Speaking of Japan. I’m surprised no one mentioned Mezz. One of the oldest cue makers in the world.
There Exceed line of cues may be the most in demand cues anywhere.
An intricate one is quite likely to run five figures.
The only dealer in America is J&J Cues. The plain Jane’s are even rare going over four grand. Just about the only place to get one is on the secondary market.
If you want one from J&J good luck. They have a list of buyers that will take every one they can buy.
Hotter than any US Cuemaker even Southwest. IMO. There are more Southwest for sale than Exceed across all markets..
Yeah, this happened with Mezz only over the past 5 years or so too. Quality was always equal or above even most custom cues, but they were very affordable and plentiful. Now, we seem to have a version of cue inflation going on. Everywhere. In 2020 even a Carmeli base model you could get easily for around $1500 with 2 shafts. Now it's double to get into a base model. Same with Mezz. And good luck finding either even at twice the 2020 intro price for a basic model.
I got my Mezz for $575 in 2020. There were plenty of styles in stock for around this price too. Ranging from $375-1075. I mean for a top quality incredibly beautiful and amazing hitting merry widow, we are talking about cues that sold for under $400. Mine is fairly fancy one at just under $600 too. Really beautiful in every way. Look. Feel. Workmanship. All second to none really. Now they are selling second hand for about $1500-2000, and there IS no stock of new product. Also, those 2020 models were dumped and replaced with new ones that are not nearly as nice. In my opinion, ugly even in comparison. I doubt they play as good too.
Frankly, I resist the notion that this economics model is justified or viable. This is an artificial inflation scenario. Tell me the cost of making this cue is double what it was 5 years ago. Or that they take 3 times as long to produce. BULLSHIT.
There is a reason why the local residents of many of the worlds most beautiful resort cities will often have bumper stickers that read, "Welcome to (city name) - now go home." lol I know, I lived in one once upon a time.
