Advice on Approaching My First Custom Cue

Harsh

Harsh

New member
Hey everyone,

I’m looking at getting into my first custom cue, but I’m a little overwhelmed by the options. I’ve been shooting with Predator gear (Revo and Z-series shafts), so I’m used to low-deflection performance. What I want now is a cue that still lets me use a CF shaft if I choose, but gives me the feel and feedback of a custom butt.

A few things on my mind:

Joint/shaft fit: I keep hearing about different pin types (3/8x10, radial, modified, etc.). For a first custom, would you stick with something common so pairing a Predator shaft later is easy?

Playability vs. looks: My goal is more about performance than crazy inlays. Would you recommend starting with something simpler like a merry widow to keep cost down?

Resale reality: If my first custom isn’t the right fit, how well do cues from mid-tier builders hold their value?

Blanks vs. finished cues: I’ve seen Brent Summers’ blanks around — is it worth going that route and having a local builder finish one, or better to stick with a full build from someone like Josey, Nitti, Barnhart, or Olivier?


I’d appreciate hearing how you all approached your first step into customs. Did you go straight to a big-name builder, or start with something more affordable to test the waters?

— Greg
 
First, determine how much you want to spend. That's going to tell you a bit about what builders or builder's styles you have to work with. You could also go with a company like Crossroad Cues and pick up a custom second hand.

If you like Revos (or whatever shaft you plan to use), get the joint collar measurement and make sure whatever butt you buy or have built is that diameter or very close to it. If you are getting something built, tell the builder if you want to use something like a Revo and they can build towards that goal.

A butt doesn't do much for performance generally, get one you like the look of or have one built that you will like. Sometimes it's maker dependent, but joint pin can basically be whatever you want it to be. If you have Revos now and like them, you can use what you already have. I would also recommend going with someone that cores their butts as this will help resist warping.

I personally would probably go 3/8x10 modified in anything I have built in the future simply because standard 3/8x10 will fit it and it gives you a lot of options as most every major manufacturer of shafts offers something compatible. That said, sometimes it has to be bored to a 38mm depth or so to fully seat on the butt. My SMO CF shaft was this way but works perfectly after doing so. Radial would probably be my second choice with Uniloc QR bringing up the rear. The best benefit of Uniloc QR in my opinion is that almost every Uniloc butt and aftermarket shaft I have picked up over the last 15 years or so fit together either perfectly or very close. The majority fit perfectly.

Imagine that a used cue is going to lose at least some value for the most part when you go to resale. This will likely be more true in a lesser known maker.

My first customs came from lesser known builders. One is in the Phillipines and the other is a guy from Houston. Neither were over $800 and I got fantastic cues out of the deal. I have since gotten more and spent much more.
 
Well remember most Pro's play with what they get paid to play with, get for free, or combination of Fee Cue, and Paid Endorsement.

End of discussion.
 
JasonATX said:
First, determine how much you want to spend. That's going to tell you a bit about what builders or builder's styles you have to work with. You could also go with a company like Crossroad Cues and pick up a custom second hand.

If you like Revos (or whatever shaft you plan to use), get the joint collar measurement and make sure whatever butt you buy or have built is that diameter or very close to it. If you are getting something built, tell the builder if you want to use something like a Revo and they can build towards that goal.

A butt doesn't do much for performance generally, get one you like the look of or have one built that you will like. Sometimes it's maker dependent, but joint pin can basically be whatever you want it to be. If you have Revos now and like them, you can use what you already have. I would also recommend going with someone that cores their butts as this will help resist warping.

I personally would probably go 3/8x10 modified in anything I have built in the future simply because standard 3/8x10 will fit it and it gives you a lot of options as most every major manufacturer of shafts offers something compatible. That said, sometimes it has to be bored to a 38mm depth or so to fully seat on the butt. My SMO CF shaft was this way but works perfectly after doing so. Radial would probably be my second choice with Uniloc QR bringing up the rear. The best benefit of Uniloc QR in my opinion is that almost every Uniloc butt and aftermarket shaft I have picked up over the last 15 years or so fit together either perfectly or very close. The majority fit perfectly.

Imagine that a used cue is going to lose at least some value for the most part when you go to resale. This will likely be more true in a lesser known maker.

