Bought an Ariel Carmeli feedback wanted

[Nyquil]

My daughter has one of the McDermott Lucky cues. It actually plays ok but honestly, I've found some bar cues recently that play better. That AC cue should play way different and shouldn't even be comparable. I can't comment on CF shafts as I'm not a fan and don't own any.

What did you play with before? Maker, woods, weight, etc. I'm interested to see your opinion on the two different cues.

Thanks

I am just getting back into the hobby after over a decade. Prior to me taking a break from the sport I played with a 19oz predator ikon with a z shaft if I remember correctly. I liked that cue and should have never sold it. The only thing I didn't like was the uniloc joint came loose a couple of times in play. I can't remember what the hit felt like vs the Carmeli since it was so long ago. I am getting some cues back in the stable though to try out. Carmeli will likely be my only custom until I really find what I like. Customs are really expensive and I want to test some more stuff out. Production cues will allow me to do that. The lucky cue did surprise me I got a few with my table that is coming and I took a 19oz one with me last time I went out. I liked how it played to be honest. It was def harder to put English on the ball and had to use rails more along with force to get cue ball to move around vs Carmeli but between that lucky and a house cue at where I play it was night and day. Tbh I bet a really decent combo would be a lucky butt it's a common joint type with a CF shaft of your choosing.

 

[Chili Palmer]

I am just getting back into the hobby after over a decade. Prior to me taking a break from the sport I played with a 19oz predator ikon with a z shaft if I remember correctly. I liked that cue and should have never sold it. The only thing I didn't like was the uniloc joint came loose a couple of times in play. I can't remember what the hit felt like vs the Carmeli since it was so long ago. I am getting some cues back in the stable though to try out. Carmeli will likely be my only custom until I really find what I like. Customs are really expensive and I want to test some more stuff out. Production cues will allow me to do that. The lucky cue did surprise me I got a few with my table that is coming and I took a 19oz one with me last time I went out. I liked how it played to be honest. It was def harder to put English on the ball and had to use rails more along with force to get cue ball to move around vs Carmeli but between that lucky and a house cue at where I play it was night and day. Tbh I bet a really decent combo would be a lucky butt it's a common joint type with a CF shaft of your choosing.

I was off for 14 years, just got back into it 3 years ago. Like you, I purchased a few cues to try out - different weights, woods, grips, etc. I found I like the feel/tone of lighter woods and lighter cues. I went from a 20.5oz to an 18.8oz and seem to have found the sweet spot.

Good luck in your endeavor

 

[cubswin]

Terrible purchase, nice cue though.

Never understand why people ask about something after buying it, why not ask before buying. And for Gods sake play with the wood shaft.

 

[Nyquil]

I was off for 14 years, just got back into it 3 years ago. Like you, I purchased a few cues to try out - different weights, woods, grips, etc. I found I like the feel/tone of lighter woods and lighter cues. I went from a 20.5oz to an 18.8oz and seem to have found the sweet spot.

Good luck in your

You as well. I will be in the hobby for good until I can't physically play anymore which I hope will be many years. Stay safe shoot straight!

 

[Nyquil]

Terrible purchase, nice cue though.

Never understand why people ask about something after buying it, why not ask before buying. And for Gods sake play with the wood shaft.

Ya carbon isn't going on this. I do want to play around with a carbon shaft see what all the buzz is about I'll likely get a predator roadline or buy one for my lucky mcdermott to test that. The only thing I don't like on the shafts is the diameter is thick for me personally I like 12.5 but man it plays solid.

 

[garczar]

Ya carbon isn't going on this. I do want to play around with a carbon shaft see what all the buzz is about I'll likely get a predator roadline or buy one for my lucky mcdermott to test that. The only thing I don't like on the shafts is the diameter is thick for me personally I like 12.5 but man it plays solid.

You can get cf shafts from around 11.8 to 13mm.

 

[Chili Palmer]

Ya carbon isn't going on this. I do want to play around with a carbon shaft see what all the buzz is about I'll likely get a predator roadline or buy one for my lucky mcdermott to test that. The only thing I don't like on the shafts is the diameter is thick for me personally I like 12.5 but man it plays solid.

Play with a few more cues then send one of your shafts back to AC (or any competent cue builder) to have it re-tapered.

 

[Bavafongoul]

If you become that worried about using your best cues on the road, just get a nice Sneakly Pete for $500-700.