Help selecting a cue

[john coloccia]

Yeah I know, I should just try a bunch, but unfortunately my area is a bit of a wasteland when it comes to pool and billiard supply....there's just nothing around. Anyhow, here's basically what I'm looking for:

I want the amazing feel/sound/feedback/etc and playability of my old D series McDermotts but without the crazy quality control issues surrounding the fit of their shafts. The joint needs to be centered and square from the factory so that buying a shaft doesn't take shipping butts around the country and waiting weeks for some mysterious fitting process.

I'm not sure who to check out at this point. Mezz? Schon? I want no headaches and no quality control issues. I have an older Lucasi, and while I generally like it, I really don't like the feel and hit. It's more of a high pitched "ClAnK!" and I don't really feel much at all in the grip hand. I want that flat faced joint feel, where you stroke and get this satisfying, woody "clink" when you hit, and you can also feel it a bit in the butt. That's important to me because that little bit of feedback is constantly letting me know how I'm hitting the ball and I'm just used to it at this point.

Anyhow, I'd love to hear some opinions where to look. Another McDermott is not out of the question if someone can figure out a way I can get a proper joint.

 

[lethalmoto]

Can't go wrong with a Schon

 

[slide13]

If you want a standard, non-ld shaft then I think I'd go Schon.

If you want an LD shaft I'd go OB or Mezz.

They seem to be putting out some of the best production cues these days.

 

[poolguy4u]

:thumbup:




Just get a Meucci with a bar box pro shaft.

13mm-----this way you can take it down if you need to.







.

 

[Drop The Rock]

Schuler, Schon, OB, Mezz

 

[john coloccia]

:thumbup:




Just get a Meucci with a bar box pro shaft.

13mm-----this way you can take it down if you need to.







.

Does that play stiffer than their normal shafts? I really don't know much about Meucci these days other than I know they went through a rough patch with quality control/warranty issues a while back. I remember them back in the day and I always thought their cues actually played really nicely, but the shafts always felt funny...very flexible and whippy.

I'm probably not caring so much about low deflection anymore at this point. Schon is definitely the front runner, but it's been so long since I've hit one that I can't remember what they're like other than it generally felt nice. I'm worried that the steel joint will hit/feel too stiff and muted for my personal tastes, but everyone raves about the feel so maybe however they're doing it is just right?

 

[Kickin' Chicken]

Yeah I know, I should just try a bunch, but unfortunately my area is a bit of a wasteland when it comes to pool and billiard supply....there's just nothing around. Anyhow, here's basically what I'm looking for:

I want the amazing feel/sound/feedback/etc and playability of my old D series McDermotts but without the crazy quality control issues surrounding the fit of their shafts. The joint needs to be centered and square from the factory so that buying a shaft doesn't take shipping butts around the country and waiting weeks for some mysterious fitting process.

I'm not sure who to check out at this point. Mezz? Schon? I want no headaches and no quality control issues. I have an older Lucasi, and while I generally like it, I really don't like the feel and hit. It's more of a high pitched "ClAnK!" and I don't really feel much at all in the grip hand. I want that flat faced joint feel, where you stroke and get this satisfying, woody "clink" when you hit, and you can also feel it a bit in the butt. That's important to me because that little bit of feedback is constantly letting me know how I'm hitting the ball and I'm just used to it at this point.

Anyhow, I'd love to hear some opinions where to look. Another McDermott is not out of the question if someone can figure out a way I can get a proper joint.

The cue below may be the answer.

I bought this cue from Bill at Cornerstone maybe 7-8 years ago and here was the story. Jim McDermott was cleaning up his shop and came across a few 30+ year old (then) blanks and decided to make them into their version of Buska tribute cues.

I liked the idea and snapped one up from Bill for $650. As you can see from the tag that is still on, McDermott had them figured for $1099 retail.

If you might be interested, I would pass it on for $450 shipped to your door. :thumbup:

It's test hit only and I can attest to the terrific feedback it provides. Let me know if interested.

Others to consider, imo, would be Olney or Diveney for customs, and Pechauer or Schon for productions.

NOTE: There is always some subjectivity but the two production cues I mentioned are always in the top tier on all recommendation threads here over the last few years.

best,
brian kc

 

[john coloccia]

The cue below may be the answer.

I bought this cue from Bill at Cornerstone maybe 7-8 years ago and here was the story. Jim McDermott was cleaning up his shop and came across a few 30+ year old (then) blanks and decided to make them into their version of Buska tribute cues.

I liked the idea and snapped one up from Bill for $650. As you can see from the tag that is still on, McDermott had them figured for $1099 retail.

If you might be interested, I would pass it on for $450 shipped to your door. :thumbup:

It's test hit only and I can attest to the terrific feedback it provides. Let me know if interested.

