Full range of cueing options from 3 distinct bridge heights
What is the K-REST?
The K-REST is a completely new piece of equipment for use in cue sports such as snooker and pool. This may sound like a bold claim but in fact most players, even professionals, don't understand the concept when they first see it.
As you might expect, the K-REST is used to play shots where the cue-ball is too distant or awkwardly positioned to play with a hand bridge. But the way in which the K-REST is used is very different.
Essentially the K-REST functions as an extension of the bridge hand. Over the last few years the cue-extension has become standard equipment for most players at all levels. The thinking behind the K-REST is that if you have a longer cue, why not have an extension to the bridge hand? This means players can play rest shots in their normal stance, with the bridge hand out in front and the cueing back behind the shoulder; and there are many benefits to playing in this manner.
Vastly improved cue-ball control over conventional rest play
Note from the movement of the cue that these shots are by a far from great player: Me!
How is the K-REST different to other rests?
The most obvious difference is the length. At only 900mm the standard K-REST is considerably shorter than a standard rest. In fact the adjustable versions contract to 650mm or can be split and only half used. The length is ideal for use with longest standard cue-extensions. Traditionally when a player uses the rest, the player's hands are quite close together. When using the K-REST the players hands are about 1200mm apart, the same as in regular play.
The other main difference is the K shaped head. This is where the K-REST gets its name. It evolved through experiments to find as shape that would give players distinct cueing heights that could be selected and changed without having to remove the rest from the table, yet still be stable in use.
When playing the normal stance, there is very little vertical adjustment in the cueing arm and the further the cue is from horizontal, the more likely it is that the cue-ball will lift or swerve unintentionally. To overcome this the new rest head needed to offer a low cueing height for applying screw without digging down, in the same way that players lower their hand bridge in regular play. Similarly, for the K-REST to work like a hand bridge, it needed to offer a high point so that top spin could be applied and a centre height for stun.
Player's eye view
View of a right-handed player standing behind baulk cushion. Colours on spots
What are the benefits of the K-REST?
Play rest shots in your normal stance
As players we practice hundreds, perhaps thousands of hours honing our cueing action so that every shot is pushed through with the greatest accuracy possible. Then in rest play we cue with a sideways motion, crossing the ball, digging down and and sacrificing control. With the K-REST you play in your normal stance with your regular, well practiced cueing action.
Less overhang than with a hand bridge
It is normal nowadays to see players use a hand bridge with an extended cue and leave a very long overhang beyond the bridge-hand. As the pivot point of the cue moves further from the tip, any error at the cueing hand is amplified at the tip. The K-REST moves the pivot point back towards the tip and minimizes any error.
Better cue-ball control. A lot better!
Traditional rest play tends to be quite conservative, it's a sort of safety net to get you out of a sticky situation. With the K-REST it is possible to apply top, screw or stun like never before in rest play. Coupled with more accurate and positive cueing, this allows you to play very aggressively for position with real confidence.
Better sighting
Having your chin on the cue helps when sighting the shot, we all know this. Playing with a longer cue also helps. (Just try using a child's cue and see how difficult sighting becomes.) When using the K-REST your cue is longer, there is more cue in front of you and sighting is improved.
Less error at the cue tip
The K-REST moves the pivot point of the cue nearer to the tip, the longer cue means that a greater proportion of the cue is behind the rest head and the regular cueing action is more precise. The combination of these facts makes for very accurate cueing.
Bigger breaks
This certainly sounds a little brash but it's true. The K-REST helps you to get back into position when things go awry. If you slip out of position and need to use the rest, the positional side of the shot gets harder. The K-REST makes regaining prime position easier. One of our first customers sent this greeting at Christmas:
"88 break, used the K-REST four times. Cheers mate." John Rogers, Kent
See Steve Davis and John Parrot review the K-REST here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sol/ukfs_sport/hi/av/bb_rm_fs.stm?news=1&bbram=1&bbwm=1&nol_storyid=4956338
We'd love to know what you think. Please use this CONTACT US form for all enquiries
Designed and produced by
K-REST
18 Sherwell Lane
Torquay
TQ2 6BD UK
+44 (0)1803 605467
07701093366
steve@k-rest.co.uk International patents pending 2008