This was followed up with, “Do you ever get a back ache from playing pool?”

“Sure,” I replied.

“I have the perfect thing for you!” he said.

What could this grand surprise be that could cure my pool-related back ache? I couldn’t wait to see it. I followed him over and to my utter surprise (yes, it was a good surprise), he pulled out a triangular shaped piece of chalk.

“Have you seen this before?” he asked.

“I think so. My friend used to own this company,” I said. Confused that this was my gift, he then handed me the print out from the website where he ordered it from that read (verbatim):

Ever get a back ache from playing pool? Have you considered that it could be your chalk? Until recently, pool chalk came in one perplexing design with four sides, which some believe creates undue stress on the lower back. Well, Elephant Balls, Ltd. now offers you an ergonomically correct, three-sided chalk that is sure to eliminate the potentially harmful effects associated with trying to use 3-fingers on a four-sided piece of chalk. Pyramid Chalk is made from the highest quality materials you’re accustomed to and offers superior performance–it’s just ERGONOMICALLY CORRECT! Try it… it just feels right!

So, I guess I’ll give it a try. I subbed for a team tonight and then hit a few balls afterward. I wanted to have a “before” feel of any back ache I might be experiencing before I can truly review this product.

My favorite part is they describe it as “pyramid” chalk. Last I checked, a pyramid looked like this:

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Available at PoolDawg.com

Retail price: $24.95

PoolDawg price: $19.95
CLICK HERE TO ORDER

Purpose

The PoolDawg Comfort Strap is as an alternative to the standard strap that comes with most cases.

User-friendly
This product is extremely user-friendly and my personal favorite adjective, “practical.”

Comparison

There is no comparison with this strap and the original strap that comes on most cases. The faux furry underside of the wide strap gives you plenty of support and in all the right places. Not only is it ergonomic and comfy but it’s stylish and practical. The sporty all black look comes with a cell phone pouch and stainless steel D-rings. The red PoolDawg logo is also a very nice touch in my favorite colors.

Level

Players of all levels can benefit from the PoolDawg Comfort Strap.

Appearance

This fashionable strap will not only serve a purpose but it will revive any old pool case.

Price / Value

Retail price: $24.95
PoolDawg price: $19.95
Excellent value for the purpose it serves and the durability of this item.

Gripes

No gripes! LOVE this thing! Great idea!!!

Rating (based on a possible 4 paws)

I give this product 4 paws!

Feedback

“Before I had the PoolDawg Comfort Strap, the original straps on my cases would dig into my shoulder and I had even resorted to ghetto-wrapping them with homemade padding. Clipping this new strap on makes my case feel brand new again!” ~ me

Overall

This solidly built case strap is a must have for any player. It’s definitely worth the $20 investment. I haven’t seen anything else like it anywhere and why not support the guys that do so much for our sport?

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“How would you like to get your own IB2 (custom RED) cue? I’ll even engrave your nick name on it. It’ll be my present to you for all the work you have done for us.

I just wanted to give you a whole Icebreaker2 custom made cue in red as a present, since I know you love red. It’ll just be something from me to you that’s all.”

Truthfully, I wasn’t really sure what to think of it at first but how could I refuse my favorite break/jump cue, in red, custom made just for me, one of a kind. I suppose you could call it a ‘parting gift’ though it’s been nearly a year that I have not been a part of Team Tiger. Nonetheless, two weeks later, I was breaking like a champ again.

THANK YOU, TIGER!!!

Tiger IceBreaker v2.0

It’s so pretty! And it breaks and jumps just like I remember, and better. The new IB2 has all the improvements (including aesthetically) that players asked for. Oh! I was also told that this is the only custom color they’ve ever done so don’t go asking them for one in your favorite color. If you want your own IB2, you’ll just have to ORDER IT HERE.

Oh, IceBreaker, how I’ve missed thee?…

* Thanks to Brad & Aimee Peterson for letting me model your IBs!

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Those were my husband’s famous words when we returned home on Thursday night to find THREE WHOLE BOXES of billiard goodies from the elusive Fast Mikie‘s own personal library!!!

Just when I thought he couldn’t get any cooler!!!

Marc and I were like two sugar-deprived kids in a candy store, tearing into the boxes but trying to be as delicate as possible, gently handling each and every well-preserved book, video, magazine, and other miscellaneous surprises.

I’m still making my way through the collection and will be cataloging all the gems in each box. In the meantime, I can not be more grateful for his generosity and I am more than honored that he would bestow a piece of his billiard collection upon li’l ol’ me.

Reviews to come!

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Available at PoolDawg.com

Retail price: $24.95

PoolDawg price: $19.95

CLICK HERE TO ORDER

Purpose

The second edition of the extremely fun and popular Ultimate Pool Challenge game offers 52 more challenging shots for hours of entertainment. In this new Advanced Series BCA Hall of Famer and World Trick Shot Champion, Mike Massey, challenges you and your opponents to master an array of shots that are sure to advance any players abilities. You can play this new deck of pool cards in the original or the new Texas Hold’em version.

User-friendly

I’m still a huge fan of the concept of a deck of training cards and how simple and fun this can be. These cards can be played as easily or as challenging as you want them to be. Just draw cards and try the shots, or follow the suggested game. Your choice.

Comparison

This is the sequel to the original Ultimate Pool Challenge game which was also a great product.

Level

Intermediate to Advanced, I wouldn’t recommend this product for complete beginners.

Appearance

Again, I love the packaging and the concept of a deck of cards! Each individual card is beautifully printed with full bleed with very clear illustrations on the table layout. Players can keep these cards in their pool case and take them anywhere. My students love them and it’s always a great one to pull out at my monthly clinics when we don’t have a specific agenda.

Price / Value

Retail price: $24.95
PoolDawg price: $19.95

Depending on what your objective is, it may seem a bit pricy. However, if you think of it as purchasing 52 drills or shots in the form of a small convenient deck of cards that can easily be carried around in your pool case, then it could be worth the 20 bucks.

Gripes

My gripes are very minimal. Some of the illustrations and explanations are a bit vague. Perhaps many of the shots are left up to interpretation since this is the advanced version. Also, the point value for some of the shots seems a bit off. Many of the extremely difficult shots were worth fewer points than some of the easier ones. Maybe this was built on Mike Massey’s strengths and weaknesses?

Rating (based on a possible 4 paws)

I give this product 3 paws!

Feedback

“Great fun and helpful.” Brad P.

“Shots were more difficult but really help with your english and stroke through the ball. I do feel it’s a little overpriced.” Aimee P.

“Point system is a little off. There were a lot of variables in the shots I tried.” Terry E.

Overall

This set and the original set are both always a big hit during the free monthly pool clinics. They are the perfect way to enhance what can become a monotonous practice routine. The cards are fun to try alone or with a group/team. The illustrations are top notch and the entire concept is novel! I’m a huge fan of this product.

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