Ok guys this is my 1st '' thread '' and well i am wondering.. wut cues do u guys like?? i know everyone says you need to find the one ur most comfortable with but i got about $300 and i want a good cue. plz respond or email me at alexb00@aol.com
cue advice 4 me
- Thread starter Hustler08
- Start date
I would never buy a meucci, shot with one a lot and hated it, i really can't stand the sight of most of them, think someone on this board said something about having a meucci and it cracked, i was playing a guy one night who had a week old meucci and it broke in half lmao. I think he got it replaced, probably had to pay the shipping for the pos.
I've always had the same joss, and it's uglier than hell but I have won many tournaments with it, never won many sportsmanship awards, have beaten it down on the ground many a time, missed a simple shot one night and dinged it on the table, put a notch in it just as a reminder to myself not to do it again, shut a door on top of the shaft night, bent it slightly, and the ferrul rattles when it vibrates, and i have no problems with it. Have always broke with it too. Theres a lot of relatively cheaper joss cues, most are ugly, depends on whether or not you are going for looks or playability, for maybe 250 or more some aren't too bad, but most of them are plain compared to other cues.
I don't think you have to spend $300 to get a good shooting cue, i'm sure a lot of dealers will try to convince you otherwise. One thing that i can't stand is the mark up that dealers put on cues, i've had guys try an sell me cues, a lot of them will have a book with cues in it, either w/ or without prices in it, or with the suggested retail, suggested retail on any item is always a lot higher than what it should sell for, but most people don't realize this and they think they are getting a good deal, the dealer can quote u any price that he wants, and no matter what he's making money off it or he wouldn't mess with it.
One guy that i know sells cues, and i told him where i found the best prices online, and his prices for the same cues was higher, he tried explaining to me how he buys them from some wholesaler, and he claims that the guy he gets them from buys in smaller quantities from the factory, and the big websites buy them in bulk, and the cues that he sells are of higher quality because the order they came with was smaller, and the larger orders they have to fill they rush them and the cues aren't as good a quality, this is funny, these guys are like used car salesmen without the nasty lookin suits, i have worked in a factory, and it doesn't matter what kind of order you are working on, everything is done the same way, yes if you have orders backed up for a couple months u might rush somewhat, but you still have to put out a quality assured product and the smaller orders mixed in would still be rushed, and produced on the same line. I understand that no ones going to sell cues to break even, but they jack up the prices, and the largest percentage of cues sold from my experience are the cheapo junk cues and they jack these up to prices you could get a descent name brand cue for.
My advice is to shop around to find the best price, of all the sites online that i have been through(hundreds) www.poolndarts.com had the best prices, im not sure if theres some new sites that are competitive with them now. You can shop around you're area, or buy online, online the only drawback is shipping, and of course you could get ripped if you dealt with the wrong site, i mean how hard would it be to make a site an put pool cues on it an rip people, wouldn't take much.
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I've always had the same joss, and it's uglier than hell but I have won many tournaments with it, never won many sportsmanship awards, have beaten it down on the ground many a time, missed a simple shot one night and dinged it on the table, put a notch in it just as a reminder to myself not to do it again, shut a door on top of the shaft night, bent it slightly, and the ferrul rattles when it vibrates, and i have no problems with it. Have always broke with it too. Theres a lot of relatively cheaper joss cues, most are ugly, depends on whether or not you are going for looks or playability, for maybe 250 or more some aren't too bad, but most of them are plain compared to other cues.
I don't think you have to spend $300 to get a good shooting cue, i'm sure a lot of dealers will try to convince you otherwise. One thing that i can't stand is the mark up that dealers put on cues, i've had guys try an sell me cues, a lot of them will have a book with cues in it, either w/ or without prices in it, or with the suggested retail, suggested retail on any item is always a lot higher than what it should sell for, but most people don't realize this and they think they are getting a good deal, the dealer can quote u any price that he wants, and no matter what he's making money off it or he wouldn't mess with it.
One guy that i know sells cues, and i told him where i found the best prices online, and his prices for the same cues was higher, he tried explaining to me how he buys them from some wholesaler, and he claims that the guy he gets them from buys in smaller quantities from the factory, and the big websites buy them in bulk, and the cues that he sells are of higher quality because the order they came with was smaller, and the larger orders they have to fill they rush them and the cues aren't as good a quality, this is funny, these guys are like used car salesmen without the nasty lookin suits, i have worked in a factory, and it doesn't matter what kind of order you are working on, everything is done the same way, yes if you have orders backed up for a couple months u might rush somewhat, but you still have to put out a quality assured product and the smaller orders mixed in would still be rushed, and produced on the same line. I understand that no ones going to sell cues to break even, but they jack up the prices, and the largest percentage of cues sold from my experience are the cheapo junk cues and they jack these up to prices you could get a descent name brand cue for.
My advice is to shop around to find the best price, of all the sites online that i have been through(hundreds) www.poolndarts.com had the best prices, im not sure if theres some new sites that are competitive with them now. You can shop around you're area, or buy online, online the only drawback is shipping, and of course you could get ripped if you dealt with the wrong site, i mean how hard would it be to make a site an put pool cues on it an rip people, wouldn't take much.
