I know there is always threads about your opinions of who is the best player of all time. The people on this forum seem to know alot about pool. I would like to know who you think are the top ten cuemakers around. I know it is only your opinion but it would be interesting to see some of your picks.
best cuemakers
- Thread starter Rick
- Start date
Are you kidding me, Rick? 
We could devote an entire website to this list. Hey that would be fun I think some are great and some are popular and that's not the same thing. I love the way my BCM plays,Bandido is know for his designs, Herick for his Spain legacy, Southwest for there hit and collectabilty, Blud for his longevity etc etc. Personally I'm saving my nickles for a Barenbrugge. The truth is there is a custom cuemakr for everyones taste and economic situation just as there is with production cues. And in both cases the old rule "you get what you pay for" pretty much applies. 1500 dollars for a plain jane southwest? Yep and in 5 years you can still sell it for that. I can't pick 10 of the best cue makers there's just too many factors. It would be interesting to see who the cuemakers would pick. 
Dawg
We could devote an entire website to this list. Hey that would be fun I think some are great and some are popular and that's not the same thing. I love the way my BCM plays,Bandido is know for his designs, Herick for his Spain legacy, Southwest for there hit and collectabilty, Blud for his longevity etc etc. Personally I'm saving my nickles for a Barenbrugge. The truth is there is a custom cuemakr for everyones taste and economic situation just as there is with production cues. And in both cases the old rule "you get what you pay for" pretty much applies. 1500 dollars for a plain jane southwest? Yep and in 5 years you can still sell it for that. I can't pick 10 of the best cue makers there's just too many factors. It would be interesting to see who the cuemakers would pick. Dawg
DawgAndy said:Are you kidding me, Rick?
Dawg
GUS SZAMBOTI!!!
"It would be interesting to see who the cuemakers would pick."
I've mentioned this before, but I'll mention it again for this thread. Barry Szamboti told me in person that Bill Schick is his idol of living cue makers.
drivermaker
Banned
accdealer said:
I don't think the cuemakers top 10 list would even resemble the picks of player/buyers of a forum like this. Joel Hercek (one of my top 10) also said Bill Schick to me as possibly the best and also David Kersenbrock. Who on this forum would have picked either of those two? The answer....NONE!
I was recently playing at Hawaiian Brian's pool room in Honolulu and in their pro shop among all of the regular cues that you see in a typical shop, they also had a magnificent new Barry Szamboti cue in the front window, a Richard Black, and either a Joe Gold or Ernie Gutierrez for sale. I almost flipped out and couldn't believe that those cues were there.
Hmmm, Black Boar, Szamboti. I play with a Frey, and keep wishing I'll be able to afford a Boar one day!!
Sonja
Sonja
WRONG!drivermaker said:
I would have picked those two (David Kersenbrock and Bill Schick) and added Danny Tibbits for cleanest work, for designs Ernie Gutierrez, for tight Inlay work Joey Gold, for full splice work Joel Herceck, for best hit Me of course
, Thomas Wayne for most extensive CNC inlay work, Richard black for being the the forerunner of extensive silver and ivory work, Dennis Dieckman for Carom Billiard cues.Chris
www.cuesmith.com
www.internationalcuemakers.com
best
I don't think this is a fair question.
Why?
It's simple. We all have our "OPINION'S", some like my cues for the hit, beauty, tight inlay work, [by the way chris, joey's inlays are no tighter than mine, and several others],the hit, looks over all, the next guy will not like mine in anyway, and like someone elses for beauty, hit or just like the guy who built the cues. So guys, this question is not fair to any of us "CUEMAKERS".
My customers tell me if they think I'm good or not. So far in life, I'm still running behind.
so someone tells me they like my stuff.
blud
I don't think this is a fair question.
Why?
It's simple. We all have our "OPINION'S", some like my cues for the hit, beauty, tight inlay work, [by the way chris, joey's inlays are no tighter than mine, and several others],the hit, looks over all, the next guy will not like mine in anyway, and like someone elses for beauty, hit or just like the guy who built the cues. So guys, this question is not fair to any of us "CUEMAKERS".
My customers tell me if they think I'm good or not. So far in life, I'm still running behind.
so someone tells me they like my stuff.
blud
azbicyclis85376
Banned
This is a very interesting thread, and I personally feel there is ZERO Correct Answer also. As it is like beauty, everyone has their own idea, or ideas as to what is beauty, and beautiful is.
