Unreasonable?

[stljohnny]

Sorry for double-posting this - for anyone also at cuetable.com; but I'm curious to hear people's reactions.

I posted an entry on my blog basically ranting about bar-boxes in relation to a tournament I played in over the holiday break. Here's the important blurb:

Now, as a precursor, it's entirely possible that my experiences are not the normal experiences. I realize that there are levels of quality in all things and I recognize that my particular location isn't exactly high-up on the scale. However, some things are unforgettable/unforgivable.

I have never seen balls as nicked up, filthy, dented as the balls that were on these tables. The tables were the standard 7ft coin-operated tables; but they clearly were assembled as quickly as possible as there is no way they were tested for accuracy or balance. The foot rail made a clink/thud sound when you tried to bank off it; something both my opponent and myself commented on. The rail was dead. It wasn't the only one, but it was the worst.

...

It's precisely things like this which keep me from entering a league - I refuse to play on such low quality equipment. This is a hobby and I won't force myself to play on anything I don't want to play on. And no, I don't think I'm being unreasonable.

If you want to read the rest of the gory details, the full entry is here.

I really would like to hear about other people's experiences in similar circumstances.

 

[center pocket]

I understand completely. Playing 8 ball you can only run out 30% of the time. And when you do, Every shot has to be struck firm. Well when you need to play a good safety, good luck! I will aim for half ball hit and try to roll the ball and miss completely giving my opponent ball in hand! I quit playing in the league for this reason. Now if they played nine ball, I would still play.

 

[Blue Hog ridr]

I've played on some bar boxes where the owners kept fairly good care of them, but, I think thats the norm for most. Cruddy balls where you can scrape the dirt off them with a car key, dead rails and ripped cloth. People get tired of the upkeep only to have their tables trashed in a couple of weeks again.

 

[12310bch]

Wow! Shuda used inside enlish Johnyt.

I haven't played in a league since leaving LA but in that league they would not have tolerated the conditions you describe. I don't blame you for your rant.
Please PM me the location so I don't waste my time going there.

 

[watchez]

I beat AJ Clemons on those tables. I think they play great.

 

[dlabout]

That sounds like my former home bar. The foot rail had been installed improperly and had about a 1/4 inch gap where it met the bed. When you shot the cue ball hard into it you could get the cue ball to wedge under the foot rail. I would play the lag from the wrong side and thump it hard and watch my opponent's shock when the ball wedge up under the rail. No beating that lag! LOL. Of course I would re-lag but it was a great way to let the opposing team know what kind of table they were on. Needless to say I've moved on. I'm on big tables these days and have to admit it has taken some adjustment.

 

[John Biddle]

That sounds like my former home bar. The foot rail had been installed improperly and had about a 1/4 inch gap where it met the bed. When you shot the cue ball hard into it you could get the cue ball to wedge under the foot rail. I would play the lag from the wrong side and thump it hard and watch my opponent's shock when the ball wedge up under the rail. No beating that lag! LOL. Of course I would re-lag but it was a great way to let the opposing team know what kind of table they were on. Needless to say I've moved on. I'm on big tables these days and have to admit it has taken some adjustment.

That has to be one of the funniest pool stories I've ever read. Thanks for adding a moment of joy to an otherwise crappy day!