Plain wrapless cue

J

J.S.

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I've been thinking about getting a custom cue for while now. I currently shoot with a Predator (314-2 shaft).

Aesthetically I'm drawn to simple, plain wrapless cues. I like darker woods with a maple handle. There was a nice cocobolo and BME Capone in the raffles section that I found appealing. Nice, simple ring work and nothing more.

I'm just looking at the moment, but you never know... My budget is around 500$, give or take some.

The question here, of course, is what cue makers should I be looking into?

On my list at the moment are Josey and Hill. I'd like to byu a cue that "plays well" (what ever that is supposed to mean) and is well crafted. Also, I want deal with someone who treats customers right. I guess I've read a few too many threads on delays and the like here on this forum.

Open to suggestions, let's hear it.

Disclaimer: this is motivated purely from the desire to own something nice and a bit more personal than a predator. So none of the "it's not the arrow, it's the indian" talk, if you please.

J.S.
 
J.S. said:
I've been thinking about getting a custom cue for while now. I currently shoot with a Predator (314-2 shaft).

Aesthetically I'm drawn to simple, plain wrapless cues. I like darker woods with a maple handle. There was a nice cocobolo and BME Capone in the raffles section that I found appealing. Nice, simple ring work and nothing more.

I'm just looking at the moment, but you never know... My budget is around 500$, give or take some.

The question here, of course, is what cue makers should I be looking into?

On my list at the moment are Josey and Hill. I'd like to byu a cue that "plays well" (what ever that is supposed to mean) and is well crafted. Also, I want deal with someone who treats customers right. I guess I've read a few too many threads on delays and the like here on this forum.

Open to suggestions, let's hear it.

Disclaimer: this is motivated purely from the desire to own something nice and a bit more personal than a predator. So none of the "it's not the arrow, it's the indian" talk, if you please.

J.S.
Click to expand...

I have a PJ in the W/FS section you might like.
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=193378
Tulipwood, B&W ebony and Gabon ebony. Cue has two shafts and sterling silver ring work as well.
 
You can't go wrong with a Josey. Keith and Sherri are great to work with. Keith's cues are beautiful and hit great imo. I felt more like a friend of there's than a customer of there's.
 
Check out the new warp less line of OB cues. I got the model #108cw in Vegas and love it.
 
Yep, not looking for a production cue. BTW, it's nice that ob wants come out with a whole line of warpless cues (sorry, couldn't help myself).

J.S.
 
I've only owned one, a Madison Bob I bought recently. Long pro taper and thicker butt than I'm used to with my Schon but I like it. It has a radial pin and is heavy but with a 19" balance point it doesn't feel heavy when I play with it. I have no problem moving the ball around the table. I sent the shaft off to Chuck Starkey to be reconditioned and get a new tip and it is a solid cue.

Predators are a different deal though. It would probably take some time to get used to a regular shaft although I guess you could always put a predator shaft on it if you wanted to.

I've heard great things about other wrapless cues like Josey, Scruggs and Starkey but I've never played with any of them.
 
About 6 months ago I got my new Andy Gilbert. I don't think you will find anyone with anything but high praise for Andy's cue work, and his business practices. At the time, he said a basic 4 point cue was about $500. Now this was with a wrap, but also with 4 points. I would talk to him about swapping the wrap for the points, maybe they even out...I don't know. In any case, I go to the Super Billiards Expo every year and have hit with a LOT of very high end cues. I selected Andy because I consistently liked the feel of the hit on every single one of his cues. It is a somewhat firm hit and extremely solid. I also play with a 314-2 shaft that he put the joint in. It feels fantastic. Most people that don't care for the hit of a Predator shaft don't immediately realize that is what is on there when they first try it. Somehow he did an awesome job of making the Predator hit similar to his standard shaft. In any case, give him a call. He is a really nice guy, keeps great records and knows exactly what you asked him for down to every detail, and gives you exactly that.

Andy Gilbert is reachable at 417-743-2759

Hope this helps (and hope that is his regular business line!!)

KMRUNOUT
 
Theere is a nice woodworth in the f/s section now for 300...especially if you are going w/ a 314.
 
I recommend taking a look at Judd cues.

I recently picked up a Judd JT1 pictured in this thread. Great hitting cue. Plain Jane style. Simple styling and hit's a ton.

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=177095

My other recommendation is checking out Arnot cues. His T3 shaft is low deflection and hits great as well.

Both Arnot and Judd cues should be in your price range for simpler styles.

Try to get your hands on as many cues as possible to hit a few balls with as the hit will definitely differ between makers.

Hope this helps, good luck with the search.
 
I'll throw Lee Peppers in the mix because I have had nothing but positive interactions with him. He made a cue for me a couple months ago and he's currently making a second for me.

He's very personable, knowledgeable, and responds to all inquiries very quickly. On top of that, he makes a hell of a cue for a very reasonable price.

Check out his website: www.lpcustomcue.com
 
I'll second the Josey recommendation. I'm patiently waiting for mine. I'll add Arnot Q Wadsworth of Arnot Q's as well he has a great reputation. His web site is a must see. And lastly I'll add Jacoby. Maybe not pure custom. But his lower end stuff shoots fantastic. I've owned 2 so far and loved them both. I believe they will do some modification to their stock line for you if you ask.

Mark Shuman
 
Thanks!

Thank you all for the info. Lots of great recommendations here. Josey I expected to get some votes, some of the other cue makers were unknown to me but I'll definately look into their work. I had thougth Gilbert to WAY out of my price range, so it was really nice to know that he might have something to offer at such a low price. Does he have a web site / email? Also, any info as to his waiting time?

Again, thank you all so much.

J.S.
 
I use to shoot with a Predator P2 a few years back until I bought a Jacoby. It was a great cue, but it shot a lot different than the P2 and I had to adjust my game quite a bit. I had to concentrate on my stroke a lot more to get proper cue ball action. Personally I feel the predator shaft just made my stroke lazy.

I got a Bryan Fisher cue after that and must say it reminded me somewhat of the Predator, except it is much nicer looking. It has low deflection and easily applies spin to the cue. Probably not as easy as the Predator, but it is a great cue and well constructed, I still have it and have no plans of getting rid of it.

I didn't get it directly from Bryan, so I am not sure what dealing with him is like, although I have not heard anything bad about him. As far as avoiding certain sellers & makers, just make sure you always do some research on them before buying, especially where you are overseas.

Anyway, just my $.02 worth. Good luck with whatever you get.
 
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