Painpools Workmanship

[Sore_Aintya]

I dread posting this because I was hoping that when I received the cue I would be happy just to have it back and let this issue die.
Sadly however I'm 100% not satisfied with the work done on this cue.

I did receive the cue today and rushed the mail driver like a kid on Christmas morning.
What I saw when I opened the package just turned my stomach.
While the cue at a distance looks 1000x better then when I sent it out, the work done is less then perfect for a guy that says "NOTHING LEAVES MY SHOP UNLESS ITS 100% PERIOD!!"...
I loaned my sister my camera so she could list some items on eBay or I would be posting photos along with this post as proof, but I will get pictures taken tonight at the pool hall and post them up as soon as I return this evening.

~There's TONS of dirt in the clear, apparently Aaron sands and sprays in the same room with little to no measures taken to clean the environment.
~Large yellow spots above some of the points, I imagine this was the old clear and just wasn't sanded off properly.
~The leather has rather noticeable gaps at the top and bottom of the handle, while not the most problematic issue, it is worth noting.
~A corner the the leather seam is dog eared, which leads me to believe that later down the road the leather will raise.
~Neither shaft was "cleaned" as he indicated.
~Cracked Ivory inlay on the butt section of the cue.
~Large scratches throughout the forearm and butt, I assume that was from sanding, most noticeable in the white butt cap, and highlighted by dirt that had set in the scratches, then cleared over.

I wish I could come here and say the cue looks awesome, but the simple fact is it doesn't, and here's what I think.

Aaron told me Monday that the cue was shipped out that morning, yet the postal code says it wasn't registered until 4:30pm that afternoon. I proceeded to post the thread stating how unhappy I was with his service shortly after learning he sent it out that morning, Aaron seen it and "rushed it out the door" to make good on his word. I'm not saying this is what exactly happened, but given he has stated many times that nothing leaves unless its perfect, it could explain why my cue is less then such.

Again I am sorry for having to post this, but I thought I would update the community on the quality of Mr. Painters work.

Edits because I keep finding things.

 

[runscott]

I dread posting this because I was hoping that when I received the cue I would be happy just to have it back and let this issue die.

So....are you going to send it to Russ Espiritu now?

There are a lot of people here who absolutely love Aaron Painter - I guess he must be a great guy to drink with at the local pool hall. No, you aren't going to get anywhere posting complaints about him here - he finally mailed you the cue, so you are now officially screwed. Learn and move on.

I think the best comment made about this entire debaucle was from the posters saying that you should always send the cue back to be refinished by the original maker, if at all possible. Don't even consider cost - just do it.

 

[8-ball Rat]

And the hits just keep on comin'.........

SA, I'm really sorry to hear that your experiences didn't add up to your expectations. While I'm not a huge fan of Espiritu cues, personally.....yours is a sweet looking cue, for sure.

Maybe Mr. Espiritu can make it right? Not sure how you'd feel about spending even MORE money to refurb it.....but I would think that Russ could get it done the way you'd have liked.

Best of luck. Hope you get it back to "perfect" again.

Mark

 

[SanDiegoFan]

<Bell sounds> "Ding Ding"...
<Commentator> "That's the end of round two, and the blue corner just keeps on swinging!"....

<Lady walks around ring holding up a large number 3>


<Commentator> "Let's view the unofficial score cards.
It appears both of the analysts have the first two rounds going to the blue corner.
This fight appears to be going the way of a knockout!"....

<Bell sounds> "Ding Ding"...
<Commentator> "Will it happen in round three? Let's watch and see....




SDF

 

[Sore_Aintya]

I have no idea on what I'm going to do. I'm certainly not sending it back to Aaron so he can "Make it right"..and the idea of being without my cue for another length of time doesn't thrill me too much either.

Bottom line is, you get what you pay for and I am just glad this lesson only cost me $150+shipping and frustration.

 

[kbooks3]

Send it to Russ....

