Bender or Carmelli

Antfarm

Antfarm

PRAGMATIC PONTIFICATOR
Silver Member
If you had the choice between a really high-end Carmelli or a really high-end Bender, which would you choose? I've never shot with either maker but I've shot with loads of high-end makers. Both cues are ebony and ivory. The Carmelli only has predator shafts and honestly, that turns me off just a little. I think it would be a better cue if it also came with a standard shaft. Both cues are exactly my style. The Carmelli is more expensive by about $1500 but both are $3500+

What do folks on here think?

Thanks

Greg
 
Antfarm said:
If you had the choice between a really high-end Carmelli or a really high-end Bender, which would you choose? I've never shot with either maker but I've shot with loads of high-end makers. Both cues are ebony and ivory. The Carmelli only has predator shafts and honestly, that turns me off just a little. I think it would be a better cue if it also came with a standard shaft. Both cues are exactly my style. The Carmelli is more expensive by about $1500 but both are $3500+

What do folks on here think?

Thanks

Greg
Click to expand...

Hi Greg,

Doesn't matter what us low lifes think here at AZB. Pick the cue that suits you best. They are both great makers.

:)
 
My Choice would be.....

1st Choice would be the Bender
2nd Choice would be the Bender
3rd Choice would probably be the Bender.....

But I am a little partial:smile:

My current playing cue is a nice 10 point Bender with Silver "Boxed" barbells in the points and buttsleeve, and even though I have hit with about everybody's cues, I haven't played with a Carmelli. That being said, the Bender I have now is without a doubt one of the, if not THE best hitting cues I have ever had in my hands. I think you need to hit with both and see which plays better for you, and you can't go wrong from there.

Good Luck!!!
 
You got to do what you got to do but if I was spending $3.5K on a cue I sure would want the original shafts that came with it unless the cue was actually worth a lot more. It just seems to me a cue in that price range with Predator shafts has reduced value.
 
Well, the Carmelli was made and designed with only the predator shafts, they weren't after-market. And, the Carmelli is roughly $5000, the Bender is $1500 cheaper but it really isn't about the money right now. I just want to be sure I'm getting something of great quality for the money I'll spend.

Do you guys have any thoughts/comments on how either maker's cues typically play? Stiff, soft, or exactly like a predator because it only has predator shafts?

Thanks peeps,

Greg
 
I don't know Carmelli cues but I know Bender Cues REALLY well and they are SUPERB!
 
Ant, I am an authorized stocking dealer of both makers and have cues in the realm you are considering, only unchalked with full 13mm shafts. I have 2 Carmeli masterpiece one offs that are very elaborate with silver veneers, inlays and ivory windows and points. These cues were initially 5K but are now priced closer to 4K! You owe it to yourself to look at my inventory if you are seriously considering a higher end cue from either maker. Best wishes, Martin www.superiorcues.com



Antfarm said:
If you had the choice between a really high-end Carmelli or a really high-end Bender, which would you choose? I've never shot with either maker but I've shot with loads of high-end makers. Both cues are ebony and ivory. The Carmelli only has predator shafts and honestly, that turns me off just a little. I think it would be a better cue if it also came with a standard shaft. Both cues are exactly my style. The Carmelli is more expensive by about $1500 but both are $3500+

What do folks on here think?

Thanks

Greg
Click to expand...
 
Carmelli fan

You will enjoy either cue I'm sure. I recently traded away a Carmelli and you have heard it before, hindsight is 20/20. It was a bit to light for me, the hit was great along with the balance. I do have a new cue from Ariel coming soon. You can order a new shaft if needed, Ariel is great to work with. Good luck and enjoy.
 
jazznpool said:
Ant, I am an authorized stocking dealer of both makers and have cues in the realm you are considering, only unchalked with full 13mm shafts. I have 2 Carmeli masterpiece one offs that are very elaborate with silver veneers, inlays and ivory windows and points. These cues were initially 5K but are now priced closer to 4K! You owe it to yourself to look at my inventory if you are seriously considering a higher end cue from either maker. Best wishes, Martin www.superiorcues.com
Click to expand...

Thanks Martin, you have some amazing stock. But, I'm looking at two very specific cues that I know are available now.

Thanks

Greg
 
I had a Carmeli at one time and it was a very nice playing cue, one of the best I've owned. I wouldn't call the hit stiff but firm and lively. The Predator shafts would change the hit completely though I would think. You said you weren't crazy about the idea of those Predator shafts. If that's the case being as you're looking at about $5K, why would you take the chance? If it is down to those two particular cues you're talking about, I'd go with the Bender.
 
Carmelli

I've never hit balls with a Bender that I liked. I've seen a few in the past 6 years and the only one I've enjoyed is a break cue merry widow style.

I have however hit balls with several ivory jointed Carmelli's and they hit great. Not only that but the craftsmanship and work on those Carmeilli's have been tremendous. Really nice sharp points, great wood work etc. For me it would be an obvious choice to pick a Carmelli... Of course that's my preference, and as stated before several people enjoy Bender's.

Really both cue makers pack a lot of value and quality work. So if that's the only deciding point then flip a coin. However, knowing that both cues are good quality cues, then I'd test them out and really see which you like better as far as balance, feel and hit.

Good luck with your purchase,

Sincerely,

Raymond Linares
 
what kind of pool player signs his az posts sincerely?

i mean cmon!

im just feking with ya bro

My vote is go with the Bender!

sincerely,
Dave
 
If you are not used to or do not shoot with Pred shafts, go with the Bender unless you want Ariel to make up some new shafts for you.

Martin is a great guy to deal with if you are looking for a great deal on a new cue!!


Sincerely,

Russ.....
 
Antfarm said:
If you had the choice between a really high-end Carmelli or a really high-end Bender, which would you choose? I've never shot with either maker but I've shot with loads of high-end makers. Both cues are ebony and ivory. The Carmelli only has predator shafts and honestly, that turns me off just a little. I think it would be a better cue if it also came with a standard shaft. Both cues are exactly my style. The Carmelli is more expensive by about $1500 but both are $3500+

What do folks on here think?

Thanks

Greg
Click to expand...

I'm going to go with Bender. I have a new one coming this week from Mike.
 
rayshooter22 said:
I've never hit balls with a Bender that I liked. I've seen a few in the past 6 years and the only one I've enjoyed is a break cue merry widow style.

I have however hit balls with several ivory jointed Carmelli's and they hit great. Not only that but the craftsmanship and work on those Carmeilli's have been tremendous. Really nice sharp points, great wood work etc. For me it would be an obvious choice to pick a Carmelli... Of course that's my preference, and as stated before several people enjoy Bender's.

Really both cue makers pack a lot of value and quality work. So if that's the only deciding point then flip a coin. However, knowing that both cues are good quality cues, then I'd test them out and really see which you like better as far as balance, feel and hit.

Good luck with your purchase,

Sincerely,

Raymond Linares
Click to expand...

I would love to hit some balls with a Carmelli cue based upon your post alone. I just haven't been around any that I knew to be Carmelli cues.
Thanks,
 
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