Here's a short review of my new Blue Gun Steel Monti cups.

I bought them from James Kernan. They are RNT2 cups. James was kind enough to include a set of balls.
 
I like the way you can see the machining marks from the spinning, I guess. The cups don't shine like copper, but they look strong since they are made out of steel. There is no confusing them with aluminum. I think the walls of the cups are thin, so they are not heavy like my copper cups, but heavier than aluminum.

I can feel the machining on the sides of the cups as I handle them. They stack very nicely, which is always nice.

Another feature I like is the saddle. I don't know why. I just like the shape of it. The balls measure about 3/4". Three balls will nest between the cups perfectly. A 1 1/8" ball fits between nested cups, but only one. So I can use either size ball, but the 3/4 inch is best for these cups.

Here's the measurements:

Height of one cup is 3"
Stack all three cups is 5 1/2"
Outside diameter is 2 7/8"
Inside diameter is about 2 9/16"
Saddle is about 1 7/8"

The cups will not take a tennis ball as a final load. A raquet ball is too small. I'll have to check out the produce isle in the supermarket for the correct size fruit or veggie. As Michael Ammar said, "This spud's for you." I like that line!

Her's some pics of final loads.

http://i408.photobucket.com/albums/pp168/barbell7/101_0370.jpg

http://i408.photobucket.com/albums/pp168/barbell7/101_0372.jpg

Some other pics:

http://i408.photobucket.com/albums/pp168/barbell7/101_0350.jpg

http://i408.photobucket.com/albums/pp168/barbell7/101_0351.jpg

http://i408.photobucket.com/albums/pp168/barbell7/101_0347.jpg

http://i408.photobucket.com/albums/pp168/barbell7/SteelCups.jpg


That's it for now!
Tom

Tom,

Those cups looks great....

What about the weight ? are they good in weight ?

Cheers
Andre

Thanks, Andre.

I don't have a scale to weigh the cups. I should get one, though. It would help with writing reviews.

The Monti cups are heavier than my aluminum Morressy cups, but lighter than my Riser copper cups. The Monti cups are also smaller than my Riser cups.

I like them!!

Tom

Tom… Great review, thanks for the additional pictures. I now have a better understanding of what the blue metal looks like. I have a set of copper Monti Cups, if you don’t mind I will add to your review this weekend my observations.

Thanks,
Bruce

Hi Bruce ... That would be a great idea if you could add your review to mine. It would make a handy way to compare the two types of metal.

Tom

I have a set of giant street cups from RNT2 in blue gun steel.  The jury is out on how I feel about them as i like heavy cups.  They look fab and are perfectly made but I like the feel of a heavy cup.  Apparently there were only ever 3 sets made.

Tom, to simplify your search for a load, I think that Monti's take a lacrosse ball.


 
            Mike

Tom, I love this material! It looks so rich in color. It almost takes on a blueish hue. They look great Tom!


   
               Mike

Bri, ... Mike, ... I like a heavy cup, too. But I like the feel of these cups, so I'm happy with them. And I like the blueish gray color. Of course, I really like the color of my copper cups. Tough decision when it comes time to play!

Thanks for the tip on the lacrosse ball. I'll hunt around for a few.

Mike, I guess the street cups aren't too heavy? Sort of medium weight?

Tom

Tom, my MM Street cups in brass I wouldn't really consider medium, but they're not super-heavy. They weigh about 8.5 ounces piece.



          Mike

Tom,
Be mindful that lacrosse balls vary greatly in size too.  I didn't realise this until I read a couple of posts from Bill Palmer over on the cafe...

Bri

Bruce, Tom.
I took a couple of pics for you.
http://s679.photobucket.com/albums/vv158/cupsandballsmagic/?action=view&current=bgs1.jpg
Bri

Bri,

Wow they look nice! Two shoulder beads instead of one, like mine has. Only three sets made; pretty exclusive!

Thanks for the tip about different size lacrosse balls. I ran out to the local Wal-Mart. No lacrosse balls. The search intensifies.

Tom

Bri… thanks for the Cup pictures, they look fantastic. Another set of Cups goes to a deserving home!

I save copies of all your Cup pictures, it is almost like looking at the C&B Musuem.

Take care,
Bruce

Bruce, Tom,

Thanks guys...  I only have a few sets though, I (like everyone else here) just enjoy my cups.  I'll never be able to hold candle to Bill's mighty museum!

Bri