boogieman
It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that ping.
I know this is probably beating a dead horse at this point, but I thought I would share my experience with Kamui chalk.
Of course the first thing anyone thinks about is price. While it seems expensive for chalk, let me remind you, it is made from powdered unicorn bones, and honestly, when is the last time you saw a unicorn?
I do believe it grips better than the new blue masters. I understand, bad stroke mechanics cause miscues, as does trying some craziness that shouldn't be attempted. With that said, I personally can apply some "super extreme craziness" spin to the ball. We are talking way outside my personal miscue limits. Now, I don't do this in games except for a time or two, but it is a fun thing to mess around with. You can curve around blockers with a close to level stick, I did that in a game once and got a really confused look. I said the table must have a roll haha! Take it for what it's worth but it's sort of a neat thing to experiment with. Perhaps beginners should be banned from using chalk as an exercise to teach perfect strokes?
Here is where I am impressed: It coats so absolutely beautifully that it is hard to believe. It's a very smooth and tactile feel. The chalk really does stay on, I only chalk once for a game or two of 8 ball. I have A.D.D. so it is sometimes hard for me to focus. Personally, I find chalking as part of a pre shot routine contributes to me to losing focus. This may be a personal thing, but if you have a short attention span like me, you may find this liberating. Everyone is different, pre shot routines will vary too. I can now focus on the important things like leave, aiming and such instead of grinding away at an inch cube.
The other thing I like is how long a cube lasts. When you chalk, the layer you put on is so thin, think of it as just putting a dusting of chalk on your tip. My wife and I play pool a lot. I am guessing from 5-20 hours a week, depending on overtime at work and such. I would say we have used 1/5th of our cube in 4 months. It's really nuts how long this stuff lasts.
One thing to watch for, if it drops off the table, the corners break pretty easily, not huge breaks, but enough to make you squirm.
Anyway, that's my take on Kamui chalk. If you have a little extra dough, it's totally worth it. I mean, when you figure these cubes will last a year, it's hardly an issue.
Edit: Forgot to add, it's much cleaner. No mess on your cue, hands, clothes, or felt. Could the secret ingredient be Industrial grade diamond powder? Could it be possible? I am not talking good diamonds, but the crap they use for abrasives and such.
Of course the first thing anyone thinks about is price. While it seems expensive for chalk, let me remind you, it is made from powdered unicorn bones, and honestly, when is the last time you saw a unicorn?

I do believe it grips better than the new blue masters. I understand, bad stroke mechanics cause miscues, as does trying some craziness that shouldn't be attempted. With that said, I personally can apply some "super extreme craziness" spin to the ball. We are talking way outside my personal miscue limits. Now, I don't do this in games except for a time or two, but it is a fun thing to mess around with. You can curve around blockers with a close to level stick, I did that in a game once and got a really confused look. I said the table must have a roll haha! Take it for what it's worth but it's sort of a neat thing to experiment with. Perhaps beginners should be banned from using chalk as an exercise to teach perfect strokes?

Here is where I am impressed: It coats so absolutely beautifully that it is hard to believe. It's a very smooth and tactile feel. The chalk really does stay on, I only chalk once for a game or two of 8 ball. I have A.D.D. so it is sometimes hard for me to focus. Personally, I find chalking as part of a pre shot routine contributes to me to losing focus. This may be a personal thing, but if you have a short attention span like me, you may find this liberating. Everyone is different, pre shot routines will vary too. I can now focus on the important things like leave, aiming and such instead of grinding away at an inch cube.
The other thing I like is how long a cube lasts. When you chalk, the layer you put on is so thin, think of it as just putting a dusting of chalk on your tip. My wife and I play pool a lot. I am guessing from 5-20 hours a week, depending on overtime at work and such. I would say we have used 1/5th of our cube in 4 months. It's really nuts how long this stuff lasts.
One thing to watch for, if it drops off the table, the corners break pretty easily, not huge breaks, but enough to make you squirm.
Anyway, that's my take on Kamui chalk. If you have a little extra dough, it's totally worth it. I mean, when you figure these cubes will last a year, it's hardly an issue.
Edit: Forgot to add, it's much cleaner. No mess on your cue, hands, clothes, or felt. Could the secret ingredient be Industrial grade diamond powder? Could it be possible? I am not talking good diamonds, but the crap they use for abrasives and such.
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