What's going on with pool equipment?

[skor]

Instroke still makes great tube cases. I really like their 3x7. They are quite low on stock everywhere and I was lucky to get Nielson's last one...

I have a 3x7 Instroke Premier for over 15 years to store cues, and I have the original Predator case that was made by Instroke as my everyday case. I like their leather cases, but I don't like the position of the strap, and the long pouch is not long enough to accommodate modern jump cues. It looks like none of the cue cases are ready for those except those soft cases.

Another thing to consider is all the new-age rubbery-type grips that don't go well with snag lining in cases; I guess that's why cue makers that offer cases like Predator went with thinner dividers.

My guess is that in the future we will see more and more cues that are fully composite or made of CF without any wood in them, so high protective cases will be a thing of the past as well. This will mean that you would be able to get a full set of a play cue, break cue, jump cue, and a case of decent quality for less than $1000, unless it's from Predator, which will have their marketing department make you think that a $3000 set with a cat logo will perform better.

 

[wacokid9ball]

JB has some cases always available to order. I have one on the way; not sure I'll use it other than for storage. I still prefer the tube-style case, and I still have the original Predator case in great condition; it just lacks a bit the ability to house a modern jump cue that comes in 3 pieces, and in some cases one is quite long, like the Cuetec Propel.

As for cues, it seems that every decent production cue is north of $400, and the nice-looking ones are over $1000, and that's before upgrading to a CF shaft. It feels like there is a gap in the $200 to $400 market that is filled with terrible Temu brands rather than decent quality brands like Lucasi used to be.

two hundred to four hundred is not much compared to just a few years back. Supply and demand is always there and always will be.

 

[rharm]

Nothing wrong with JB if you are into that type of padding, which is great for the cues, a bit less for the user in my opinion, but probably the only decent case made these days. And as I mentioned, I do have one on the way, but I'm not sure it'll be my everyday carry to the pool hall.

I love the classic instroke; what's wrong?

Well, try to fit a jump cue into it... They have the space to make the long pouch longer, but the design hasn't changed in 20 years since they added that side zipper for the old-style jump cue.

And for me, as a lefty, I would prefer the strap on the other side or at least at the centre of the back.

Gil Castillo makes some pretty good cases

 

[Paul_#_]

Besides CF shafts, it looks like nothing new in 15 years except fewer offerings for a lot more money.

That certainly seems correct regarding Revo. Predator sells practically the same Revo as was sold years ago. There has been much development in the spliced wood Predator shafts with a a third-generation 314 shaft produced but Revo? Not even a second-generation Revo. Others have caught up to Revo with Rhino taking the lead with its inexpensive very-long pro taper shaft available in many joint sizes.

There has been a development of a combination of carbon fiber and wood. That seems like a gimmick but players like them.

 

[Chopdoc]

For me the question is what is happening to US made products.

Sure, that shift has been going on for decades, but it's getting worse.

Sure, we have custom makers, but what about the manufacturers?

Thankfully you can get a Joss today for $267.

When people talk cues above, they mention Lucasi, Cuetec, etc?

Most of the products people are talking about above are made in Asia, mostly China.

 

[mjantti]

That certainly seems correct regarding Revo. Predator sells practically the same Revo as was sold years ago. There has been much development in the spliced wood Predator shafts with a a third-generation 314 shaft produced but Revo? Not even a second-generation Revo. Others have caught up to Revo with Rhino taking the lead with its inexpensive very-long pro taper shaft available in many joint sizes.

There has been a development of a combination of carbon fiber and wood. That seems like a gimmick but players like them.

Not usually defending the products but the latest Revos I have tried are much better than the original ones. No more clunky hollow steel pipe feeling, at least for me.

 

[trob]

For me the question is what is happening to US made products.

Sure, that shift has been going on for decades, but it's getting worse.

Sure, we have custom makers, but what about the manufacturers?

Thankfully you can get a Joss today for $267.

When people talk cues above, they mention Lucasi, Cuetec, etc?

Most of the products people are talking about above are made in Asia, mostly China.

I didn’t realize that you can get a joss that cheap.. I haven’t played joss or shon’s in decades. That will definitely become a cue that when asked what is a good starter Cue that’s I’ll tell them,.

 

[billiards_watch]

I want the color of money joss.

Can man get one for $500?

 

[sbrownn]

I want the color of money joss.

Can man get one for $500?

google is your friend: https://www.billiards.com/products/joss-jos-color-of-money-n7

maybe $500 used?

 

[billiards_watch]

google is your friend: https://www.billiards.com/products/joss-jos-color-of-money-n7

maybe $500 used?

Google can't find good deals or connections.

 

[sbrownn]

Google can't find good deals or connections.

it is all contextual. if the good deal or connections "seller" represents their inventory in a verbal and in person manner only, that's their choice and google has no info to serve up around their choice. the seller is limiting the exposure here, not google.

 

[Chopdoc]

Google can't find good deals or connections.

User error.

 

[Paul_#_]

Not usually defending the products but the latest Revos I have tried are much better than the original ones. No more clunky hollow steel pipe feeling, at least for me.

Although Predator has not introduced a new generation of Revo, maybe it did but didn't tell anyone? How else did it get rid of that sound? I suspect Predator replaced the foam but didn't advertise it. When did this happen? Why didn't Predator advertise it?

 

[Chopdoc]

I didn’t realize that you can get a joss that cheap.. I haven’t played joss or shon’s in decades. That will definitely become a cue that when asked what is a good starter Cue that’s I’ll tell them,.

