The BeCue System - Carbon Composite Cue - Interview with the Cue Makers

Cardigan Kid

Cardigan Kid

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member



It’s not too often that our sport gets treated to the term “start-up”. In places like Silicon Valley, the Entertainment Industry, even Pharmaceuticals, start-up companies pop up all the time to test the their various markets with a product they hope will take hold and become the future. In the pocket billiards industry – any and all start-up’s would certainly inject fresh perspectives and much-needed energy into a sport that needs all the help it can to move forward into the future.

In the last few months, utilizing a Kickstarter campaign, Italian businessmen Michaele Carniel and Alessandro Bressan launched the BeCue system in order to bring the next step in carbon composite technology to the pool cue market.

(https://www.kickstarter.com/project...technology-applied-to-pool-cues?ref=discovery)

Official Site: http://www.becueofficial.com/

https://m.facebook.com/Becueofficial/

I was pointed in their direction from a previous thread on these forums…..
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=439294&highlight=becue


What struck me as different was that fact that these two cuemakers both came onto Az Billiards to answer some questions and interact with the members. I was very impressed into their steps to reach out to the market – the average players in the world – you and I on this forum to recruit us to not only become part of the team but to get all the feedback they can in order to make their product better.

I responded in kind and spent a while researching their websites and videos on the BeCue system, then I made contact with Alessandro and Michael, had some back and forth in regards to BeCue and in-depth discussions on the creation and performance of their carbon composite formula.

Needless to say, I was sold and I jumped on as a backer to their Kickstarter campaign. I’m convinced that competition in any industry is healthy. In the billiards industry – it’s very much needed to keep innovation and the best interests of the players held as a top priority. I’m a wood shaft preferred player, but as a serious pool fanatic, I’m 100% behind adding new technologies to the sport and with an open mind, I’m always willing to try anything – but as long as the player’s best interests are held first and foremost.

Predator did not convince me with the Revo shaft because of the large diameter and hefty pricetag for an experiment – that’s a lot to ask. Had Predator kicked off a small kickstarter campaign offering the Revo at half the price for a limited time to let players have an opportunity to try it out and give feedback – well, that would have just made good business sense and earned my business. Instead, I found myself skeptical of the Revo.

So here comes BeCue – with a more realistic shaft diameter, better looking white color, adjustable weights, dent free carbon composite material – and all for the half off kickstarter campaign price. Not a bad gamble for a pool start-up.

With one week to go, BeCue has 26 backers from 8 different countries.
I have no doubt the funds will drop into place by next week – and BeCue will be brought to the market (at the Super Billiards Expo 2017). I know many on here have found interest into the carbon fiber shaft technology and maybe want to give it a try but not break the bank while doing so – here is your chance. The cuemakers will be gracious for your business and welcome your feedback (positive and negative) and utilize it to bring out the best in them.

There is a wealth of information at their kickstarter site….
https://www.kickstarter.com/project...technology-applied-to-pool-cues?ref=discovery

https://m.facebook.com/Becueofficial/

Lots of images and videos, and a list of the different packages you can sign up for through the kickstarter website.


With one week to go, I wanted to interview the two cuemakers to get some more in-depth details on BeCue system by asking some questions I had when doing my initial research. Rest assured, both Michele and Alessandro are members on this forum and I am sure they will visit to answer any and all questions you might have – and in doing so increase the learning and enjoyment into this wonderful sport.

********** UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE************************

With BeCue starting to reach the hands of players, the reviews of AZ members are starting to come in.
Here are some links to other reviews and threads.....

Merek: http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=446014

Tony Longoni: http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=448262

Cardigan Kid: http://forums.azbilliards.com/showpost.php?p=5824066&postcount=93

Tate (a short version of the full review) http://forums.azbilliards.com/showpost.php?p=5824310&postcount=99

Hawaiian Eye: http://forums.azbilliards.com/showpost.php?p=5833813&postcount=127

Mr. Bond: http://forums.azbilliards.com/showpost.php?p=5835921&postcount=130

Agent 99: http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=456959

LWD (customer service review): http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=456861

MeeLosh: http://forums.azbilliards.com/showpost.php?p=5931913&postcount=27

gregnice37: http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=473361

jrctherake: http://forums.azbilliards.com/showpost.php?p=6134208&postcount=2

BmoreMoney: http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=473446

#########VIDEO OF BECUE############

https://youtu.be/X4XFrifuiZk

https://youtu.be/RuVz6OJLO_4

Luca Nicolletti match with BeCue: https://youtu.be/yCkCWoOQ7LA

https://youtu.be/fP4D2J19E_Q

https://youtu.be/diMHV3h1S3Q












Edit: New PrimeM shaft just hit the market....







