Best Beginner Equipment?

R

RollOver

Registered
Well guys I'm still learning my game and have a little while before I invest any money in equipment for my pool game but I'm one of those guys that jumps into things head first and doesn't look back, so--looking for recommendations.

I'd like to know what the best bang for your buck pool cue would be for someone startin out and could also last quite a while. I don't really know what I'm lookin for in a cue so I'd like opinions and some idea of WHAT TO BE looking for.

Is their a general concensus on this already?

Thanks and hope for a spirited debate. BTW - please avoid tryin to makes sales for private cue makers unless you TRULY believe they are best.
 
Take your time, and research the wanted/ for sale section, and the cue review section.....It's a buyers market right now...you can pick up some clean pre-owned cues right now...
 
My opinion is you won't need to spend more than a couple hundred dollars on a cue. A $1000 and a $200 will probably feel close to the same and you can get a quality cue for $200 (or less). Go ask around on the buy/sell forum and let everyone know what your budget is.
 
If you are serious about learning I would pick up a book on pool to learn some of the shots you might not know otherwise. 99 Critical Shots is a good book to start with.
 
I'm like you, I dont mess around-go the whole way.


Get a Gold Crown 5 table and a 8pt Gus Szamboti cue and a good case to keep your cue in. this will cost you alot but you wont lose a penny on the cue and the table might drop a couple thousand in value over the next 5 years but you will more than make that up in apperication on the cue.

Do some searches on the table and cue I recommended here and you will see what I mean, if you cant find a 8pt Gus Cue get a 4 point player one-they cost alot less and still go in price every year.

good luck and enjoy pool!!!
 
RollOver said:
Well guys I'm still learning my game and have a little while before I invest any money in equipment for my pool game but I'm one of those guys that jumps into things head first and doesn't look back, so--looking for recommendations.

I'd like to know what the best bang for your buck pool cue would be for someone startin out and could also last quite a while. I don't really know what I'm lookin for in a cue so I'd like opinions and some idea of WHAT TO BE looking for.

Is their a general concensus on this already?

Thanks and hope for a spirited debate. BTW - please avoid tryin to makes sales for private cue makers unless you TRULY believe they are best.
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Get a cheap McDermott. It has a free Lifetime Warranty against defects, and a free Lifetime Maintenance plan.

Or if you like, I have some McD's that I could sell you second hand at a great discount.
 
First you need to put a budget in your mind. Then go from there. I recommend staying away from mass produced cues (Meucci, McDermott, Viking, etc.) Not saying these cues aren't fine for a beginner, but you can get a custom cue for what you pay for a cue that you can go to any local billiard outlet. Contact Rat Cues, BHQ, Jeff Olney, or any of the many fine cue makers that are on this forum. I guarantee that if you spend $350 with any of those fine cue makers, you will get one heck of a good player. It may not be the fanciest cue out there, but it will be a great cue. Cue makers may not have something to place in your hands within a week, but what you will get will be worth the wait.
Do you want to break and play with this new cue? If so, let the cue maker know that this is your intention. You don't want a soft tip on a break cue! If you have another cue that you will use for a breaker then you will at least need a 2x2 hard case. If you are going to use this one cue for both playing and breaking then a 1x1 hard tube-style case will get you by for now. At this point in your game you don't need to shell out the cash for a custom case. What ever you decide to buy, just make sure it is a HARD CASE!
Good luck!

Dean:D
 
My budget is going to be $150 for cue + case MAX. I just can't see myself paying anything more for my FIRST cue. I plan on breaking AND playing with this cue. I'm 6' tall with medium length arms. Any recommendations based off that?
 
McDermott or Viking. Both are quality US made products with a great warranty that includes warping!

I'm actually thinking of getting a cheap McDermott (M11A) or a Viking for a car trunk cue. One that I wouldn't worry about leaving in the car or a hotel room while I'm at work all day, nor when find myself in an unknown pool hall when I'm traveling on business.

McDermott's are fairly well thought of as far as production cues go. Check this thread:

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=123033


So are Vikings - Check out this thread:

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=123076


Hope this helps.
 
RollOver said:
Well guys I'm still learning my game and have a little while before I invest any money in equipment for my pool game but I'm one of those guys that jumps into things head first and doesn't look back, so--looking for recommendations.

I'd like to know what the best bang for your buck pool cue would be for someone startin out and could also last quite a while. I don't really know what I'm lookin for in a cue so I'd like opinions and some idea of WHAT TO BE looking for.

Is their a general concensus on this already?

Thanks and hope for a spirited debate. BTW - please avoid tryin to makes sales for private cue makers unless you TRULY believe they are best.
Click to expand...

