2-piece cue or stick with what I have

[Sloppy Pockets]

I have to admit, I've never played with a 2-piece cue in my life. Always been just a hack and never wanted to spend the bucks since I doubted it would help my game any.

When I got my new table, the dealer brought along a big box of 1-piece cues and said I could pick out two for free, and all I wanted after that for $20 a pop. I grabbed three more nice straight ones with various weights.

They work fine for me at this stage, but I'm concerned that I might get good enough to join a league and I won't be able to bring along my favorite 1-piece cue. It is a Lucasi made in China, with a separate shaft portion of exceptionally nice, tight and straight maple that is actually glued to the rather unexceptional looking butt. So it is a 2-piece cue... just can't take it apart. lol

I also like the shaft taper on this cue. It is the only one that has what appears to be what you guys call a "pro" taper. Shaft stays the same diameter for quite a way back from the ferrule. I like the way this feels with the closed bridge I usually use.

What I don't like is the weight. It is 21 oz. Even thought that's only 2 oz. more than the 19 oz. cue I like second best, I can already feel that I have better CB control with the lighter stick (don't know if that is normal or not).

So, my question is, does anyone have a good reason why I should invest is a 2-piece stick at this time other than for carrying it? And if so, what should I be looking for? I've read here that some folks think that some 1-piece cues hit best. I can't afford a $1K stick right now. Can I get a nice playing, solid hitting 2-piece cue for under $300?

 

[Brian in VA]

Those are all good questions, Sloppy.

If you find yourself joining a league, you'll probably want your own cue. Getting one that's a "custom" allows you ultimate control in weight, taper, wrap, and decoration.

Only you can decide whether or not that's worth the money. Fact is, you can get 2 piece cues online, at several reputable internet retailers, for a lot less than $300. They aren't typically custom although some can be customized. (Dale Perry cues can be adjusted to your personal desires and they're pretty inexpensive. Do a search on the site for info....you'll see quite a s$&t storm when you do. Fact is, they're a really nice cue for the money. I have several of them.)

Beware that as soon as you buy one, you'll want another. It's just another part of the disease.

Feel free to send me a PM if you'd like more info.

Brian in VA

 

[TX Poolnut]

Go buy a two piece cue.

 

[measureman]

If you like the shaft wood on the one piece Lucasi you have then buy a 2 piece Lucasi. You can get most of them for less then $300 easy. You will have a pretty good cue for the money.
I have had my Lucasi for 3 years now and it's still as good as new.
Also there are lots of cues for $300 and under.
http://www.billiardwarehouse.com/
Check out the above site.

 

[CreeDo]

There is a good reason in investing in a new cue, and it's the only reason I would ever get a new cue: There's something about your existing cue that bugs you.

That slight weight difference that bothers you will affect your shots, all the time, even if you're not consciously thinking about it. It can cause you to miss more, or blow position... not because there's something wrong with a 21 oz weight, but just because your mind is conflicted about it. You don't want doubts or annoyances in your head while shooting.

You can definitely get good cues for under 300. I don't think a custom is necessary, that's more a "pride of ownership" thing. And it sounds like it's outside of the budget.

As far as one piece cues: there's no technical reason why having a stick cut in half will improve its performance, all other things being equal. The thing is, certain advances in cuemaking are not possible with a one piece. Predator, OB and others have shafts that are made with spliced together "pie wedges" of wood and a hollow core. This reduces the deflection of the cue, and a lot of players swear by these low deflection shafts. You can't have that with a one piece.

Bottom line - if your cue feels wrong in any way, even if it seems "good enough", start shopping for a new one.

 

[incognito]

Because 1-piece cues are almost always low quality pieces of shit.

So, my question is, does anyone have a good reason why I should invest is a 2-piece stick at this time other than for carrying it?

It's strictly a matter of personal preference. The only thing that matters is what works for you. You said you liked a 19 ounce cue so start with that. 19 ounces is about the standard cue weight. You can get a decent quality 2-piece cue for under $100. That's probably all you need for starting out.