AZ member Merek has a thread dedicated to PrimeM with reviews and photos here:
https://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=484106
 
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INTERVIEW:

Hi Ryan, thanks a lot for your questions, is a pleasure for us talk about our company and about our story. Behind us there is a story of passion, hard work and a bit of luck. It is also important to have a bit of luck when you embark on a new project.

1. What is your background in pool and cue production? What made you want to bring your education and expertise into the sport of pool?

Today we are two good amateur pool players with a past in tournaments and events and some titles. We have 20 years of passion in this sport and during this time we tested many of the cues on the market. However, the real turning point came when we decided to rely on a cuemaker to satisfy our desire to have a custom cue. This happened over 10 years ago. During that process we have followed step by step the entire process, from choosing the wood, to the way it was supposed to be working to get what each one of us wanted. We have therefore been able to appreciate the advantages and limits of this process. The result? Two aesthetically extraordinary cues, but with big performance limits. Certainly this could depend on the cumeaker, but through meetings with other players, we realized that they had also tried the same experience, even if they were entrusted to other cue makers. In short, the limits of wood, in particular the inability to precisely control his property, became evident. We wondered why pool is the only sport that has never really accepted the introduction of new technologies / materials.

The response has been cynical and clear: those who have tried to do it, have failed. Why?

Because the pool player, as well as the skier or golfer, do not care to have a tool that is eternal in time, but they want a tool that works and they want what works better than anything they have ever tried before.

Our challenge was immediately create something extraordinary, high performance, durability is just one more feature.


2. The carbon composite formula created for BeCue has been through a number of trials and testing. From start to prototype, how long did the process take?

The first prototype was made after a year, and it was something completely different from that is the cue today. The shaft had a different shape, was built with different materials and even built with another process. Why we changed? Simple, it didn't work. As it didn’t work the second, the third and many others... Only after many attempts, we began to realize where we were wrong.

Unfortunately, when you work with these materials starting from scratch, you have to not only study but also try, this is why prototyping, in fact, is never over until we achieved our objective, namely a year ago, when the first Becue, as it is today, was produced.

After this stage we started to test the cue again, trying to put it in all game situations and possible stress. After this year we said: ok the cue is ready!


3. Is the carbon composite material dent and warp resistant?

Synthetic fibers are both dent and warp resistant - they maintain their physical and mechanical characteristics (unchanged over time) while the wood over time tends to lose them becoming less performing.

Obviously, the paint that is used for finishing is not absolute dent resistant (if hit with a hammer....), the white coat used for the shaft is commonly used in naval and aerospace works, and it provides an excellent grade of shock resistance (no problem for the normal shocks that happen in the game of pool around the table), the clear coat used for butt could be damaged by a shock exactly as in a wooden butt, but of course the carbon structure remains always intact, no risk of it being damaged.


4. With the carbon composite material being lighter than wood, how is BeCue weighted in the shaft? BeCue also features an adjustable weight system for the butt, and is the butt pre-weighted to give it an initial weight (similar to a wood constructed butt)?

This is a very important question. Yes, carbon composite material is lighter than wood. This is the reason why in our cue we combined carbon, titanium and stainless steel adjusting the dimensions of any single component to get the right weight. It’s very important, in addition to get the right weight, distribute it correctly. The search for materials, was for us a very long and arduous process, because in addition to being valuable and aesthetic, they also had to be functional to our goal.

For the balancing system, we did even more, we have patented something unique, a system that allows it to be modified in a few seconds and, if desired, also by hand, without the use of screwdrivers or keys.

All the cues are built with an initial weight of 19 oz. , with Leonardo Balance System you can increase it up to 21 oz using weights from 0.5 oz., 1 oz., 1.5 oz., to 2 oz.


5. BeCue shaft size is initially being produced at 11.8mm at the ferrule. Why did you decide on 11.8mm? Do you forsee the ability to create alternative sizes to accommodate different players preferences?

