Was Butt to Shaft Extensions a fad with the Pro's

I'd have to say it's either a gimmick or fad for one reason - coming up all the top players seemed to run out just fine, if not better than those of today EVEN WITHOUT any type of extensions.
 
I'd have to say it's either a gimmick or fad for one reason - coming up all the top players seemed to run out just fine, if not better than those of today EVEN WITHOUT any type of extensions.

I look at it like this, and I mean no disrespect to anyone. Need to say that first.... lol

If you look at the current poll about whether the you of today would beat the you of last year...... more than 50% of the responders answered "I would win by a lot"
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=404003

My honest opinion is that people are not honest with themselves. Unless they really sucked last year, how could 50%+ of responders make that much of an improvement that they would "win by a lot"? Its not logical. The numbers don't necessarily reflect reality.

I think when people buy stuff like the joint extensions, $25 cubes of chalk, etc etc etc, some feel the need to justify the cost in their own head, and some lie to themselves at that point. Then there are the ones who will bear down more when trying a new cue or extension etc, and think that any improvement is due to the cue/chalk/extension etc vs the added focus. This type of improvement usually dies down when the focus goes back to normal.

Again, its just my opinion, but Im usually right, so there you go...... :grin-angelic:
 
I waited for the "fad" part to be over. Then I bought a balance rite and gave it a serious try for a few months. It's okay, not magic. I'm going to keep using it because I like the extra length. It's that simple.
Joe
 
Just picked one up, like trying different things. First impression feels good to me. Also I am just under 6' 4", as long as it doesn't hurt my game I'll probably keep using it. .
 
Wow

I look at it like this, and I mean no disrespect to anyone. Need to say that first.... lol

If you look at the current poll about whether the you of today would beat the you of last year...... more than 50% of the responders answered "I would win by a lot"
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=404003

My honest opinion is that people are not honest with themselves. Unless they really sucked last year, how could 50%+ of responders make that much of an improvement that they would "win by a lot"? Its not logical. The numbers don't necessarily reflect reality.

I think when people buy stuff like the joint extensions, $25 cubes of chalk, etc etc etc, some feel the need to justify the cost in their own head, and some lie to themselves at that point. Then there are the ones who will bear down more when trying a new cue or extension etc, and think that any improvement is due to the cue/chalk/extension etc vs the added focus. This type of improvement usually dies down when the focus goes back to normal.

Again, its just my opinion, but Im usually right, so there you go...... :grin-angelic:

Great points on the greater focus when trying new stuff. I am guilty as charged and completely agree.

Thanks
 
I use a 2.5" butt to shaft extension and have been for about 2 years. I started using it because I saw Mika, Jayson, Zion, WIlkie, Corr and other pro's using one. Now I see almost no pro's using one with the exception of Wilkie and Corr.. I see a lot of local players using them but the pro's are now back to no extensions with a few exceptions.

I'm going to try my cue for the first time in a long while without the extension.

Do you think it was a passing fad with the pro's? I would appreciate any opinions.

Thanks

Wedge

Personally I think it takes a great player, like Earl to handle that much wood. I remember back in the early 70's a room owner (Leroy Font) had acquired a couple Balabuskas. Leroy was the owner a bowling alley/billiard room here in town. Both those cues were Steve Mizeraks at one time and bother were over 60'' w/o a insert. Personally I think it takes an exceptional player with an exceptional Swing.... to handle a cue over 60''s and perform better than they can with the shorter cues. I could be wrong but I doubt it.
 
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I was encouraged by my coach to get a longer cue, and he pointed to the top of my shoulder where a cue should end if standing next to you. My cue was falling short and my arms were not natural on the cue.

I started playing with a balance rite and it's been the best six months ever since I made the switch. If I had the opportunity, a custom cue would probably be built to suit me personally. Recently in an ESPN interview Thorsten stated he could play with a cue off the wall but not at the top level he plays at with his custom cue (I believe his shaft is a custom built one). So pros could have used them to see what a longer cue was like, then had their sponsor build a longer cue?

I'm 6'2" on height with longer arms so I think I found what works for me.
 
Played in the 8 ball league with one for the first time last night. Overall impression was that it felt good, but a bit heavy. At this time i don't see any reason not to use one. I think you tend to end up with a slightly longer bridge but it does seem very steady. We do play on 9' tables if that makes any difference.
 
Played in the 8 ball league with one for the first time last night. Overall impression was that it felt good, but a bit heavy. At this time i don't see any reason not to use one. I think you tend to end up with a slightly longer bridge but it does seem very steady.



We do play on 9' tables if that makes any difference.

Yep, my thinking is, bar tables are like par three golf courses and don't need the Big Bertha to move whitey around.

How about Earls cue length that he used to beat SVB on the 10 footer. He had the right tool for the job.

What we all tho could be hitting on is this....and this is the first time I've thought of it but.....just maybe the cue mfg. should start making two/piece cues....not three ;) 59''....and it will still fit in all cues cases, and ya won't lose that 1'' extension ever :).

I had my Zamboti at 60'' for years since everyone told me I should have a longer cue because of my height (I'm 6'6''). So I tried it. It was too long because I hold the cue butt at the Pause position (Set/Pause/Finish) Goettlicher terminology....waaay....forward of my elbow in the pause position, almost like Jack Hines....the roadie bar table player. By holding my cue this way, I found I have Waaaaaaaaaaay too much weight rearward.
 
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