10-22-2007, 05:24 AM
Here is my testimonial on the GB1:
I started my search for a new cue by looking at all mainstream factory made cues. I narrowed my search and looked at the following cues: Meucci, Lucasi, Joss, Schon, Predator, Viking, McDermott, Adams/Helmstetter.
My main focus points were:
I knew that I wanted: a soft tip (was leaning towards a Moori but open to any suggestions),the weight be 18.5, and the joint be a stainless steel connection. That left me with 2 variables: Shaft Technology and quality of Butt Production. I learned as much as I could about the shaft technology by reading the sites of: http://www.meuccicues.com, http://www.predatorcues.com, http://www.mcdermottcues.com, and going through the forums on http://www.billiardsdigest.com.
I finally came to the conclusion (using information from Meucci's website) that I wanted a Balabushka replica. I liked the way it looked (simple but designed and with no butt detailing - not my bag of cookies) and it appeared to be a well made butt. After talking with shooter I came to find out that the balabushka cue is actually made in Japan at the same factory that the Titleist Golf clubs are made at also. This went hand in hand with what Bob Meucci had to say about the quality.
So I eventually ordered a Balabushka GB1 13mm 18.5 oz cue with an additional McDermott I3 shaft (11.75mm + Moori Soft).
The cue is very gorgeous and i recieved many compliments on the look of it ... but that isnt the important part. I was unable to play with the I3 shaft and went ahead and played with the standard shaft (which I think has a Tiger Medium tip).
My first time putting the shaft on the butt made for an extremely tight and nice fit (making me feel good about the quality of the equipment). After that each stroke I made felt great with the sturdiness in impact that you get from a stainless steel joint connection but with no vibration through the cue (even after some masse's).
Once I try the I3 shaft I will comment on the quality of that hardware but for now I would say this about the Balabushka:
If you have any questions please let me know I would be glad to share with you my experience and if possible share any detailed photography of the cue as there are not alot of great images of it.
I started my search for a new cue by looking at all mainstream factory made cues. I narrowed my search and looked at the following cues: Meucci, Lucasi, Joss, Schon, Predator, Viking, McDermott, Adams/Helmstetter.
My main focus points were:
- Tip Maker & Type
- Shaft Technology
- Shaft width mm
- Joint connection type
- Quality of Butt production
- Weight
I knew that I wanted: a soft tip (was leaning towards a Moori but open to any suggestions),the weight be 18.5, and the joint be a stainless steel connection. That left me with 2 variables: Shaft Technology and quality of Butt Production. I learned as much as I could about the shaft technology by reading the sites of: http://www.meuccicues.com, http://www.predatorcues.com, http://www.mcdermottcues.com, and going through the forums on http://www.billiardsdigest.com.
I finally came to the conclusion (using information from Meucci's website) that I wanted a Balabushka replica. I liked the way it looked (simple but designed and with no butt detailing - not my bag of cookies) and it appeared to be a well made butt. After talking with shooter I came to find out that the balabushka cue is actually made in Japan at the same factory that the Titleist Golf clubs are made at also. This went hand in hand with what Bob Meucci had to say about the quality.
So I eventually ordered a Balabushka GB1 13mm 18.5 oz cue with an additional McDermott I3 shaft (11.75mm + Moori Soft).
The cue is very gorgeous and i recieved many compliments on the look of it ... but that isnt the important part. I was unable to play with the I3 shaft and went ahead and played with the standard shaft (which I think has a Tiger Medium tip).
My first time putting the shaft on the butt made for an extremely tight and nice fit (making me feel good about the quality of the equipment). After that each stroke I made felt great with the sturdiness in impact that you get from a stainless steel joint connection but with no vibration through the cue (even after some masse's).
Once I try the I3 shaft I will comment on the quality of that hardware but for now I would say this about the Balabushka:
- If you are interested in having an elegant looking cue that isnt over zealous in its appearance - look no further. It truly is beautiful.
- The cue plays very well with stock gear ... very well.
- For the cost of the hardware compared to other cues I would recommend to any cue buyers to consider Adam/Helmstetter cues. They are an excellent way to spend your money.
If you have any questions please let me know I would be glad to share with you my experience and if possible share any detailed photography of the cue as there are not alot of great images of it.