Buying a pool cue

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player77

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I just joined this forum. I am considering purchasing a pool cue very soon. I have about 2 years of playing experience, and I am a descent player. Here my main issue. I played with house cues for a long time, then experimented with a couple cheap cues from my local sports authority to learn what type of cue I shoot best with. I came to the conclusion that the following criteria are what I am looking for in a cue:
1) 21 oz
2) 57 inches length
3) 12.75mm -13mm shaft diameter.
4) Front end balanced.

The fourth point is extremely important for me. I have played with a cue that has a balance point that made it back weighted, then switched to a cue that was more evenly balanced (18.5 inch balance point from back bumper), my game was SIGNIFICANTLY better with the more forward balanced cue. CAN ANYONE RECOMMEND ME A CUE THAT FITS THE ABOVE CRITERIA, BUT WITH MORE FRONT WEIGHTED. Thanks a lot!
 
Balance

I would stay away from pechauer if you like forward weighted. Couple guys on my teams have the, and they all feel, to me, that the weight is directly in my grip or behind. I could definitely be wrong but that's just my feeling with them
 
Welcome to the forum.The weight and length that you like,are "old school" specs.21 oz and 57 inch length are numbers from several decades ago.It seems that the trend is lighter cues and longer lengths.If you want to stay with those specs,look for a cue with a forward balance point like 19 or more inches.And you may want to measure to the end of the butt and not the bumper.Some cues don't even have bumpers.Any way it looks like you want a fairly heavy butt,like around 16.8 oz and a shaft weight around 4.2 oz.A heavy shaft will help keep the balance point forward.If your budget allows,a moderately priced custom,you can work with the builder and get a more forward balance point.I am on the short side and have short arms and I like a BP of at least 18.5 or more.There is an accessory being used nowadays Called "balance right" and it fits between the butt and shaft and moves the balance point forward.I'm sure others will add to this info.I hope this helps you.
Marc
 
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batalarms said:
Welcome to the forum.The weight and length that you like,are "old school" specs.21 oz and 57 inch length are numbers from several decades ago.It seems that the trend is lighter cues and longer lengths.If you want to stay with those specs,look for a cue with a forward balance point like 19 or more inches.And you may want to measure to the end of the butt and not the bumper.Some cues don't even have bumpers.Any way it looks like you want a fairly heavy butt,like around 16.8 oz and a shaft weight around 4.2 oz.A heavy shaft will help keep the balance point forward.If your budget allows,a moderately priced custom,you can work with the builder and get a more forward balance point.I am on the short side and have short arms and I like a BP of at least 18.5 or more.There is an accessory being used nowadays Called "balance right" and it fits between the butt and shaft and moves the balance point forward.I'm sure others will add to this info.I hope this helps you.
Marc
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Thanks for the input. Wouldnt the "balance right" unit make the cue longer though? Can you recommend any forward weighted cues that I may be able to pickup in my local area so I can try them out before purchasing? Thanks.
 
Thanks. Wouldnt the "balance right" device lengthen the cue though? Can you recommend any cues that are balanced towards the front that can be purchased for under $300? Not sure I can afford a custom cue at this point. Thnx
 
Try asking Jim Baxter.He may be able to help you.He makes a nice cue at reasonable prices.Or find a heavy 16+ ozs butt and look for a heavy shaft well over 4 oz.This should move the BP forward.Finding a "short" 57 inch cue may be tougher.A longer cue may give you a better chance at a forward balance point.Good luck.
Marc
 
Buy a cue that uses an adjustable weight bolt, and the butt is cored deep. Adjust the weight bolt until you achieve the desired balance point. If there is a cue repair guy in your area, he should be familiar know the procedure.
 
cue

Hit with a couple friends cue and see if any one could be a possibility then make the decision remember some of the greatest played off the wall (house cue) I had my cue made of a house cue and still enjoy the hit, though custom made...
 
rtbbf said:
Hit with a couple friends cue and see if any one could be a possibility then make the decision remember some of the greatest played off the wall (house cue) I had my cue made of a house cue and still enjoy the hit, though custom made...
Click to expand...

This is a very great point. There are alot of great sneakys that are made out of house cues. Definitely will find one within your budget
 
If you cannot afford a custom, then you will need to keep checking the W/FS for something that meets your needs. Search long enough and you will find something. Generally, your specs are more common in older cues, but they can be expensive. IMO, the best way to achieve a forward balance is with a stainless steel 5/16 x 14 piloted joint and shafts that are 4.2-4.5 oz.

In your price range, for a single recommendation, I would keep my eye out for an older (mid-80's) Joss. They are fine cues that sell way below their worth. But finding one of those cues at 57" may be tough.

If you want LD shafts on top of those specs, you may need to reexamine your budget.
 
player77 said:
I just joined this forum. I am considering purchasing a pool cue very soon. I have about 2 years of playing experience, and I am a descent player. Here my main issue. I played with house cues for a long time, then experimented with a couple cheap cues from my local sports authority to learn what type of cue I shoot best with. I came to the conclusion that the following criteria are what I am looking for in a cue:
1) 21 oz
2) 57 inches length
3) 12.75mm -13mm shaft diameter.
4) Front end balanced.

The fourth point is extremely important for me. I have played with a cue that has a balance point that made it back weighted, then switched to a cue that was more evenly balanced (18.5 inch balance point from back bumper), my game was SIGNIFICANTLY better with the more forward balanced cue. CAN ANYONE RECOMMEND ME A CUE THAT FITS THE ABOVE CRITERIA, BUT WITH MORE FRONT WEIGHTED. Thanks a lot!
Click to expand...

You don't mention your budget. If you can afford $350-450 you could probably have a basic cue built to these specs. For that price I'd think you could get a nicely finished 4-pointer (no veneers) with one shaft and a little decoration. Some makers to consider for this would be Jim Pierce, Jim Baxter, Darrin Hill, Jon Spitz, Paul Sumrall, and Steve Lomax. Your specs will be hard to find on the used market, especially your weight and length, which aren't seen together that much in current production. I'm not saying you couldn't find something like this, but if you have it made you'll save yourself a lot of searching.
 
For something cheap with a forward weight balance, I would take a look at Schmelke cues with the large brass joint. They hit pretty well and are very forward weighted. They also tend to be on heavier side but are typically 58in.

Good luck with your hunt.
 
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