the lighter cue end area cue bounces off the cueball more - even if it doesn't bend as much. Get it?

I dunno 'bout that. Whippy shafts that bend too much " catapult" the cueball imo. Instead of the tip deflecting of the cb right away, the shaft buckles at it's flex point way too far from the tip, thereby catapulting the ob and causing cueball squirt.

 

[Purdman]

I'm not a physics nerd, but the stiffness and whippyness have little to do with it. It's the amount of weight in the last couple of inches of the tip that matter the most in the off-center hit. What happens is the lighter cue end area cue bounces off the cueball more - even if it doesn't bend as much. Get it?

I had a Palmer with a stiff shaft that had a screw on tip/ferrule. It screwed on with a long brass screw, over an inch long. That thing squirted so much you wouldn't believe it. I don't know how anybody could have played with one!

Chris

The shaft squirts more than the cue ball due to less weight at the end of the shaft? Have you ever tried to bend the Predator shaft at the tip end? Am I correct in thinking that something has to give on CB contact? The shaft or the c ball. I might just add that I am no Predator fan.
Purdman

 

[TATE]

The shaft squirts more than the cue ball due to less weight at the end of the shaft? Have you ever tried to bend the Predator shaft at the tip end? Am I correct in thinking that something has to give on CB contact? The shaft or the c ball. I might just add that I am no Predator fan.
Purdman

Don,

Yes, you are correct. But instead of "giving" by bending, it is bouncing off the cue ball more (hence the expression "deflection").

To remove the whippiness concept, imagine this instead: two bullets, one a .22 and one a .45 shot one tip of english outside an indestructible cueball. The heavy .45 would move the cueball offline more, and the bullet would riccochet less. The .lighter .22 would riccochet more and move the cueball less. Same idea. The Predator is the .22.

Chris


Chris

 

[Purdman]

Don,

Yes, you are correct. But instead of "giving" by bending, it is bouncing off the cue ball more (hence the expression "deflection").

To remove the whippiness concept, imagine this instead: two bullets, one a .22 and one a .45 shot one tip of english outside an indestructible cueball. The heavy .45 would move the cueball offline more, and the bullet would riccochet less. The .lighter .22 would riccochet more and move the cueball less. Same idea. The Predator is the .22.

Chris


Chris

Thanks Chris, that is pretty much what I thought. The cue deflects more than the CB with the Predator. Now, you put a tip on that Sledgehammer and watch the CB deflect. The SH being the 45. Actually, I have a Winchester 348 that will really move that puppy.
Don P.
or if you want to shoot hoops thru an oak tree!!!!! LOL