McDermott
1. Go with a McDermott
2. Buy the cue-Its gonna mean more than a piece of paper-make sure its returnable
3. Go with something traditional-not pictures of wolves, etc....by traditional, I mean simple, Points, diamond shapes, etc.
4. keep the weight around 19 ounces and around 13mm shaft size, i think thats the way they come anyway.
If he doesnt have a cue now, then he likely doesnt have too many preferences...I think that if he had his own cues and you were trying to upgrade...he would have manypreferences and then I think that the gift certificate would be more important.
He would enjoy a cue more than a piece of paper, and with the insurances that he CAN exchange without hurting your feelings. nobody would be unexcited about a McDermott. The other brands you mentioned are more likely to be questioned by him in my opinion.
lastly...spend a LITTLE more IF U CAN...in this price range fifty bucks goes a long way for something he will have FOR YEARS...will be the best present he ever got!!! If you were going to get a case for it too, put that money toward the cue, and let him buy the case after.
I think a sneaky would be a great choice too-
Good luck-He's lucky :thumbup: