Who is really the best?

[CMD]

By value I mean exactly what it means. What you get for the moeny. And I'm not referring to resale value.

THIS is why this thread can NOT be taken seriously. Resale value is a huge factor in cue buying. Try buying a cue from some of the names mentioned and you will know EXACTLY what I mean....



<~~~~~~has lost his shirt on some of the names mentioned And did very well on certain plain janes....

 

[Monstermash]

THIS is why this thread can NOT be taken seriously. Resale value is a huge factor in cue buying. Try buying a cue from some of the names mentioned and you will know EXACTLY what I mean....



<~~~~~~has lost his shirt on some of the names mentioned And did very well on certain plain janes....

I appreciate your input but I was referring to the value when you purchase the cue. Obviously everything changes when/if you sell it. I'm more concerned with the initial value you get for your hard earned money assuming that you plan on keeping it.

I agree that you would probably do ok with resale on certain makers pj's but it still doesn't make one worth over $1K in my eyes. But hey, thats just my opinion and I'm sure that not everyone agrees with me. I'm also sure that there are lots of folks who do agree.

 

[Ron F]

Interesting Thread

Interesting thread. I also think it would be interesting to get 15 or 20 PJ's or SP's from the leading cuemakers and have a blind test (a la Pepsi Challenge) at the SBE and see whose cues come out on top, ignoring price and especially name recognition which has a huge influence on perception and resale value.

My pick right now would be cues made by Jerry Rauenzahn (pronounced Ronzon) of Rauenzahn Custom Cues in Warren, PA. Jerry was a road player in his younger days and has been making cues for 40 years now. He makes his own blanks, including full splice, and the hit is truly solid. He's also a one-man operation, so when you're holding a Rauenzahn cue you know it passed exclusively through his hands in its' creation. Additionally, although fairly busy as a cuemaker he doesn't charge outrageous prices. A 4 point, 4 veneer, no inlay cue with 2 shafts comes in right around a grand and his customer service is second to none.

Ron F

 

[rburgoyne]

I have to say Jeff Olney

Design-How does it look? Does the overall look of the cue produce a nice balanced look?

I have gotten a lot of compliments on the way my Olney looks. He does a lot of 6 pointers, but has also done Plain Janes to butterflys and even cues with a lot of points. He uses various combinations of wood, joints, etc. and I personally love the way his cues look. he uses some really pretty wood. Just check out this thread for many many pages of pics. http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=136716

Execution-How is the fit and finish and how well does the maker infuse the design into the final product?

His execution is second to none. His points are razor sharp and line up all the way around the cue. He even makes sure the rings line up all the way down. The finish is as shiny as any cue I have seen. I would consider Jeff a perfectionist.

Playability-Does the maker consistantly produce cues that play lights out?

I own two Olney cues and although one is a plain jane bacote with a G10 pin, it plays very similar to my fancy one in my signature. I had heard his cues play consistent, and I have to agree.

As far as "lights out", that's subjective to the player. I am not going to say his cues play "jam up" or any of the other corny phrases overused here on AZ. All I will say is if you prefer a stiff, solid feel, then try an Olney.

Value-How much cue do you get for the money when considering the above criteria?

Value is subjective too, so here is my opinion. Compared to other makers of similar or even less quality IMO, Jeff's cues are way underpriced. Click on the cue in my signature, it was under $1000. There are many makers that would be over $1000, and probably closer to $2000 for something like this.

 

[Jimbojim]

THIS is why this thread can NOT be taken seriously. Resale value is a huge factor in cue buying. Try buying a cue from some of the names mentioned and you will know EXACTLY what I mean....



<~~~~~~has lost his shirt on some of the names mentioned And did very well on certain plain janes....

Why resale value would be a factor in buying a cue specially in a custom? I mean I 'understand' why but heck if I have a cue made for me, and I have, that's to play with it, not to sell it EVER!!! Unless you don't play and you just collect then its all good

 

[peteypooldude]

I am sorry, but for me this is ridiculous. If your wealthy enough to throw
2k plus at a cue then great for you. I know people who do, but if I can
beat them while they play with a 200$ cue, then I can beat them if
they play with a 20,000 $ cue. The rest is hype . Talking about a magic pill.

 

[shakey91929]

Bill Schick.

I will be buying a new cue in the near future. I noticed you use a different cue for 14:1 than you do for other games. Is there a reason for this? I have been away from the game for many years and have just purchased a Gold Crown 4 table for my family room. (It's not here yet.) I ask this because I enjoy playing straight pool the most. Thanks in advance.

