I have a question which I can't seem to find an answer for. Where I am from, the big brand name of production cue is Viking. They are alright, I have played with one for awhile. What I am wondering is why no one EVER talks about or mentions Viking cues here on this site. Well not that I have seen anyways. I usually only hear names such as Mezz, Schon, and Joss. Is there something about Viking that people don't like? Give me your opinions.
Production Cues.
- Thread starter ballzdeep
- Start date
can't say that i've played w/ one. I have played w/ several production cues, however, from an early stage, i was bitten by the custom cue bug (saw a SW when i was 16 and fell in love).
there are several production cues that are good players, however, for me, and for many here, there is just something about having a custom cue, something that you have designed from the start, from a maker that you've done your research on and waiting.......waiting.......and finally having it in your hands. and this is not to mention that you know that it is a one of a kind.
even if you get one second hand, it's a one of a kind.
there are several makers here that can make one for a reasonable price.
if i were you, depending on how serious you are about pool, i'd stash away a few bucks (i know times are tough nowadays) and invest in a custom cue.
not to knock on viking or other production cues, but i'm a full supporter of the craftsmanship (not to mention the relationship you can build w/ the maker).
there are several production cues that are good players, however, for me, and for many here, there is just something about having a custom cue, something that you have designed from the start, from a maker that you've done your research on and waiting.......waiting.......and finally having it in your hands. and this is not to mention that you know that it is a one of a kind.
even if you get one second hand, it's a one of a kind.
there are several makers here that can make one for a reasonable price.
if i were you, depending on how serious you are about pool, i'd stash away a few bucks (i know times are tough nowadays) and invest in a custom cue.
not to knock on viking or other production cues, but i'm a full supporter of the craftsmanship (not to mention the relationship you can build w/ the maker).
the taper on their shafts is a little long for my tastes. if you like to draw the cue ball around the table it's fine but i prefer a stiffer cue.
i've seen a few pictures of their "a" joints that seemed funny to me but i've never heard of anyone having one fall apart on them so i guess it's good enough.
i know my signature says "buy american" but i'm a huge mezz fan
i'd pick a mezz over a schon and call me crazy but unless it was a joss west i'd take a joss over a schon and a schon over a viking.
imo mezz cues have the whole package. they're down and dirty with what ever you need. standard shafts LD shafts extensions. they offer everything but the kitchen sink
a friend of mine that has a viking that hits extremely well though. the taper is till kind of long for my tastes but it still seems to be pretty stiff.
@ballz
don t worry about if not many ppl talkin about special cue brands. there are very good brands of production cues. but in my opinion the key is: there are so many excellent cuemakers who can build YOUR ONE-OF-A-KIND cue- that the most ppl will go this way
and like someone else shown up before. This feeling, if u receive your cue, which was build by our ideas and layout etc, etc. ..............it s hard to describe, and i dont want to become too poetic 
You can get especially in the United States so many f....in good Custom Cues for a piece of cake.....(grmbl, i live in the wrong country ), that i would always prefer a one-of-a-kinde cue for myself instead of buying a production cue, because the cue-maker will make your dream come thru (balance, weight, taper, design etc)
greetz from germany,
ingo
don t worry about if not many ppl talkin about special cue brands. there are very good brands of production cues. but in my opinion the key is: there are so many excellent cuemakers who can build YOUR ONE-OF-A-KIND cue- that the most ppl will go this way
and like someone else shown up before. This feeling, if u receive your cue, which was build by our ideas and layout etc, etc. ..............it s hard to describe, and i dont want to become too poetic You can get especially in the United States so many f....in good Custom Cues for a piece of cake.....(grmbl, i live in the wrong country
), that i would always prefer a one-of-a-kinde cue for myself instead of buying a production cue, because the cue-maker will make your dream come thru (balance, weight, taper, design etc)greetz from germany,
ingo
My first cue was a plain jane maple viking. I sold it after I had it for 12 or so years. I wanted a nice custom. After playing with custom cues, I wish I still had my old Viking again. Maybe I just need a nice 3/8x10 flat faced cue again. That Viking sure did play good.
I have never owned a Viking but I have test hit one and liked it. When it comes to their designs IMO some are really nice and some are as ugly as they come much like McD's. What I have noticed is that the ones I like run the same amount of money that I can get a custom made for. Not that I do not own any production cues because I do. I am a big Lucasi fanand have quite a few. I know those are not American but I mostly buy American. For the money you can't go wrong with a Lucasi. Just hit with one and you'll see. I think when it comes to companies like Viking, Meucci, McD, etc, it all comes down what ever you happen to pick up 1st that feels good. I have seen Viking mentioned on here before but usually in the for sale/wanted thread. People here primarily like to talk about all the wonderful Customs that are being made right now from great cue makers. Like in real estate now is the time for buyers to buy if you can. Prices for many cues are at a buyers market level. So if you have ever thought about trying a custom now is the time. Check out LP CUSTOM CUES. You get a base cue for around the price of that Viking I bet ya
I played with one for many years. It was my first cue ever and I still have a soft spot for them for this reason (plus they are local to me). After experiencing more and nice cues I still think it's a fine cue. Compared to some other production cues I find the fit/finish to be quite high on the Viking and the playability is really surprisingly good as well.
As for not getting talked about, really this place is more about the custom cues and that is understandable. Once you've been playing for a while the production stuff becomes a little pedestrian and unexciting....doesn't mean they are solid cues though.
As for not getting talked about, really this place is more about the custom cues and that is understandable. Once you've been playing for a while the production stuff becomes a little pedestrian and unexciting....doesn't mean they are solid cues though.