x-breaker question

radge69

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Are the differences between the original x-breaker and the newer version a lot? I can get a original version BEM w/ wrap for $260 new, or I could buy the newer version without wrap for $389. Is it worth the extra $130 to get the updated model? I know that buying the first edition doesn't get me a warrenty which I can except. Just want to know if the performance and construction differences are worth $130. Thanks.
 
I think it would be worth it to you for the extra $130. I'm not taking anything away from the original though. It was great.

I like the balance of the new one better. Seems a little more forward waited. With the original I had a 1 oz. weight in it. When I got the new one I was worried for a few days till I took the weight out, it had a 2 oz. weight in it. Then it was hitting GREAT. I also like the look of the new one a little better.

Just last Sunday at the weekly 9 ball tournament I go to this guy left me in a pickle. Only about 3/4ths of a ball away from the one I'd have to jump. I went to get my X Breaker. Brett Stottlemyer looked at me like I was nuts. I told him, "It's the stick, not me". I made the jump for a good hit, missed the pocket (but almost went in two rails later. 8>) There is no other jump stick I've tried that I can jump a ball that is that close to the cue ball. Brett said, "I can't do that". I said you could if you had one of these. LOL
 
Oh, what I was getting at in the last paragraph is that with the original X Breaker the best I had done was about 1 balls width. Although it could be that I'm just getting a little better at it. Not sure, but I know that I like the new model a little better.
 
the new one is worth the extra$

first time i used mine on a 9ft. I made 4 ball and parked the cue ball in the center of the table. oh yeah, and this is after a 4 years of not playing.

I think the new x-breaker has a different tip also
 
We have made so much improvements I am not even sure where to begin.

1.The curly mape butt section of a X breaker by samsara is cored.
2.The X breaker by Samsara has a new tip which features a higher modulus of elasticity.
3.The tip is also installed differently.
4.The finish has been greatly improved.
5.The metal ring has been removed and is replaced by phenolic rings.
6.The piloted insert on the shaft touches the wood sleeve on the joint when the cue is tightened which serves to offer the player a super solid hit and feedback. We call this an interference joint--much like a Schuler joint.
7.The balance is greatly improved.
8.The handle can also be jointed to the shaft for longer jump, jump masse and so on.
9.The shaft taper is stronger.
10.The ferrule is stronger.
11.We have located a really good shaft wood provider, as a result, the quality of our shaft woods has greatly improved.
12.The new X breaker also features the maXimizer which greatly reduces vibration, and helps the tip to stay on the ball a bit longer.
13.The new X Breaker by Samsara is built by Samsara cue and is designed to have the same quality as Samsara cue.
14.Some players also put on another shaft with a black joint collar so they can play with the X breaker by Samsara. The black joint collar completely matches the 5/16x14 joint found on 314, or OB 1.
...............
I can go on some more, but I think that is enough said. :)
Thank you.
Richard
 

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radge69 said:
Are the differences between the original x-breaker and the newer version a lot? I can get a original version BEM w/ wrap for $260 new, or I could buy the newer version without wrap for $389. Is it worth the extra $130 to get the updated model? I know that buying the first edition doesn't get me a warrenty which I can except. Just want to know if the performance and construction differences are worth $130. Thanks.

Let me put it this way (and I hope Richard doesn't take offense): The old version Xbreaker was worth $295 ONLY for the innovative tip and perhaps shaft taper...its performance as a break cue dictated its popularity, but the build quality just wasn't there.

The new model Xbreaker, made primarily by Samsara (improved tip material/design by Richard), is worth every penny of the asking price. From wood selection to fit and finish, it is truly a "custom" cue, built by a team that is established in the cuemaking biz.

I find the performance of the new Xbreaker to be about the same (still the best break/jump cue in the market), but the overall quality to justify the cost, and even to consider it a good deal in a cue. IMO, this partnership was one of the smartest moves in the billiards industry for a long time.

-Roger
 
Samsara is one of the best cue maker in the US, I am very fortunate to have them building the new X breaker for us.

Everything is a matter of relativity--I have to admit the quality of the new X breaker are far better, which is why we decided to work with Samsara to begin with. :) Although our cost is much higher, I am very excited that we are able to offer the best quality to our customers.

I am very pleased with our relationship with Jim and Dave of Samsara cues. I did not know how brilliant these guys are until I start working with them.


Roger, thanks for the compliment.:)

Richard
 

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When you need to replace the Maximizer bumper, contact Joe Nielsen at Nielsen Billiards. Excellent customer service and he's a good guy to deal with everytime!

They are very effective jump sticks! I have one with a cracked tip and it still jumps better than my other jumpers.

Rip
 
Thanks for the info. I've only seen the original version, and wanted to know what everyone thought before I bought one. I also needed some input to justify spending the extra on the new version.
 
I just wanted to add that I bought the new one in curly maple and I am very pleased with mine.

Prior to using this cue, I was of the opinion that a jump/break cue was a compromise, usually being more of one than the other. So I carried a jump cue with a phenolic tip and a break cue with a leather tip.

I think the Xbreaker is both an excellent break cue and an excellent jump cue. I don't jump very often, but when I do I have found this to be a controllable jump cue, whether in short or in full length. The tip is hard but still grabs the cue ball. Since I've gottn used to my X breaker, I have much better cue ball control on the break, a more powerful break, and a more controllable jump shot.

As everyone said, the build quality is excellent. The cue is good looking and looks to be almost indestructable.

Chris
 
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as richard said with the new ones you can interchange the 2 butt pieces. its a great jumper with the shorter butt piece, but when you switch to the longer section i feel like i can control the cue ball much better and the feel is IMO much better with the maximizer. also with the newer ones richard really concentrated on making it easier to control the cueball, the new tip design definitely helps. i dont know one owner of the new xbreaker that hasnt said they park the cue ball mid table more than ever before, i agree with them all, i wont say that every break i parked the cue ball but i would say the number of breaks on which i did is quite high. i wasnt really around the boards when the 1st gen xbreaker came out but i have heard there were complaints about them. since the release of the current xbreaker i dont recall hearing one complaint about the cues.
 
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