Ordering custom cue

donuteric

donuteric

always a newbie
Silver Member
Never ordered or owned a custom cue before, but been thinking to have someone custom make one for me. To be truthful, I just know how to shoot, and as far as how cues are made, etc, I am truly an idiot.

I want nothing fancy as far as design goes. I'm looking more into a simple wrapless cocobolo sneaky pete (not conversion) with perhaps engravings like "made for [my name/initials]" and signed by the cue maker on the butt to have some sentimental values. Also, can I just order the butt? I don't see myself switching from Z2 for a long time.

So what kind of questions should I consider when talking to a cue maker?

I'm sorry if this has been asked here before. Tried my search on google on this site but didn't find anything.
 
donuteric said:
Never ordered or owned a custom cue before, but been thinking to have someone custom make one for me. To be truthful, I just know how to shoot, and as far as how cues are made, etc, I am truly an idiot.

I want nothing fancy as far as design goes. I'm looking more into a simple wrapless cocobolo sneaky pete (not conversion) with perhaps engravings like "made for [my name/initials]" and signed by the cue maker on the butt to have some sentimental values. Also, can I just order the butt? I don't see myself switching from Z2 for a long time.

So what kind of questions should I consider when talking to a cue maker?

I'm sorry if this has been asked here before. Tried my search on google on this site but didn't find anything.
Click to expand...

Since you are using a Z2 then shaft questions aren't needed.
The only thing needed there would be to match up the pin with your shaft.

When it comes to the butt the things I look for are diameter(thick like Joss or thinner like Schon), weight, joint, balance point. For the true balance point you would need the shaft but most people seem to like something between 18.5" and 19.5" from the butt end.
IMO, you should test several different setups before ordering. Based on what you've said you're not too sure so before dropping a pretty penny I would figure out your ideal setup first and then order a cue from a maker after.
 
Thanks!

For balance point, I believe I prefer something around 15" from the butt end. This might have come from I was first trained in playing snooker at younger age. I actually never pay much attention to the diameter of the butt. I'll certainly start exploring a bit.

Once again, thanks. More feedbacks are certainly welcome.
 
If you are getting a custom cue,it is my opinion that you do yourself a disservice if you don't have the cuemaker make a custom shaft for you.

Order it with an 11.75 mm tip with a zshaft taper or at the very least buy a z shaft blank and have the cuemaker match it to the butt.

Personally I'd much rather have a good custom shaft from the cuemaker as an aftermarket production shaft, especially if I was having a custom cue made anyhow.

Just my opinion. You'll have to decide for yourself.

:)
 
dr9ball said:
If you are getting a custom cue,it is my opinion that you do yourself a disservice if you don't have the cuemaker make a custom shaft for you.

Order it with an 11.75 mm tip with a zshaft taper or at the very least buy a z shaft blank and have the cuemaker match it to the butt.

Personally I'd much rather have a good custom shaft from the cuemaker as an aftermarket production shaft, especially if I was having a custom cue made anyhow.

Just my opinion. You'll have to decide for yourself.

:)
Click to expand...

That's a great idea. I will definitely consider asking the cuemaker for the shaft, and will probably buy a blank z2 shaft to match it to the butt as well.

Thank you.
 
What cuemakers are you considering? Some may not take on a simple project like a sneaky. And doesnt the Z2 shaft come in different threads? So have the maker build it with the appropriate pin,collar and joint diameter. I go crazy when shaft collar and joint collars dont match or fit flush.
 
dr9ball said:
If you are getting a custom cue,it is my opinion that you do yourself a disservice if you don't have the cuemaker make a custom shaft for you.

Order it with an 11.75 mm tip with a zshaft taper or at the very least buy a z shaft blank and have the cuemaker match it to the butt.

:)
Click to expand...

+1 to that,

most cuemakers have their own style of building their shaft, and that has a lot to do with the feel of their work. I would order one of their top quality shafts with the tip diameter you like, and order an LD blank and have it fitted with matching ringwork and diameter to fit your new cue perfectly.

D
 
if ur going to have a cue made for u its best to go to the cuemakers work shop..... meet him at a tourney.. etc and when he is done go to his workshop to pick it up...... bc that way if there is anything u dont like there will be less hassel
 
Jensen

Contact Mike Johnson of Jensen cues. I owned one for a while and they hit fantastic. His prices are reasonable enough, he does great work, and he listens to his customers.

Another cuebuilder to contact is Pete Ohman of Omen Cues. He makes great hitting cues as well.

Another idea might be for you to explain to the cuemaker what kind of hit and feel you are looking for in his/her cue. Many can lead you in the right direction.

Best Wishes!
Tom
 
butt weight, shaft weight, balance point, butt taper, cue design, possibly joint type/material.

Balance point may be the most important thing. Butt weight and shaft weight distribution will help determine balance point. You aren't going to shoot with something you don't care to look at most of the time. As for butt taper, one of the best hitting/powerful cues I've ever hit with was a Zylr. The cue hit fantastic and struck through the cue ball really well. I couldn't play with it because the butt was too thick for my comfort level and the butt was heavier then I liked. As you play with more and more cues you will know what you like. One of the best cues, I've ever shot with was a Tim Scruggs Bacote Sneaky Pete with phenolic joint collar and black buttcap. Many people tried to convince me the wood to wood ones hit way better but I liked my Scruggs' "hit" better. In the end, it really is all preference. I've tried out a Balabushka and a Barry Szamboti. Both of the cues I've tried were too hard hitting for my liking but they sure struck the ball really nicely.
 
donuteric said:
Thanks all. I ran out of reps, but will give the rest when I have some more tomorrow.



Nothing wrong. Just want another one. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Well IMHO Tommie1351 has some great Customs, plus Tommie will treat you right, answer question with facts, no Pipe Dreams, and he is a great seller to deal with.

 
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