This is not really a direct question, but more wondering who else finds themselves in my position or what you think of my position.
I have been playing pool for 4 years - I am no world beater but I do hold my own. I have owned a number of different cues. My first cue was a players, and shortly after purchase I added on the players hxt shaft. A couple different iterations of OB cues followed, then a pechauer, a Brent Summers, and then back to OB.
For the past few months I have been playing with a regular 'ole Schmelke. Last September I put in an order with Diveney for a totally custom full splice with veneers, inlays, and rings to suit me, and a lakewood shaft to seal the deal. When I was using the Schmelke, I couldn't wait for the Diveney. I was playing good with the Schmelke, just about as good as I ever have been. But it wasn't a special cue, just cocobolo and maple, but then again you can reduce all cues to sound that boring if you want to. I was ready to have a dollar value on a cue match what I think my game is currently at. I mean if I am spending all this time playing pool I should be holding exactly the cue I want, right? I received the Diveney a couple weeks ago and let me tell you - it really is sweet. It fit my specifications perfectly, and although it is quite a bit stiffer than the 12mm Schmelke, it too plays really well and inspires confidence when I'm shooting. Sure I have to learn all the nuances, but I already feel pretty good shooting with it, just need to spend some time practicing before I can hit those money shots in one pocket.
This all brings me to today. Wondering why I am toting around 1200 bucks worth of cue when the 160 dollar Schmelke shot just fine as well. And I am not trying to debate with anyone about the indian vs the arrow philosophy, because I agree it's how you shoot, not the cue you shoot with. What I am trying to come to terms with is, among you fine folks who can afford to buy whatever cue you want (ok I can't afford ANY cue, but this Diveney certainly didn't put me in debt) how do you justify the value in the cue to yourself to continue playing with it? When do you decide that a very nice cue you have is up for sale or when you know you will keep it forever? I feel like I am in constant battle with myself - I am always waiting to upgrade to a better cue, and once I get the nice cue I have a realization that I should just be using whatever cue comes my way and sell the nice cue in favor of something as basic as it gets. And the cycle continues.
Is it possible I haven't truly honed in on the hit of a cue I prefer? Am I simply addicted to ordering new cues and opening up the package? Am I purchasing cues in the wrong cost segment?
I want to hear what you think.
I have been playing pool for 4 years - I am no world beater but I do hold my own. I have owned a number of different cues. My first cue was a players, and shortly after purchase I added on the players hxt shaft. A couple different iterations of OB cues followed, then a pechauer, a Brent Summers, and then back to OB.
For the past few months I have been playing with a regular 'ole Schmelke. Last September I put in an order with Diveney for a totally custom full splice with veneers, inlays, and rings to suit me, and a lakewood shaft to seal the deal. When I was using the Schmelke, I couldn't wait for the Diveney. I was playing good with the Schmelke, just about as good as I ever have been. But it wasn't a special cue, just cocobolo and maple, but then again you can reduce all cues to sound that boring if you want to. I was ready to have a dollar value on a cue match what I think my game is currently at. I mean if I am spending all this time playing pool I should be holding exactly the cue I want, right? I received the Diveney a couple weeks ago and let me tell you - it really is sweet. It fit my specifications perfectly, and although it is quite a bit stiffer than the 12mm Schmelke, it too plays really well and inspires confidence when I'm shooting. Sure I have to learn all the nuances, but I already feel pretty good shooting with it, just need to spend some time practicing before I can hit those money shots in one pocket.
This all brings me to today. Wondering why I am toting around 1200 bucks worth of cue when the 160 dollar Schmelke shot just fine as well. And I am not trying to debate with anyone about the indian vs the arrow philosophy, because I agree it's how you shoot, not the cue you shoot with. What I am trying to come to terms with is, among you fine folks who can afford to buy whatever cue you want (ok I can't afford ANY cue, but this Diveney certainly didn't put me in debt) how do you justify the value in the cue to yourself to continue playing with it? When do you decide that a very nice cue you have is up for sale or when you know you will keep it forever? I feel like I am in constant battle with myself - I am always waiting to upgrade to a better cue, and once I get the nice cue I have a realization that I should just be using whatever cue comes my way and sell the nice cue in favor of something as basic as it gets. And the cycle continues.
Is it possible I haven't truly honed in on the hit of a cue I prefer? Am I simply addicted to ordering new cues and opening up the package? Am I purchasing cues in the wrong cost segment?
I want to hear what you think.