Slug-Doctor Visits Jay Helfert

[i4pool]

Last night I spent 3 hours (one way) fighting through traffic and rain to pick up my 14-yr old son from his mother's. On the way back home, I decided to give Jay a call to see if he was available. I owed him a Slug-Doctor (since the one I mailed never arrived )so this was a good time to meet since he was right off the freeway we were driving. Plus, I needed to stretch my legs after being in the car for so long.

My visit with Jay was enjoyable. He's fun to be around. If you have not had the opportunity to meet Jay, I highly encourage it. He has a great personality and is very easy to talk to. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and hearing about his recent DCC trip. Look out for him at the USBTC 10-ball event. Did you know Jay took down Sal Butera at the Swanee? Nice showing Jay.

Oh, I also got a chance to see that ball cleaner he got from another AZ'er (Gerry). Very cool! I'm gonna def have him make me one when I get my own table and set of balls!

Jay, thanks for the hospitality and getting Alex and I out of the rain for a little. Also, I'm glad I was able to set up the Slug-Doctor successfully on your beautiful Diamond. The 15-Ball add-on attachment worked out pretty good. Let me know how it all works out for you.

Regards,
Abe - i4pool

 

[jay helfert]

This is a great new innovation in pool! I remember when the new shafts, first by Predator, then OBI, Tiger and all the rest came out. That was something new at the time. Now the new technology is in racks, first with the Magic Rack and now the Slug Doctor. We have been using triangles to rack the balls forever! And having problems with them all these years, although I really like the Delta 13. First attempt was the Sardo Rack where we started really looking at new ways to rack the balls. Then there were three or four other compression type racks that also made improvements on the old wood and plastic triangles.

But lo and behold the simplest solution (and probably the best) is these new paper thin racks that allow the balls to roll together for a tight rack. I had to be convinced about the Magic Rack, but after seeing how effectively it racked the balls, it made a believer out of me. A major improvement in racking technology! The Slug Doctor is basically the same concept as the Magic Rack with a couple of nice upgrades. You no longer have to apply the rack to the table each game, and then remove it after the break shot. Once you have applied the Slug Doctor it's there forever! If the spots ever get worn out, they are easy to replace. The spots are clear, so you won't notice they are there, except when it comes time to rack. If anything, they are even thinner than the Magic Rack, so the balls roll over them like they aren't there. Cool huh!

I love my new Slug Doctor! I can get a good rack quickly and there is nothing to put on and take off every game. Abe also has an add-on piece so you can upgrade your rack for fifteen balls; One Pocket or Straight Pool. I'm now a believer in these new racks. I have put my triangles aside (even my Delta 13), and am getting comfortable with this new way of racking the balls. The bottom line - IT WORKS!

P.S. Abe is a great guy and easy to work with. I can see the day when Slug Doctors are being sold at all the billiard supplies, along with Magic Racks. They really should be available everywhere. That bucket in the corner of the photo is Gerry's new ball polisher. I keep my lion outside to greet trespassers! :wink:

 

[RunoutJJ]

Funny but ive been playing on Bobby Chamberlians table for the past two years with the Rack Tight (basically the same thing) system. The first time i used it i LOVED IT!! Perfect rack everytime!! Not to mention that spots didnt get in the way at all. It's just seems sad that it's taking so long for this type of racking system to gain popularity.

Ive never used the Magic Rack but ive heard the stories or pros and cons about it and its not good. Now im not saying DONT BUY or USE Magic Racks but if i had a choice of the two (Tight Rack ) it would be the Slug Doctor or Tight Rack.

The only complaints are heard about it is in this thread------------> http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=188511

 

[Cuaba]

Jay is one of the sport's biggest assets. Glad you had a good time.

 

[8ballEinstein]

So that's where you were last nite!

All your south OC buddies gathered at Darin's for some ring games. I even made a rare appearance over there. They told me you might walk through the door at any minute. Little did we know you were hanging out with a pool legend.

Oh well, it all worked out for the best. You see, the fellas were plotting to ambush you with the old ring-game-sandwich manuever. Of course, playing for a buck on the 5 and a buck on the 10, I doubt they would've been able to retire on the winnings.

Btw, we never pulled out a rack last night because our host, Darin, had the Slug Doctor set on his table. Worked real good for us.

 

[Donovan_45]

Hey Abe,

I have your 9/10 ball rack which I absolutey love, but I play way more straight and 8 ball pool. What is the 15 ball attachment? Is there any way to just purchase the clear 15 ball plate separately?

Thanks,

Corey

 

[Gerry]

Last night I spent 3 hours (one way) fighting through traffic and rain to pick up my 14-yr old son from his mother's. On the way back home, I decided to give Jay a call to see if he was available. I owed him a Slug-Doctor (since the one I mailed never arrived )so this was a good time to meet since he was right off the freeway we were driving. Plus, I needed to stretch my legs after being in the car for so long.

