I more or less listed the tables in the order of my preference. But it's only my ranking.
Suppose I'll give you a list on cues but it's hard to rank since I haven't long enough with most of them.
Longoni is always on most peoples list.
Dieckman but you gotta really want one and have lots of time to wait. Although worth both the money and time.
Kilby I've ever used one.
Adams -
Helmstetter
Adrian Vigara makes a fine cue from Chicago
Dragon from Turkey is ok but his cues a few years ago had shaft problems and the finish on th ebutt was very thick and could crack if banged on something.
Schuler is another decent cue.
I almost sent this and remembered one of the AZ members
Thierry Layani
www.layanicues.com
He's got a very unique joint and wish I could give one a try. I suppose I had the chance had I known that the current National 3C Champ Miguel Torres uses his cue. Someday maybe I'll get one in my hands. I just admire the innovation and I know idea would lead to an extremely strong joint afterall the basic design has been used for 100 years in the machining industry.
If you don't have much experience I'd probably go with Longoni. Several top players use there cues and there's a large selection in style and cost. What I'd do with Longoni is get a 3 or 4 Star butt equipped with a premium shaft. But if you have some spare cash and the time to wait go with a custom cue. It's a fun process.
