Andy Gilbert vs. Judd cues
- Thread starter lsabado
- Start date
My pick would be the Gilbert simply because you can get Andy to make it with the 3/8-10, which is my favorite. I've owned several of Andy's big pin cues and they all hit wonderful and were flawless with fit & finish. Steve McAnnich introduced me to the Gilbert line many years ago and I've owned maybe a dozen. Even his j/b is one fine hitting cue whom which many players chose as their playing cue. Every Judd I've seen is a 5/16-14 with of course the brass insert in the shaft, which in my opinion doesn't have the feel or hit of the big pin. Both examples are of some of the highest levels of quality available...Andy has greatly improved in the last several years. The Judd would probably be considered a bit more of a high end cue at this time. I really like how the Judd points extend darn near into the joint collars. I've hit a few balls with Helena & Monica's Judd cues and just wasn't impressed with the hit. Of course thats my opinion...Efren has no problems with the Judd playability.
lsabado said:
I will give my biased opinion --- I have a Gilbert with a phenolic flat faced 3/8-10 and I absolutely love the hit and the feedback. It was a little tough to get used to at first because it is the stiffest hitting cue I have ever used....I feel that it hits the balls really solid. I love using the gilbert in every type of pool game, but I still find playing 1P with the gilbert somewhat tough, because the cue really lends strength, and it takes time to judge the strength control for minute situations.
Louis Ulrich
New member
I've known Judd for a long time and he does exceptional work and will stand behind his cues. Most of his stuff is pricey but if you don't mind that then it is hard to go wrong. As Varney said he uses the metal joint which has a different hit than the 3/8" x 10 pin. That would be of your own preference.
I don't know too much about Gilbert's cues but have friends who own them and approve.
What the heck. Buy both and tell us what you think!
I don't know too much about Gilbert's cues but have friends who own them and approve.
What the heck. Buy both and tell us what you think!
Varney Cues said:
I must be missing something. Every Judd I've seen uses a 3/8-10 pin, including the one I own and have used for about 2 1/2 years and Efren's. If you look at Judd's website http://www.juddcues.com/prod1.html you will note at the bottom that a 'stainless steel' joint is an option on his cues, not his standard. Judd's cues play awesome and I will also say that the 2 Gilberts I've hit played well as well (both were stainless joints with the inserts).
I suggest you try ro find one of each to try and make your decision. You can't go wrong with either.
Dave
I would like to add that Judd is about 65 years old so he might stop making cues soon. His cues might become more collectible because of that. He can make you a cue with either joint so that should not be an issue. You can really put tones of spin on the cue ball by barely hitting it with a Judd. He never does veneers. All points are recut.
Gilbert has really improved a lot. He certainly has not reached his full potential yet so it is hard to sell how far he can go, and how much money his cues will be worth in a few years times. I personally think Gilbert has a stiffer hit than a Judd, I feel that the hit is very solid. The Gilberts I have tried had veneers and they were well done in every way.
Thank you.
Richard
Gilbert has really improved a lot. He certainly has not reached his full potential yet so it is hard to sell how far he can go, and how much money his cues will be worth in a few years times. I personally think Gilbert has a stiffer hit than a Judd, I feel that the hit is very solid. The Gilberts I have tried had veneers and they were well done in every way.
Thank you.
Richard
Judd's standard joint is a phenolic with 5/16 14 flatface ( he faces off the brass insert ). Just like Efren's cue.12squared said:
He does 3/8 10 as well.
my judd is an ivory jointed 3/8-10 pin and I have yet to hit a ball with it but as far as playability I would go with judd. The cue can reach out to any player. Gilberts hit amazing as well but a little too stiff for everyone's taste. I like it but some players might not. I would go with the judd. Collectibility, Gilbert.
I had no idea that there were so many 3/8-10 Judds floating around. I've seen many, and they were all flatface 5/16-14. I'm sure the 3/8-10 version's hit better. You learn something everyday...
O
onepocketchump
Guest
12squared said:
I agree with Dave. I will give a slight nod to Gilbert for the "feel" which only applies to my personal experience with both maker's cues. I would be well satisified with a cue from either cuemaker. Judd and Trudy Fuller as well as Andy Gilbert all get FIVE STARS out of five for being in the good people/super craftspeople categories.
John
pharaoh68
Banned
deadstroke32 said:
Deadstroke-
I'm not sure what the point is you are trying to make here. You seem to be saying that Gilbert is clearly better because of the workmanship which I will have to disagree with. Judd Fuller and Andy Gilbert have two very different styles. Now, style is subjective. Its a matter of taste. But from what I've seen of several cues from each cuemaker, Judd's execution is superior.
Andy has made some vey ornate and intricate cues complete with scrimshaw work. However, Andy does not do the scrimming himself. I've seen his peacocks as well, similar to the one in my avatar. He too does 2-piece peacocks however, they were not nearly as sharp or even as well aligned.
When it comes to play, I will still take a Judd hands down. His style is unique whereas Gilbert sways back and forth from traditional, classic style cues to what look like Schick knock-offs but not executed as well. Now I know I'm going to take some heat for that but I think its a fair assessment. Especially since I have owned cues by both (including a fancy Gilbert that I was NOT impressed with)!
Judd uses 3/8 10 on all of his ivory jointed cues as far as I know. He doesn't like the brass hitting the ivory collar.Varney Cues said:
I once owned the prettiest Judd sneaky. Big pin and had silver stitches.
I would go with a Judd. I played with a 4 pt 4 veneer Gilbert with a FF short ivory joint. It just felt weird and I think the short joint kind of looks weird. Also, that Gilbert had a point that was alot larger than the other 3. I would go with a Judd Fuller. I have played with 2 JT1s both with a FF 5/16-14 joint and I liked the way they played. IMO better craftmanship as well.
I've had both and prefer the Judd, mainly because I can't seem to get used to the Gilbert shaft taper. I know either will make the cue exactly to your specifications, joint, etc. I always suggest, particularly if you have the two at one place to choose from, that you hit with both, and in the end, pick the one you like the hit of better. If you are talking about collectibility, Judd puts out fewer cues, and the fancier, the better, but he is pricier than Andy. Also, from a resale standpoint, Andy give pretty good discounts to brokers, so his second hand market may be softer than the Judd. Just FYI.
I do want to make something clear here. I am by no means putting down Andy's cues. They are both great from the structural, cosmetic, and playability standpoint. I just prefer Judd. You can't go wrong with either choice.
If you are interested, I have a buddy who has an extremely nice southwest style Gilbert that he might let go. It is tiger maple points into beautiful cocobola, and I think it has a cocobola handle, but not positive.
I do want to make something clear here. I am by no means putting down Andy's cues. They are both great from the structural, cosmetic, and playability standpoint. I just prefer Judd. You can't go wrong with either choice.
If you are interested, I have a buddy who has an extremely nice southwest style Gilbert that he might let go. It is tiger maple points into beautiful cocobola, and I think it has a cocobola handle, but not positive.
