Premium Chalks – Are They Worth It?

dr_dave

dr_dave

Instructional Author
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FYI, I just posted a new video that objectively tests the most popular new “premium” chalks to see how they compare to traditional Master chalk. The chalks tested are the medium hardness Predator Pure, Kamui Roku 6, and Taom V10. They are tested for miscue limit, persistence on the tip, persistence on the CB, and cling/skid/kick. Check it out:


Contents:
0:00 - Intro
0:49 - Miscue Limit
3:22 - # of Shots Before Miscue
5:17 - Chalk Mark Persistence
---- 5:38 – cling definition and demonstrations
---- 6:19 – FSR and SVB cling examples
---- 7:07 – chalk tests
8:42 - Cling/Skid/Kick
10:56 - Wrap Up

As always, I look forward to your feedback, comments, questions, complaints, and requests.

Enjoy!
 
I must be ultra lucky because i think in 40yrs of playing i can count the number of skids i've had on basically one hand. I can't remember the last time i had one. Chalks used has been 90%+ Master with some Triangle, BlueDiamond and Russian Magic tossed in.
 
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garczar said:
I must be ultra lucky because i think in 40yrs of playing i can count the number of skids i've had on basically one hand. I can't remember the last time i had one. Chalks used has been 90%+ Master with some Triangle, BlueDiamond and Russian Magic tossed in.
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I had a skid in league last week which caused a miss and loss of game. I agree that they don't happen often; but I would prefer if they happen even less often. Per the SVB example in the video, skid can be devastating to a pro, where one skid can cause loss of a game, match, and tournament. Fortunately, SVB still prevailed despite the skid.
 
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Nice work Dave.
Many players don´t see skids because they dont´t nesessary play with clean balls and good equipment.
I noticed then every cut is more or less little heavier than clean balls.
I did not see little skids earlier too but after using Taom for years now skid is so rare you see even smaller ones right away. What I mean is : People that say they don´t have skids normally just don´t see them.
I remember when playing a lot 14.1 with old style chalks you kinda knew what shots were risky to skid and avoid them. Now you can use more slow roll and even inside without fear to skid.
 
garczar said:
I must be ultra lucky because i think in 40yrs of playing i can count the number of skids i've had on basically one hand. I can't remember the last time i had one. Chalks used has been 90%+ Master with some Triangle, BlueDiamond and Russian Magic tossed in.
Click to expand...

I haven't seen many issues myself. I chalk before a rack and before a shot if I am using a lot of spin. I chalk thoroughly when I do chalk. Master blue for me. I carried a handful of assorted premium chalks I had acquired in my case for years. Never used one even to try it. Gave them away to a friend who is a local shortstop or better.

Hu
 
I have always used master, and just recently started using taom. I really like it. Its clean, goes on well, and seems to be wearing down very slowly. I also got a cheap magnetic chalk holder on amazon for it to clip to my waist. No more leaving my chalk on the table. Ive been using the pyro, but have a v10 in my case and will try that soon as well.
 
that was informative, as usual. with other cue sports having been a testing ground it's proven enough that these chalks produce less skids. so i'm a believer. BUT the environment for pro pool players and pro snooker players are way different than for average joe that plays in a grubby pool room or a bar. i don't see any point in using taom where i play, because my opponents don't use it, the previous patrons at the table didn't use it and the balls are not polished too often either
 
Does the "cleanliness" of the chalk matter if the pool balls in use are filthy? Will the latter not be as much a concern for skids?
The pros get to play with a pristine set of balls, every time...
 
I would like to see if the chalk that ends up on the cloth over 10-20 games also contributes to skids. Is it just the chalk transfer from tip to cue ball, or does the chalk on the cloth transfer enough to contribute also? Similar to the days when white hand chalk was commonly used and ended up all over the cloth.

When _only_ the cleaner premium chalk was used on my table, I rarely needed to clean the balls or cloth, and I couldn't remember the last time I had a skid. When someone would come over and use their master chalk on my table, skids ensued. Just saying.
 
Banger said:
What happens if you use Taom chalk, and your opponent uses Master chalk. Do you clean the cue ball every time you get to the table? How does that work?
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For me, if I'm in a more competitive match then I try to wipe the cue ball down between each rack. It's touch and go to see if my opponent would allow me to mark the cue ball and pick it up in the middle of a rack. Generally between racks suffices and I deal with the consequences otherwise.
 
Patrick Johnson said:
Has anybody mentioned that chalking before each shot (with "non-premium" chalk like Masters) prevents miscues caused by delaying too long? Combined with the ridiculous prices (100x Masters!!), that's enough reason for me to never try a "premie".

pj
chgo
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Miscues aren't nearly as big of issues as skids IMO when talking about chalk. I think most miscues are caused by the shooter's stroke.
 
kev_eh said:
Does the "cleanliness" of the chalk matter if the pool balls in use are filthy? Will the latter not be as much a concern for skids?
The pros get to play with a pristine set of balls, every time...
Click to expand...
The balls will be a little less filthy if you aren't also using Master's. Also, I noticed even in league there are quite a few people nowadays who use Taom or similar, so it's quite possible to play a match without any marks on the ball. Finally, I like my shaft to stay as grime-free as possible, so simply chalking my cue with Taom helps keep the shaft clean and therefore smooth to stroke, even if the rest of the environment is caked in chalk dust.
 
easy-e said:
If SVB doesn't get a chalk sponsor after that tournament I'd be surprised.
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I agree, but I'm also the guy that's surprised that he doesn't have a pharmacutical sponsorship from whoever makes his hearing aids. An SVB poster showing that you can be a world class anything even if you're hard of hearing has to be somewhat inspirational, right?
 
Chalk mark persistence tests aligns with my anecdotal experience and is good enough reason for me to continue to use premium chalk. I was given a piece of Taom many months ago, probably 10ish or so, and it's still going strong, so the cost is not an issue for me considering how long a single piece lasts.

For me, another advantage is I've really worked carrying my chalk with me at the table and then back to my chair when I'm done. It's now a consistent part of my pre-shot routine and I never find myself on the opposite side of the table from the communal chalk and not bothering to go get it. Sure, better personal discipline would work there too, but I never had it before getting the pricey chalk :)
 
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