The size 11.8 mm at the ferrule, it is precisely the result of years of study and prototyping. Naturally the reduction of the mass on the ferrule is essential to produce a cue that among its features has the low deflection, for us is the perfect fit in relation to the materials used and the shape of the shaft. We can also create a different size, customized on request of the player, but we do not recommend, because we have obtained the best results with the size 11,8.

In the event of requests for customization, the shaft with the 11.8 dimension will have to be purchased as well. The custom shaft will not be branded with the 5.1

To try and give each player what they want is our mission and, where possible, we'll try to do it. We know how many sacrifices, and how much effort each player puts to find the favorite attitude.
In the same way we must, as a company, carry forward the results of our studies and efficacy of our products.


6. BeCue features a white shaft and not the typical black color of carbon composite. Are there any details into the varnish used to create the neutral white color? What is the feel of the shaft and can it be sanded?

It's a coating used in shipbuilding and aerospace, the feeling is very similar to wood, and in our opinion is very good on the fingers and it offers a perfect smoothness, in any case, if a player wants, the shaft can be sanded with a 1500/2000 grit sandpaper to make it even smoother.

Moreover some players who collaborated at the project, noted a faster visual fatigue using the black shaft. The white color also helps to give a unique and sophisticated design.

Closing:

I would also like to thank you on behalf of myself and all the staff Becue, for us it is really important to talk about our product with other players. I would also like to say one last thing, if all these technical reasons are not enough to buy a Becue cue, a valid reason may be this: this is a pool cue made by pool players, driven by passion and love for this sport.

Every dollar used to finance the project came from our pockets. We have always believed in what we were doing, and after long years we finally reached our goal. To achieve this goal we have sacrificed many things but it was so worth it, because, in our opinion, and of many players who have already purchased, we have achieved a higher result than what we had set ourselves.

We can also say that we have a standby agreement with two major international players, who have tried the cue and they loved it. But we would like to try to do something differently, we would like to invest more on researching new products (which we are already preparing ... in a few months we will present the break and the jump that we are already testing). But to do this we also need the trust of the players.

For this reason, we hope that the kickstarter campaign reaches the goal. We are confident. In the case of achieving the objective, all the proceeds will be used to cover part of the expenses necessary to the production and to participate in international events promotion, like the Super Billiard Expo next year.

For further information or questions please email me.

I'm sorry for my english ... this is surely one of the things to improve ...

Ciao

Alessandro

dd6ce5dba1.jpg


dd6cc66a0e.jpg


dd6ca9c398.jpg
 
Thanks a lot for your questions Ryan.
It's a pleasure for us talking about our products.
We have many years of work and sacrifice behind it that we really need the support of the players. This pool cue and this company, are made by players for players.
We are trying to do something different, with the sole purpose to give to the players the best possible gaming experience with a low deflection cue!
We are enthusiastic about the feedback we are receiving from players!
But we still need a little push on kickstarter, to reach the goal and to meet you all at the next SUPER BILLIARDS EXPO!

Below you can see the video just released regarding our patent Leonardo Balance System
https://youtu.be/5nRC69dQm3w
https://youtu.be/5nRC69dQm3w

We are available to all to reply to every question!


Alessandro
 
Last edited:
Squirt etc.

I am on the road this morning but Id like to look into this in depth. I just did a study of squirt etc that went on into a formula for it to include different cue types. I will be back to comment later.
 
The issue I have always had with non-wood shafts it that the feedback is like you are hitting with a lead pipe more than a cue. Waiting for some testing for that more than just basic deflection numbers.
 
hang-the-9 said:
The issue I have always had with non-wood shafts it that the feedback is like you are hitting with a lead pipe more than a cue. Waiting for some testing for that more than just basic deflection numbers.
Click to expand...

Yes the problem of feeling and feedback during the shots are an important issue with non-wood cues.
We work hard for give to the players a comfortable sensation and a good feeling from the first shot. We are sure about that because the playability and the good feeling is a plus that every tester players have found in our cue.
During the shots you have a very full and filling sound.

As I have said on previous occasions, probably not all players will love our cues, but this will not be for the feeling, perhaps will depend on the preference to play with cues no anti deflection.

What we have seen in recent years, however, is a trend on anti deflection technology, this is why we tried to make it in the best way available.

Alessandro
 
Reads like. Pledge 600 get 350 of suggested retail?? (donate $250 ??? )

Extensions?
 
