Chuck sent me a cue a few months ago for me to check out. I could not put the shaft and butt together! It was just too tight for me to join the pieces. I could get it screwed down to about an eighth inch from tight, and could go no further.
Naturally I didn't like this and called Chuck. He said no problem, send it back and he would loosen it up a little. Instead I took it to my local billiard supply, where they have a cue repair shop. They put some lubricant on it and got it screwed together for me. They worked it around a bit and got it to where I could do it myself. It's still super tight!
So then I played with it a little and went on here and said it was the closest to a one piece feel of any cue I had played with. And it is. Now that I have got back into playing a little, I tried it out again today. This is one very special cue stick! I really like it now, more than before.
I have over 30 cues in my collection, some from well known cuemakers. My favorite playing cues are my Josey (number one), then my Corsair and a Ned Morris. I have played with (and owned) cues from just about every noted cuemaker, and I will say this. The Starkey cue hits like no other cue I've ever owned! Period!
It is a unique hit that is clean and crisp and alarmingly accurate. Solid and powerful are other words I would use to describe the hit. Talk about low deflection, try zero deflection. The cue ball goes exactly where you aim it, every time. English applied does not deflect it's path. I do not know how to explain this other than to say you must hit a few balls with one of his cues, then you'll understand what I'm talking about. Especially if you're a pool player that can appreciate a good hitting cue.
I think what he has done in creating this new type of joint will eventually be as important an innovation as when Predator came out with their new shafts. I can't see it not catching on, and probably being copied. It just works too good.
I did not communicate with Chuck about this post and he does not know I'm posting it. I haven't even met the man. I have no deal with him other than I agreed to try the cue he sent me and let him know how I like it. I already did that. This is strictly a post to let those of you who search for a better playing cue be aware of this cue. It's a different hit then I've found anywhere else and I like it. I think it's worth it to try one out for yourself.
I guess if I had to define how it feels, I would say it is most like the hit of the best one piece cue I ever played with, with a better finsh and feel to it. I do not know if he is making cues with a wrap yet. Mine does not have a wrap. This was NOT a paid Ad! I don't even get a toaster.
