That's not entirely true though. Some makers have a much bigger following than others, so they must be doing something better.
Custom cue makers comparison
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That's not entirely true though. Some makers have a much bigger following than others, so they must be doing something better.
Just read through your orig. post again. The one thing about getting a Schon is that you'll have a /very/ stiff hit - and a lot of deflection (unless you get a third party shaft). If you /call/ Schmelke (1-800-850-8832) then you can give Kim or David an idea of what you want the hit to feel like, and they will offer suggestions in that area.
The VERY top cue-makers are likely to run over $500, but if you can go $700 - $800 you can get some top quality work. I haven't pulled the trigger yet, but did get some quotes for folks (after this thread: http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=464137). I asked about a cocobolo SP with Hoppe ring and 2 shafts (extra shaft usually runs $150 - $250). Let me recheck my email and I'll get you the figures:
Chris Nitti $850 - $950 for basics and 2 shafts depending on woods and specs etc.
Keith Josey was in the $750 range
Bob Frey was in the $660 range
Pat Divney was around $600 I think (can't find that email real fast)
Schmelke was in the $400 range or lower depending on specs. (likely the fastest too - mine will run around 3 weeks)
Jim Pierce was also mentioned as a quality maker in that price range.
I'll probably go for the Josey this time around (after holidays) due to feedback on this forum, and the general feeling that they tend to have the softer hit. However, I'm keeping an eye on the "For Sale" section too.
again - these are all with 2 shafts; so you can save a good chunk buying just one. One other note: you'll want to consider what tip you want. Not all makers use the same tips.
I'll also say that if you don't mind used, then MANY of the knowledgeable users here will suggest that.
Hope that helps
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Just read through your orig. post again. The one thing about getting a Schon is that you'll have a /very/ stiff hit - and a lot of deflection (unless you get a third party shaft). If you /call/ Schmelke (1-800-850-8832) then you can give Kim or David an idea of what you want the hit to feel like, and they will offer suggestions in that area.
The VERY top cue-makers are likely to run over $500, but if you can go $700 - $800 you can get some top quality work. I haven't pulled the trigger yet, but did get some quotes for folks (after this thread: http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=464137). I asked about a cocobolo SP with Hoppe ring and 2 shafts (extra shaft usually runs $150 - $250). Let me recheck my email and I'll get you the figures:
Chris Nitti $850 - $950 for basics and 2 shafts depending on woods and specs etc.
Keith Josey was in the $750 range
Bob Frey was in the $660 range
Pat Divney was around $600 I think (can't find that email real fast)
Schmelke was in the $400 range or lower depending on specs. (likely the fastest too - mine will run around 3 weeks)
Jim Pierce was also mentioned as a quality maker in that price range.
I'll probably go for the Josey this time around (after holidays) due to feedback on this forum, and the general feeling that they tend to have the softer hit. However, I'm keeping an eye on the "For Sale" section too.
again - these are all with 2 shafts; so you can save a good chunk buying just one. One other note: you'll want to consider what tip you want. Not all makers use the same tips.
I'll also say that if you don't mind used, then MANY of the knowledgeable users here will suggest that.
Hope that helps
Might I ask who told you that a Josey has a soft hit? His cues hit pretty stiff, unless his taper changed in the past few years.
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showpost.php?p=6021695&postcount=18
but remember - it's comparing 4 cue makers, not the entire gambit of what's available. It's also a factor that one discuss what one wants with the cue-maker.
but remember - it's comparing 4 cue makers, not the entire gambit of what's available. It's also a factor that one discuss what one wants with the cue-maker.
I’ve owned 4. They are a stiff hitting cue. Very tight tolerances. Maybe skins could chime in, but Keith used to use LBM joints and ferrules. And a fairly firm taper. Crisp hitting cue. Solid feedback. I would in no way consider a Josey to be a soft hitting cue. They’re stiffer than a Schon.
Johnnybgood
Banned
Johnnybgood
Banned
Send me a cue. If I agree I will buy it. If not then I will write another review. Put your money where your mouth is.
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Another customer of Keith Josey here. Can't believe the 10 years I've played with it have gone so fast. No plans to buy any other cue. I'm quite satisfied.
All that said, there really is no "magic" cue. If you wish to pick up your game, pick up your cue and spend the table time.
All that said, there really is no "magic" cue. If you wish to pick up your game, pick up your cue and spend the table time.
Johnnybgood
Banned
No magic!cue! But, good or even great cues share a common characteristic, that’s a hit and feel that sparks energy and confidence. If a cue desert have that then it’s just over glorified piece of wood.
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I sent 3 cues to Schmelke. 2 others for restoration & 1 Schmelke cue needed a new shaft. They did a beautiful job on all 3. Restorations were perfect & the custom shaft was fantastic. I have now 3 Schmelke cues [my latest just arrived yesterday]. All 3 are top quality & I love them.
I now have 7 more cues I will be sending to them for restoration & customizing. I have 2 Robinson cues that I want Schmelke to add color rings & a wrap to. I am trying right now to purchase 2 more Robinsons That I will add to this pile.
I endorse Schmelke & tell you that they do great work. Period.
I now have 7 more cues I will be sending to them for restoration & customizing. I have 2 Robinson cues that I want Schmelke to add color rings & a wrap to. I am trying right now to purchase 2 more Robinsons That I will add to this pile.
I endorse Schmelke & tell you that they do great work. Period.
Schmelke Cues
I have been playing Schmelke cues exclusively for over 10 years. They have been extremely helpful in helping me get exactly what I want in a cue. I have had them make 4 cues for me plus cues for my son and daughter and cues for several of my team mates and friends.
I have been playing Schmelke cues exclusively for over 10 years. They have been extremely helpful in helping me get exactly what I want in a cue. I have had them make 4 cues for me plus cues for my son and daughter and cues for several of my team mates and friends.
I have 3 Schmelke cues in my cue rack. One is a break cue and two are house cues. The finish on them is ok but not as nice as the Pechauer cues I used to have or a Schon I had. I have a spare SugarTree shaft that fit's my one Schmelke butt and once in a while I put it on to play it and it's nice. I would pick that any day of the week over the Schon I had (I don't like the feel of a Schon cue), but I would never play it or pick it over my SugarTree. Have Schmelke build you a nice butt, and then get a reputable builder to make you a nice shaft and you will be happy for a long time.
I thoight i did?
Who knows if you will like either?
Neither likely to suffer from poor construction.
Thank you, any recommendation for the joint diameter? .840?
What makes a Sugartree shaft better? If you sent it to Schmelke to "copy" it, wouldn't the result be the same?
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