Hello there!
I have to agree with others above, even though I'd love to sell you a cue myself.
Please try to understand
exactly what you want in a cue before you order anything. That is the best piece of advice you can get.
Ask politely to try out the cues of your peers in the local rooms (understand many will say 'no.'). Take notes. Particularly the things you like and dislike.
For example: many cues make a noise at impact. I happen to love that noise, and others do as well; however, at least as many other people DO NOT like there to be ANY noise from their cue- they like a silent hit. You may as well. That is just one example of what you might take a note on...
Shaft diameter: what tip size do you find most comfortable? 99% of the cues out there have a pro taper. BUT, just about every makes has a different pro taper. So, knowing what shaft you played with (and liked) will help ANY cue maker to get the shaft taper the way you want it (although some will not alter their taper).
The tip itself- most players know exactly what tip they are playing, and what diameter they groom it at (nickel or dime). Take note of that as well. Note the differences in feel, the action on the cue ball, the way the tip holds it shape through hours of play etc.
Finally, your size is important. I have a nice chart to assist you in sizing your cue properly on my web site. Standard (these days) is 58 inches long. I am a bit tall, and prefer a 59 inch cue. Maybe you would be more comfortable in a 57 inch cue too. Only you can make these decisions.
There are MANY excellent cue makers out there today, all trying to get your business. So, if you narrow your wants/desires in a cue, the collective here should be able to point you in the right direction. As I essentially said above: just because one person thinks (enter cue maker name here) cues hit great, someone else may not feel the same way, and have another suggestion for you, so you need a bit of background info first.
Now here's the blatant sales pitch from me: I suggest you purchase a properly sized Mace break/jump cue from me. At $325.00 they are an excellent bargain. They happen to play great too, so they are the perfect cue if you have only one. AND, later, when you decide on
exactly what you want in a quite probably more expensive playing cue, you will already own an excellent break/jump cue that you wont have to sell off (likely at a slight loss) to try and raise money for the player.
I wish you luck in your search! If you would like any additional information, feel free to PM me any time!:thumbup: