The "new" 9-ball: Changing the game to reflect the new equipment

[crosseyedjoe]

Superman handlebars has the rider stretched-out (as though flying like Superman) to make the rider more aero-dynamic. I mean, there have been tons of improvements to bicycles over the years (material being just one of them) yet the powers-that-be still feel that the general shape of the bike should remain unchanged.

True, considering the results of the time trial stages in tour-de-france, the riders who are really good usually win, and the time "shaved" from previous tours is not really as astronomical as 200%.

 

[Jude Rosenstock]

True, considering the results of the time trial stages in tour-de-france, the riders who are really good usually win, and the time "shaved" from previous tours is not really as astronomical as 200%.

Here is something I found on superman position in biking -

http://www.wolfgang-menn.de/superpos.htm

Our jump-cue debate has a lot of similarities to something like this.

 

[crosseyedjoe]

Here is something I found on superman position in biking -

http://www.wolfgang-menn.de/superpos.htm

Our jump-cue debate has a lot of similarities to something like this.

I think this is more comparable to a better shooting position than the equipment itself.

 

[Jude Rosenstock]

I think this is more comparable to a better shooting position than the equipment itself.

This is a change in equipment that caused a dramatic change in the sport. That's the parallel.

 

[PoolSharkAllen]

Here is something I found on superman position in biking -

http://www.wolfgang-menn.de/superpos.htm

Our jump-cue debate has a lot of similarities to something like this.

Yes, it does. I brought up cycling and yacht racing as two examples where athletes can acquire an advantage by having better equipment.

Applying this reasoning to playing pool, if someone were to invent a lighter break cue (say 14 oz.), that allows a player to break significantly better than its predecessors but with the same accuracy, many pool players would buy it immediately if they think it will give them an edge over other players.

Some people think that the OB-1 shaft is a significant advancement over shafts on on the market. While that is debatable, let's assume that it actually is. Pool players will buy it if it will give them an edge.

Ditto for jump cues. If I can pocket a ball using a jump cue or at least make contact with the object ball, I have an incentive to do so if I think that it will accomplish more than just kicking at it.

 

[crosseyedjoe]

This is a change in equipment that caused a dramatic change in the sport. That's the parallel.

True, but unlike jump-cue, the new handle bar only brings out what is already there, a better aerodynamic position. It doesn't really make you pedal faster, it just allows the rider to maximize every stride.


Maybe the real question is should we have performance enhancement cap on new pool equipment once they mature?

 

[poolchic]

No ball in hand. That should be a new rule i.m.o.

 

[Jude Rosenstock]

Yes, it does. I brought up cycling and yacht racing as two example where athletes can acquire an advantage by having better equipment.

Applying this reasoning in playing pool, it someone were to invent a lighter break cue (say 14 oz.), that allows a player to break significantly better than its predecessors but with the same accuracy, many pool players would buy it immediately if they think it will give them an edge over other players.

Some people think that the OB-1 shaft is a significant advancement over shafts on on the market. While that is debatable, let's assume that it actually is. Pool players will buy it if it will give them an edge.

Ditto for jump cues. If I can pocket a ball using a jump cue, I have an incentive to do so if I think that it will accomplish more than just merely kicking at it.

Absolutely. You've said nothing that doesn't make sense here. The question is, where do we draw the line? We can't allow everything and yet we don't want pool to become completely stagnant, either. How do we keep things fresh while maintaining a sense of tradition? Where do we allow change and what should remain the same?

 

[jimmy-leggs]

O.k. NOW........
I'm not going to read every post on here cause it would take me too long.So ,what I understand so far from this thread you are talking about jump cues.So heres my 2 cents..............
1)Jumps cues ARE part of the game,whether you want them,know how to use them or don't like them.IT'S PARTOF THE GAME.It's like learning how to KICK shot's when your safetied.If you can't kick or use a jump cue you BETTER learn or you will lose.IT'S PART OF THE GAME.
2)Someone mentioned "well.they don't use them in snooker".Well, snooker is a different game than 8 or 9 ball, is'nt it.
3)Thats what I love so much about this game,the safety aspect of it.Like playing chess,so tactical.If you don't have a shot you run and hide until you do.Thats what I love about watching a good safety,where its played snug up to a another ball or balls so the player can't jump or kick.IT'S PART OF THE GAME.
SO if you can't perfect the kick or jump shot or don't like that aspect of the game,then maybe you should go back to the bar and become a BANGER.

By any means I not a master at both, BUT IT'S PART OF THE GAME.

 

[VIProfessor]

I don't think people who MAKE or SELL jump cues can have a totally unbiased opinion, John. Sorry.

I neither make, sell, advertise or any other way profit from the sale or manufacture of jump cues, and I agree with John 100%. A player who has not developed the SKILL of jumping with accuracy and control will actually give an advantage to his opponent by using the jump cue because he/she will sell out more times than not. The inescapable fact is that jumping is a part of the modern game of 9-ball, and if all other things are equal, the player who has the equipment AND knows how to use it properly will have the advantage. Period.