The recently released Stinger by Jerico Cues is distributed by the National Billiard Academy and manufactured in the USA by Jerry Powers of Jerico Cues. It is claimed by the aforementioned distributor that it is "The World's Greatest JumpBreak Cue," and has been a recent hot topic in the industry by both consumers, as well as professional players.

What are the selling points of the stinger?

1) The stinger has two quick-release joints, which can be considered extraordinarily convenient for a jumpbreak cue since you've already got an extra joint that you'll need to fool around with occasionally when making your jump shots. Time efficiency... That's what I'm talking about. Aside from that, who wants to get carpal tunnel while playing pool?

2) It comes in a variety of different exotic woods: bocote, cocobolo, purpleheart, and ebony. The Stinger can also come at a little lower price as a "sneaky pete" version that makes use of maple wood. I happen to find the exotic woods very appealing. Many jump/breaks I've seen tend to be a little plain looking, but with the fabulous finish on these cues the wood really looks good. Which brings me to my next point... the finish.

3) Jerry at Jerico Cues has developed quite an impressive finish that looks fabulous AND protects and seals the wood from the effects of moisture and dirt. It seals to a depth of about a millimeter over the whole cue, allowing it to have a great glossy look to it.

4) It is currently being used by multiple pro players around the world including: Mike Massey, Kid Delicious, Tony Robles, Jennifer Barretta, Ronnie Wiseman, Chris Lynch, Edwardo Roldan, Bill Meima (2004 World Jumpshot Champion), Sarah Ellerby, Randy Whitehead, Billy Banks, and Lynette Horsburgh (UK Snooker Champion).

So what's the big hubbub about?

Outside of the selling points listed, the Stinger boasts quite a promise for performance including a patented tip/ferrule technology, and a special tip material.

The patented tip/ferrule technology used by the Stinger makes use of a "stinger" that projects downward through a hole in the center of the ferrule (imagine a thumbtack). Upon impact, the shock from the hit travels through the center of the tip and down the stinger, passing the energy of the impact straight to the center of the shaft, as opposed to the ferrule.

The tip material used by the Stinger was developed specifically for the purpose of break/jumping. It is a high-performance proprietary material that DOES meet the Billiard Congress of America's specifications for jump/break tips. The tip material and ferrule material are, unlike the Sledgehammer, separate components. The tip/ferrule combination used by The Stinger promises a hit that sends the shock down the center of the shaft by means of Jerico Cues patented technology.