Posted on July 20, 2020July 22, 2020 by admin — Leave a comment

When will the Pool Halls open again?

The past few months have been the worst few month for pool halls in probably any of our lifetimes. They have been not only the victims of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) but victims to politicians around the country. Deeming pool halls non-essential has put most pool halls on the brink of extinction. Government implementing the 4 phases to reopening has put indoor recreation last in line to reopen. So when will pool halls open again?

What is NAICS 713990?

NAICS is the North American Industry Classification System and 713990 represents “All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries”. This industry comprises establishments (except amusement parks and arcades; gambling industries; golf courses and country clubs; skiing facilities; marinas; fitness and recreational sports centers; and bowling centers) primarily engaged in providing recreational and amusement services. It includes businesses like:

Amusement Rides
Miniature Golf Courses
Archery/Shooting Ranges
Recreational Day Camps
Billiard/Pool Parlors
Boating Clubs
Recreational Sports Clubs
Riding Stables

All the above businesses are considered “All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries”. I guess not big enough individually to have their own NAICS code so all lumped together.

Essential vs. Non-Essential

All deemed to be non-essential. Who declares them non-essential? Well, I guess the government does. How are they classified as non-essential? All businesses are essential to all people in their own way. Every business owner would/should/does say that their business is 100% essential to their livelihood. Many other businesses would say that these businesses are essential to them as well. All these businesses rely on other businesses as vendors to supply them with cleaning supplies, food and beverages, merchant services, utilities, etc.

How is a car wash essential? Most people own a home and have a hose. Even if you didn’t own your home or have access to a hose, how is having a clean car essential?

How is a golf course essential? Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy playing golf as much as the next person but the analytical side of my brain says, “Really? Should we play golf during a pandemic?”

Tattoo Parlors? That one just hurts my brain to try to figure out what was going through politicians’ minds when they said that they can open in Phase 2.

Man Caves are on the Rise

I have seen many more social media posts on people either making a new man cave or beefing up their existing one. Pool tables are replacing cars in garages. Well can’t drive anywhere, well except for Home Depot. The family dining room is being converted into a pool room. Well can’t have big family dinners anymore so might as well put the room to good use. Even outside patios are finding a pool table on them. No longer the home of folded laundry, the clean clothes are getting kicked off of pool tables in the basement. Pool balls are being polished. Cues out of their cases. Even new games are being invented where you can challenge someone remotely to a game of pool. Some man cave ideas.

We at StampTheSpot.com have also noticed an increase in the number of custom StampTheSpot units sold. Not just stamps but other billiard supplies like cues and such.

We need Pool Halls Open

There is only so much practice you can do on your own. It’s essential for people to socialize. It helps our mental health. It helps our physical health too. Keeps us moving, off the couch and keeps our eyes and brain sharp.

Pool halls are essential to the businesses around them too. They help a lot of the local businesses around them. Let’s hope the pool rooms survive the pandemic and the political agendas.

See ya at your local pool hall.

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Posted on May 16, 2016 by admin — Leave a comment

New Pool Cue Tip Type Guide

Choosing A New Pool Cue Tip

Choosing a new pool cue tip can be confusing at times. Other than there being tons of brand names in cue tips, like G2 Cue Tips, Kamui Tips and Tiger Tips, there is also the criteria in picking a cue tip is hardness.

The modern day leather cue tip was invented by Francois Mingaud sometime in the late 1700’s while he was imprisoned for his political outspokenness. He demonstrated that with a leather tip, you could put spin on the cue ball which creates English.

Since then, leather cue tips are now a standard in the pool industry with the tips falling into three primary categories: Soft, Medium and Hard. These 3 categories are relative based on brands. A soft cue tip in one brand may be almost a medium hardness in another cue tip brand. Simply put, the softer the tip, the more likely it is to mushroom or flatten out on you.

Differences When Picking a New Pool Cue Tips

Here is a guide to picking a new pool cue tip based on hardness:

Soft tips will require more maintenance than a harder tip. Some players that prefer a soft tip say that it allows for more English and control over the cue ball. In addition, soft tips retain chalk better and are easier to scuff.

