Cue selection

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I am a league player of several years. APA 8 ball (3 handicap), APA 9 ball (4 handicap) and Shooters 8 ball (3 handicap). I currently use a Players cue and have used a Schmelke (still have).
I wouold like to upgrade to a better cue. I need to stay around $500.00 or less. I am not interested in any fancy butts.
I have been looking at Predeters 2K and 3K series with the 314 shaft.
Is this a good selection? Is there other choices?
 
Well, my first question to you would be, do you want a custom cue or a production cue? The custom cues are a better hit and usually never depreciate in value. Although if you want a production cue there are some that hit very well.

I think the predator is a good cue but it will change your game for a little while because it takes time to get used to. Also, you play on a bar table I am guessing. It is hard to control the cueball with a predator shaft because you can learn to do alot more with english. But, once you get used to it your game might go up. If you don't want a fancy butt you could go with a low end Viking or Pechaur. They both play pretty well for being a production cue. And remember, Predator is always an option because they can make a shaft that can go on any cue.

If you want to go with a custom cue there are many options. Many custom cue makers make a plain cue or a sneaky pete cue that play just as well as their fancy cues. I recently started playing with a Barnhart Cue, he makes a sneaky pete that looks very nice but simple. But nearly every custom cue maker has a low end cue for somewhere between $200-$500.

Well, those are just some suggestions. Let me know how it turns out.

Sarah
 
Sarah,I remember at DCC i think i saw you using a meucci for a match and then think maybe a Cog.What made you switch to the Barnhart? Im still trying to learn how to break like a girl. :) Thanks
 
Well, I just thought I would confuse everyone and myself by switching cues :) Just kidding.

I used the Meucci with a predator shaft for the first match because I just had a new tip put on my Cognoscenti. It was a different kind of tip and it was done right before my match. I have been using the Cognoscenti for 8 years and I love it. But, the opportunity came along to start using a Barnhart cue. Mr. Barnhart was taking a chance on sponsoring me, a lower ranked player, so I felt it would be great to give him an opportunity as well. I got very lucky. The cues play incredibly well and I am very happy with the decision.

Sarah Rousey
 
Did you use a predator shaft with the Barnhart SP? It has a Radial Pin right?

I had the chance to shoot a couple of balls with a Barnhart SP. Hits very solid, but since I use Predator shafts I couldn't really get a good feel for the cue.

Roger
 
Ok.Glad to see you are getting sponsored.Thanks for clearing up the confusion. :)
 
Roger,

I don't usually use a predator shaft. It was all that was available for me to use. I don't think they feel solid. That is just my opinion though. Although, with my new cue I seem to be able to put more english on the ball. Also, friends of mine that are now using the Barnhart sneaky pete that used to play with a predator have adapted to it very well within a couple days. And yes, it does have a radial pin. This is my first time using the radial pin. So far, so good. Also, the non-sneaky pete cue plays more solid than the sneaky pete.

Tony, sorry about the confusion. I was pretty confused myself since I kept switching cues. It is partially the reason I didn't play all that well. And thank you for your well wishes. I appreciate it.

Sarah
 
Hi Sarah,

I didn't know Corey made regular cues. His sneaky's hit sweet though, so I'm sure his three-piece cues hit even better.

Switching cues around kills your game for sure. I'm glad I use Predator shafts, 'cause that keeps my game consistent to a large degree. Still, different weight, balance, and hit in cues will make a difference, especially if your game is fine-tuned (as I'm sure yours is).

Roger
 
Yep, he just made me a cue that is pretty fancy and a break/jump to match. They are holding me over until I design my own cue. He said he will have pictures in the blue book.

I agree about consistency. My Cognoscenti played similar to a predator. I had a shorter ferrule put on. So it wasn't a huge jump to a predator. But now, I believe I am done switching cues for a while.

Sarah
 
sarahrousey said:
Mr. Barnhart was taking a chance on sponsoring me, a lower ranked player, so I felt it would be great to give him an opportunity as well. I got very lucky.
Click to expand...
Obviously, Mr. Barnhart is lucky enough to know a rising star, when he sees one. :D

Good luck with your new sponsor.
 
Yeah I agree, find a good cue and stick with it.That will help anyone from the beginner to the pro.Crazy thing though last night i played with the cue ive had for a couple years and nothing felt right.It felt like i had never touched the cue before in my life.One factor that may have contributed is that i was trying to work on my stance.But i picked up a few other cues and they hit great.So im in a quandry right now.Im going to go play tonight and hopefully things will return to normal.If not im going to change a tip and see if that helps any.Cheaper then buying a new cue. :) Plus i dont think the misses would like me spending that kind of money.Is there any where on the net we can see examples of Barnhart's cues?
 
Hi Sarah,

Never heard of Barnhart before you mentioned him (but then I am a dummy when it comes to the quality cues) so give us his website and the specs of the cue you are using. And did I read correctly that you will be designing a cue for him to build for you? And of course, what is the price range of his cues?

I was using a McDermott. Then I went out and got a 314 for it. But the joint was a mismatch so then I had a guy match a Dufferin butt to the 314 with a Tiger tip and it seems to be working pretty okay. My Sneaky Pete. But what I have found is that I have created a pretty good break stick. I seem to really break well with this combination, weight and balance. But I really don't want to break with it and play with it too.

Soooo, I have been toying with the idea of getting myself a nice new cue. But alas and alac what to buy is the problem. There just are too many different cues out there. With no real chances for me to try them out.

So when you have your own, one of a kind, specially designed by yourself, for yourself, Barnhart, then you might consider selling your old one to me. LOL. Always looking for a deal.

Jake
 
Rich, thank you. You know that I truly appreciate it.

Tony, I think getting a new tip will help but, you did say you were working on your stance. That means more than you think. The slightest changes can make a huge difference. Cory doesn't have a website yet but he will in the near future. He will also have a section in the new blue book.

Jake, always looking for a deal. I can't blame you :) I'm not sure of a price on his cues. If I had to make a guess I would say $200-$300 to who knows what amount. I do get a chance to design my own cue, which is a first.

I'm trying to attach a pic but I don't know how to make it small enough to fit. If someone could PM me with how to do that I will show a picture.

Until then here are the specs....
Flat face joint, radial pin, the joint isn't ivory, double gold rings with ivory in the middle, 5 ebony points, black linen wrap, turquois and ivory work in the bottom, my name engraved. 12 3/4 shaft, 18.6 oz.
The break/jump cue is made to match
The sneaky pete has a white, flat faced joint with a single gold ring.

Thanks again and hopefully I answered some questions.
Sarah
 
I played some last night and i realized that i was being too mental and analyzing everything and let that get in the way.So all appears well ,ill stick with the tip i have now.Which im glad i figured it out because getting use to a new tip is a pain.Good luck in Tunica.Was the Barnhart easy to get used to? I know its tough prepping for a tourney with a new cue.
 
Tony,

I'm glad you got everything figured out before spending all of that money on new cues. It has been suprisingly easy to get used to my new cue. There are still a few shots that are different but I have been practicing a lot in order to get used to it. But, I have many moments like the one you experienced yesterday. Hopefully it doesn't happen anytime soon.

Sarah
 
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