You can go to the pooldawg website and browse for cues by price by clicking on the links on the upper left section of the page.
http://www.pooldawg.com/

And if so, what should I be looking for? I've read here that some folks think that some 1-piece cues hit best. I can't afford a $1K stick right now. Can I get a nice playing, solid hitting 2-piece cue for under $300?

 

[Webbs Billiards]

I have to admit, I've never played with a 2-piece cue in my life. Always been just a hack and never wanted to spend the bucks since I doubted it would help my game any.

When I got my new table, the dealer brought along a big box of 1-piece cues and said I could pick out two for free, and all I wanted after that for $20 a pop. I grabbed three more nice straight ones with various weights.

They work fine for me at this stage, but I'm concerned that I might get good enough to join a league and I won't be able to bring along my favorite 1-piece cue. It is a Lucasi made in China, with a separate shaft portion of exceptionally nice, tight and straight maple that is actually glued to the rather unexceptional looking butt. So it is a 2-piece cue... just can't take it apart. lol

I also like the shaft taper on this cue. It is the only one that has what appears to be what you guys call a "pro" taper. Shaft stays the same diameter for quite a way back from the ferrule. I like the way this feels with the closed bridge I usually use.

What I don't like is the weight. It is 21 oz. Even thought that's only 2 oz. more than the 19 oz. cue I like second best, I can already feel that I have better CB control with the lighter stick (don't know if that is normal or not).

So, my question is, does anyone have a good reason why I should invest is a 2-piece stick at this time other than for carrying it? And if so, what should I be looking for? I've read here that some folks think that some 1-piece cues hit best. I can't afford a $1K stick right now. Can I get a nice playing, solid hitting 2-piece cue for under $300?

I sell most major brands, and have access to many customs. I personally use a Meucci, but I would recommend you start with a good quality lower end cue and see how you feel about that before dropping $300+ on something you might not even like. Send me a PM and we can talk about some options. I'm here to help.

 

[Sloppy Pockets]

There is a good reason in investing in a new cue, and it's the only reason I would ever get a new cue: There's something about your existing cue that bugs you.

That slight weight difference that bothers you will affect your shots, all the time, even if you're not consciously thinking about it.

Yeah, that's why I can't shoot straight.

The thing is, certain advances in cuemaking are not possible with a one piece. Predator, OB and others have shafts that are made with spliced together "pie wedges" of wood and a hollow core. This reduces the deflection of the cue, and a lot of players swear by these low deflection shafts. You can't have that with a one piece.

Bottom line - if your cue feels wrong in any way, even if it seems "good enough", start shopping for a new one.

Seriously, you make some very good points. I guess I better start looking. After all, what are the chances of some random cues grabbed by the guy who installed my table at the last minute before he left his shop having all the qualities I'm looking for. Maybe I'll get a couple cheapies (the wife will want her own as well) and then check out other players cues when we finally feel good enough to join a league.

 

[pt109]

Yeah, that's why I can't shoot straight.



Seriously, you make some very good points. I guess I better start looking. After all, what are the chances of some random cues grabbed by the guy who installed my table at the last minute before he left his shop having all the qualities I'm looking for. Maybe I'll get a couple cheapies (the wife will want her own as well) and then check out other players cues when we finally feel good enough to join a league.

I own a Joss made in 1968...it's still straight and hits great.
And they have good price ranges...2nd shafts are always available.
You start out buying cheaper cues...by the time you get a 'keeper'..
...it won't be cheap.
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j...jNux9YHzNmExA6rxQ&sig2=bdjx23Sk5pphJoCyMQO4wg

 

[ctyhntr]

Check the Lucasi line and see which two piece model matches yours. If you're worried about quality control, the factory that makes cues for Lucasi also makes cues for Predator.

Another option is have a cue repairer cut and put in a pin for you. One of the guys in my local 8-ball league started playing with a 1 piece cue. Later he got tired of carrying it around and put the pin in himself.

 

[Bumpa]

Slop -

> Because 1-piece cues are almost always low quality pieces of shit.

Don't believe everything you read on the internet including what I am about to say.

I have a 20+ year, old 19 ounce, straight, one-piece Dufferin High Run cue with four points and an Elk Master tip. It plays every bit as well as McDermotts, Vikings, Brunswicks, and several off-shore, two-piece cues I own.