My visit with Jay was enjoyable. He's fun to be around. If you have not had the opportunity to meet Jay, I highly encourage it. He has a great personality and is very easy to talk to. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and hearing about his recent DCC trip. Look out for him at the USBTC 10-ball event. Did you know Jay took down Sal Butera at the Swanee? Nice showing Jay.

Oh, I also got a chance to see that ball cleaner he got from another AZ'er. Very cool! I'm gonna def have him make me one when I get my own table and set of balls!

Jay, thanks for the hospitality and getting Alex and I out of the rain for a little. Also, I'm glad I was able to set up the Slug-Doctor successfully on your beautiful Diamond. The 15-Ball add-on attachment worked out pretty good. Let me know how it all works out for you.

Regards,
Abe - i4pool

thanks Abe, I am the Az'r who built the ball cleaner. I am perfecting the design every day.

how awsome is that!....a picture of Jay at the table with my ball cleaner in the corner!

funny thing Jay, I have been VERY busy since you started that great thread about my humble home made ball cleaner! I guess I owe you a few drinks man!....you going to the U.S. Open this year? or the SBE?

I think I might have to get one of those Slug Doctors for my home table!

thanks again, Gerry

 

[stuckart]

I'm definitely on board in getting this system on my table and would be looking to have it done on a few tables at the pool room I frequent here in AZ.

One question I have is when it comes to 1 pocket and Jay I was hoping you could be the one person to answer this. Because of so many balls staying in the rack area and getting moved ever so slightly each time the stack is contacted do you find that there are ANY instances of 2 balls freezing together whereas without these rings on the table the balls might have gaps?

I guess I'm concerned that with 1 hole you look for wired balls towards your hole and with balls freezing together on the rack circles this could be an issue.

Just curious!

 

[Majic]

Last night I spent 3 hours (one way) fighting through traffic and rain to pick up my 14-yr old son from his mother's. On the way back home, I decided to give Jay a call to see if he was available. I owed him a Slug-Doctor (since the one I mailed never arrived )so this was a good time to meet since he was right off the freeway we were driving. Plus, I needed to stretch my legs after being in the car for so long.

My visit with Jay was enjoyable. He's fun to be around. If you have not had the opportunity to meet Jay, I highly encourage it. He has a great personality and is very easy to talk to. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and hearing about his recent DCC trip. Look out for him at the USBTC 10-ball event. Did you know Jay took down Sal Butera at the Swanee? Nice showing Jay.

Oh, I also got a chance to see that ball cleaner he got from another AZ'er. Very cool! I'm gonna def have him make me one when I get my own table and set of balls!

Jay, thanks for the hospitality and getting Alex and I out of the rain for a little. Also, I'm glad I was able to set up the Slug-Doctor successfully on your beautiful Diamond. The 15-Ball add-on attachment worked out pretty good. Let me know how it all works out for you.

Regards,
Abe - i4pool

Very nice looking product.
I do have a few questions about the Slug-Doctor:
How long do they last ( number of racks)
Knowing that humidity affects cloth stretch. How does this affect racking?
Do they peel away from the cloth easily?

Thanks

 

[jay helfert]

They are getting used as we speak. Pool Hustler is here and so are a couple of my buds, Adrian and The Blouser! They all play pretty good, and Russ just got me at One Hole, after I ruled for a while.
I have to go to the back of the line now. :embarrassed2:

 

[decent dennis]

booze,blue's,cue's and a few bud's hittin a few . 'heaven'

 

[i4pool]

Jay is one of the sport's biggest assets. Glad you had a good time.

Thanks Cuaba! It was a good time. Maybe we'll run into each other again at a future PoolFest tourny. Hey, maybe even at Jay's again.

All your south OC buddies gathered at Darin's for some ring games. I even made a rare appearance over there. They told me you might walk through the door at any minute. Little did we know you were hanging out with a pool legend.

<snip>

Btw, we never pulled out a rack last night because our host, Darin, had the Slug Doctor set on his table. Worked real good for us.

Hi 8ball- Sorry I missed out on hanging out with you guys last night. Sure it was good times. I'm glad the SD worked good for you guys. It was fun hanging out with the legend.

Hey, give a little heads up for next time you're down here and I'll try my best to be available to meet.

Hey Abe,

I have your 9/10 ball rack which I absolutey love, but I play way more straight and 8 ball pool. What is the 15 ball attachment? Is there any way to just purchase the clear 15 ball plate separately?

