Jason and I are both up & coming cue makers. I started my own shop last year in Tulsa, and Jason works out of Tony Zinzola's shop. Jason approached me about making a cue and trading it so we could give an honest review of one another's work. Being how I didn't know who he was, I didn't know if he was serious, or if he was a wacko trying to get a free cue out of me. These days, here on AZ, you just never know with all the BS that happens. After he introduced me to his background a little, I figured he was ok to deal with, so I agreed to it.
This deal started last year. He is a medical student and he has not had all the free time in the world, especially with a newborn in his life, so it took a while. It is now several months later, and we have accomplished something that started out as a, "maybe? I don't know.. kinda thing".
I had a chance to hit his cue today, and I must say that I am incredibly impressed. The hit of the cue is very solid. It has the type of hit that makes you want to keep playing. I could see myself hitting balls for hours with that cue. Everything on the cue is done very nicely and for someone who hasn't many cues under his belt, he should be very proud of this one.
The cue has a cut down Mason H Micarta ferrule and a piloted radial pin with a sleeved steel joint. The leather wrap is done nicely, and the long, sharp points almost come up to the joint. The veneers are also tight and it is naturally weighted. The points and buttsleeve is African Blackwood, and it has an elforyn hoppe ring. I am the kind of person who delves in cue harmonics. The tight, compact feel of the cue brings a sweet delivery into the cue ball and I think the taper and shorter ferrule gives it a stiffer hit and provides a little less deflection. There is a nice, compact tone when striking the cue ball. It is especially nice when I hit a long cut shot with running english.
I only had about an hour to play with it and I think I am going to make this my main player for a little while. I am going overseas for training in Korea and I wanted to make sure I got this review in while I had the chance. I have never hit with one of Mr. Zinzola's cues but the look and the work resembles his, and naturally so, being how Jason works out of his shop. If I were to buy this cue, I would have probably been ok giving $7-900 for what I got, however, this cue will never be for sale due to obvious reasons.
On the finish is excellent, the balance is excellent, and the joint work is precise. Overall, the cue is tastefully done with the 'player in mind'.
I will post a couple more pics when I have the chance.
Here is Jason's thread on the cue
This deal started last year. He is a medical student and he has not had all the free time in the world, especially with a newborn in his life, so it took a while. It is now several months later, and we have accomplished something that started out as a, "maybe? I don't know.. kinda thing".
I had a chance to hit his cue today, and I must say that I am incredibly impressed. The hit of the cue is very solid. It has the type of hit that makes you want to keep playing. I could see myself hitting balls for hours with that cue. Everything on the cue is done very nicely and for someone who hasn't many cues under his belt, he should be very proud of this one.
The cue has a cut down Mason H Micarta ferrule and a piloted radial pin with a sleeved steel joint. The leather wrap is done nicely, and the long, sharp points almost come up to the joint. The veneers are also tight and it is naturally weighted. The points and buttsleeve is African Blackwood, and it has an elforyn hoppe ring. I am the kind of person who delves in cue harmonics. The tight, compact feel of the cue brings a sweet delivery into the cue ball and I think the taper and shorter ferrule gives it a stiffer hit and provides a little less deflection. There is a nice, compact tone when striking the cue ball. It is especially nice when I hit a long cut shot with running english.
I only had about an hour to play with it and I think I am going to make this my main player for a little while. I am going overseas for training in Korea and I wanted to make sure I got this review in while I had the chance. I have never hit with one of Mr. Zinzola's cues but the look and the work resembles his, and naturally so, being how Jason works out of his shop. If I were to buy this cue, I would have probably been ok giving $7-900 for what I got, however, this cue will never be for sale due to obvious reasons.
On the finish is excellent, the balance is excellent, and the joint work is precise. Overall, the cue is tastefully done with the 'player in mind'.
I will post a couple more pics when I have the chance.
Here is Jason's thread on the cue
