Why is the joint recessed?

[Redwing4114]

http://forums.azbilliards.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=216317&stc=1&d=1330649442

Why is the joint recessed in sneaky pete rather than a flat face. Does this affect the hit?

 

[galipeau]

As an fyi, this subject has been beaten to death. Not just a long time ago, but recently the subject has come up. Search the forums for terms like "piloted" "compression" "big pin" "flat face" etc. You will find a lot of neat information and arguments on all sides. Also look up the McChesney experiment from 1991.


Here's a recent example:
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=403939&highlight=piloted