deadgearplyr said:
What do you think would give the most amount feel or feedback to an experienced player? I am playing with a Schon right now, and the shaft is a high grade maple shaft made by my cue maker. The to main joint types I'm thinking about is a Schon type joint, or a flat faced radial.
Feedback is extremely important to me. I've also tried ivory ferrules and ivory joints, and to me, I just think that stuff is not performance based. Don't get me wrong when I demand performance, cause I don't like laminated shafts at all. They do perform, but don't have the feel I desire in a cue.
I also understand that there is way more to it than just the joint type, but ya gotta start somewhere right? This is my first custom cue.
Any suggestions? Help please.
O Boy....sounds like me, once upon a time...LoL. I can tell you this right now, the joint does not necessarily dictate how well the cue may play, or the amount of feedback you will receive.
I have been a die-hard flat-faced joint fan for quite a while now...until I ran into a couple of cues...different makers...with SS joints that were simply amazing players. In fact, one of those cues, placed next to a flat-faced jointed cue from the same maker, played almost identical to one another.
There is a lot to consider...but one of the first things is to try and find some cues from makers you may wish to work with, to try out...your local pool hall might be a great place to start. Often there are players there with multiple cues and may let you hit a few balls with one to see how it 'feels'. See if you have any makers close to you...see if you can arrange a visit to their shop, where they will likely have something you can 'get the feel for'. Most makers are more than willing to do what it takes to not only get your business, but ultimately make you happy. Word of mouth IS the best advertisement a cue maker has!
Once you decide on a maker...the next choice is going to be the woods used. This will make a difference in that some woods transmit the feedback from tip to butt better than some others might. Talk to your cue maker...they are there to help 'guide' you into a choice that you will be happy with. They will likely discuss pros and cons with you. Some woods are also more 'tempermental' than others...LoL.
In all reality, the joint type is the last thing on the list, IMHO. Also bear in mind that not all SS joints are created equal. Some may just be a SS sleeve, but allowing for a flat-faced config.
As you can see...it's not as cut and dry as it may have initially seemed...LoL. However, let me just say, that there really is nothing like waiting for that special cue to arrive...and the myriad of emotions involved....excitement, anxiety, patience, impatience, joy.
Lisa
