When reading this review, please notice that I'm a purist regarding detail.
But I want to start off by saying that I'm impressed and glad to own the Zahra cue in the pic.
Ratings:
1) Design A+
The design is in styles like cues made by other cuemakers but the combination of elements and shapes gave it a unique look, I'm definately liking it, however this is PERSONAL. Maybe this is not your type of cue.
2) Woods A
The Amboyna burl in this cue is awesome and I can only say in reality it looks better than on the pic. The Sapele is also very reflective, a bit like you get from satinwood. The Purpleheart shows straight grains only, just normal PH. From their description, they claim the woods are dried over tens of years... So time will tell if the cue will remain straight.
The shafts... they're a bit thick to my taste but they offer to taper it down before sending. It's not all white maple. As a fact, it's even more than medium figured. And the shafts claim to have been obtained through Edwin Reyes.
3) Execution B-
This seems to be a considerable lower rating but I'll elaborate; The overal work is great, however it's not made to perfection. You can clearly tell it's a Pinoy cue made using less sophisticated materials. This reflects on the fact that not all points are 100% evenly high or symmetrical and the assembly shows a bit of spaces on the inlay that could have been done better with the right tools and materials. I have to mention though that you can only tell by giving it a close purist eye.
The ringwork is top notch, so is the collar. It's a 3/8*10 pin with a snug fit. That's really good. The cue rolls straight, shafts do too.
The finish is high gloss, definately better than most of the Pinoy competition.
The leather wrap... It's good, but given the right tools, it could have been better. It's level installed, however what you can tell is that it was trimmed to match the size during installation and the trimming wasn't a 100% accurate. The leather does feel soft and very comfortable to hold and play with. The balance of the cue feels well, very evenly divided.
4) Playability A
The cue hits well, the hit feels medium crisp. It's really nice. Ok there's a Lepro tip on it, which to my flavour I can't wait to get rid off. But you can sense the hit, it plays well and you get a relaxed feeling, not like stressy hit where you're struggling to get your stroke on point. The 3/8*10 pin supports the normal 3/8*10 LD shafts. I tested a 314² on it, no problem.
Overall A
The cue is one of the best bangs for your buck out there. I'm a happy owner even though I notice tiny details here and there. This is a group of cuemakers that is showing alot of potential, designwise, constructionwise, etc... I can only imagine what they could have done with better equipment. But as far as handwork goes, this is an excellent cue. If they keep this up, I can really see them entering the higher end market, given that the details will get tighter.
But I want to start off by saying that I'm impressed and glad to own the Zahra cue in the pic.
Ratings:
1) Design A+
The design is in styles like cues made by other cuemakers but the combination of elements and shapes gave it a unique look, I'm definately liking it, however this is PERSONAL. Maybe this is not your type of cue.
2) Woods A
The Amboyna burl in this cue is awesome and I can only say in reality it looks better than on the pic. The Sapele is also very reflective, a bit like you get from satinwood. The Purpleheart shows straight grains only, just normal PH. From their description, they claim the woods are dried over tens of years... So time will tell if the cue will remain straight.
The shafts... they're a bit thick to my taste but they offer to taper it down before sending. It's not all white maple. As a fact, it's even more than medium figured. And the shafts claim to have been obtained through Edwin Reyes.
3) Execution B-
This seems to be a considerable lower rating but I'll elaborate; The overal work is great, however it's not made to perfection. You can clearly tell it's a Pinoy cue made using less sophisticated materials. This reflects on the fact that not all points are 100% evenly high or symmetrical and the assembly shows a bit of spaces on the inlay that could have been done better with the right tools and materials. I have to mention though that you can only tell by giving it a close purist eye.
The ringwork is top notch, so is the collar. It's a 3/8*10 pin with a snug fit. That's really good. The cue rolls straight, shafts do too.
The finish is high gloss, definately better than most of the Pinoy competition.
The leather wrap... It's good, but given the right tools, it could have been better. It's level installed, however what you can tell is that it was trimmed to match the size during installation and the trimming wasn't a 100% accurate. The leather does feel soft and very comfortable to hold and play with. The balance of the cue feels well, very evenly divided.
4) Playability A
The cue hits well, the hit feels medium crisp. It's really nice. Ok there's a Lepro tip on it, which to my flavour I can't wait to get rid off. But you can sense the hit, it plays well and you get a relaxed feeling, not like stressy hit where you're struggling to get your stroke on point. The 3/8*10 pin supports the normal 3/8*10 LD shafts. I tested a 314² on it, no problem.
Overall A
The cue is one of the best bangs for your buck out there. I'm a happy owner even though I notice tiny details here and there. This is a group of cuemakers that is showing alot of potential, designwise, constructionwise, etc... I can only imagine what they could have done with better equipment. But as far as handwork goes, this is an excellent cue. If they keep this up, I can really see them entering the higher end market, given that the details will get tighter.
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