New Cue: Upgrading from House Cues

I am in the process of starting anew, I am by no means a good pool player, but the plan is to be able to hold my own. This summer I got a pool table (9' Olhausen used) and I am averaging about 6 hours a week on it. In a week or so it is getting re-cushioned (Accu-fast) and also new cloth (Simonis 860). Going to have the wife get me a cue for my birthday coming up and it is scary how much their is to choose from. I want my budget around $150-$250, but would prefer leaning towards $200 or less unless there is a steal of a deal out there.

The only real names I know of sticks sub $400/custom cues are Predator and McDermott, although it seems most Predator's are out of my range. What are people's thoughts on a decent cheaper stick, remember I am just a decent beginner? Also, where do people recommend going for purchasing? Online? Dealer? Not sure I have anything in my area unfortunately

ctyhntr said:

seyberts is having a black friday sale.

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Any thoughts?

https://www.seyberts.com/mcdermott-cue-of-the-month/mcdermott-december-2014-cue-of-the-month/

I was trying to find a "real" price on this item, since obviously it never sold for $500, but wondering if its a solid deal for a beginner/amateur player.

The best way to sum me up is a decent bar room pool player who wants to know more and get better but is just learning about the game (in terms of cues, tables, felt etc etc). AKA, I know nothing about cues.

DaveM said:

Nice looking cue, looks like it's worth $229 to me. Was probably around $289 before the sale. I have a Gcore McDermott and like it. Doesn't mean you will though. However Seyberts has an easy return policy.

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I love my dads cue which is a McDermott, although from 1982.

I guess im fuzzy on the G-Core thing, is it wood top to bottom or is the shaft carbon fiber?

DaveM said:

Wood, then the last 7" at the tip end are wood and carbon fiber. It's a good shaft for the money.

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Thanks everyone, guess I will be giving this one a go.

DaveM said:

Good luck, hope you shoot well with it!

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It's gotta beat my Titanium Walmart special from my college days that I have been using haha.