Billiards: Custom Cue Makers

23. June 2008 admin

Custom pool cue markers are primarily low-production cue manufacturers whose goal is not to sell as many pool cues as possible, but to craft precision instruments that improve the performance of any player, regardless of skill level. Befitting their stature, these cues boast distinctive looks in classic styles. Their names are as known and respected throughout the billiards world as the 65 Corvette is to car enthusiasts.

When someone says he or she has a Schon, Meucci, Joss, Dale Perry, Bill McDaniel, Richard Black or McDermott, you know that person appreciates high-quality pool cues. Those are just a handful of the dozens custom pool cue makers who offer a consistent, top-quality product. In some cases, these craftsmen will literally build a cue specifically designed for you. Of course, youll be paying a hefty price for that privilege, but thats just what it is–a privilege.

Where Do You Find Them?
Custom pool cue makers sell their work in a variety of ways. Some of the finer sporting goods stores and boutique pocket billiards stores stock a variety of custom pool cues. We suggest you sample a variety of different billiards and sporting goods stores, because youll be able to try out a wider variety of custom cues. If you want to be exposed to the greatest number of custom pool cue makers, go to the Internet!

A quick browser search can get you links to almost every custom pool cue maker around. Each makers site offers in-depth information on how they craft their cues, pictures of their virtual works of sport art, and what it costs to buy them. One drawback: You wont have the chance to actually feel one in your hands. However, you can go to a local store that stocks those cues and see how a comparable one feels.

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Billiards: Pool Cues Distributors

22. June 2008 admin

Pool cue distributors are another way of describing the retail outlets that stock a variety of different pool cues. There are a bevy of sporting goods stores, boutique billiards or indoor sports stores and other high-end specialty stores that advertise and promote the custom pool cue lines. Within each pool cue line, there are a variety of models to accommodate a variety of price ranges.

Even mass-merchandisers such as Wal-Mart and Sears sell pool cues. Their stocks largely feature a handful of name custom cue lines, but theyre augmented by generic lines. These cues may carry the merchandiser brand, or boast a mock name that in actuality is tied specifically to the retailer.

Let The Buyer Beware
The merchandiser and mock brand lines will typically cost considerably less than a true low-production custom cue. But theres a very good reason for that. More often than not, those cues are mass produced in Asia, using whatever wood stock that was available and affordable. Although the quality difference may not be noticed by the naked eye, it will be noticed if you try to re-sell it. These cues almost always go down in value.

This is not so with the true low-production custom cues. If treated and handled properly, these cues value diminish very slightly, and in many cases can even go up over the years. Thats one reason you should shop around at a variety of sporting goods and specialty billiards stores. Not only will you find a custom cue that will easily justify the extra cost, but its quality can help improve your game.

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Billiards: Predator Shafts

21. June 2008 admin

A maker of its own custom cues, Predator also offers its customers two distinct lines of technologically-advanced pool cue shafts. This enables users of other pool cues to better their game simply by installing a Predator shaft. Predator shafts are scientifically proven to shoot straighter when using English. Why? The shaft produces up to 50 percent less cue ball deflection than any other cue.

More Spin
A variety of tests have shown that Predator Shafts generate 15-25 percent more spin. That makes it is easier to draw and follow the cue ball. Whats more, a shaft thats spliced in 10 pieces will give you more consistent results and have a tendency to stay straighter than a one-piece shaft. Thats why over 90 percent of Predator users believe that the shaft has helped improve their game.

Predator offers two different shafts. Over the past 10 years, the 314 has revolutionized the game of pool because its technology reduces cue ball deflection and increases spin. With its professional taper and 12.75 mm tip diameter, the 314s pure energy transfer reduces shaft vibration and provides a solid positive feel. That alone instills confidence in the player.

The Z shaft is even stronger than the 314. With a more conical shape, the Z shaft provides even better feedback with less vibration, which makes it easier to deliver a good accelerating stroke. Whats more, the Zs smaller tip diameter further reduces the weight in the front end of the shaft. Thus, cue ball deflection can be decreased by up to 34 percent, which makes it even easier to pocket balls.

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Billiards: McDermott Shafts

20. June 2008 admin

A pool cue shaft is basically the smaller, thinner end of the stick. Its base is actually the middle of the stick (where its screwed to the butt end), then it tapers off to the cue tip at the end. McDermott Shafts come from one of the few custom pool cue makers that also sell its shafts separately. Doing so allows consumers who have previously bought others cues, to install a McDermott to improve their game.

McDermott shafts feature the patented Intimidator i-Series Shaft System. That system identifies the power, control and feel thats required in your game, and utilizes its proprietary Intimidator Carbon Energy® (ICE) Technology. McDermott has designed the industrys most radial consistent shaft for varying skill levels, shot types, and table speeds. Thats all well and good, you say, but what do all those big, fancy words really mean to me?

Defining Success
Heres what it all means. Radial consistency helps ensure that the deflection of the shaft is the same no matter how the cue is turned in your hand. An inconsistent shaft will result in inconsistent shots. Cue ball deflection comes when you use English on a cue ball; a standard shaft will push the cue ball off-line either left or right. The I-shaft system is designed to give you the option of maximum cue ball deflection reduction.

It also means that you can buy just the right McDermott shaft to best suit your talent level. Beginners should try the I-1 or I-2 Shaft, since the diameter of the tip is closer to an entry level cue or house cue. The I-1 is perfect for players with a power game, while the I-2 is perfect for a more finesse game. The I-3 Shaft is for the professional whos familiar with a thinner shaft and can take advantage of the increased action.

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Bingo: Bingo Tournament

19. June 2008 admin

Have you ever played in a bingo tournament before? They are fast paced and really fun. Each player is given a certain number of credits. Every time you play a game, some of your credits are deducted. The goal is to win bingo for as many games as possible. When you win, you are rewarded with more credits. Whoever has the most credits at the end of the allotted time is the tournament winner.

Bingo tournaments are pretty popular in the bingo communities. Most of the time, theyre all day affairs. You can chat with other bingo tournament players in the middle of your games and make a few new friends throughout the day. Bingo is very simple to learn and doesnt really require much skill. The best thing about bingo tournaments is the huge cash payout, which can be in the thousands.

Popular Online Bingo Tournaments
You can even find great bingo tournaments on the Internet. Online bingo websites offer tournaments all the time. Bingo is just as much fun online as it is offline. Online games often have more players than your average bingo hall. This means you can win even more money than usual.

Youll find the sign-up process for online bingo very accommodating. It only takes a few minutes to get fully signed up and then you can start playing. You dont even have to pay taxes on any of your winnings. Many bingo sites are operated from an offshore location and dont have to declare taxes.

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