Thanks to your encouragement & insights, including a conversation with Mike Gulassy, and the uncertainty introduced by McDermott's possible restrictions on the market, I finally took the plunge & purchased a Sledgehammer on-line. Yes, it is the cheap Asian variety.
Miscues- I had to practice numerous drills with the Fury before I eliminated miscues. I took the Sledgehammer out of the box & fired it at full power without chalk & had no miscues.
Shaft- The Sledgehammer shaft is much thicker than the Fury and I consistently made 1-3 balls on the break with good spreading of the balls & no scratches.
Bar table- I was stuck in Carrollton, KY & forced to use a bar table with loud music & drunks distracting me. I can't wait to try the Sledgehammer on a 9' table in a pool room without distractions.
Tournaments- Local tournaments do not restrict the phenolic tip & I checked with the Derby City Classic & they assured me that my Sledgehammer would be welcome for breaking.
Jumping- I can't comment on jumping because I have not yet learned to jump.
I am now faced wih the task of selling my Fury. With an arsenal consisting of the Sledgehammer for breaking & my tried & true Universal shaft w/ Players butt for playing, I suspect that it will be many years before I will be in the market for any cues. Now my skills must catch up to the potential of my equipment.
Thank you again for your patient assistance.
Miscues- I had to practice numerous drills with the Fury before I eliminated miscues. I took the Sledgehammer out of the box & fired it at full power without chalk & had no miscues.
Shaft- The Sledgehammer shaft is much thicker than the Fury and I consistently made 1-3 balls on the break with good spreading of the balls & no scratches.
Bar table- I was stuck in Carrollton, KY & forced to use a bar table with loud music & drunks distracting me. I can't wait to try the Sledgehammer on a 9' table in a pool room without distractions.
Tournaments- Local tournaments do not restrict the phenolic tip & I checked with the Derby City Classic & they assured me that my Sledgehammer would be welcome for breaking.
Jumping- I can't comment on jumping because I have not yet learned to jump.
I am now faced wih the task of selling my Fury. With an arsenal consisting of the Sledgehammer for breaking & my tried & true Universal shaft w/ Players butt for playing, I suspect that it will be many years before I will be in the market for any cues. Now my skills must catch up to the potential of my equipment.
Thank you again for your patient assistance.