Harder tips require less maintenance because they hold their shape better against flattening out or mushrooming. Harder tips create less spin on the cue ball and as well are more liable to miscue. Harder tips create more consistent shots. So harder tips will have a longer life on your cue than softer tips.

Medium tips are the most common and as well are usually the type of tip put on the cue by the manufacturers. When in doubt, go with a medium tip, you will get the best of both worlds. Ultimately it boils down to your preference.

Another Category of Cue Tip

The two types of leather tips are ‘layered’ and “non-layered’ and come in different types of leather like pigskin and cowhide. Non-layered tips are more prone to mushrooming and are typically less expensive than the layered tip.

A layered tip is comprised of multiple layers of leather that are laminated together. Layered tips are more consistent from tip to tip within the brand so if you keep with the same cue tip brand, you will feel less of a variation from tip to tip.

Maintaining Your Cue Tip

Maintaining your cue tip will save you money in the long run because you won’t have to replace your cue tip often.

Keep your cue in its case when not in use
Keep your cue away from heat and very humid places
Keep a tip tool handy so the tip will stay in good playing condition

Looking to replace your cue tip? Check out the G2 Cue Tip from Japan. It’s a 8 layered, pig skin, laminated cue tip and comes in Soft, Medium and Hard tips.

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Posted on May 2, 2016May 2, 2016 by admin — Leave a comment

World’s Most Expensive Pool Cue

The Ultimate Fantasy Cue

McDermott Cue Manufacturer had announced the sale of the World’s most expensive pool cue. The Intimidator Cue started as a 82 pound of stainless steel. It took over 1860 man hours to do the hand engraving and etching to create the 9.5 pound cue. Total length is 63 inches and the wingspan of the large blade is 9 inches.

The Intimidator has over 210 separate inlays with 112 of them being precious metal inlays in the handle alone. The focal point of the cue is a genuine Italian Obsidian Gemstone Sphere at the base.

The Intimidator retailed for $150,000 and sold to an undisclosed buyer. Though the World’s most expensive pool cue isn’t exactly designed for performance, it would make for a great conversation piece and art for any person’s man cave.

Images of the World’s Most Expensive Pool Cue

World's Most Expensive Pool Cue 2 — Blade wingspan is 9 inches wide

World's Most Expensive Pool Cue 3 — Over 210 separate inlays, including 112 hand-polished Precious Metal inlays on the handle

You can see the actual listing at McDermott Cues

Maybe add some billiard products a little less expensive to your man cave?

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Posted on April 28, 2016April 29, 2016 by admin — Leave a comment

How to chalk a pool cue the proper way

How to Chalk a Pool Cue Techniques

When you see a beginner pool player chalking, you usually see them drilling the piece of chalk down on the pool cue. Or you are in a pool room and you see all the older pieces of chalk that have a deep hole in the middle of them. This is not the way to do it. If you do properly chalk your cue, you will miscue less often and even better you will look like you know what you are doing.

Here’s how to chalk a pool cue the correct way. Proper chalking requires a brushing motion of the chalk across the top of the cue while holding the cue at an angle. While doing this brushing motion, slow turn the cue so that you get all around the cue. Doing it this way prolongs the life of the chalk and as well ensures that you have covered the tip completely. Continue reading How to chalk a pool cue the proper way

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Posted on April 14, 2016April 19, 2016 by admin — 1 Comment

Billiards Forum Chat About StampTheSpot

The Stamp Around The Billiards Forums

Searching the internet one day I came across this thread from a popular billiards forum. I won’t list names and such but I would be more than happy to share the actual thread, just comment below or send a message. Here is the thread (minus names):

Has anyone tried this product? Seems like a neat idea.
https://www.stampthespot.com/

Looks good to me…certainly help with racking the balls tightly without having the dings in the paper spot!

Continue reading Billiards Forum Chat About StampTheSpot

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