 

[inas502]

Tony Zinzola in my book beautiful cue hits a ton and the price was right where it should be..... I think the vaule of a cue has a lot to do with the buyer also. Meaning what kind of hit they like and how much $$$ they can spend just my 2cents

 

[bobroberts]

The whole premise is not worth discussing.
Why buy a Rembrandt? After all its just oil and canvas. There are tons of other artists who paint.
So when you compare cues for value you can't. There is no point in discussing this.

 

[CMD]

I appreciate your input but I was referring to the value when you purchase the cue.

What constitutes value? Do you think by adding some ivory increases anything? Or point work?


YES - they do. When done correctly.

Obviously everything changes when/if you sell it. I'm more concerned with the initial value you get for your hard earned money assuming that you plan on keeping it.

How many cues have YOU kept that you ordered?

I agree that you would probably do ok with resale on certain makers pj's but it still doesn't make one worth over $1K in my eyes.

Why not? If you pay $1000 for a PJ by a top tier cuemaker and you can flip it for $1500 or even $2000, how is this not value? Why do you think these men have waiting lists 10 miles long?

How much do you think you can sell a brand new PJ direct from Ron Haley, Dennis Searing, John Showman or Barry Szamboti for? Have you ever played with any of these makers cues?

I know you are referring to Eric Crisp when you are talking about $1000 PJ's. Have you ever played with one of his cues? Do you know HIS pricing?


What makes the pool industry great, is that there are cues for everyone. Whether it is an import cheapie or the fanciest Black Boar or Bob Manzino or Joel Herceck?

Some have lists... And others do not. The public and free market dictate what value is. Not just your biased opinion.


Chris

 

[CMD]

I am sorry, but for me this is ridiculous. If your wealthy enough to throw
2k plus at a cue then great for you. I know people who do, but if I can
beat them while they play with a 200$ cue, then I can beat them if
they play with a 20,000 $ cue. The rest is hype . Talking about a magic pill.

Uh...yea. No debating that point of view. :banghead:

Why resale value would be a factor in buying a cue specially in a custom? I mean I 'understand' why but heck if I have a cue made for me, and I have, that's to play with it, not to sell it EVER!!! Unless you don't play and you just collect then its all good

Most people sell cues that are made for them for one reason or another. Yes, I play.... and collect. But I play with all of my cues regardless of cost.

 

[AK-Stick]

I dont think you can pick the best its like Picasso, Da Vinci and Michelangelo. Hayley,Hercek,Barry,Searing,Schick,Bender,Gina,Taz,Lambros take your pick.

Also I am familar with cues from half the list above but not all of them.In my humble opinion any of the cues above you should be able to purchase play and sell later for more than what you paid for them assuming you buy from the builder. You take first pick of 3 of the cues above and i will be estacic with the next 3.

 

[bobco729]

My old 1979 Scruggs never let me down.
"country" Bob

 

[GrasshopperOO7]

I'm new here, I'm gonna have to go with Bob Frey

 

[1pRoscoe]

Why buy an ounce of gold when an ounce of silver is so much cheaper? They are both "precious metals", are they not?

 

[flyvirginiaguy]

By value I mean exactly what it means. What you get for the moeny.

Going back to this thread for a moment. Best for the money would have been a Balabushka for a 100 or so bucks in the 60s and early 70s. Today Steve Klein is at the very very top of the kind of cue you get for your money.

Most are over rated names (especially for the "hit" of the cue). And I have played a game or two with most current makers at some point or another.

 

[showtime]

Budwieser cue

SIMPLY the BEST!!!! you dont even have to aim. AND........ you wont have to worry about packing up to go home cause it will splinter into 1 million pieces. hahaha.

 

[Blue Hog ridr]

From the cues and one to come that I have from Lee Pepper, I have to say that for the money, you get some real value and a great playing cue.

Altho I have not played with a Chuck Starkey cue, they are getting a nice rep. A decent price, well built and am reading good things about them.

 

[tikkler]

hey

personally I have to go with a Mitch Samuels....by far the best there is, and you can get an incredible 4 pointer for under $1500

 

[hang-the-9]

Value.. well, I bought a $500 Joss Limited cue for $200 about 18 years ago. Used it as my main cue for about 16. Now my son is using it. I'm guessing he'll be using it till about 18 (7 more years) and gets the urge to pick out his own cue. At which point it may go to his younger sister for a few more years of use.

Pretty good value for $200.