I actually got a message from Dennis Searing, years ago, that covered this exact topic. He was the guy that made Miz’s cues. I used to play with a lighter, phenolic jointed big pin cue. After hearing Dennis’ theories on cues, I switched to a SS jointed forward balanced cue, that was around the 19.5-20oz mark. I was picking up what he was putting down. Haven’t gone back.
I actually got a message from Dennis Searing, years ago, that covered this exact topic. He was the guy that made Miz’s cues. I used to play with a lighter, phenolic jointed big pin cue. After hearing Dennis’ theories on cues, I switched to a SS jointed forward balanced cue, that was around the 19.5-20oz mark. I was picking up what he was putting down. Haven’t gone back.
My mentor was a very strong player.
His peak was in the 1930's, and like a lot of players back then..... he used fake names so he could get action.
His real name was Ralf Henson.
He beat Kenneth James to death in everything they played.
Kenneth James was one of Mizerack's closest friends from his college days. Kenneth owned a pool room in Athens Alabama. Steve spent a LOT of time in that room just hitting balls with Kenneth.
When the Mizz was in college, he and Kenneth became very close and spent many, many hours playing together in Athens and surrounding areas.
Ralf never got to play the Mizz. By the time the Mizz came alone, Ralf's game had fell a lot due to health reasons and age. He was 34 years older than the Mizz.
I watched Ralf spot Kenneth the 6-out in 9 ball and beat him like a rented mule for a good amount per game.
Kenneth told me the Mizz gave him the 7-out and stayed close. That tells you just how strong Ralf was.
Ralf had a bad drinking problem.... really bad. If not for the drink, I seriously believe that Ralf Henson would be known as one of the greats from yesteryear.
As we know, most players back then didn't eat or have a place to sleep if they didn't win. Ralf didn't miss a meal and more or less never had a job till his health got bad. At that point he had no choice... his game was a lot weaker.
Anyways, point is..... Ralf told me that if a player was really good at "straights" (as he called it), you could pretty much bet they preferred forward balanced cues.
We have to remember though, what they considered forward balanced was a 57" cue that weighed 20ish ounces that had an 18ish" balance point.
Today, they would have gravitated closer to a 20ish" balance point due to equipment changes.
Those huge diameter butts paired with metal/ivory-piloted joints and ferrules played a huge role in the total weight being on the heavy side compared to today's cues.
Having said that, I know some guys back then used butt heavy cues, but I truly believe that "most" of the stronger players used 18"+ balance points in 57" cues that weighed 20+ ounces.
Dennis, like most other builders and players of his time and especially of his caliber knew exactly what he was talking about and were:
AHEAD OF THEIR TIME
You was extremely fortunate to get to speak with Dennis and did well by listening to what he said.
Dennis "the mouth" Searing is one of my favorite players to watch. Especially in 14.1. As we all know, he was a monster and sharp as a tack.
Sorry for the long post, but I feel that players like Ralf deserve to be mentioned from time to time.
Have a good evening.