My first customs came from lesser known builders. One is in the Phillipines and the other is a guy from Houston. Neither were over $800 and I got fantastic cues out of the deal. I have since gotten more and spent much more.
Click to expand...
Very well written thanks for the reply. If I fall in love with the cue I'll spend about 2k but to just give custom a try I would spend about 1k-1200
 
Irrelevant
CocoboloCowboy said:
Well remember most Pro's play with what they get paid to play with, get for free, or combination of Fee Cue, and Paid Endorsement.

End of discussion.
Click to expand...
I understand what you’re saying about pros and sponsorships, but that doesn’t really answer my question. I’m not worried about what the pros are forced to play. I’m trying to figure out what specs and builders make sense for a first custom in the $1k–$2k range. Things like joint type for Revo compatibility, balance point, and butt size are what I’m focused on. Any input on those specifics would be more helpful
 
Played Pool today, but was not planning too. Hate 8 Ball, but three guys need 4th body, did not have my Cue Case as I was on way home from errands. House Cue was Cue of Choice, after touching up Non Layered Tip with 220 sandpaper it was ok to use. Don't need have to have Custom Cue to play Pool.


I no loner own pricy Cues, with all sort of Ginger Bread Inlays, like my Merry Widows, simple, but they play well. Need no CF Shafted, Maple is fine, not sure what Taper my shaft are, but they are stiff.
 
Fair point. I’m probably overthinking it a bit. I know the cue doesn’t make the player, but part of me still wants to see what the fuss is about with customs. I figure as long as I get something I like the feel of, it’ll motivate me to play more.
 
Harsh said:
Fair point. I’m probably overthinking it a bit. I know the cue doesn’t make the player, but part of me still wants to see what the fuss is about with customs. I figure as long as I get something I like the feel of, it’ll motivate me to play more.
Click to expand...
That's also like saying that a Honda will get you where you need to go, but a Ferrari is cooler. At the end of the day, your best bet is to find a maker that will make you what you want for your price range or find a cue you love from a dealer.

For instance, I certainly don't need a new cue, but this Carmeli bocote is kinda calling my name. I'm a sucker for heavily figured woods. You could also go with something simple like a merry widow or something crazy with a lot inlays or points. This 4 pointer from Cody Cash/PK cues would probably be a monster for $1500 if you like the cue. He's an up and coming cue maker that many on the forums here like a lot.

Really up to you what you want and what will make you happiest. Good luck. When you decide on what you want, post pictures here please.
 
Harsh said:
Fair point. I’m probably overthinking it a bit. I know the cue doesn’t make the player, but part of me still wants to see what the fuss is about with customs. I figure as long as I get something I like the feel of, it’ll motivate me to play more.
Click to expand...
Best player in AZ forever initials were DH, AZ House Pro will tell you DH win it all year after year.

His Cue elcheapo McDermott Merry Widow.

Indian who could bring home meat with s as by old arrow.
1758165546200.png
 
JasonATX said:
That's also like saying that a Honda will get you where you need to go, but a Ferrari is cooler. At the end of the day, your best bet is to find a maker that will make you what you want for your price range or find a cue you love from a dealer.

For instance, I certainly don't need a new cue, but this Carmeli bocote is kinda calling my name. I'm a sucker for heavily figured woods. You could also go with something simple like a merry widow or something crazy with a lot inlays or points. This 4 pointer from Cody Cash/PK cues would probably be a monster for $1500 if you like the cue. He's an up and coming cue maker that many on the forums here like a lot.

Really up to you what you want and what will make you happiest. Good luck. When you decide on what you want, post pictures here please.
Click to expand...
that Cody cue for 1500 is a good deal.
 
Well if you have the money for a Custom Cue, I would commission a Cue Marker with good reputation.

Bob Owen come to mind, if you can design it, Bob can build it.

Man has Integrity, skill, and never heard a bad word.

Can’t think of any others off hand, but I am sure there are handful of others.
 
my opinion

first, regarding shafts fitting, Predator hardly make any shafts with joints other than Uni-Loc and Radial. They don't keep up with demand so any other pin will leave you hunting for a shaft for a very long time. So go with either of the above.