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I'd say go to your local cuedealer and _try_ different cues. Keep in mind that you should only try cues that are in your price range. If you are seduced into trying a custom $1000 cue, you'll hate yourself and are not happy about the $300 cue you are buying if the more expensive cue felt much better 
Try out the cues and pick one that feels best and suits your playing style best. Try not to make a decision over the looks of the cue, fancy looking cues don't play better than simple ones.
And to conclude, don't buy Meucci unless that is the only cue you feel comfortable with. Good brands are (IMO) Joss, Falcon, Bear, Helmstetter, Lucasi, Predator, Pechauer, Viking, McDermott. Schon might be out of your price range. I've tried all of these cues and I think they are well-built and play well and they have been built for a long time so they should know what they're doing. They have different characteristics but that is your task to find out which suits you best.
Try out the cues and pick one that feels best and suits your playing style best. Try not to make a decision over the looks of the cue, fancy looking cues don't play better than simple ones.
And to conclude, don't buy Meucci unless that is the only cue you feel comfortable with.
Good brands are (IMO) Joss, Falcon, Bear, Helmstetter, Lucasi, Predator, Pechauer, Viking, McDermott. Schon might be out of your price range. I've tried all of these cues and I think they are well-built and play well and they have been built for a long time so they should know what they're doing. They have different characteristics but that is your task to find out which suits you best.
A
amateur
Guest
Just being curious, how can you try cues? I don't think cue dealer will let you play with any of the cues unless of course you know him personally. Too much risk of damage. You wouldn't believe what some idiots are capable of in just 1 minute.
Also trying out cues from other people may not be an option. Most players I've run into are crazy about their cues. They treat it like their children.
Also trying out cues from other people may not be an option. Most players I've run into are crazy about their cues. They treat it like their children.
First, I'd try the local pool halls to see if anyone has a used cue. Put the word out to a few folks (especially the pro shop guy). These are cues you can try-out for a couple of games. If the guy won't let you try it. DON'T BUY IT.
If you absolutely MUST have a new cue. I would suggest Falcon, Joss, or Predator. Stay away from decoration and you'll save money.
If you absolutely MUST have a new cue. I would suggest Falcon, Joss, or Predator. Stay away from decoration and you'll save money.
I have played with a Predator for about three years and I feel that it hits like a dream. Before that, I played with a Schon, Joss West, and a Helmstetter. All of them are great cues. But like the other posts said, try and find someone at a pool hall (make friends) and ask to play with his or her cue for a few minutes - try a few different ones if you can and you'll have a better idea.
I was brought up on steel joint cues because they don't allow me to spin the ball as much. If that is a concern for you, keep that in mind.
Good luck!
Travis McKinney
I was brought up on steel joint cues because they don't allow me to spin the ball as much. If that is a concern for you, keep that in mind.
Good luck!
Travis McKinney
Yeah I would search the forum archives and check out the responses about custom maker sneaky petes. I would rather have a $300 custom sneaky pete from a good maker than a $300 Meucci/Joss/Cuetec. I bought my Scruggs purpleheart sneaky towards the end of him making them and loved it. Used it for a few years and made alot of money with it. Only put it back in the case because my vainness for a prettier custom cue kicked in.
Todd <--- would still go back to the Scruggs easily.
Todd <--- would still go back to the Scruggs easily.
Cue Advice
Hi hustler08,
Someone mentioned that a Schon is out of your price range. I have a Schon with four plain points. I saw one like it at the DCC for $300 +/- with one shaft. Where are you located? Are you in a hurry? If you're near Phili, visit the Super Billiards Expo in March. If you're near Vegas, the BCA trade show is right after SBE. In May, virtually every cue person will be in Vegas for the BCA's. I highly recommend Schon cues. For a production cue, they hit hard and true. My plain one has been my break stick for nearly ten years. No problems. Still straight arrow.
Hi hustler08,
Someone mentioned that a Schon is out of your price range. I have a Schon with four plain points. I saw one like it at the DCC for $300 +/- with one shaft. Where are you located? Are you in a hurry? If you're near Phili, visit the Super Billiards Expo in March. If you're near Vegas, the BCA trade show is right after SBE. In May, virtually every cue person will be in Vegas for the BCA's. I highly recommend Schon cues. For a production cue, they hit hard and true. My plain one has been my break stick for nearly ten years. No problems. Still straight arrow.