Others to consider, imo, would be Olney or Diveney for customs, and Pechauer or Schon for productions.

NOTE: There is always some subjectivity but the two production cues I mentioned are always in the top tier on all recommendation threads here over the last few years.

best,
brian kc

That's honestly very tempting. I already have an old D19. I'm looking for something very simple and less flashy as a daily player. I have a D4, but the joint's been butchered and the feel is completely different now. :angry: I've learned a lot of lessons in the past month or so about who to trust with my cues, and who not to trust.

But I'd really love to own it. It's a beautiful cue. You don't play guitar, do you? Maybe we can work out a trade.

 

[Kickin' Chicken]

That's honestly very tempting. I already have an old D19. I'm looking for something very simple and less flashy as a daily player. I have a D4, but the joint's been butchered and the feel is completely different now. :angry: I've learned a lot of lessons in the past month or so about who to trust with my cues, and who not to trust.

But I'd really love to own it. It's a beautiful cue. You don't play guitar, do you? Maybe we can work out a trade.

Unfortunately, not in the market for a guitar, but, if you really think you'd like this cue, I would be happy to let you pay it over time. I'm doing this with a couple of guys curently and wouldn't mind to do it with you, too. :smile:

best,
brian kc

 

[Rackemep]

Unfortunately, not in the market for a guitar, but, if you really think you'd like this cue, I would be happy to let you pay it over time. I'm doing this with a couple of guys curently and wouldn't mind to do it with you, too. :smile:

best,
brian kc

That right there is a killer deal!!!

 

[Kimmo H.]

Cant go wrong with a Mezz. Wavy joint is a flat face type of joint, a bit problematic though if you want aftermarket shafts for it. Get one with an United joint and most, if not all, aftermarket 5/16x14 shafts will fit on it.

They are great cues with outstanding build quality and have pretty nice shafts standard (WX700).

Schon is another solid choice, I own both Mezz and Schon.

 

[john coloccia]

If I were to get a Schon, where would be the place to get it? I'd be looking for a 12.75mm shaft with a reasonable pro taper. I think they come standard at 13mm with a fairly stiff taper if I remember correctly. Is there a preferred dealer that has a really reliable shop that can get me what I want?

Thanks!

 

[Chopdoc]

Hit is purely subjective.

With that said, I was going to post first but deleted it because I was confused.

Usually everybody will post their favorite. I could post JOSS, but contrary to popular belief that's not my favorite. MY cue is my favorite, and it happens to be a JOSS. But I have around 80 cues and only three of those are JOSS. I have some seriously well playing cues of different makes, some custom, some not custom.

You said you love McDermott, you really went to great pains to explain that very emphatically. I read it quite clearly, so I was confused by the rest of what you said.

There is no question in my mind. Get a McDermott. I have several A, B, C, and D series, but none are for sale. It's hard for me to sell any of them.

IMHO you have been offered an EXCELLENT option by Kickin' Chicken. For a McDermott guy, it would be hard to beat. The best of old and new.




.

 

[john coloccia]

You may be right. I just found out it's even got my preferred shaft diameter. I think this is a done deal. I just need to get through the nightmare transaction I'm in the middle of now.

 

[woodyosborne]

Can't go wrong with a Schon x2.
no disappointments. in over 20 some years i did hear of one butt warping.

 

[lethalmoto]

If I were to get a Schon, where would be the place to get it? I'd be looking for a 12.75mm shaft with a reasonable pro taper. I think they come standard at 13mm with a fairly stiff taper if I remember correctly. Is there a preferred dealer that has a really reliable shop that can get me what I want?

Thanks!

Seyberts would be my suggestion

 

[john coloccia]

I'm taking Mr. Chicken up on his offer. That's just too good to pass up.

 

[john coloccia]

Seyberts would be my suggestion

I doubt Seyberts wants to deal with me anymore at the moment. It's not my fault, and it's not their fault...we're both caught in the middle of a pile of garbage, but that's where we are. I can't bring myself to bothering them for anything else, as much as I'd like to. They've done enough and deserve a break.

 

[lethalmoto]

I doubt Seyberts wants to deal with me anymore at the moment. It's not my fault, and it's not their fault...we're both caught in the middle of a pile of garbage, but that's where we are. I can't bring myself to bothering them for anything else, as much as I'd like to. They've done enough and deserve a break.

Not sure what's going on but sounds fair

 

[Chopdoc]

I'm taking Mr. Chicken up on his offer. That's just too good to pass up.

The man has a tremendous iTrader score and has extended a great opportunity to you, a relatively new member with zero iTrader.

The opportunity he extends goes beyond just the cue. It's an extended hand to join a community built on trust, honesty, and integrity.

He gets green from me. :smile:



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