Many new two-piece cues come with a long pro-taper shaft, wrapped or wrapless, and in your choice of weights for less than $50. Why not pick out something that appeals to you and try it out for a year or so? If you decide to buy another cue then, give it to a friend.

Craigslist and Ebay are excellent sources for new and used cues. You may find just what you're looking for close to home.

I say go for it and have fun. Isn't that what pool is all about?

Rick

 

[wrickyb]

Lucasi Special

There is currently a Lucasi special on a good hitting hybrid and includes a good break cue for $388 I got it with the 11.75 shaft which has the pro taper

http://www.seyberts.com/products/Lucasi_Hybrid_Fusion_LHF46-101058-317.html

I have to admit, I've never played with a 2-piece cue in my life. Always been just a hack and never wanted to spend the bucks since I doubted it would help my game any.

When I got my new table, the dealer brought along a big box of 1-piece cues and said I could pick out two for free, and all I wanted after that for $20 a pop. I grabbed three more nice straight ones with various weights.

They work fine for me at this stage, but I'm concerned that I might get good enough to join a league and I won't be able to bring along my favorite 1-piece cue. It is a Lucasi made in China, with a separate shaft portion of exceptionally nice, tight and straight maple that is actually glued to the rather unexceptional looking butt. So it is a 2-piece cue... just can't take it apart. lol

I also like the shaft taper on this cue. It is the only one that has what appears to be what you guys call a "pro" taper. Shaft stays the same diameter for quite a way back from the ferrule. I like the way this feels with the closed bridge I usually use.

What I don't like is the weight. It is 21 oz. Even thought that's only 2 oz. more than the 19 oz. cue I like second best, I can already feel that I have better CB control with the lighter stick (don't know if that is normal or not).

So, my question is, does anyone have a good reason why I should invest is a 2-piece stick at this time other than for carrying it? And if so, what should I be looking for? I've read here that some folks think that some 1-piece cues hit best. I can't afford a $1K stick right now. Can I get a nice playing, solid hitting 2-piece cue for under $300?

 

[dareads]

I have to admit, I've never played with a 2-piece cue in my life. Always been just a hack and never wanted to spend the bucks since I doubted it would help my game any.

When I got my new table, the dealer brought along a big box of 1-piece cues and said I could pick out two for free, and all I wanted after that for $20 a pop. I grabbed three more nice straight ones with various weights.

They work fine for me at this stage, but I'm concerned that I might get good enough to join a league and I won't be able to bring along my favorite 1-piece cue. It is a Lucasi made in China, with a separate shaft portion of exceptionally nice, tight and straight maple that is actually glued to the rather unexceptional looking butt. So it is a 2-piece cue... just can't take it apart. lol

I also like the shaft taper on this cue. It is the only one that has what appears to be what you guys call a "pro" taper. Shaft stays the same diameter for quite a way back from the ferrule. I like the way this feels with the closed bridge I usually use.

What I don't like is the weight. It is 21 oz. Even thought that's only 2 oz. more than the 19 oz. cue I like second best, I can already feel that I have better CB control with the lighter stick (don't know if that is normal or not).

So, my question is, does anyone have a good reason why I should invest is a 2-piece stick at this time other than for carrying it? And if so, what should I be looking for? I've read here that some folks think that some 1-piece cues hit best. I can't afford a $1K stick right now. Can I get a nice playing, solid hitting 2-piece cue for under $300?

The first reason I can think of is familiarity. Knowing what to expect from your cue when you make contact in both a good and bad way. You're already getting familiar with the cues you have. You've already found that you like lighter cues than your personal favorite. As Brian put it, "the disease" will get to you and as you start using more cues your preferences will change. I would recommend looking at the Lucasi line if you like the feel of what you have and see what happens.

 

[Sloppy Pockets]

Another option is have a cue repairer cut and put in a pin for you. One of the guys in my local 8-ball league started playing with a 1 piece cue. Later he got tired of carrying it around and put the pin in himself.

