You can't go wrong with AC
Both of these cuemakers make a superior product.
Both cues tend to hit very stiff. The Cantando, a bit more stiff and with a bit more sound. Both shoot very straight with little deflection.
The major difference, in my opinion, isn't playability as much as availability. Carmelli cues are easy to find and affordable to own. They are beautiful and play great. They are an excellent value as personal players and occasionally, Ariel rolls out an unbelievable work of art that impresses all.
Cantando cues are rare...all rare. I doubt Art has made 200 cues for the market in total. They are highly collectable and each quite distinct from one another. We see them often on AZ but that is misleading...they are rarely seen anywhere else. If you want a collectable or an investment, Cantando is the best choice in my opinion.
Lastly, I met both cuemakers. Ariel, only briefly, at a trade show. I commented on his razer sharp ivory inlays in his ringwork to which he replied: "yea, we've got that program down." Before hearing that, I never dreamed that Carmelli cues used CNC. I know for a fact that Art Cantando fits every inlay by hand with a manual pantograph.
That all being said, I have never owned a Carmelli. I have hit with several and liked each...I am sure I will own one some day. I have bought every Cantando cue that Art has offered me. And I will buy any other cues he offers me. His is a household name in casa de Drawman.
Cantando box cue
