Buying a Pool cue

Alex,

All of the cues discussed so far (including McDermott) have loyal fans, and all should be well made. I would add Shurtz cues to the list, www.shurtzcue.com. It would be ideal to hit a cue before you buy it, but first impressions aren't necessarily lasting impressions.

Some of the best prices around are offered by Erik Lee, www.erikleecues.com. You can get good prices on Predator, Joss, Mezz, and Viking. He throws in a J&J Jump//Break cue with every purchase over $500, so you might consider springing for a Schon or trolling the custom cue list (not likely to find much below 1K there). (I'm not affiliated with Erik in any way, but I am a satisfied three-time purchaser.)

Some on this forum consider it heresy to recommend ebay, and double heresy to recommend Dale Perry. I think you get a lot of cue for the prices new DP cues are getting these days. You can also find deals on new and used McDermotts, as well as the other makers mentioned here. Shopping ebay requires caution, but I haven't been burned (yet).

Although I agree with the advice to buy an attractive cue, don't waste money on fancy. A sneaky pete or merry widow by a good maker can look great, play great, and save you money.

I was in your position several years ago, and have enjoyed trying to assemble a few quality cues toward the low end of the price range (less than 1K). It's addictive. But I haven't yet found a cue that would compensate for a bad stroke. If it's a straight stick with a reasonable weight and balance, the biggest factor is the tip.

Good luck.
Carl
 
There are some decent folks on eBay.. especially if you're looking for a production cue (Viking, McD, etc). I sold a mint condition Viking F02 that I had over $1200 in for the painfully low price of $500 there.. just a few months ago. Take a look for joerackem's eBay store, he has amazing customer service (email him at 2am sometime, you'll be amazed by the response time). He also manages to get rock bottom prices on everything. Mention AZBilliards and he manages to get the price even lower. I've purchased a few nice items from him and have been very happy with every aspect of the sale.
 
BLADEPXE said:
Hey everyone, I am new to this forum and I am sure similar questions were asked countless number of times before, but I am at a loss over which cue/brand to buy. I was thinking of a McDermott M6-4B Professional Series Pool Cue. But have little idea whether this is a good cue or not. Also are does McDermott make good cues or should I look at other manufacturers like Viking? I have been playing pool for over 12 years now and have finally decided to get a cue of my own. I cant seem to find any info online comparing cue manufacturers. Can you please help, just by suggesting a good first cue or brand.

Thanks,
Alex A
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A first cue is a great thing. I do not think you can go wrong with Samsara Bar cue, McDermott, Mezz, Schon, or a starter custom.

cheers---------------BW
 
Bastian said:
Take a look for joerackem's eBay store, he has amazing customer service (email him at 2am sometime, you'll be amazed by the response time). He also manages to get rock bottom prices on everything. Mention AZBilliards and he manages to get the price even lower.
Click to expand...
That's a fact. I picked up my Predator P2 last year cheaper than anybody.
 
cigardave said:
For that price range I would be looking to buy a top name SP... like a Bob Frey... linkypoo for your convenience

I have one and am extremely happy with it.

My advice is.... for that price range, I'd put my money in the construction/hit/playability of the cue... and not so much in its appearance... and you should be happy in the long run if you do the same.
Click to expand...
Anybody who puts a linkypoo for convenience is a stand up guy in my book :)

BVal
 
pool cue purchase

Hi there,
You are welcome to view my website where you can find at least one or two custom cues that may be of interest to you. The website is as follows: www.triplecrosscues.com

I think a low end custom cue built for playability would be a better purchase than a higher end production cue.

Thanks in advance for giving me a chance to show them to you.

Tom Gedris, Triple Cross Cues:cool:
 
Bastian said:
Take a look for joerackem's eBay store, he has amazing customer service (email him at 2am sometime, you'll be amazed by the response time). He also manages to get rock bottom prices on everything. Mention AZBilliards and he manages to get the price even lower.
Click to expand...

Joe Rackem is the bomb . . . I just bought six Moori tips from him for $60 shipped . . . He's affiliated with Nielsen Billiards (I think) but in any case, first class . . . super fast shipping and merchandise . . . there are many other really great people on AZ who help all us pool players out, but my experience (via e-Bay) with Joe was nothing but PERFECT.
 
I've been on a bit of a buying frenzy the last few months, and, while I picked up a few expensive "high end" cues, I bought a zebrawood McDermott Phoenix COM (stole it off eBay for $175) that I just love the look and feel of, and it compares favorably with cues that cost several times more.
 
Thanks alot for everyones input

Thanks alot guys, for all your input and suggestions. I think i am going to stick with getting the McDermot I mentioned, the look appeals to me, the shaft (which everyone says is the most important part of the cue is good) plus I can get a 12mm tip, which I found I prefer over the 13mm. Also the cue comes with a great warranty and free service for 10 years. I guess I am going to take a look at some custom cue's, I take it that the concensus on the forum is that a custom cue is much better than a production cue? The only thing about custom cues is I have no idea which are good, besides Samsara as alot have mentioned. Also I take it there is no such warranty on custom cues and they seem to be very expensive as I have been looking. I think Ill get the McDermott first and then with time buy a custom cue. Thanks for all the great input to everyone.

Alex A.
 
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