Better for me: AVID vs. G-Core or Vikore

LC3

LC3

Playing the table
Silver Member
I'm looking for some advice on cue construction as I get more serious about improving my game. I’m trying to stay under $500 and am currently deciding between two general options:
  • Cuetec AVID Sneaky Pete – more modern/tech-focused, low deflection, less traditional wood feel
  • McDermott G-Core or Viking Vikore – more traditional feel with a bit of tech, still low deflection
Long term I’d love to focus on straight pool, but that’s hard to find in leagues around me. For now I’m working on my 8-ball and 9-ball.

I’m just getting back into pool after several years off and currently playing around an APA 3. I’ve started practicing a few times a week and hoping to move up to APA 4 and beyond. APA is easiest for me to play right now because it's closest, but I'll look into BCA or USAPL later.

As far as feel goes, I don’t like a really “plinky” or loud hit. I tend to prefer something a bit quieter, which makes me think G-Core or Vikore might fit better. That said, I do want some feedback/resonance so the cue doesn’t feel totally dead.

Curious what you all think—does one of these stand out as a better fit?
 
LC3 said:
I'm looking for some advice on cue construction as I get more serious about improving my game. I’m trying to stay under $500 and am currently deciding between two general options:
  • Cuetec AVID Sneaky Pete – more modern/tech-focused, low deflection, less traditional wood feel
  • McDermott G-Core or Viking Vikore – more traditional feel with a bit of tech, still low deflection
Long term I’d love to focus on straight pool, but that’s hard to find in leagues around me. For now I’m working on my 8-ball and 9-ball.

I’m just getting back into pool after several years off and currently playing around an APA 3. I’ve started practicing a few times a week and hoping to move up to APA 4 and beyond. APA is easiest for me to play right now because it's closest, but I'll look into BCA or USAPL later.

As far as feel goes, I don’t like a really “plinky” or loud hit. I tend to prefer something a bit quieter, which makes me think G-Core or Vikore might fit better. That said, I do want some feedback/resonance so the cue doesn’t feel totally dead.

Curious what you all think—does one of these stand out as a better fit?
Click to expand...
For the money, I don't think the AVID shafts can be beat. Just my opinion. If you need pointed in a purchasing direction, just send me a PM.
Best regards
j2
 
I love Vikore shafts; they are my favorite. I played with a Viking Siege and went back to Vikore. I think they are pretty low deflection but play like traditional shafts.
 
One big advantage of the Avid is that it is ready for the Duo extension which
Is an excellent extension. Also it is entirely compatible with the Cynergy shaft if you ever want to go carbon fiber. As it is, extra Avid shafts are inexpensive and shafts on the Cuetec are interchangeable; I don’t think they have any joint facing issues. I have Avids and like them.

I have a McDermott with G Core. Good cue, looks good, good American manufacturing. Mc Dermott is excellent on warranty and service. I have no experience with the Vikore.

It is hard to beat the Avid value wise. You could get two shafts and an extension for not a ton of money by going with Avid. They play well.
 
LC3 said:
I'm looking for some advice on cue construction as I get more serious about improving my game. I’m trying to stay under $500 and am currently deciding between two general options:
  • Cuetec AVID Sneaky Pete – more modern/tech-focused, low deflection, less traditional wood feel
  • McDermott G-Core or Viking Vikore – more traditional feel with a bit of tech, still low deflection
Long term I’d love to focus on straight pool, but that’s hard to find in leagues around me. For now I’m working on my 8-ball and 9-ball.

I’m just getting back into pool after several years off and currently playing around an APA 3. I’ve started practicing a few times a week and hoping to move up to APA 4 and beyond. APA is easiest for me to play right now because it's closest, but I'll look into BCA or USAPL later.

As far as feel goes, I don’t like a really “plinky” or loud hit. I tend to prefer something a bit quieter, which makes me think G-Core or Vikore might fit better. That said, I do want some feedback/resonance so the cue doesn’t feel totally dead.

Curious what you all think—does one of these stand out as a better fit?
Click to expand...
Go with the Cuetec.
Can't go wrong and price is nice!!
You might check w/J2pak and see if his Avid is still available.
 
I have a Mcdermott G-Core cue and enjoy playing with it. I've looked at Avids as well as they are so affordable, and seem like a solid choice. Last week I got my McDermott back from them after doing the Engage retrofit ($51) and now have the engage McDermott extension, which I love.
 
Thanks for the replies so far—appreciate it.

Just to clarify, I’m asking about the whole cue, not just the shaft. I get that the shaft is the “business end,” but I think the butt plays a role too.

JPB2 makes a solid point about the Cuetec being more modular. With things like extensions and interchangeable shafts, it seems like the kind of cue you can upgrade over time and grow with as a player. I like that.
 
Everybody gets to have their own opinion and I respect everyone's. But I have a contrary view of the Viking extension -- I think it's the very best. Beautifully machined out of aluminum and goes on in a few twists. I have a Mezz extension and a McDermott (which screws in through a normal MCD rubber plug that has a hole drilled in it) -- I like the Viking extension much better.
 
LC3 said:
I'm looking for some advice on cue construction as I get more serious about improving my game. I’m trying to stay under $500 and am currently deciding between two general options:
  • Cuetec AVID Sneaky Pete – more modern/tech-focused, low deflection, less traditional wood feel
  • McDermott G-Core or Viking Vikore – more traditional feel with a bit of tech, still low deflection
Long term I’d love to focus on straight pool, but that’s hard to find in leagues around me. For now I’m working on my 8-ball and 9-ball.

I’m just getting back into pool after several years off and currently playing around an APA 3. I’ve started practicing a few times a week and hoping to move up to APA 4 and beyond. APA is easiest for me to play right now because it's closest, but I'll look into BCA or USAPL later.

As far as feel goes, I don’t like a really “plinky” or loud hit. I tend to prefer something a bit quieter, which makes me think G-Core or Vikore might fit better. That said, I do want some feedback/resonance so the cue doesn’t feel totally dead.

Curious what you all think—does one of these stand out as a better fit?
Click to expand...
How do you know your game excels with LD shafts? Every LD shaft I have tried over the years (many LD shafts tried over many years), I've always gone back to factory rock hard maple shafts. I would find a online store with a trial return period or local store where you can test hit in person for / with the brands you are interested in plus multiple others.

What shaft you play with is not the only question when buying a cue. What type of tips do you like (layered, non-layered, synthetic) and what softness (XS, S, M, H) do you like? Do you like a more forward weighted cue or a neutral / butt heavy weight (and what weight bolt system do you like)? What diameter butt do you like? Do you like wrapless or wraps (leather or linen, do not recommend rubber sport wraps)? And lastly, do you have a joint type preference?
 
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