Best playing mainstream / manufactured cue?

Best Manufactured Cue

  • Balabushka

    Votes: 2 1.6%

  • Lucasi

    Votes: 6 4.9%

  • OB Cues

    Votes: 4 3.3%

  • Meucci

    Votes: 5 4.1%

  • Joss

    Votes: 13 10.7%

  • Mezz

    Votes: 9 7.4%

  • Predator

    Votes: 26 21.3%

  • Schon

    Votes: 39 32.0%

  • Viking

    Votes: 2 1.6%

  • McDermott

    Votes: 16 13.1%
  • Total voters
    122
Da Bank

Da Bank

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Just curious to hear people's opinions on what are the best playing main stream cues from big name manufacturers such as Predator, Schon, Mezz, etc. Basically any cue manufacturer that does not produce one-off cues.

I'm sure there have been plenty of threads about this, but I'd like to get a good poll going.

I haven't played with every brand of cue, but I'd have to go with Predator for the ones I've actually shot with.

Thoughts?

I can only put 10 options in the poll, so if I missed one, I tried to include the most well known or highest quality cues. I also won't bother adding Cuetec, because anyone who actually selects that brand does not have enough brains to warrant voting.
 
Since Jacoby wasn't named I picked OB...made by Joss but like their shafts a WHOLE lot better than the stock Joss shaft. Most of the "companies" on your list will make you a "one off" cue if you want them to....

I've tried or owned most of the cues on your list (except Mezz and Balabuska), and the two I decided between when I bought mine were Jacoby and Pechauer. Both of which make lower-end production models, higher-end production models, limited or prototype models, and customs. So, if you are in the market....be sure to give those two a look too. :thumbup2:
 
I haven't tried enough of them to give an opinion. I do have a lower end McD for a car trunk cue and it plays pretty good.

One name I don't see on your list that I've heard very good things about is Pechauer. Similar warranty to the McD's as well.
 
i considered putting Pechauer up there, but it is a bit smaller company than the ones listed and not as "mainstream" i suppose.

I also realize most of those companies will produce a one-off cue for you if you so desire, but that's not really their gig.

I think we can all reasonably agree that there is a difference between the manufactured cues and custom cues in terms of what category they are. I still consider Jacoby and Pechauer closer to the custom category than companies like predator, etc.
 
I must qualify my Vote for McDermott. The one I purchased has an Intimidator2 shaft. I also have a standard shaft and there is a world of difference. The I2 shaft plays better than any other shaft I have. I put it on a Bob Frey butt and let me tell you it is IMO really good.

I also have a Pechauer and it is a nice shooting cue, especially with a sniper tip.
 
Jacoby should have been on the list...but maybe they're at least semi custom?

I voted Schon...but you know, a McDermott I recently picked up in a local pawn shop plays very well...
 
Da Bank said:
Just curious to hear people's opinions on what are the best playing main stream cues from big name manufacturers such as Predator, Schon, Mezz, etc. Basically any cue manufacturer that does not produce one-off cues.

I'm sure there have been plenty of threads about this, but I'd like to get a good poll going.

I haven't played with every brand of cue, but I'd have to go with Predator for the ones I've actually shot with.

Thoughts?

I can only put 10 options in the poll, so if I missed one, I tried to include the most well known or highest quality cues. I also won't bother adding Cuetec, because anyone who actually selects that brand does not have enough brains to warrant voting.
Click to expand...

Not really a fair question, I like predator shafts but I like a big pin, so I would want a higher end mcdermott w/314 shaft or possible a higher end viking with a big pin, ect.... Big pin butt with 314 shaft for me.

But, if I gotta take the whole cue, a predator sneaky pete.
 
Throwing Schon in here skews the results, Schon is not a production cue.

and I wouldnt be suprised to find out that a handful of these brands of cues are coming out of the same factory made on the same prodution lines.
 
To be honest I haven't hit with all these cues but I do know the Schons with an OB-2 are the nuts!

Of course this is if you're a Lam shaft kind of guy.
 
Let me start with a disclaimer. What feels good is a very subjective thing. People both love & hate Meucci cues (for example) for the very same reasons. This is just my taste.

Perhaps things have changed from the time I last played with a Schon cue which was easily 17 years ago or more. At that time, I would've nominated Schon for worst hitting cue. When playing with a Schon I have always found there to be too high a vibration regardless of the shot, and that the vibration made the butt of the cue feel hollow or at least poorly assembled.

That aside, I must admit, Schon cues are among the most beautiful cues made...they are in deed magnificent. Perhaps Schon's more modern cues have improved the feel of their hit as technology has advanced. If that's the case i would definitely consider giving them a second chance. -Z-
 
Beware_of_Dawg said:
Throwing Schon in here skews the results, Schon is not a production cue.

and I wouldn't be surprised to find out that a handful of these brands of cues are coming out of the same factory made on the same production lines.
Click to expand...

I am not saying you're wrong...but merely asking how is it not a production cue...? I know they will do custom work but they sell several models many made of each...and there factory is big enough for production work. I know this cause I have seen it. :shrug:
 
You need to check out Pechauer. Joe has this new type of SS piloted joint that makes the hit pretty darn amazing. I have a prototype of his and that thing plays great! Its actually a bit stiffer than my Barnhart, and easier to draw with. However, it is a little too front-weighted (so I tend to hit too hard with it) for my liking so I don't use it as my main player.
 
Beware_of_Dawg said:
Throwing Schon in here skews the results, Schon is not a production cue.

and I wouldnt be suprised to find out that a handful of these brands of cues are coming out of the same factory made on the same prodution lines.
Click to expand...



Schon is truely a production cue...


Ken
 
I have shot with, but not owned all of the brands. My choice of hit and consistency in quality and playability Has to be Schon. I have owned several and I currently play with a Schon ltd 1231 (thanks Joe). Not only is beautiful, but also plays like a dream!......Myself? well, I play like a nightmare :o:rolleyes:
 
cool to see I wasn't the only one who liked Jacoby and Pechauer....both are high quality cues that give you a lot of value (great looks, with quality woods and great playability) for the $$$.
 
I am a bit confused. What makes Jacoby not a custom cue-

From the jacoby website-

http://www.jacobycustomcues.com/about.php

Jacoby Custom Cues, Inc. was formed in 1982 as Dave's Cue Service. David and his son, Shane, started doing repairs in the basement of their home. When they were ready for more challenges, they ventured on to tackle the task of creating their first cue. They put their talents and imaginations to work aided by other great cue makers and earned themselves membership in the American Cue Maker's Association. For those who value excellence, they created the finest handcrafted masterpieces, and Jacoby Custom Cues started to grow.
 
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