How important are the use of joint protectors?

[Fatboy]

I use them ONLY for ease of getting them out of the case.... The better cases are a little longer, and rather than "dig" for them, the JP's make it easier to grab..... and they look pretty good to boot.

exactly, for the last year and change i been carrying a old porper case and with jp's the cue would be a little long and wouldnt be protected by the case, so they are laying in my closet.

when i'm using a case that's longer then yes i put them on for decor or to make it easier to get the cue out(depends on the case)

i love j/p's but for the reasons stated, i never treated a cue in a way that the joint would need some sort of additional protection.

 

[Fatboy]

Your right about the price difference, but those indian head nickel ones (in this thread) and some of the fancy ones I've seen, can't be cheap. I played for at least 40 hrs a week for thirty years, and NEVER once dropped the butt on the floor while taking it apart, why, I do at the table, it ain't goin' no where. If ya drink/play allot, another story, and the nice ones cost allot when they go missing or people will want to steal em. If I chose to use one, it'd be plasitic and simple, my cue will do all the fancy talking for me. To me it's no different than spinner rims on blinged out cars.

i havent dropped the butt of my cue putting it together in 30 years either. probably will now that i mention it LOL

 

[MOJOE]

Personally, I've never used them even when provided with a new custom cue. They do stay on my extra shafts when storing though and I've never had an issue from not using them.

Just my preference..

 

[swest]

The reason I always use joint protectors has nothing to do with bent pins, moisture, something to grab, identification, etc. I use them because the edges of the joint (on butt and shaft) are sharp and the slightest ding (a ding that wouldn't hurt the cue if it happened anywhere else) can take out a chunk of the joint or ring, or chip off the finish. Obviously, I am most careful with my cues during that interval when the cue is out of the case and not screwed together.

Plus, they look cool.

 

[uwate]

i always lose em. Finally tossed in the towel and stopped buying them. Lots of good advice in here about why they are useful though. Maybe ill stop being a forgetful nit and buy another set.

 

[tenzip]

I lost one pair, after that, I always screw them together, and drop them in my pocket. Haven't lost another pair in years.