Cue recommendation? I've sort of narrowed it down.

Jeff240sx said:
First post, go easy on me guys.

Looking for a pair of cues, a player and a j/b for around $1K total.
I have an old Brunswick (15 years, had it half my life): birdseye maple with a linen wrap. The shaft was slimmed down and a pro-taper was added to it, with a hard moori tip on it. I'd like to upgrade. Also, if anyone knows anything about this cue (I got it second hand), I'd be interested to know about it.

The issue, there aren't many places to try out cues locally.

Is the Predator butt 'technology' all it's cracked up to be? If so, I guess I'm looking at an 8K-3 with a 314/2 shaft.

Otherwise, I'm really looking hard at the Mezz EC7-r1 with a Hybrid Pro II shaft upgrade.
Is a Mezz worth the price increase over something like a Jacoby or a Lucasi?

I think my ideal cue would be ebony with a few tasteful inlays, and a wrap. Nothing elaborate, with a LD pro-tapered shaft.
Any suggestions of where I can find something like this?

And then a J/B. I've heard so much about Alex Brick cues, but god, I can't get past the look of Dymondwood.
So I guess I'm looking at the PureX or the Poison VX. Any input?
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I like how both Mezz and Predator cues play. My problem with both is the same. PRICE. They are expensive. You can get a good custom cue for the same price, if not cheaper. I bought my Madden for $600 years ago and it is the best cue I have ever played with and it is cheaper than most any Mezz or Predator cue. So you don't think I am biased I have owned A LOT of different production cues (Jacoby, Mezz, Predator, Viking, Schon).
 
I actually took a trip over to the new Ozone Billiards showroom today. It's fantastic! But back to the point. I spent some time playing with a new OB cue with an OB2 shaft on it. I have never cared for the euro taper in the past, preferring instead the 'pro' taper of the classic. I spent the last 24 years playing with a Schon with Schon shafts (have 3). I will say this, I'm impressed with the balance of the OB cue and loved the hit of the OB2 shaft. I had no issues adjusting to the taper, and zero problems with the shaft and it's LD properties. I liked it as much as any Predator shaft I've ever tried and while the factory Everest tip was too soft for my liking, it was still playable. I have to say, when it comes to production cues, I'm still a Schon guy. I simply think they're the best, but aside from that, OB impressed me today. I just wish they still offered a 3/8 x 10 black collar shaft with brass ring option, that would match up with my new custom player.
 
mark187187 said:
I got my Predator Roadline SP for under $350 and it plays great. That said, I do think overall that you pay a premium for the Predator brand.

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The cue the OP is looking for costs a lot more than the roadline. $350 is about as low as you are going to find a new predator.
 
If your looking for production cues. I'd highly suggest Mezz, due to its consistency, quality and playability. But if your looking to spend 1K.

Imo, you should get a custom PJ cause over time the cue will hold its value. Most production cues are not even half its value once its used. Its better for resale.

Prolly Ted Harris, BCM, or any PJ that worth 400-650. And the remaning 350 spend it on an Alex brick J/B.

If you've never changed cues, I'd say any cue will be an upgrade for you. :) So you should spend it on something that should resell well later.


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I just got a break cue and a player from Ben Greene. I am very happy so far, Ben doesn't give any bs. What he says goes. Good cue combo will not be over a grand, I am thinking.
 
The Magic of that first upgrade

Man there are few things in the pool world that bring more pleasure than that first cue upgrade. That being said on the other hand there are few things that can bring more disappointment as well if one does not put in the due diligence

Cue preference and playability are as many here have already said subjective to the player. I totally agree with it is best to try out as many different cues as possible and find the one that fits you best.

there are some great production cues out there in my opinion that play as well as many custom cues, my personal experience with cues I own are as follows

Schon they are hard to beat , great quality and playability they start at about 500 retail for the merry widows and go up from there

I would say the same for Mezz Cues price wise about the same as schon and equel in quality and playability

There are some great customs out there too for the 500-650 dollar range

My main Players are a Coker ( Tom Coker) and a RAT ( Ryan Theewyn) hope I did not butcher Ryans name too bad.

500 for the Coker
600 for the RAT

Both of these cues play lights out for me though they do play differently

For J/B cues I agree its hard to beat a Gilbert

My J/B is a simple
Kaiser by J&J absolutely the best 65 dollars I have spent in my 28 years of playing pool , don't let the low price fool you it breaks like Mack truck and jumps like a jack Rabbit

I have a Pechaur Breaker and Jump cue that are great but rarely see the light of day because I love the Kaiser so much

All in all it comes down to personal preference , for a 1K budget you have a world of options open too you . Good luck in your hunt and enjoy the journey

Best of Rolls
 
I play with a Mezz with a Hybrid Pro II shaft. I really like the stiff hit and the feedback it gives me. Mezz cues are very well made and everything seems to be put together with precision.

They are cues that are made for playing, not something that is merely pretty to the eye and stays locked in a safe.
 
My entire case is full of Jacoby cues. Have had the Hybrid shaft since a couple of weeks after hitting Dave's prototype shaft at the DCC a few years back. GREAT playing shaft. The jump cue is superb. And most importantly, the Jacobys are some of the best folks I've ever met, not just in the pool community. Just try and find someone in the industry, or a customer that has one bad thing to say about Dave.....doesn't happen. That was the deciding factor for me, customer appreciation, service, and a great quality product to boot!! :thumbup2:

ps. They have a couple of dedicated break cues as well, but I took a fully laminated cue (butt and shaft), threw a Samsara break tip on it, and haven't looked back. I even shoot with it now and then, and it plays well....not sure if his dedicated breakers would??
 
one of the cues Ive owned, that I liked best, was surprisingly, and old brunswick.....ive played with alot of schon's ive and never been disappointed with them....they have a metal to metal joint like the brunswick.....Id expect you'd be pretty happy with schon as choice.
 
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