I have no idea on what I'm going to do. I'm certainly not sending it back to Aaron so he can "Make it right"..and the idea of being without my cue for another length of time doesn't thrill me too much either.

Bottom line is, you get what you pay for and I am just glad this lesson only cost me $150+shipping and frustration.

Russ told you he would have done the refinish for free...send it you him now..once you hit balls with it again..you won't want to give it up again...what's a few more weeks to get it exactly the way you want it. If not, you always wished you'd had....

 

[8-ball Rat]

Russ told you he would have done the refinish for free...send it you him now..once you hit balls with it again..you won't want to give it up again...what's a few more weeks to get it exactly the way you want it. If not, you always wished you'd had....

My thoughts exactly! I don't know about you, Sore....but if I play with a cue that I KNOW has issues I'm not happy with, it affects my attitude about it, my play, and the game.

If Russ can make all things right in the world, and bring back that feeling of "perfection" to the cue, it'll just make having it back (and done the way you want) all the sweeter!

The fact that he'd do it for free doesn't hurt, either!

 

[Buckeyejim]

He may have a few "fans", but I disagree that you won't get anywhere posting the truth! thanks for the posts- and I hope others will have the balls,and some common sense, to follow your lead...

 

[Buckeyejim]

He may have a few "fans", but I disagree that you won't get anywhere posting the truth! thanks for the posts- and I hope others will have the balls,and some common sense, to follow your lead...

 

[runscott]

He may have a few "fans", but I disagree that you won't get anywhere posting the truth! thanks for the posts- and I hope others will have the balls,and some common sense, to follow your lead...

Several already have Buckeyejim - me among them - do a search on Painpool and you will find plenty of pain. It doesn't take balls to post the truth - what takes balls is getting resolution. If Aaron had not delivered, sore_aintya could have called Aaron's local police - they have reports already from two other AZ'ers (me being one of them). But since he did deliver, you can stick a fork in sore_aintya. He needs to move him, but agreed that others need to learn from this mistake so that they don't repeat it.

Aaron communicates amazingly well when he has a cue to sell, or when he is getting brought out here in public, but when someone has a problem with his delivering the goods, he is strangely silent. This guy should not be getting our business - period - and that's why I'm posting here. And I couldn't care less what his buddies think.

 

[ramw5p]

Ok we get it..you two dont like each other!!!!!!

Now can we return to talk about pool, and my search for cues i cant afford!! We dont need all these post on how one person dislikes another etc..post it once and be done.

 

[runscott]

Now can we return to talk about pool, and my search for cues i cant afford!! We dont need all these post on how one person dislikes another etc..post it once and be done.

Sounds like this would be a good thread for you to ignore.

 

[Sore_Aintya]

Now can we return to talk about pool, and my search for cues i cant afford!! We dont need all these post on how one person dislikes another etc..post it once and be done.

Since you are new Ill go slow.
This isn't about not liking someone.. This forum is a community and as a community we inform others of peoples actions, whether good or bad in hopes of gaining trust of a stranger over the Internet. I have had tons of good transactions because of this forum and sadly 1 bad one, this being it. Would you prefer I post hey I think this guy ripped me off, then disappear into the shadows and never leave a follow up on the situation? Actually, from your comment, you probably would so don't answer that.
From the amount of private messages, emails, phone calls and rep. points I have gotten since this began, Id say you are in the minority here.
Have a pleasant day.

 

[Salamander]

I welcome posts like these. In my opinion there is absolutely nothing wrong with voicing your opinion either good or bad. I've heard both good and bad about Aaron Painter, and the bad is starting to outweight the good for me.

I think that you should send the cue back to Russ and have it done right. Painter should apologize for messing up your cue and refund you the $150. He should also leave out the personal attacks and concentrate on his customer service skills, or lack thereof.

