As an avid snooker enthusiast who has played countless games over nearly four decades, I’ve experimented with various accessories to enhance my gameplay. However, in snooker, the only equipment you really can change and control is your cue setup. Your cue, your tip, and your chalk are the tweaks you can make to try and gain that little bit more…something.
I have been using Taom V10 for over a year now, and it was a game-changer for me. Is there anything out there that can compete with Taom chalk? Well, one product that has grabbed my attention is Century Pro Chalk. Here’s my in-depth review of why this chalk is worth your consideration.
First Impressions and Key Features
When I first came across Century Pro Chalk, I was intrigued by its reputation and the rave reviews from people I respect and professionals like Ronnie O’Sullivan and Jimmy White. Given it was developed by a company who have delivered quality products time and time again, and the fact they worked on creating this over a rigorous two-year R&D phase, my expectations were high, and I must say, it did not disappoint compared to most other chalks on the market.
The Formula That Makes a Difference
What seems to set Century Pro Chalk apart from the masses, similarly to to way Taom chalk does, is its unique formula. It’s not just any chalk. This is a product that’s been crafted with a special recipe designed specifically for the modern demands of cue sports.
“Chalk is chalk” has been echoing around billiard halls for a century. The last few years have proven that to be just plain wrong.
The result of all this research and development by Century Cues is an instantly recognizable enhanced grip on the cue ball, which has noticeably improved my shot precision and drastically reduced miscues and unexpected ‘kicks’ when compared to the free chalk down at the snooker hall.
Handcrafted with Precision
In an era of mass-produced sports accessories, the fact that each piece of Century Pro Chalk is prepared by hand speaks volumes about its quality. This meticulous attention to detail is something I greatly appreciate, as it ensures consistency and reliability every time I chalk up.
Less is More
One of the first things I noticed was how little of the chalk I actually needed to use to see its effects. The manufacturers recommend a light application every two to three shots, and they’re spot on (although it is hard to break the habit of a lifetime, and I still tend to lightly touch up my cue tip with the chalk every shot).
If you can break the habit and chalk every couple of shots then this not only aids in better control and cleaner gameplay but also means the chalk lasts much longer, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run for those searching for more in their snooker sessions.
Century Pro Chalk vs Triangle Snooker Chalk
The common Triangle snooker chalk has been a staple for players at all levels for years, known for its accessibility and familiar texture. However, compared to Century Pro Chalk, there are noticeable differences in performance and quality.
Triangle chalk, while historically reliable compared to its competitors, often requires more frequent application during play, which can lead to a build-up on the cue ball and the table, potentially affecting the game’s flow and precision. This is especially true when comparing it to Century’s chalk or that from Taom.
Take a look at the table after a session using Triangle chalk and compare it to a session when both you and your opponent use the new “super chalks”. Century Pro Chalk, with its advanced composition, significantly reduces these issues, offering a cleaner play which certainly helps during matches and practice but also helps me spend more time playing and less time wiping and brushing.
The grip that Century Pro provides is superior, in my experience, enabling more controlled and precise shots, which is crucial in snooker. The process used to create Century Pro also ensures that each piece maintains a consistent quality, something that legacy mass-produced options like Triangle can sometimes lack.
Century Pro Chalk vs Taom V10 Chalk
Having used Taom V10 chalk for over a year, I was initially skeptical that any other chalk could offer comparable performance. Taom V10 is renowned for its minimal residue and high grip, characteristics that have made it a favorite among professionals and enthusiasts alike.
However, Century Pro Chalk has matched and, in some aspects, surpassed the Taom V10 in my playing experience. While both chalks offer excellent grip, Century Pro seems to have a slight edge in how I was able to maintain cue ball control, providing a consistent feel shot after shot.
Now, this may be just a coincidence, it may be that I am not constantly fiddling with the round Taom form factor (that results in me “chalking” with the paper bottom of the chalk 25% of the time, wiping my chalk off the tip and making me get out of my pre-shot routine to sort it out), or it may be that I am just practicing more because I don’t have to crawl under the table when I drop it once a frame.
In terms of longevity and cost-effectiveness, both chalks stand out, but Century Pro’s recommendation for minimal application means it can last even longer, offering probably slightly better value over time.
With regards to leaving residue on the cloth, both were excellent but I think Taom V10 is still the clear winner when compared to anything on the market today, including the otherwise excellent Century Pro Chalk. This may just simply be that the green color of the chalk from Century is lighter than the Taom and shows up more whereas Taom V10 seems to just disappear but after just a dozen shots you will see some residue with the CC Pro Chalk whereas with the Taom V10 you rarely see anything even after a full session!
The verification code for authenticity with each box of Century Pro also addresses a growing concern among players about counterfeit products, ensuring peace of mind with every purchase.
Additionally, the unique tear-away label of the Century Pro Chalk is a small but significant design feature that has made it more user-friendly as the chalk wears down.
I am also more of a traditionalist so having a square chalk is just a nicer experience for me. This is purely personal bias and I am certainly not the type to wear a glove, use a composite cue, or play rest shots with the same 90-degree downward rear arm as a standard shot. So, your mileage may vary and you may not care about its shape. I do a little bit and so I include it here as you may do too.
My Final Thoughts on Century Pro Chalk: A Worthy Investment
In conclusion, Century Pro Chalk has become a viable option for chalk that I keep on hand. Its unique formula, noticeable improvements over the legacy brands, and excellent quality have brought improvements and enhanced enjoyment to my game. These characteristics make it a product I wholeheartedly recommend to fellow players. However, my go-to chalk is still the V10 from Taom primarily because I don’t want to brush my table after every session (yes, I know you should – but really…ain’t nobody got time for that.)
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a passionate amateur, giving Century Pro Chalk a try could very well elevate your game to new heights or simply help you enjoy your time on the table more, just as it has mine. Give it a shot!
Where to buy Century Pro Chalk?
Ensure you are getting the genuine product and purchase via an official stockist or from Century Cues themselves: https://centurycues.com/shop/century-pro-chalk/
In the USA? Buy directly from Snooker Pot’s USA Snooker Store – The USA Official Stockist for Century Cues.
