Non-Pool
Topic: Player Sponsorship Discussion

I'd like to instigate a serious discussion about all aspects of pool player sponsorship - particularly cue sponsorship.

I see other European players with entire cue lines named after them, Mika Immonen has 3 really gorgeous Mezz Cues in his name, Niels Feijen has an equally fabulous range of Longoni Cues in production. Oliver Ortmann has/had some boxer cues if I remember rightly etc...

So some topics for discussion are...

Why do you think there are no British players who have their own cue lines made by the big manufacturers yet?

What do you think cue manufacturers expect from players in return for their patronage, and what are the player's responsibilities to the sponsor? Is it simply enough to use the sponsors equipment and wear their patch, or is more needed? What would you do for a cue sponsor?

Who do you think will be the first Brit / next European player to get an eponymous cue line?

Do you think there are any as yet undiscovered players who are up and coming who really deserve a cue sponsor - who, why, and what value do you think they would provided to the cue manufacturer?

As I said, this is supposed to be a serious discussion, and whilst there will obviously be the odd sarcastic comment from the usual suspects, I am much more interested in hearing some genuine thoughts on the subject.


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Authorised Pro9 forum advertiser/sponsor

Good topic Dave, we obviously have some of the top world players, Daz, Chris, Daryl etc.
Maybe its because it's American pool and the cue manufacturers approach American players predominately, apart from some established top Europeans.
Maybe we will see a new line of BDK Tesco value cues in the near future??

Its a very true. I know snooker has had a long history of cues endorsed by players. I still have my Jimmy White cue. But snooker and English pool are far more popular and the players are celebrities appearing regularly on TV.

There does not seem to be a mass market for American pool cues in the UK. (not sure what it is like in Germany and other European countries) If I was trying to get a cue made in the UK, I would probably do it at entry level and have a name that widest possible audience has heard of - that would be Ronnie O'Sullivan or maybe Tony Drago as they have snooker heritage. Darren Appleton would be good being a double US open champion and also having a following from English 8 ball.

I think you would sell more units with a £50 to £200 cue than say a limited edition £500 cue. Maybe?

This is a very complicated subject.

Each cue manufacturer has a different view on sponsorship, with some relying on local distributers to sign up and pay players (often in product).

As the UK has very few distributors of product, and relatively small sales they are not inclined to pay money to players. If more products were sold more money would be become available....it is a chicken and egg situation.

In respect of snooker cues, they are manufactured under license and the player is usually paid per unit sold. Ironically, the player endorsing the cue rarely even uses that brand as they (usually) actually use a John Parris.

However, watch this space as both Darren & Karl will have news about this subject soon......

I note that most of the UK range of snooker cues were pretty poor. The "Fu-Cue" by Marco Fu being a good example of good marketing but bad execution.

I think it is only a matter of time before Appleton, Melling et al. get their own range of cues but if you do endorse a range, please make sure the cues are good!

The fu cue hahahahaha what a load of dribble !!

Any person with Hal a brain wouldn't pay for these pieces of bolsa wood

Saying that there will be some pool geeks who think buying a Appleton/Melling cue will make them play like them lol

A cue is a cue u can either use it or u can't that's my view on things !!

Are you saying the Fu-Cue did not exist?

Perhaps I should have wagered, http://www.bluemoonleisure.com/images/Dragon%202.JPG

You are right about equipment being equipment, but this applies to all sports. Nike gear is just a decent item with a cool looking tick on it.

If players get the opportunity to endorse items I would say go for it, travelling around playing pool is not cheap and only one person can win each tournament.

thats F.U. then CD !!

Lol