Now, there's a thought that had occurred to me, but it seemed silly on a low end cue. I have a nice metal lathe and could probably manage the job if I knew the proper procedure and had the right hardware.

There was a decent cue maker used to come into the woodworking supply store I used to work for. He was a real nice guy and also taught at Amsterdam Billiards in the city. I thought of taking some lessons at the time, but then the local pool hall closed and there was nowhere to play.

After I got my table I dug out his business card and gave him a call. Got hold of his ex... who informed me that he'd moved to Florida. She told me that he had gotten out of cue making and was going to sell all his stuff. It's still at her house, about 20 minutes away.

Very tempting, but talk about another disease.

 

[Webbs Billiards]

If you really want a good cue and are used to the looks and feel of a house cue, I'll make you a really good deal on a Meucci Sneaky Pete. It's under $300, and although most guys on here think anything less than custom is junk, its a great cue for the money. I'm an Authorized Meucci Dealer, and I love their cues.

 

[DEXTER]

Rat cues

A little more for a Rat cue they start at 330. I have one, everyone that has ever shot with it, has asked if they could buy it from me. Nice shooting cue for the price. IMHO

http://www.muellers.com/Rat-Custom-Pool-Cues.html

 

[krupa]

If you think you want to join a league, you should definitely have your own cue, 1-piece or otherwise; house cues are just junk. I spent whopping $90 on a Players cue and have not regretted it. They're straight and have a nice hit.

 

[ctyhntr]

Hmm, sounds like you're talking about Rolando Avarena. He used to teach out of Amsterdam Billiards and was the resident cue-maker.

The Dufferin Phantom were made by cutting 1 piece cues and putting a joint in the middle. The reason I know is because I have one where I can turn the shaft until the grain marks line up.

Now, there's a thought that had occurred to me, but it seemed silly on a low end cue. I have a nice metal lathe and could probably manage the job if I knew the proper procedure and had the right hardware.

There was a decent cue maker used to come into the woodworking supply store I used to work for. He was a real nice guy and also taught at Amsterdam Billiards in the city. I thought of taking some lessons at the time, but then the local pool hall closed and there was nowhere to play.

After I got my table I dug out his business card and gave him a call. Got hold of his ex... who informed me that he'd moved to Florida. She told me that he had gotten out of cue making and was going to sell all his stuff. It's still at her house, about 20 minutes away.

Very tempting, but talk about another disease.

 

[Banks]

You can definitely get good cues for under 300.

Because 1-piece cues are almost always low quality pieces of shit.


It's strictly a matter of personal preference. The only thing that matters is what works for you. You said you liked a 19 ounce cue so start with that. 19 ounces is about the standard cue weight. You can get a decent quality 2-piece cue for under $100. That's probably all you need for starting out.

Another option is have a cue repairer cut and put in a pin for you. One of the guys in my local 8-ball league started playing with a 1 piece cue. Later he got tired of carrying it around and put the pin in himself.

I've got a Joss that I picked up with the case(and another Player's cue) at a pawn shop for $120 total. If the Player's didn't have an ever-so-slight warp to it, I probably would've used that for a while. The Joss has been my main player for about 5 years now maybe. I ended up buying a Predator shaft for it later for about $200. I'm as comfortable using that stick as I am about any other.

I still really like a good house cue, though. There's something about that feel and hit that's hard to find(at least for me anyways). A friend of mine had a house cue jointed for about $60 or something and has been playing with it for a while. I've used that cue, too, and it feels good.

Check out Craigslist and pawn shops for good deals. If you have an estimated price range, go ahead and post something up here on AZB and you'll probably have about as many offers as you can deal with. If you can, ask to knock a few balls around with the cue like a test drive.

Good luck with your first cue!

 

[oldcat]

You know... I am far from being an expert. But I was told one time by a cue maker that aside from being convenient, 2 piece cues have a problem in that they do not play like a one piece cue. Many cue makers strive to make their cues as close to being like a one piece as they can. Whether it be by the joint or (well mostly the joint). You already play with a one piece. Get a one piece cue case and have fun playing with the cue you are used to. It already has an advantage being a solid one piece cue. Just don't shorten it in the trunk of your car like I did with half my fishing poles.