Last edited:
Cardigan Kid said:
dd6d1d7e0f.jpg


It’s not too often that our sport gets treated to the term “start-up”. In places like Silicon Valley, the Entertainment Industry, even Pharmaceuticals, start-up companies pop up all the time to test the their various markets with a product they hope will take hold and become the future. In the pocket billiards industry – any and all start-up’s would certainly inject fresh perspectives and much-needed energy into a sport that needs all the help it can to move forward into the future.

In the last few months, utilizing a Kickstarter campaign, Italian businessmen Michaele Carniel and Alessandro Bressan launched the BeCue system in order to bring the next step in carbon composite technology to the pool cue market.

(https://www.kickstarter.com/project...technology-applied-to-pool-cues?ref=discovery)

Official Site: http://www.becueofficial.com/en/home.html

I was pointed in their direction from a previous thread on these forums…..
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=439294&highlight=becue

dd6cd8346a.jpg


What struck me as different was that fact that these two cuemakers both came onto Az Billiards to answer some questions and interact with the members. I was very impressed into their steps to reach out to the market – the average players in the world – you and I on this forum to recruit us to not only become part of the team but to get all the feedback they can in order to make their product better.

I responded in kind and spent a while researching their websites and videos on the BeCue system, then I made contact with Alessandro and Michael, had some back and forth in regards to BeCue and in-depth discussions on the creation and performance of their carbon composite formula.

Needless to say, I was sold and I jumped on as a backer to their Kickstarter campaign. I’m convinced that competition in any industry is healthy. In the billiards industry – it’s very much needed to keep innovation and the best interests of the players held as a top priority. I’m a wood shaft preferred player, but as a serious pool fanatic, I’m 100% behind adding new technologies to the sport and with an open mind, I’m always willing to try anything – but as long as the player’s best interests are held first and foremost.

Predator did not convince me with the Revo shaft because of the large diameter and hefty pricetag for an experiment – that’s a lot to ask. Had Predator kicked off a small kickstarter campaign offering the Revo at half the price for a limited time to let players have an opportunity to try it out and give feedback – well, that would have just made good business sense and earned my business. Instead, I found myself skeptical of the Revo.

So here comes BeCue – with a more realistic shaft diameter, better looking white color, adjustable weights, dent free carbon composite material – and all for the half off kickstarter campaign price. Not a bad gamble for a pool start-up.

With one week to go, BeCue has 26 backers from 8 different countries.
I have no doubt the funds will drop into place by next week – and BeCue will be brought to the market (at the Super Billiards Expo 2017). I know many on here have found interest into the carbon fiber shaft technology and maybe want to give it a try but not break the bank while doing so – here is your chance. The cuemakers will be gracious for your business and welcome your feedback (positive and negative) and utilize it to bring out the best in them.

There is a wealth of information at their kickstarter site….
https://www.kickstarter.com/project...technology-applied-to-pool-cues?ref=discovery

Lots of images and videos, and a list of the different packages you can sign up for through the kickstarter website.

dd6cf229d5.jpg


dd6d340af5.jpg


dd6d0bc757.jpg


dd6cf229d5.jpg


dd6d003fb0.jpg


With one week to go, I wanted to interview the two cuemakers to get some more in-depth details on BeCue system by asking some questions I had when doing my initial research. Rest assured, both Michele and Alessandro are members on this forum and I am sure they will visit to answer any and all questions you might have – and in doing so increase the learning and enjoyment into this wonderful sport.
Click to expand...


Would you do what OB and a few cuemakers did, donating a few sample of your prototype cues to be passed around to Azers to test drive it for feedbacks and response n also to gather more sales

Im sure this is a fantastic way to market and advertise your product becoz the best form of marketing is still by word of mouth.

Good luck :)
 
336Robin said:
I am on the road this morning but Id like to look into this in depth. I just did a study of squirt etc that went on into a formula for it to include different cue types. I will be back to comment later.
Click to expand...

I also lok forward to spending more time in this thread.

Carbon fiber surely hads graet potential, virtually unexplored in the realm of cue sports.

Best of luck with your efforts, gentlemen. Welcome to the azb.
 
spidermik said:
Thanks a lot for your questions Ryan.
It's a pleasure for us talking about our products.
We have many years of work and sacrifice behind it that we really need the support of the players. This pool cue and this company, are made by players for players.
We are trying to do something different, with the sole purpose to give to the players the best possible gaming experience with a low deflection cue!
We are enthusiastic about the feedback we are receiving from players!
But we still need a little push on kickstarter, to reach the goal and to meet you all at the next SUPER BILLIARDS EXPO!

