I don’t think there are absolute rules regarding value and qualities in production cues. New production cues are generally very good. But some of the older production cues were quite good, too. I wouldn’t buy an older production cue over the internet. But I would remain open-minded to any cues you can try and decide. [end quote]
Try before you buy is the best advice I've seen lately about cues. From what I've read here on AZ, even new ones are subject to unexpected variability of hit and quality that can make a buyer regret an expensive purchase that took over a year to complete.
Much of my experience with cues dates to the mid-70s, though some is from recent years. One local guy back about 1972 swore by his Meucci. He would set the tip on the table and almost bend the shaft in half - claiming that was why his Meucci was a great cue, because it had a shaft so flexible he could not break it by bending.
I had a Heubler sneaky pete with black implex joint, and swore it was the worst excuse for a cue ever. All the weight was in the hand, way back toward the butt, so IMHO that balance made it unplayable. It was like trying to play with a sledgehammer, the weight of the fore-end and shaft was overpowered by the weight of the hammer at the rear.
My early-70s Tad was another cue with a balance I could not get used to - again the weight was way back, and over time I learned I prefer a more forward balance. It also had a steel joint that hit like, well, like solid steel.
I have owned and played with a half dozen McDermotts, most in the $125 - $400 range that I bought in the 70s and 80s. All have been very usable for an amateur pool player who aspires to low shortstop level. My daily player cue is one of their fancy and expensive ones, expensive for a McD. It is the M7-9A 2007 Cue of the Year, and cost $729, plus another couple hundred for their I-2 shaft. I love the McD QR joint except for its rarity and expense, and the joint itself strokes without the harsh hit of an all-steel joint. Over the years this combo has been worth every penny. To my eyes this cue has some of the best looks of any production cue ever.
Funny how this late in life I finally know what I like in a cue, and probably won't ever buy anther cue. The 2007 McD COTY is great, and my other McDermotts ranging from a very old D-4 give me several to choose from when I want to try difference in cues.