What's your budget?

if i were you i'd do what i did when i first started. just buy a cue to play with. you can break with something off the wall and not having a jump cue will open your eyes to how to kick
 
In your price range it seems like a lot of people on this site would suggest a basic Viking or McDermott cue. I just started playing two years ago, and not having played much in 16 or so years (since college). I got a table for my basement, some house cues, and a plain jane Viking F-98 as my playing cue. It cost around $120 or so, and I really like it. I also got a cocobolo schmelke sneaky pete for $95 or so, and my wife plays with it. I think that Viking, McDermott and if you want to spend a little less, Schmelke, are all good options.
 
you could get 200$ mcdermot and be fine with that. but if you get a table spend as much as u can afford. Dont skimp on the table youll regret it later.
 
Mcdermott....

I would go with a mcdermott. The first cue I bought, let's see that was 16 years ago now, was a mcdermott and it was great for the first couple of years. i loved the way that cue played.

It was a Mcdermott EI-5, one of the airbrushed models with black panthers on it.

Watch out cause once the bug gets you, you're a pool player for LIFE!!!!!

Jaden
 
rackem said:
One of the cues from this thread would do just fine.:yes:
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=121309
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Well Rollover, given your budget of $150 all-in then a cue like Rackem is selling may be the way to go. Hell, you'll come in under budget even after you buy your case.

You just need to decide what weight you want. If you don't already know just play with some house cues of different weights to see whether you prefer heavier or lighter, then don't spend more than a C-note. Given your budget, don't worry about it. Don't try and be too discriminating. Probably one of the most important attributes of a first cue is to provide consistency. Just having the same stick in your hand-giving you the same feel every time you play as you are learning the game, is the important thing. Plenty of time to figure out exactly what you want next as your skills develop and your budget increases. Trust me, this will not be your last cue stick. :grin-square:

You might also see what is available at your local pool hall - they would certainly appreciate your business and you get to feel the merchandise. Most places sell some lower end stuff in your price range.

I plan on breaking AND playing with this cue.
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FYI, I wouldn't advise breaking with your playing cue whether it was a $100 Kao Kao, a $350 McDermott or a $5,000 Gina. It doesn't matter what it cost, it's your player. Take care of it and it will take care of you. Grab a house stick off the wall for snapping. :thumbup:

Welcome to the cueing arts, my friend!!
 
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RollOver said:
Well guys I'm still learning my game and have a little while before I invest any money in equipment for my pool game but I'm one of those guys that jumps into things head first and doesn't look back, so--looking for recommendations.

I'd like to know what the best bang for your buck pool cue would be for someone startin out and could also last quite a while. I don't really know what I'm lookin for in a cue so I'd like opinions and some idea of WHAT TO BE looking for.

Is their a general concensus on this already?

Thanks and hope for a spirited debate. BTW - please avoid tryin to makes sales for private cue makers unless you TRULY believe they are best.
Click to expand...

my advice..you don't need to buy a cue...


you need to buy a stroke..

there are many very good instructors out there..
the lessons cost less than a mid range cue..

and will ACTUALLY help your game .. instead of just spending your money..


a good stroke works with any cue..

with a million dollar cue and a bad stroke... you still suck..


trust me on this

I wish I would have taken lessons much sooner..
 
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with your budget, i would contact Troy a.k.a Koinnkid, he always has a good selection of cues and very good prices. and is always a pleasure to deal with. and, i agree you could just buy a player and case and use a house cue to break with. Good Luck on your new wonderful hobby.
manuel
 
RollOver said:
Well guys I'm still learning my game and have a little while before I invest any money in equipment for my pool game but I'm one of those guys that jumps into things head first and doesn't look back, so--looking for recommendations.

I'd like to know what the best bang for your buck pool cue would be for someone startin out and could also last quite a while. I don't really know what I'm lookin for in a cue so I'd like opinions and some idea of WHAT TO BE looking for.

Is their a general concensus on this already?

Thanks and hope for a spirited debate. BTW - please avoid tryin to makes sales for private cue makers unless you TRULY believe they are best.
Click to expand...


I would buy a McDermott Cue, a J&J Jump break cue, and an inexpensive 2X4 cue case in case you decide you want an extra shaft. These items will give anyone starting out what they need to jump in with both feet, and the best part is that you stay under $400 for everything you need.

I am a dealer for both of these companies, and I can put a nice little package together for you. I normally do not sell anything on this forum, but I like the way you asked your question, if you are interested please PM me.

Take care
 
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Find a great Instructor first. Let him help pick the cue that fits your game....SPF=randyg
 
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