Thanks,

Corey

Hi Corey- I'm glad you love the SD. The 15-ball (8-ball) attachment is basically a add-on piece which allows you to set up the system for the remaining 4 ball spots. Yes, the attachment add-on will be available for purchase separate from the main 9/10B template. Target price will be around $8.00. I'm hoping to have a batch ready in 3-4 weeks.

thanks Abe, I am the Az'r who built the ball cleaner. I am perfecting the design every day.

how awsome is that!....a picture of Jay at the table with my ball cleaner in the corner!

funny thing Jay, I have been VERY busy since you started that great thread about my humble home made ball cleaner! I guess I owe you a few drinks man!....you going to the U.S. Open this year? or the SBE?

I think I might have to get one of those Slug Doctors for my home table!

thanks again, Gerry

Hi Gerry- Good luck with your ball cleaner project. I'll be in touch in the future for mine!

I'm definitely on board in getting this system on my table and would be looking to have it done on a few tables at the pool room I frequent here in AZ.

One question I have is when it comes to 1 pocket and Jay I was hoping you could be the one person to answer this. Because of so many balls staying in the rack area and getting moved ever so slightly each time the stack is contacted do you find that there are ANY instances of 2 balls freezing together whereas without these rings on the table the balls might have gaps?

I guess I'm concerned that with 1 hole you look for wired balls towards your hole and with balls freezing together on the rack circles this could be an issue.

Just curious!

Hi stuckart-
I'm curious too. Jay?...

Very nice looking product.
I do have a few questions about the Slug-Doctor:
How long do they last ( number of racks)
Knowing that humidity affects cloth stretch. How does this affect racking?
Do they peel away from the cloth easily?

Thanks

Thanks Majic. They last a pretty long time. My buddy dr2112 had his first application on for 2-3 months, iirc. Then he re-applied the dots again. Depending on use, I think they can last even longer than 3 months. DR2112 get a lot of use on his table, a lot! The SD comes with a roll of 200 labels so you'll be set for a while. And they do peel away easily.

As for how humidity affects it, I'm not sure. I haven't done any specific testing for this. I would imagine that it would be fine though. Maybe someone in a high humidity area who has a SD could chime in on their experience.



Best Regards,
Abe - i4pool

 

[3RAILKICK]

Abe-

Two things:

1) Maybe you can make the wife move closer. Or have her meet you at Jay's house. Probably have to ask Jay first?

2) Who is this Paga-lion guy that you let back in at the end of your recent match? That's not like you.

Assuming 1) isn't likely-drive carefully.

Take care, bud.

 

[i4pool]

1) Maybe you can make the wife move closer. Or have her meet you at Jay's house. Probably have to ask Jay first?

2) Who is this Paga-lion guy that you let back in at the end of your recent match? That's not like you.

Lol. It's the ex-wife btw and she wouldn't go for the "meet at Jay's" idea, unfortunately. Thanks though. :thumbup:

As for the Lion match, I wanted that so bad!! I lost 7-5 with a high % opportunity to make it hill-hill. I walked away from that match with lessons learned. I hope we match up again next year!

Cool thing... Jay told me he asked Alex who his toughest matchups were for the Swanee and he pointed out myself and Tommy Tokoph. That made me feel good. I hope Jay wasn't just trying to boost my ego.

 

[cleary]

Does this kill a table for straight pool or one pocket?

It seems great for rotation games, to bust the break open, but for 14.1 or one pocket where there is a lot of safety play involving thinning off the pack... seems like it wont work. All of the balls would be forced frozen, right?

 

[shinobi]

These spots have been used in Japan for several years, so it isn't an innovation here but it's still nice to see them catching on and for a reasonable price, too.

They can occasionally affect a ball in one pocket or other games, but it's not nearly as bad as you might imagine. I think the consistent rack more than makes up for that, and then some. Try it and see for yourself. If you don't like it, it takes no time to peel off the spots.

 

[TorranceChris]

Jay is one of the sport's biggest assets. Glad you had a good time.

Just remove one letter from your sentence, and you would be putting down Jay ! Yes, I do agree on keeping the 't' in the sentence :thumbup:

Abe, congrats on your good showing in the Swanee tourney including that near upset of Alex.

 

[Luxury]

Let me know when the eight ball one is ready. I'll buy it.

 

[pooladdict]

I wouldnt use these for 1p. If you hit the 2nd ball, you will more often make the cornerball. No fun in that.

Also in straight pool, when all balls are perfectly frozen - using "tapping" as they often do in tournaments in Europe - there are shots that go almost every time. I have seen players ignore the break ball and go for the "dead ones" - an making them.. Kind of ruins the game.

 

[DogsPlayingPool]

I wouldnt use these for 1p. If you hit the 2nd ball, you will more often make the cornerball. No fun in that.

Also in straight pool, when all balls are perfectly frozen - using "tapping" as they often do in tournaments in Europe - there are shots that go almost every time. I have seen players ignore the break ball and go for the "dead ones" - an making them.. Kind of ruins the game.

Are you saying that guys will win the lag and elect to break in straight pool?