Billiards, Game Rooms, & Home Bars

Billiards date back many centuries, with mentions of a game similar to pool in the writings of Shakespeare as far back as the early 1600s.  In fact, the first pool cues were not invented until the late 1600s, so the modern day game, while dating back over 300 years, is not as old as many people would think.  At the same time, the basic idea of the game does date back quite far.  The development of modern day games has happened over time, with so many variations on the typical game being created that it’s difficult for even professionals to keep up with ever iteration.

Basically a British game from the start, the major improvements on pool tables and the pool cue was quick and constant throughout the early 1800s, making the game an up and coming competitive activity that has turned into an international phenomenon, resulting in worldwide competitions.  From the late 1700s through the early 1900s, the dominant game in Britain was played with only 3 balls, while the preferred game in the Americas was a four-ball billiard game with 4 pockets until around 1870.

Games played with pool cues such as 15-ball, 8-ball, and straight pool were invented later on, and tournaments of different kinds were played almost annually from 1878 to 1956.  Today, people collect the pool cues and antique pool sticks used in these old fashioned games, displaying them as prized showpieces in their game rooms or their billiards businesses.

The size of pool tables has also changed through the years.  For example, the 4-pocket table used in the four-ball billiard game popular in the Americas in the 1800s was typically 11-12 feet long.  Now, compact tables, which are often found in homes that cannot accommodate full-sized billiard tables, are 7 feet long.  On the other hand, professional tables are 9 feet long.

Today, a lot of value is placed on personalized pool cues, as well as perfectly leveled and felted pool tables, as these are considered to be treasures of the trade.  Having a unique pool cue is essential to many who feel that they play better using their own equipment.  Pool tables are often preferred based on their age and upkeep, including the condition of the felt and the perfection of the level of the table.  Often, it is seen as unprofessional to even attempt a game on an uneven pool table.  As you can see, pool has a long and rich history, which can make for very interesting reading in its full recollection.

Have you recently taken up an interest in the game of pool and want to get your own pool cues to make sure that you are readily prepared for a game anywhere?  Customized pool sticks can really make a difference in your game, mostly because they are constructed to your needs.  Also, you may feel more confident using your own pool stick because it is unique and designed to your liking, including the design on the stick itself.

When you purchase your own pool cue, it is important to consider the size, including width and length.  Pool cues should feel comfortable in your grasp, never too small to fill your fist or too large to feel manageable.  A pool stick needs to also be the right length, not too long for your arm span and not too short to give you the leverage you need to hit the cue ball accurately and measure out the angle you need.  Most are about 5’ 7”, though this can be adjusted slightly, and there are compact pool cues that can be used in tight spaces or for very small individuals.

More importantly, you need to make sure that your pool stick is the right weight for your use.  Typically, pool cues come in weights ranging from 18 to 21 ounces, though some selections do come slightly heavier or lighter.  A 22-ounce pool cue would be a heavy one for most individuals but may feel more substantial in a larger hand or to someone taller and heavier.  Lighter pool sticks may be ordered for young and growing players who are small and just learning.

On top of these needs, the pool stick needs to be properly balanced, with the right amount of weight in the right places so that it is not pulling back to hard against your shot or dragging too heavily on the table as you line up the cue with the ball.  The balance of your pool stick will certainly aid you in the ability to become a successful pool player.

Overall, if you are going to order a custom pool cue, you can demand all of the proper proportions for your piece, though you can also find many similar used or new cues that are similar to the needs you have.  If you order a custom cue, though, you can opt for a design that makes your pool stick unique so that you can feel confident in the use of your equipment and always identify your own things.

The primary purpose of neon bar lights is to announce the location of a business and to advertise products that are sold in the bar. There are multitude of sign designs, colors, beer products designs, mixed drink shapes, major league sports, and collegiate signs. When visiting a bar or pub, take a look around and you will see neon signs everywhere. They advertise products, display menus, light exit signs, and try to influence your selection of beverages and food during a night of entertainment.

Besides using neon signs to influence your purchase of beer or mixed drinks; pool halls and bars have signs displaying favorite college teams, NFL teams, NBA teams, and MLB teams. Of course the team signs are normally selected to support hometown favorites. Bar signs are sometimes designed as novelty items such as palm trees, someone lying on a lawn chair drinking their favorite beverage, and many other creative designs. These novelty signs are all designed to do one thing, which is to get you relaxed in an environment that allows you to let your hair down and partake in your favorite beverage.

Outdoor neon beer signs are designed to announce the atmosphere within the bar. Anyone searching for a new bar or pub should pay attention to the design of the outdoor sign. If you are looking for a laid back environment, walking in to a bar that uses a well lit neon sign of a motorcycle is probably not a wise choice. The same thing could be said for bikers who stop in a bar that has a pink flamingo as its exterior sign. Knowing what the outdoor sign is telling is an important thing in life. This is why bar and pub owners go to great lengths in designing a sign that depicts their desired atmosphere.

New and used neon bar signs are available online and in local classifieds. For whatever reason a bar or pub goes out of business, often they need to sell their signs. This opportunity should be taken advantage of when it appears. Even if a new sign is not needed, anything made by man breaks and now a spare is available. New signs can be obtained from beer distributors for free or reduced prices if loyalty is shown to their brand(s). If a new sign is needed, check out the Internet for all the businesses that sell neon bar signs for bargains.

There is a large market for collectors of vintage neon bar signs and there are many online businesses that sell these vintage signs to collectors or interested individuals. Additionally there is a new developing market for international trade of used and vintage neon signs. There is a lot of money to be made in selling collectable signs. All that is needed is a website and signs to sell. Although many are destroyed when business close or update their signs, there are many collectors that would love to get their hands on a unique neon sign. A search of the internet will produce many online businesses that buy, sell, and trade collectables.