Fellow One Pocket Players,
I've been deployed to Africa for almost six months now and looking forward to coming home. Not only will it be great to be back, but I'm also retiring soon after returning after 20 years in the Air Force.
I try to remind myself to be grateful for the limited comforts we have here (it could ABSOLUTELY be worse), but I'm still ready to get home (and stop living in a tent).
About a month ago, the base actually purchased a 3.5 x 7 pool table, 4 cues (ASKA brand ordered online), some chalk (of the cheapest variety), and a rack to hold the cues. We've messed with it to get it level as possible for being placed IN A TENT, on a WOODEN FLOOR, LOL.
Of course, with the cheap tips and chalk, you literally can't trust a draw shot. If you spend a minute chalking your tip incredibly thoroughly you might not miscue....but center, top, side always works fine. Of course, learning to play the table "lean" is a central part of the game here as well, LOL. Whenever I miscue and get frustrated (which is frequent) I remind myself just to be happy I'm able to hit a ball at all in this austere environment.
I won the base tournament, so kind of neat to think I've won a pool tournament in Africa. (8 Ball...of course)
One young gun is really interested in pool, so I've been sharing one pocket with him and playing quite a few games. It's so interesting to watch his shot selection and educate him on the game. He's got natural hand/eye coordination. This guy is a ping pong monster. He's unbeatable here and says he is the best in the Air Force (and by watching his skill level I don't doubt it). I've got him watching Alex Pagulayan one pocket videos on youtube. I'm sure he will be hooked soon.
So, regarding my question on a cue. Before leaving I've been playing with predator shafts for many years on different butts. My last combination was an old McDermott D21. It plays good....BUT, since I haven't played (not that I really count) in 6 months, I want to buy a nice custom cue that I can marry and grow old with...LOL...and get away from the low deflection products. I want to buy myself something special kind of as a retirement gift. I'm thinking one of the following:
Southwest (I know my buddy Miller plays with one and they hit great)
Josh Treadway (He's a local guy who makes great cues - and I see some available online)
Ginacue (Lou F. let me hit a few balls with his when we played before I left and it had an amazing feel)
TAD (This is probably my number one selection. Always wanted one)
TASCARELLA (Also a top choice - I like the old school aesthetics)
I value your inputs. Let me know what you think.
Matt
I've been deployed to Africa for almost six months now and looking forward to coming home. Not only will it be great to be back, but I'm also retiring soon after returning after 20 years in the Air Force.
I try to remind myself to be grateful for the limited comforts we have here (it could ABSOLUTELY be worse), but I'm still ready to get home (and stop living in a tent).
About a month ago, the base actually purchased a 3.5 x 7 pool table, 4 cues (ASKA brand ordered online), some chalk (of the cheapest variety), and a rack to hold the cues. We've messed with it to get it level as possible for being placed IN A TENT, on a WOODEN FLOOR, LOL.
Of course, with the cheap tips and chalk, you literally can't trust a draw shot. If you spend a minute chalking your tip incredibly thoroughly you might not miscue....but center, top, side always works fine. Of course, learning to play the table "lean" is a central part of the game here as well, LOL. Whenever I miscue and get frustrated (which is frequent) I remind myself just to be happy I'm able to hit a ball at all in this austere environment.
I won the base tournament, so kind of neat to think I've won a pool tournament in Africa. (8 Ball...of course)
One young gun is really interested in pool, so I've been sharing one pocket with him and playing quite a few games. It's so interesting to watch his shot selection and educate him on the game. He's got natural hand/eye coordination. This guy is a ping pong monster. He's unbeatable here and says he is the best in the Air Force (and by watching his skill level I don't doubt it). I've got him watching Alex Pagulayan one pocket videos on youtube. I'm sure he will be hooked soon.
So, regarding my question on a cue. Before leaving I've been playing with predator shafts for many years on different butts. My last combination was an old McDermott D21. It plays good....BUT, since I haven't played (not that I really count) in 6 months, I want to buy a nice custom cue that I can marry and grow old with...LOL...and get away from the low deflection products. I want to buy myself something special kind of as a retirement gift. I'm thinking one of the following:
Southwest (I know my buddy Miller plays with one and they hit great)
Josh Treadway (He's a local guy who makes great cues - and I see some available online)
Ginacue (Lou F. let me hit a few balls with his when we played before I left and it had an amazing feel)
TAD (This is probably my number one selection. Always wanted one)
TASCARELLA (Also a top choice - I like the old school aesthetics)
I value your inputs. Let me know what you think.
Matt