My feelings about Pocket Chalkers
I had a Pocket Chalker, custom made, and use it for quite some time, and then the cord broke, no more Pocket Chalker. It wasn't a big deal, but I paid $20 for it, and I expected it to last. The cord seems to be a weak point of most of them. And usually the method of attachment prevents one from replacing the cord with anything that looks decent.
They were kind of looked down on to begin with, like some one was a novice for using one, but have become more widely accepted, primarily because of the convenience of using one, somewhat similiar as to the attitude about gloves.
If you play in different Pool rooms, and especially Bars, they are very convenient because you are assured that you will have quality chalk (Masters), and you don't have to deal with cheap, broken, or badly used chalk.
Plus, the fact, that it is always right there with you. There is something to be said to the point of being able to maintain a steady rhythm with it while playing also.
I happen to like new chalk,and when a cube is more than a 1/3 used, I give it away. (I don't like marking up my ferrule) And I brush the chalk on while turning my cue, I do not grind it on.
So many Room owners are buying Wal-mart chalk today, or cheap ass chalk to do what, maybe save $10 total overall. This irritates me to no end, because I would think that quality of their room would be more important. Masters is only $3.00 a box, and on the gross, only $3-4 higher than the cheap chalk. I can't see a room buying more than 3 gross in a year, so they would be spending $9-12 more for Masters. Good players know the difference, and it affects their attitude about the room. (based on a 10-12 table Pool room).
I don't care for all the Black ones, because they are sort of like ebony cues after awhile, they all look the same.
I would use one again, but:
1) I want to be assured it will not break or fall apart.
2) I want it to be unique looking, not run-of-the-mill.
3) I don't want anything plastic.
4) I don't like the ones that the cord is only 1-2" long.
And I carry it in my left front pocket, can't stand anything in my back pockets except a pliable comb.