Hustler08 said:
Aright guys thanks for all ur advice. It really helped alot! Well I am not in a rush to buy a new cue but I would like it in the next month. Well for your comment cardiac kid I live in dallas tx. O also tgscordv6 I really like that custom cue. Well guys I got one more question.... should I get custom cue or named brand? I been talking to people and they say custom cues are better but what you guys think?? Also again... thanks for all ur replys!!! Just to let you guys know I am 13 and the next future 9-ball top 10 pros, lol. Just to let you guys more about me so we can be better friends! lol.. well also I can run out 5% of the time.. not too well but I am working on it.. well you guys can E-Mail me ANYTIME at Alexb00@aol.com or IM me at alexb00 or send me one of those private messages. well thanks again guys
First thing i would say is be careful, theres a lot of shady people connected with pool, as well as people that really love pool and give back to it. Being 13 my advice is that if you are buying any cue, you're parents should be there with you, i could see you getting screwed over very easily. A custom cue isn't going to make that much difference in you're game, either you can play or you can't, others might disagree but to me it's common sense. It comes down to preference, i think theres more "status" associated with a custom cue than a production cue because they are more unique.
Saying that i have recently thought about buying a $550 custom cue that I have had my eye on for years, but i thought it over and I'm going to get something much cheaper, i don't think that an expensive cue matches up well with my game, but if theres a cue that you really like thats in you're range then go for it. One thing about pool cues is that they are a good investment and they retain their value, or increase in value. I'd love to get into collecting/selling cues but i really don't like the way the market is set up to purchase them. Just don't get into a hurry and buy the first cue that catches you're eye, and shop around.
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Saying that i have recently thought about buying a $550 custom cue that I have had my eye on for years, but i thought it over and I'm going to get something much cheaper, i don't think that an expensive cue matches up well with my game, but if theres a cue that you really like thats in you're range then go for it. One thing about pool cues is that they are a good investment and they retain their value, or increase in value. I'd love to get into collecting/selling cues but i really don't like the way the market is set up to purchase them. Just don't get into a hurry and buy the first cue that catches you're eye, and shop around.
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B
Big John JT
Guest
I play with an older Huebler & McDermott EK & love 'em both, but in the money range you said, I would say that a Lucasi would give the most bang for the buck. I have been out of pool for a while but I have been looking at cues just for curiosities sake & I shot with a Lucasi a while back & I was amazed, not just at its hit but mainly at it's construction. Lots of stick for the price. Next I would look at a lower end Joss. I still love my Huebler though, I don't know what they are built like nowadays but it was a good deal in it's day. I went through the Meucci craze and I would definantly stay away from one. Some like the way they shoot but they are made really cheaply and lack good quality control.
cardiac kid said:
Very true, Schons are very good production cues. Actually, I think they are one of the best production brands around or even the best. I don't know why, but the hit in Schons feel much sweeter and solid compared to other production cues. But something is done different, that can be figured out just by looking at the price tags. And many pros have used them and still use them and I guess not only because of juicy endorsement deal
Hustler08 said:
Aright well I have wrote down all wut you guys said and I am going to a place called Hawleys Billiards tommow ( saturday) and I am gonna look at there cues and talk to some people. Again thanks for all ur advice and if you can Reply some more cuz I read this everyday. O also johnson my dad is coming wit me. Well talk to you guys soon, Thx again!
cue 4 me
Hustler08,
I agree with the "be very careful" advice from Johnson. Some of the new decalled cues from overseas look great for a very low price. If you have a local "pro" player, seek their input. A plain, quality one piece (house type cue) is better than a plain quality two piece. However, a two piece is more easily transported. The additional graphic designs are for individuality, not playability. The differences in wood, metal, phenolic joints, etc should not be your prime concern. Learning to master the basics of the game is number one. Having a power(ful) stroke and missing shots gains you nothing. Take lessons from a acredited instructor. If you find you really love the game, then go for it. Have a parent take you to a couple of tournaments. You will get an idea of the skill levels necessary to be a "top ten pro"! Good luck! See you soon at a tournament near you. Remember Johnsons advice. Be careful!!!!!
Hustler08,
I agree with the "be very careful" advice from Johnson. Some of the new decalled cues from overseas look great for a very low price. If you have a local "pro" player, seek their input. A plain, quality one piece (house type cue) is better than a plain quality two piece. However, a two piece is more easily transported. The additional graphic designs are for individuality, not playability. The differences in wood, metal, phenolic joints, etc should not be your prime concern. Learning to master the basics of the game is number one. Having a power(ful) stroke and missing shots gains you nothing. Take lessons from a acredited instructor. If you find you really love the game, then go for it. Have a parent take you to a couple of tournaments. You will get an idea of the skill levels necessary to be a "top ten pro"! Good luck! See you soon at a tournament near you. Remember Johnsons advice. Be careful!!!!!
Hustler08 said:
Thanks kid, yah I love this game. I been playing for 2 years but this year I have gotten much more serious. Right know I got a vintage, I just got it from my chores and stuff but I am gonna sell that to my dad and get a higher cue. Well anyways I have been entering 14 and younger tourneys and gotten many 1st and couple 2nds. I go over to my friends house and play pool. Me and him bet a little just have some more fun. Also I am taking lessons from a BCA certified instructor/Referee, his name is Larry Rathberg. But I cant go too often cuz it cost about $40 and I have to pay for my own lessons. I have been looking for tourneys and there is a couple in Austin and I live in dallas so I dont think my dad will take me to austin. Anyways reply if you can. Thx