Best Beginner Cue - Under $200

F

five

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I have been lurking around these forums for awhile and have to say that I have learned a lot reading some of the old archives.

Let me introduce myself, my name is Ty and I played a lot of pool when I was younger (4-10 years old) and have recently gotten back into it (23 yrs old). I am getting a table in my house within a few months (Oct. is the goal) and I would like a good beginners cue.

I don't want to spend a lot of money on this first cue. I believe that even if I have the money to afford the best that my game should be on the same level as the equipment.

Looking around these forums and on the internet, here is a small list that I have come up with that is in the ballpark that I want to spend:
1) Dufferin Wellington (mfr, rtlr, $124)
2) Viking VM35 (mfr, rtlr, $160)
3) Sigels MS8A (mfr, rtlr, $90)
4) Dominiak Sweet 16 (rtlr, $200)
5) Helmstetter 97-4 (rtlr, $170)

I would have already bought the Dufferin, except that I am waiting for them to respond to a few questions. For that paticular cue there are some obvious differences between the retailer site and the mfr's site.

Is it worth it in the long run to spend a little more and get the custom Dominiak? On these forums I see all the time that people say that you should test out a cue and see if it "feels" right for you. How can you test it, without buying it. None of the places around me let you try the cues - they start fidgeting if you just pick up a cue to look at it.

Thanks,
Ty
 
well out of the cues that you listed my vote would either go to the helmstetter or the viking. if you cant try out a cue where you live try learning some stuff about the joint wood etc and learn if it gives it a harder hit or a softer one and see if you can find some reviews on the cue

my .02 cents
 
Now if you want quality...

...check out www.auerbachcustomcues.com. Call John Parker at 1-918-381-9364 and tell him Doug told you to call. He can make you something REAL NICE that would be custom-fitted to what you like or what you need.

Doug Talbot
"the White Elephant"
 
This is just my opinion, but I purchased a Viking vm19 about two years ago and have found it to be a great playing cue. Can't say I've had any complaints about it other than the Le Pro tip which I had replaced with a Triangle.
 
In the $200 price range, I would go with a Joss or a Viking. I have heard plenty of good things about Dominiak cues. Haven't had the opportunity to try one for myself though. Personally, I don't like Dufferin. In the long run, I feel it is better to go ahead and spend your money on a custom cue. I started off ordering production cues and as my game improved, I started getting more expensive cues. Come to think about it now, I wish I would have spent my $800 on my Espiritu a long time ago.
 
I've played with Dominiaks and they actually hit great. Of your selection I would go with the Sweet Sixteen.

JOSS would always be my recommendation on the production side <$200.

-Roger
 
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