Regards,

Doug

 

[8-ball Rat]

Since you are new Ill go slow.
This isn't about not liking someone.. This forum is a community and as a community we inform others of peoples actions, whether good or bad in hopes of gaining trust of a stranger over the Internet. I have had tons of good transactions because of this forum and sadly 1 bad one, this being it. Would you prefer I post hey I think this guy ripped me off, then disappear into the shadows and never leave a follow up on the situation? Actually, from your comment, you probably would so don't answer that.
From the amount of private messages, emails, phone calls and rep. points I have gotten since this began, Id say you are in the minority here.
Have a pleasant day.

Not to gang up on ya ramw5p....but Sore is dead on. Most folks, when they deal with someone on the forum, want to know EXACTLY WHO they're dealing with. The best way to do that is to check them out by seeing what other transactions they've been involved with. Buying a cue sight-unseen (pictures are nice...but not ALWAYS accurate) is a big risk...so the boards give folks a way to gauge who it is they're buying from or selling to.

Threads like this, while unfortunate, are very much a necessity. Whether or not it keeps folks from dealing with Aaron is a person's own decision....but people will take things away from this....be it good or bad....so they can make that decision a bit more "informed."

Rat

 

[cashin]

Painpools's Workmanship

Hello Sore,
I usually don't get into these spats on the forum.. because it just does not pay, but in this case.. I would just like to say that you have done the right thing by exposing this guy and trying to give all the heads up before they end up in the same mess that you have.
It also seems that some others like to hear of someone elses troubles as long as it isn't theirs.. like it is some sort of entertainment for their enjoyment .
Give yourself a few days to get over the disappointment and send the cue to Russ and get it straightened out.
It really doesn't matter how much the cue cost or if it isn't from one of the top cue makers. It is your cue and you wanted it done right.
Good luck and play well.

Take care,
David

 

[bobroberts]

i appreciate the heads up about pain, after reading yours and some others that have been doing business with him I will never ever send a cue for repair to him.This forum is a great way to keep informed to who does good work and who dosn't.If I were you I would either send it to Russ or Scott at proficent.I have never seen a a bad post about either one.

 

[Koop]

I will never ever send a cue for repair to him.

I wouldn't have before any of this, basically because Mike Webb is right down the road. If Mike were too busy I would pack it up and send it to Proficient.

You get what you pay for.

Regards,
Koop

EDIT:
I also agree that this is appropriate, just as singing praise for a good job is appropriate.

 

[CAMCUES]

WOW !!
I posted on the other thread that I thought it would be tits when you get it back I can't believe it has the issues you mentioned I figured he would have made for sure it was 100% with all the Hype he (Aaron)has created for himself.
Get it back to Russ Thats the only thing to do.I don't understand how the Ivory inlay got cracked from sanding on a lathe unless it got paper thin from sending to much ??? Weird I hope you get it all staighten out.

Everyone should post Info like Sore_Aintya has when someone is putting out poor workmanship like Aaron on this cue deal.

 

[PAINPOOL]

I am calling you out!!!

You are completly being dishonest. You are the first person that has ever not been happy with my restore. I a 100% know for a fact that there is no dust in that cue and that Lizard is installed right. The yellow spots on the fore arm are epoxy that good old Russ put in the cue to fill low spots. They have been there since your 1,500 dollar cue was built. I'll make you a deal. I will refund your original 150.00 and eat the shipping I already spent. I will pay for the shipping and we will agree on a non bias third party to inspect your BAD JOB!!! WOW! I really thought you would have the courage to at least be honest in the END!! You my friend are completly full of !! You have made very bold statements and you need to PROVE them. WELL, you could tell the TRUTH!! Lets see if you will do the right thing and Escrow the work!!! I will not put up this. Let's see what you got!!! This my challenge to you! SHUT your lying mouth and PROVE IT!!! Don't go screwing around with that cue now!! There are a # of guys here that we know will be honest and that we can agree on. The balls in your court!!! I am sick and tired of your !! Prove it!!!! These are pics of your yellow spots even prior to me touching the cue. The truth is your finish is deep and clear now and you are getting a taste of your real cue and how it really is!!!!!!