Below you can see the video just released regarding our patent Leonardo Balance System
https://youtu.be/5nRC69dQm3w
https://youtu.be/5nRC69dQm3w

We are available to all to reply to every question!


Alessandro
Click to expand...

So I am curious, which top quality professional players have you employed for testing and feedback?
Which players have responded well/not well?
How long have you allowed anyone to test or review the cue?
How will you prove their testimony?
What are your patent numbers that are usually found on patented items, or even pending items?
What makes this cue different that what has been tried before?


As someone who I believe is very interested in this product and likes to play pool and is within your target demographic, I would like to see more independently verifiable information considering you are asking for funding on kickstarter.

Not to be coarse, but these are the questions that I would need answered before I could part with my hard earned money.

Thank you and I look forward to your reply.
 
Cezar Morales said:
Would you do what OB and a few cuemakers did, donating a few sample of your prototype cues to be passed around to Azers to test drive it for feedbacks and response n also to gather more sales

Im sure this is a fantastic way to market and advertise your product becoz the best form of marketing is still by word of mouth.

Good luck :)
Click to expand...


Thanks a lot for your suggestion, we are making this launch campaign with pool cues at half price to get this. We are sure that the cues sold in this period will be good publicity!
We are trying to give the opportunity at all to have one at an advantageous price
The judgment of the players has always been for us the engine of our work!
We are pleased with the response of the players!
Thanks a lot!
 
Jawzcue said:
So I am curious, which top quality professional players have you employed for testing and feedback?
Which players have responded well/not well?
How long have you allowed anyone to test or review the cue?
How will you prove their testimony?
What are your patent numbers that are usually found on patented items, or even pending items?
What makes this cue different that what has been tried before?


As someone who I believe is very interested in this product and likes to play pool and is within your target demographic, I would like to see more independently verifiable information considering you are asking for funding on kickstarter.

Not to be coarse, but these are the questions that I would need answered before I could part with my hard earned money.

Thank you and I look forward to your reply.
Click to expand...



Thanks a lot for your questions
1. which top quality professional players have you employed for testing and feedback?
As I wrote, we can't tell the names, because they are sponsored from other company and they did it only like a pleasure and for the love for this sport, and I hope because they understand our mission and also because they know that the composite cue will be a big part of the market. But one thing I can tell... probably on Febrary/March, you will see a big name with our cue, we are talking about that but it's not easy we are, now, a little company.
Which players have responded well/not well?
About the feeling and sensation during the game we have very good response from all. We have seen that the players who have appreciated more our cues are the players that already came from no deflection cue and they were watching for something more.

How long have you allowed anyone to test or review the cue?
The final version of our stick is available from one year. So our player test are playng from this time.

How will you prove their testimony?
They are writing on facebook, sharing the project etc

What are your patent numbers that are usually found on patented items, or even pending items?

102016000105555 and 102016000105571

What makes this cue different that what has been tried before?
It's completely made by composite material but give to the player a very comfortable sensation, very cool design, absolutely revolutionary balance system. It is built with materials of absolute value, model sneaky pete It is not painted but airbrushed by hand. Our cue does not work miracles but It does what it have to do, it is a no deflection cue and it do it very well, this isn't an opinion, it is what the cue do.
Please take a look on our youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4isQrMh-ZQcXfw-v1HXARQ

If I can tell you more please write me, it's very important for us give you all the info you need.

Thanks a lot!
Alessandro
 
spidermik said:
Thanks a lot for your questions

It is built with materials of absolute value, model sneaky pete It is not painted but airbrushed by hand.

Thanks a lot!
Alessandro
Click to expand...

:angel2: airbrushing is no longer painting... hmmm. :angel2:

:tongue: :tongue: :tongue: I interpreted that to mean "it is not just simply painted on, or a decal, it is airbrushed by hand"

Interesting product. I appreciate you taking the the time to answer these questions. Best of luck.
 
Last edited:
spidermik said:
I don't think so, if what you say is correct would not exist companies such as Ferrari.
A copy is always different from the original!
Click to expand...

There's a huge difference between a pool cue and a Ferrari. LOL.
Verl Horn made such great copies of Balabuska cues that many people who think they have a Buska really have a Horn.
 
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