Jim Baxter Break Cue.....

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Hello

I wanted to take a few moments to review a break cue that was built by Mr. Jim Baxter. I am not a pro and have limited exposure to different break cues. I have owned a few and can give you my HONEST opinion. I hope you enyjoy the read!

My break cue was converted from an old stock S/P. I had Jim switch out the pin from 3/8 10 to 3/8 11 so that I would have flexability between my two omens and their shafts. The rings are phenolic as well as the ferrule and above the butt cap. The lower section of the butt cap is black tube stock. The weight bolt is chrome and notice all of the ring work as well as the black ringwork just below the ferrule.

The specs on my particular build:
Pin-3/8 11 brass
Shaft- 3.8 oz, 29", 12.13 mm @ ferrule end, phenolic collar with rings
Ferrule-phenolic shortened to 1/2"
Body-15.2 oz, 29", old s/p made in same factory as Adams, phenolic collar and rings, nice butt cap with custom work
tip-Madman
weight bolt-chrome
price-Contact Jim Baxter here on AZB for information.

 

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Performance

Firt thing I need to mention about performance is that what feels right to one may not be the same opinion for the next guy. Hit and playability are subjective and I am giving you MY opinion.

The cue took about 3 weeks to convert. This was fine because I asked Jim to take his time and that there wasn't a time limit or deadline to make. This was also, I believe, a prototype and we both had equal input and ideas to what would make a nice break cue for the money invested. Jim even field tested the cue after it was complete at the local pub. This was way cool and Jim went out of his way to road test this new set up.

Workmanship and finish work look top notch and one would only expect this type of finish work on a more expensive cue...say 400.00 and up, maybe more. In my humble opinion, for the money invested, and results, you can not find a better deal....period.

I own a Diamond Pro 4.5 x 9 with the pro cut pockets. I racked for 9 ball and broke with this cue to see how it hit/ felt, and observed the spread of the break. Now keep in mind that I am hard pressed to make any ball on the break, about 4 out of 8 times, and I don't have a hudge break. I did notice right away that I was able to pocket a ball more consistently, 3 out of 4 times, and the rack would break open with balls sitting in front of the pockets. The cue ball would slam into the 1 ball and either jump into the air or hit the side rail and come back to center table. I was able to control the cue ball much better than when using a phenolic tip. I was suprised at how much better my break was without changing my form or cue speed. The balls that were going on the break were not only the wing balls either, a few of the balls that dropped were either behind the 1 ball or one of the two behind the 9 ball.

I even ran 4-5 balls with the break cue. This is something I could not do with my purpleheart shaft and white diamond tipped j/b. I couldn't even make one ball with the other cue. I think this says something about playability.

When holding the cue in hand, it just feels solid and substantial. The weight and ballance feel right to me as well. You can "feel" quality when you pick it up! This is something that is different from one person to the next, but, if both this JIm Baxter and my old break cue were sitting side by side on a table and I didn't know who built which cue, my opinion would be the same 10 out of 10 times. THe Jim Baxter just far out performs the other j/b cue in fit, finish, and performance and they are both in the same price range. As an added bonus, the Jim Baxter has about 50% more custom touches. I think what makes this Breaker perform so well, is, impart due to the aged wood...16 years worth of age. That, my friend, is something you can not make, you either have it, or you don't.

 

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Satisfaction

From the verry beginning of this prodject, it was most rewarding for me to deal with Jim Baxter. When I first contacted him about this conversion, I simply stated what I was looking for and Jim quoted me a price. I sent him the ENTIRE amount VIA PayPal (as a gift) for the build. I just trust Jim this much and have done deals with him in the past with more than expected work and craftsmanship for the money. Jim is an honest and upstanding AZB community member who works his tail off to deliver the best work he can turn out. I respect Jim and proud to consider him a friend, whome I have never met.

Jim and Christy go out of their way to take care of their customers. Jim would send me a PM each day for questions, ideas, and updates. There was a little R&D involved and he wanted my input on everything. I had the idea on the break cue, but, Jim had the vision and I was just lucky enough to sit back and watch it all unfold with my personal preferences. Jim could not keep up with everything he does without the help and support of his wife, Christy. Somebody has to keep the books, schedules, and ship it all out. I would like to state pubilicaly that Jim, Roxy, and Christy are top rate people that deliver time after time. I can't express how much this means to me other than I look at the two as friends and not business associates.
I would hug Christy, Roxy and buy Jim a beer if I had the chance as a gesture of thanks. I hope Jim is not the jellous type!!!!!

This is my HONEST opinion, Jim, Roxy, nor Christy asked me to write this. I just felt that with all that has gone on lately with people getting burnt, a positive HONEST thread was in order. I fully think that when folks go the extra mile, they should be recognized. I am sure as long as I mess around with pool, Jim and I will be doing other deals. Just wish I had more income and could do more with Jim.

 

[Jim Baxter]

WOW !!! Thanks for all the kind words , Yes this a prototype for several more , with a few different looks .

I just got back from a trip to S.F. Bay area . What a nice surprice .

Roxy " my Wife " helps a lot , but Christy , My doughter in law is also a very big help , in the shop . Toward the end of July I'll have 3-4 more with sutle differences .

I'll post some pictrures when done . Thanks again . Jim

 

[Realizm]

I feel all that you said about jimi is so true .. I have a cue made but him also and i just can't put it down and a break cue to match.. And they both break and play great .. Jimi hands down does great work on cues and joint protectors.... and i do have another cue on order ..... Cant wait till that comes ...

 

[Jim Baxter]

Thanks Art , Very nice of you . Jim