Advice for beginner cues?

E

Eric M.

Member
I've been playing a short time now but am already seeing the difference between the no name cues that came with the table and the one half-way decent Brunswick cue we have (Circa 1980 .... I think). I'd like to upgrade but really have no idea what would be next. I see cues from all sorts of manufactures, each have at least 10 different models and prices from $80 to $800 and more.

I'd also like to try a break cue.

Any advice would be helpful. I have no problem buying used, infact, I'd probably prefer that.
I am a beginner and am on a budget. Plus, I'm pretty sure I would not be able to realize or appreciate the performances of an $800 cue at this point.

Thanks,

Eric
 
Welcome to the forum!

While I'm sure you'll get some good answers here, I'd also suggest using the search function because the subject of entry level/lower cost cues has been addressed many times.

In addition to the responses you get here, you should find good information in some of those older threads.

Personally, I'll always tell somebody to check out Schmelke cues as a great first cue option that provides a lot of bang for the buck.
 
Thanks.
Yeah, search. I've done it for everything else, I'm not sure why I didn't think of that this time. :unsure:
I'll check out the Schmelke cues as well.

Eric
 
Eric M. said:
I've been playing a short time now but am already seeing the difference between the no name cues that came with the table and the one half-way decent Brunswick cue we have (Circa 1980 .... I think). I'd like to upgrade but really have no idea what would be next. I see cues from all sorts of manufactures, each have at least 10 different models and prices from $80 to $800 and more.

I'd also like to try a break cue.

Any advice would be helpful. I have no problem buying used, infact, I'd probably prefer that.
I am a beginner and am on a budget. Plus, I'm pretty sure I would not be able to realize or appreciate the performances of an $800 cue at this point.

Thanks,

Eric
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I’ve been recommending the cuetec Avid. Prices online are in the 220-350 range depending on design. Avid is a great shaft especially for the money. The butt is ready for the Cuetec Duo extension, and at some point you will want an extension. If you decide to try carbon fiber later, the cuetec cynergy is something a lot of people like and will fit the butt.
 
Do you have a billiards shop or pool hall with several cues for sale?
If so, go hit with as many as the let you try.
Going real cheap, a Players cue and J&J break cue should cost about $250 for both and would serve you fine for as long as you want.
If you want to spend some cash, fnd a used Joss or Schon and a used predator bk2.
 
Buy something to get started and you'll fine tune as you go along .... Maybe buy a cue with adjustable weights... That is a good start. The shafts can always be changed.
 
Eric, some here have said go to a store or pool room and hit balls with several cues. Adding to that idea, "friendly" pool halls usually love to help out new beginners. Often times there's a bar tender that plays well or maybe even a house pro or some local players. Go to a pool hall and have some drinks or a coffee and strike up some convos and make some friends. Talk to them about your goals. There will always be folks that were at your skill level earlier in their pool journey. There's a very good chance they will have a closet full of cues at home and they'd love to make you a good deal to get rid of a cue they will never play with again. Just an option. At the same time remember I said "friendly pool hall".
 
Hungarian said:
"friendly pool hall"
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Yeah, I'm in Oakland CA .... there isn't much friendly around here. I have been hitting up craigslist and local Facebook Market place. I did meet an old timer that is planning on selling off his cues at some point. That might be a good way to go.

I did not know of cues with adjustable weights. I like that idea. I'll need to look into those.

I also like the idea of the Players cue and J&J break cue. That might be a good combo to pick up and the price is good as well. I'll look for those in the For Sale forum.

Thanks
 
DeeDeeCues said:
No need for a break cue.

Schmelke offers customizeable options for a great price.

Buy something classic without inlays, you'll usually be able to sell it.

Don't worry about specs, get something 18-19oz.. You will get used to what you play with.
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Sorry for novice question. When you say "Customizable" do you mean I can swap shafts or butts to make the cue heavier or put on a break shaft? Is that how you would do an "adjustable weight" cue, swap on a heavier butt?

