[rolfwind]

I've been playing pool on and off for a number of years - really recreational, only been introduced to the 'ghost ball' concept last year.

Even though that improved my accuracy somewhat, I still can only make about 1/3 of my shots. Particular with the very angled shots or the long shots, I lose concentration of where the ghost ball goes and have to guess.

I'd like to be able to make 3/4. Is 'The Spider' any good is it a gadget?

I don't find much info about it on this forum or on the usenet billiards groups which makes me more skeptical. The only thing intrigueing me is that the concept seems sound:

http://www.thespider...ow_it_works.htm

About draw: I use a relatively cheap cue stick. I can't get good draw for anything over half-a-table's distance. Is there a type of tip that allows for better draw or is it purely skill/practice?

[Pelican]

I couldn't use it. I'm aracnophobic :-D

You answered your own question in the last sentance. Naturally some tips are better than others but if you had an artistic player's cue and didn't have the skill you still couldn't draw.

Later, Pel

[WebDude]

At first I thought it didn't account for the ball not hitting in the center, but I checked the link, and it displays the ghost ball, also. A very neat product, and it could probably help immensely.

It should take a lot of the guesswork out of learning the cuts, and you wouldn't have to correct yourself constantly, and learn by trial and error. Wish I had invented it. I may buy one when I can afford it.

If you get it, let us know what you think.

[paco1076]

I have not personally used it, but have talked with people who have. Everyone I talked with said the same thing. Make sure you are using ZERO english and using a low level cue stroke. The Spider doesn't account for throw, english, etc... It can help you with making normal cut shots, but does not adapt to help you with cut shots with english.

Good luck,
Craig