I personally have limited resource to spend on Cues, so will never own a Gina, Jerry McWorter, or any of the other makes of Cues that cost in excess of $1,500.00.
But that is fine as I know for $1,500.00 I can buy more Cue than I would ever need, or maybe a Cue or Two for less than $1,500.00.
I love looking at the high dollar Cues on E-bay, and surfing the different Cuemakers sites to see what these artist produce with modern technology.
Think the cue making ART continues to reach new pinnacles, with modern machinery, both to design, and produce what could, and could not be produced with hands tools only 100 years ago. Plus Cues are cheaper in proportion to people incomes in 2004.
Also America, and Americans still appear to produce the best in Cues in the world.
I personally have limited resource to spend on Cues, so will never own a Gina, Jerry McWorter, or any of the other makes of Cues that cost in excess of $1,500.00.
But that is fine as I know for $1,500.00 I can buy more Cue than I would ever need, or maybe a Cue or Two for less than $1,500.00.
I love looking at the high dollar Cues on E-bay, and surfing the different Cuemakers sites to see what these artist produce with modern technology.
Think the cue making ART continues to reach new pinnacles, with modern machinery, both to design, and produce what could, and could not be produced with hands tools only 100 years ago. Plus Cues are cheaper in proportion to people incomes in 2004.
Also America, and Americans still appear to produce the best in Cues in the world.
Blud
Everyone knows it is a loaded question. If everyone of you cuemakers didn't think you built a superior product you wouldn't be in this line of work. I have to agree with Chris about David Kersenbrock he is definatley one the most influential cuemakers of our time. If we all liked the same thing all but one cuemaker would be out of business. Luckily there is something for everyone.
Everyone knows it is a loaded question. If everyone of you cuemakers didn't think you built a superior product you wouldn't be in this line of work.
I have to agree with Chris about David Kersenbrock he is definatley one the most influential cuemakers of our time. If we all liked the same thing all but one cuemaker would be out of business. Luckily there is something for everyone.
beats me
I personally haven't got to play with enough cues to know. I've hit with a DK cue and loved it, but then I've not picked up to many cues that on the first hit I didn't like.
I play with plain jane cues. Always liked the scruggs I've owned and wished I hadn't of sold. Had a porper cue for awhile that I hated, but would gladly take back (god it would be worth a fortune with all the ivory it had). The best cue I ever owned was a 20 oz d17 mcdermott, great hit wish I hadn't of traded it and a joss for the porper.
Right now I play with a schon stl-1 with a grey stain that has some of the prettiest birdseye maple I've ever seen. Also usually have a low end Joss that I use to break with, and in case of emergency play with.
For myself I want another scruggs, next custom cue will be a dz sneaky.
Always liked bluegrass cues hit and DK's hit, but can't afford either one. Can afford a low end scruggs and think they hit as well as any cue I've shot with.
Production cues I don't think you can beat schon and joss cues.
One day I hope to try every custom cue makers cues, right after I win the powerball.
I personally haven't got to play with enough cues to know. I've hit with a DK cue and loved it, but then I've not picked up to many cues that on the first hit I didn't like.
I play with plain jane cues. Always liked the scruggs I've owned and wished I hadn't of sold. Had a porper cue for awhile that I hated, but would gladly take back (god it would be worth a fortune with all the ivory it had). The best cue I ever owned was a 20 oz d17 mcdermott, great hit wish I hadn't of traded it and a joss for the porper.
Right now I play with a schon stl-1 with a grey stain that has some of the prettiest birdseye maple I've ever seen. Also usually have a low end Joss that I use to break with, and in case of emergency play with.
For myself I want another scruggs, next custom cue will be a dz sneaky.
Always liked bluegrass cues hit and DK's hit, but can't afford either one. Can afford a low end scruggs and think they hit as well as any cue I've shot with.
Production cues I don't think you can beat schon and joss cues.
One day I hope to try every custom cue makers cues, right after I win the powerball.
It is definitely a loaded question and so far I am the only one that has provided a top 10 list. How about some more complete top ten lists. And when it is all done it will still just be peoples opinions as no one can really give a correct answer. It might be easier if we said top ten who have been at it since before 1980. That would narrow the field, but opening it up to ALL cuemakers makes it very subjective.
Chris
Chris
cuemakers
Hi Andy,
I still must disagree. I personally didn't like what was out there, years ago, so I built my own cues. Now I build what I like and it's worked for me. But to single out ANY CUEMAKER is not fair to all cuemakers.