Thanks
 
Eric M. said:
When you say "Customizable" ?

Thanks
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I'd say this means the cue can be ordered by a preferred weight, length, shaft diameter. I do not think Schmelke's cues have adjustable weights. There is nothing wrong with CueTec cue.
Maybe you should quit now or get a part time job. It starts with one and sanity ends. I was ok for a long time... The first SBE was a bad mistake. Never go to a cue show with a credit card.
 
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Eric M. said:
Sorry for novice question. When you say "Customizable" do you mean I can swap shafts or butts to make the cue heavier or put on a break shaft? Is that how you would do an "adjustable weight" cue, swap on a heavier butt?

Thanks
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You can call David Schmelke and get the cue built how you want it. You can specify woods, length, weight, etc.. They are not a 'custom' cue, per se.

Some companies offer adjustable weight gimmicks, but most will have a single weight bolt that can be removed and cut down.

If you are truly a beginner, you don't have much of a reference to worry about. A weight as I suggested is in the realm of what most people use, it'll work for you. The biggest thing for a beginner cue is to use the same cue. Using one cue, one weight takes variables out of the experimenting process. You have enough variables just learning stance, form, aim, power, etc.. Don't go adding variables by changing cues per the weight of the cue. Eventually you will know enough to start on that.

For what it's worth, I will use any number of my cues and play about the same. I prefer my 16.5oz. cue. I break with whatever cue I am using and have never owned a break cue. I've used ones that belonged to friends, but never saw a benefit.
 
Eric M. said:
Yeah, I'm in Oakland CA .... there isn't much friendly around here. I have been hitting up craigslist and local Facebook Market place. I did meet an old timer that is planning on selling off his cues at some point. That might be a good way to go.

I did not know of cues with adjustable weights. I like that idea. I'll need to look into those.

I also like the idea of the Players cue and J&J break cue. That might be a good combo to pick up and the price is good as well. I'll look for those in the For Sale forum.

Thanks
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Oakland ain't so bad boss!! LOL I'm a fan of East Bay Grease. If you know you know.

Anyways, Mountain View ain't too far. Very friendly pool room there.

Good luck!!
 
Eric M. said:
I am a beginner and am on a budget. Plus, I'm pretty sure I would not be able to realize or appreciate the performances of an $800 cue at this point.
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IMO it's a given most $800.00 cues won't be able to manifest $800.00 worth of performance. Decorum yes. Pool no.
 
budget, budget, budget

At your playing level buy something cheap you have no clue what things you like in a cue. Your tastes in things are not refined. Try several cues till you know what you like.
 
Eric M. said:
I checked out the Schmelke site. Lots of options there. J&J has some reasonable break cues, but so does Schmelke.
I'm narrowing it down!
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You seem like a perfect match for Schmelke, imho.

They have been in biz for 60-70 years making cues here in the USA, VG quality and super reasonable pricing.

I would suggest that you narrow it down some then call David Schmelke and ask for his input as far as fine tuning your choices.

One final thought. If it were me, and it has been previously, if I buy a Schmelke cue I ask them to please omit their logo because it's so big & unattractive, again, imho. btw, they are happy to omit the logo if you prefer.

whatever brand cue you go with, GL and enjoy.
 
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Eric M. said:
I've been playing a short time now but am already seeing the difference between the no name cues that came with the table and the one half-way decent Brunswick cue we have (Circa 1980 .... I think). I'd like to upgrade but really have no idea what would be next. I see cues from all sorts of manufactures, each have at least 10 different models and prices from $80 to $800 and more.

I'd also like to try a break cue.

Any advice would be helpful. I have no problem buying used, infact, I'd probably prefer that.
I am a beginner and am on a budget. Plus, I'm pretty sure I would not be able to realize or appreciate the performances of an $800 cue at this point.

Thanks,

Eric
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Make sure it rolls straight.... get one with two shafts, and for $800 max/both.
Include a brake cue in that total amount.
It's like buying a car, get one that works, will have resale value and go from there.

bm
 
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