Considering Carolina Cues looking for input

[Tommy Tube Sock]

I am considering ordering a Carolina Custom from Billiards Warehouse and I'm looking for input on a few options:

They offer either a 3/8 or 5/16 piloted pin. I'm leaning to the 3/8 because I already have a 3/8 predator shaft. Is there any reason to consider the 5/16 piloted instead?

I want no ivory. What do people think about white phenolic vs. stainless steel joint? I am looking at some of the "old school" designs - #4, #1, #9, #10 or #12 - Will probably do white phenolic butt cap, so I think WP joint would look sharp. Not sure how this would affect "hit."

They offer Mother of Pearl, Malachite, and Abalone for inlays. (Ivory and Turquoise as well) I'm leaning to MOP, but I don't know what the other two are. Are either an ivory substitute?

Thanks and sorry if some or all of this has been covered before.

 

[Dave D]

malachite is a green gem stone and mother of pearl is the inside of an oyster. They are used as decorative shiny inlay material not really an ivory substitute

Dave D

 

[StrokeofLuck]

I think you'll find proponents and haters of both joint styles and those that will tell you to ditch the Predator shaft and those that will tell you it's the best thing that's happened to pool. In other words go by your experience and what you like and if you're like most of us you'll probably end up changing cues dozens of times anyway.

 

[cyrex]

Ccc

I have a custom cue coming from CC Cues next week. If you can wait that long I will be happy to post up a review of it (with pics). So far, communication and pricing have been excellent. I have heard good and bad about things their cues.. all searchable posts on here. But I believe their workmanship and reputation are very important to them so they are constantly trying to improve on their cues.

 

[chuckpilegis]

Why go thru Billiards Warehouse when you can order direct from
Carolina Custom
704 489 8360 is Trevor 's number
He is the production manager
And why not ivory,they charge the same for it as any other inlay material These two I ordered direct