As to playability, if you can't tell what weight, balance point and what kind of hit you are looking for - firm or soft, than all you got is the cue looks.
If you can establish what you want, then next step is to find a cue maker that can meet your requirements and that you like his style and looks.
If it's going to be fancy or plain, is up to your budget.

30-40 years ago, there weren't many options for good production cue that plays well. There are a lot more options today at different price points, I'm pretty sure that your current cue is probably a good playing cue. So really a custom cue that is going to be used should meet the current cue playability with the looks that you are looking for. And a good looking cue doesn't have to be super fancy, even a Plain Jane with nice woods and rings work would look great.

Bottom line, a custom cue today is more of a personal treat for yourself than an actual need for better playability, like it was back in the 60's - 90's.
It's not going to improve your game (especially when using the same production shafts) but it might make feel good.
 
Buy whatever you like and can afford. Maybe a cue that has the ability to change weight. Maybe the joint diameter that with take an aftermarket shaft.. Predator, etc.
 
skor said:
my opinion

first, regarding shafts fitting, Predator hardly make any shafts with joints other than Uni-Loc and Radial. They don't keep up with demand so any other pin will leave you hunting for a shaft for a very long time. So go with either of the above.

As to playability, if you can't tell what weight, balance point and what kind of hit you are looking for - firm or soft, than all you got is the cue looks.
If you can establish what you want, then next step is to find a cue maker that can meet your requirements and that you like his style and looks.
If it's going to be fancy or plain, is up to your budget.

30-40 years ago, there weren't many options for good production cue that plays well. There are a lot more options today at different price points, I'm pretty sure that your current cue is probably a good playing cue. So really a custom cue that is going to be used should meet the current cue playability with the looks that you are looking for. And a good looking cue doesn't have to be super fancy, even a Plain Jane with nice woods and rings work would look great.

Bottom line, a custom cue today is more of a personal treat for yourself than an actual need for better playability, like it was back in the 60's - 90's.
It's not going to improve your game (especially when using the same production shafts) but it might make feel good.
Click to expand...
There are plenty of predator shafts out there with different joints. Omega billiards has some, manning cues has more.
JasonATX said:
That's also like saying that a Honda will get you where you need to go, but a Ferrari is cooler. At the end of the day, your best bet is to find a maker that will make you what you want for your price range or find a cue you love from a dealer.

For instance, I certainly don't need a new cue, but this Carmeli bocote is kinda calling my name. I'm a sucker for heavily figured woods. You could also go with something simple like a merry widow or something crazy with a lot inlays or points. This 4 pointer from Cody Cash/PK cues would probably be a monster for $1500 if you like the cue. He's an up and coming cue maker that many on the forums here like a lot.

Really up to you what you want and what will make you happiest. Good luck. When you decide on what you want, post pictures here please.
Click to expand...
I've ordered a blank from Brett Summers. There are a few builders in Indiana and Ohio I'm looking at for finishing. Currently looking at Sickle cues, Sima cues, and Stoltman cues. I've met with Stoltman and he seems knowledgeable and his work and shop look clean.
 
skor said:
my opinion

first, regarding shafts fitting, Predator hardly make any shafts with joints other than Uni-Loc and Radial. They don't keep up with demand so any other pin will leave you hunting for a shaft for a very long time. So go with either of the above.

As to playability, if you can't tell what weight, balance point and what kind of hit you are looking for - firm or soft, than all you got is the cue looks.
If you can establish what you want, then next step is to find a cue maker that can meet your requirements and that you like his style and looks.
If it's going to be fancy or plain, is up to your budget.

30-40 years ago, there weren't many options for good production cue that plays well. There are a lot more options today at different price points, I'm pretty sure that your current cue is probably a good playing cue. So really a custom cue that is going to be used should meet the current cue playability with the looks that you are looking for. And a good looking cue doesn't have to be super fancy, even a Plain Jane with nice woods and rings work would look great.

Bottom line, a custom cue today is more of a personal treat for yourself than an actual need for better playability, like it was back in the 60's - 90's.
It's not going to improve your game (especially when using the same production shafts) but it might make feel good.
Click to expand...
Appreciate the feedback, very honest. Omega billiards and Manning cues do have many revos in stock in different joints.
 
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