Wow, lots of recent stuff. Sorry, guys, I was crazy busy the last few days, unable to check on responses here.
Random comments based on recent contributions:
- I have a house table: 9' Goldenwest that is about 15 (?) years old. I refinished it a few years ago. 3-piece slate, plays pretty evenly. Cushions are not quite as lively as the tables I've played in league, but not so bad where I say "yeesh, those are dead". Simonis 860.
- Aramith balls (IIRC, the "better" of their offerings).
- Appreciate the comments on my HPDE car analogy. I wasn't really professing that the Civic driver shouldn't upgrade to a Corvette; it will probably make him/her faster, but will it make them any closer to the car's full potential? Equipment can mask even fundamental mistakes (as far as lap times).
- My original question wasn't whether I should upgrade; I know at some point I should. My question was when. Again, using the car analogy, yes, I could upgrade to the Corvette, and smile at the fact that my lap times went way down, but am I any closer to realizing the car's potential?
So, here's a good description of my skills:
- I miss. A lot.
- I am streaky. One night I can play pretty well; others I suck. And I'm not talking playing poorly because of position play, or clanging balls in and out of pockets. Some nights I miss, and miss badly. so I know it's a matter of fundamentals.
- I recently watched a video suggested here (OMG, I can't believe I can't remember who it was, shame on me) that was describing the difference in backstroke between an amateur player and a pro: the former was 0.4-0.8 seconds; the pro was 1.2-1.8 seconds. I tried slowing down my backstroke and it was like magic. I was so more consistent. But still not very good. This vid also gave pointers on stance. I am still trying to get used to it. While I am trying to follow it to the letter, at some point I understand I am to modify its technique to fit my body style, and my comfort, but only after I have adapted it to the point where I know it will or won't work for me.
- I notice a large difference between a house cue and the Ames I have. But given that I can find myself stroking poorly, playing with the Ames or a Meucci, or a house cue won't make a hill of beans difference, if I am playing center-hit shots on the CB all night and still missing badly.
I don't want to come off as a total newbie, although my handicap levels seem to indicate so. I try to be a student of whatever endeavor I am involved in, so I try to learn technique (which is why I absolutely refuse to get into golf. I know it will make me crazy). I understand the game, try to be objective about what I need to learn. I understand English; strategy; deflection; and maybe even some of the finer nuances (like BHE/FHE). BUT my execution of fundamentals can be so spotty (so I'm working on that). But because my fundamentals need work, my original question. Again, not whether, but when to invest in Really Good Equipment.
Either way, I know it's time at the table. (Or to perpetuate the car analogy, seat time.)
I have a feeling I'll "just know" when it will (or is) time to upgrade equipment. Right now my instincts are telling me "get a better aim and stroke" and hold off on equipment for a while.
Again, I thank all those who have posted sincerely trying to help. Most appreciated!