Yes. Joss "limited series" cues for $267.75, covered here in the forum linked below. Google to find a selection of them from various sources.

Joss "Limited Series" cues

Greetings all. Joss is selling "limited series" cues on a couple pool supply warehouses. They're priced at $267.75 which is considerably lower than their norm. They aren't particularly attractive, but I've never played with a Joss and at that...

forums.azbilliards.com

 

[Bavafongoul]

I use my Ringtail Lizard 6x12 case Gil Castillo made for me and I wouldn’t change a thing about it’s design.

Just a great case which retired 3 Instroke hard leather cases (2x4 & two 3x7 cases). I also have 5- 6 single
and 2x4 other cases but my favorite is the 1st case I ever purchased. A gangster looking black violin case.

It’s a Palmer Deluxe Case (1x2) in great condition. Walking into pool halls in the 60’s and 70’s carrying a violin
style case was a sure way to get eyes focused on you as you removed your pool cue & started pocketing balls.

 

[billiards_watch]

For me the question is what is happening to US made products.

Sure, that shift has been going on for decades, but it's getting worse.

Sure, we have custom makers, but what about the manufacturers?

Thankfully you can get a Joss today for $267.

When people talk cues above, they mention Lucasi, Cuetec, etc?

Most of the products people are talking about above are made in Asia, mostly China.

Sadly this is how it has been but you are right because I see a shift of the market going there. Not just a few companies but a serious emphasis. Viking even has cues from China marketed as Valhalla.

 

[mjantti]

Although Predator has not introduced a new generation of Revo, maybe it did but didn't tell anyone? How else did it get rid of that sound? I suspect Predator replaced the foam but didn't advertise it. When did this happen? Why didn't Predator advertise it?

I have no idea when and how. What I do know that the first Revos I tested years ago felt the worst shafts I had ever tried. Now late last year I was looking for a first CF shaft ever for my cue and to my surprise the Revo felt the best being solid, hitting nicely and creating a lot of power (radial 12.4mm with white ferrule). Been playing with it for a couple of months now and I really like it. Well I had limited options as I needed a 30” shaft.

 

[Chopdoc]

Sadly this is how it has been but you are right because I see a shift of the market going there. Not just a few companies but a serious emphasis. Viking even has cues from China marketed as Valhalla.

Yes, and McDemott has the Star, Lucky and Element cues from Asia.

But it's worse than those observations. There is a product I would like to put out, and a component for it is required that needs to be prototyped. I am not going to invest in the manufacturing equipment and space needed to do it, at least I thought I would not. I have tried to get it in the US, but not only is it difficult, it's almost impossible, and severely cost prohibitive. There are several very competitive options in Asia, but I have decided until I can source that thing in the US, I will not do it. Last week I started looking at leases on small industrial spaces and the cost of the machinery to manufacture the component I need. We shall see.

I am glad Viking got rescued from closure. That really is huge. I am so glad they are in business. I do not fault them or McDermott for trying to supply their lower cost products by sourcing from Asia.

About ten years ago I won a beautiful full splice Predator off a guy playing 9 ball. I traded it for a C series McDermott and leather It's George tube case. Now I see that Predator model selling as 'Vintage" for stupid prices, apparently it's a hot item. Do I regret the trade? Heck no. And I sure don't see why that Predator is such a hot item. I find it about as inspiring as a good piece of Tupperware, which by the way is another US company that is now going away or gone.

 

[billiards_watch]

Yes, and McDemott has the Star, Lucky and Element cues from Asia.

But it's worse than those observations. There is a product I would like to put out, and a component for it is required that needs to be prototyped. I am not going to invest in the manufacturing equipment and space needed to do it, at least I thought I would not. I have tried to get it in the US, but not only is it difficult, it's almost impossible, and severely cost prohibitive. There are several very competitive options in Asia, but I have decided until I can source that thing in the US, I will not do it. Last week I started looking at leases on small industrial spaces and the cost of the machinery to manufacture the component I need. We shall see.

I am glad Viking got rescued from closure. That really is huge. I am so glad they are in business. I do not fault them or McDermott for trying to supply their lower cost products by sourcing from Asia.

About ten years ago I won a beautiful full splice Predator off a guy playing 9 ball. I traded it for a C series McDermott and leather It's George tube case. Now I see that Predator model selling as 'Vintage" for stupid prices, apparently it's a hot item. Do I regret the trade? Heck no. And I sure don't see why that Predator is such a hot item. I find it about as inspiring as a good piece of Tupperware, which by the way is another US company that is now going away or gone.

Your endeavors are certainly very interesting and with sincerity I wish you the best. Keep us updated without giving too much info about your product. Overseas could very well be an option if you want to get your product out there. I know there are moral and financial dilemmas but you may not have a choice if you want to see your idea come to fruition.

 

[JPB2]

For me the question is what is happening to US made products.

Sure, that shift has been going on for decades, but it's getting worse.

Sure, we have custom makers, but what about the manufacturers?

Thankfully you can get a Joss today for $267.

When people talk cues above, they mention Lucasi, Cuetec, etc?

Most of the products people are talking about above are made in Asia, mostly China.

IMO Meucci is on the right track. They are sponsoring players and producing modern cues, some with throwback designs. Not everyone loves them, but my opinion is that they have improved on the quality and service front. I see tons of their cues from 800-1200 or so that I think can give the 7 to the imports in the looks department. If they play good….(I think so and like the Pro shaft)

I’d like to see McDermott do some C and D series throwbacks with modern shafts.