Just Got back my 1998 Russ Espiritu New York Gallery Cue

[Cuemaster98]

It's looks amazing...but plays even better!!! Ivory points with silver veneers and inlays at tip of each points, solid ivory butt sleeve with silver arrows.
One of the shaft is a true diamond shaft(super solid), weight at 4.15oz and the butt is 17.56oz. The cue is so well balance that you don't feel the weight.
Ran out a few racks of 10 balls at my tournament last night....and just couldn't put the cue down.

Check it out:

 

[Chopdoc]

I think Espiritu is one of the underrated cue makers. I mean, he's well known...prominent in many ways...but the playing characteristics of his cues and his accomplishments in the art and construction have never been as highly regarded as they should be I think.

I have a 92 Espiritu and am always interested in seeing others.

That's a very cool looking cue, very interesting design. What impresses me most is that you don't concentrate as much on that, you describe it then you let the pics speak for that. You talk about how it plays in laconic fashion that leaves nothing to doubt. Being a man that makes cues and has some serious ideas on shaft design that have been successfully put into application I would say you are an expert.

I for one pay close attention when you speak about how a cue feels/plays.

This must be one serious player.

Thanks for showing it off. :thumbup:


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[JAMSGOLF]

Duc: I love the looks of your cue...one you think is a "closet queen" type of cue - but it turns out to be a player!

Doc: Not as much "elephant" in this Espiritu- in fact none - but this is another of my "keeper" cues...and I don't like the feel of wrapless...but once in awhile I pull the cue out and play with it - it has his LD shaft!

 

[Chopdoc]

Cool cue. Is that properly termed a spalted handle?

Both of these cues are very unique and show off his talent I think.

I am always interested in hearing more about his LD shaft. There is little said about it even in the forums here. I have searched.

Mine will need a major refinish. It was actually rescued from the aftermath of a hurricane and was abused by somebody who didn't know what a good cue was (was found with the tenon cut off and a slip on tip among other things).

When I have it redone this shaft will get a new tenon and a new life, but I am considering whether I would get one of his newer generation LD shafts made for it. This one is an 18 thread by the way, before he went to a standard 14 thread, so he would have to make a shaft for it.

 

[Cuemaster98]

Thanks guys for the comment...this is definitely no closet queen...but a deadly weapon in a player's hand.
Ran out a several racks of nine ball with my friend Tommy yesterday....we had a Gina, SW, Dan Dishaw and this Espiritu cue.
From the a few hours of playing, we both agree that the Gina and Espiritu were the top 2 shooter cues for the night.
The weigh of this cue is so well balance, you wouldn't think the cue is 21.70oz.
I wish I took a video, you can literally hear the solid hit and feel of this cue.

Duc.

 

[MightyCustomCue]

Sweet cue Duc! Russ makes a fine cue for sure! We didn't have much time to catch up this past SBX... maybe next time buddy!:smile:

 

[Cuemaster98]

Here's another 1998 Ivory Pts Russ Espiritu custom cue that I'm sending Russ for a full refinish and rewrap.