It's just an OPINION, that's it.
Kinda like which truck is best, which actor, what color of paint and so on. never will come with the RIGHT answer.It all OPINION'S, nothing more, nothing less.
It's just not fair to those who are and are not mentioned.
From a seasoned cuemakers point of view, it's best not said...Way to many ego's involved and feelings get hurt.
Chris, may of just did that with his top 10 list.
blud
DawgAndy said:Blud
Everyone knows it is a loaded question. If everyone of you cuemakers didn't think you built a superior product you wouldn't be in this line of work.
Hi Andy,
I still must disagree. I personally didn't like what was out there, years ago, so I built my own cues. Now I build what I like and it's worked for me. But to single out ANY CUEMAKER is not fair to all cuemakers.
It's just an OPINION, that's it.
Kinda like which truck is best, which actor, what color of paint and so on. never will come with the RIGHT answer.It all OPINION'S, nothing more, nothing less.
It's just not fair to those who are and are not mentioned.
From a seasoned cuemakers point of view, it's best not said...Way to many ego's involved and feelings get hurt.
Chris, may of just did that with his top 10 list.
blud
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drivermaker
Banned
blud said:
Blud...I'm not trying to start any crap, but how did the top ten (or more) cuemakers that are listed and inducted in the organization that you started for cuemakers get there? Who's opinion was that, or did it come from an industry wide poll?
Schick, Reyes, Tad, Prewitt, Barry S., Gina, S. Weston, Zylr, Hercek, Murray Tucker, Tibbits, Gold and Stroud for me.
10 is not enough.
10 is not enough.
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Blud,
I hope you know that I respect you and what you have done for the billiard industry but I have to say that I think it is a great thing to come on here and express your opinion. It not only confirms what people believe about the great cuemakers but also brings to light some of the unknown, but excellent cuemakers just starting out. I usually stay out of these only because I haven't had the opportunity to play with many different cues but I like to see what others think, whether it is good bad.
Best regards,
Dave
I hope you know that I respect you and what you have done for the billiard industry but I have to say that I think it is a great thing to come on here and express your opinion. It not only confirms what people believe about the great cuemakers but also brings to light some of the unknown, but excellent cuemakers just starting out. I usually stay out of these only because I haven't had the opportunity to play with many different cues but I like to see what others think, whether it is good bad.
Best regards,
Dave
Webb<u jus got to love him and the love for cue making. Gilbert->> just can't beat the hit and thoes sharp points & in layes ,Tucker "if i can get mine soon "Prather "styles of woods".RC3.Just sweet".Dan Dashawn .Just cause he has one cue Me and Chris lynch for NYC love ..DDKoop said:
.Josey cues has nice work . And never last but he is now Paul Mottey just cause all his cues play the same ...Very good hitting cues and combo with wood a ivory......
My top ten
This is my top ten list of cues that are being made by the cuemakers of today: (In no Order)
1. Tad
2. Gina
3. Schick
4. B. Szamboti
5. Tascarella
6 Joss West
7. Hereck
8. Southwest
9. D. Searing
10. DPK - David Kersenbrock
I believe all of these cuemakers have a strong following and therefore are always seeked by collectors and players.
This is my top ten list of cues that are being made by the cuemakers of today: (In no Order)
1. Tad
2. Gina
3. Schick
4. B. Szamboti
5. Tascarella
6 Joss West
7. Hereck
8. Southwest
9. D. Searing
10. DPK - David Kersenbrock
I believe all of these cuemakers have a strong following and therefore are always seeked by collectors and players.
deadstroke32 said:Webb<u jus got to love him and the love for cue making. Gilbert->> just can't beat the hit and thoes sharp points & in layes ,Tucker "if i can get mine soon "Prather "styles of woods".RC3.Just sweet".Dan Dashawn .Just cause he has one cue Me and Chris lynch for NYC love ..
The limited amount of cues I have been able to shoot with has definitely left me with the impression that Mike Webb makes one outstanding cue. My buddy still has a sneaky pete from quite a few years ago and the thing plays jam up. I have a sneaky pete made by Scot Sherbine from Proficient Billiards and it is one of the sweetest hitting cues I have ever played with. Definitely a keeper.
Dave
F
Fred Agnir
Guest
drivermaker said:
IMO, either or both Schick and Kersenbrock would be mentioned on several people's top 10 list.
Fred