I'd like to get peoples thoughts of what cues are better in this price range, and what makes them better or worse.
Hi! I can totally relate to you and your situation. I've played pool off and on my entire life. I've never had my own table, in my 20's I hung out with a group of friends at a local pool hall. Good times!
Fast forward about 25 years and I now have my own table, in my house that I also own…I've come a long way. Last October, I bought a pool table because I've always wanted one. It's in my Man Cave next to my bar.
When I was hanging out at the pool hall, all of the top players had McDermott cues. I always wanted one but instead I used my "Camel Joe" cue I got from saving cigarette coupons. (I've since quit smoking) I've never even knew there were "custom" cues!
When I got my table, I bought a McDermott cue, the one I liked at my local Billiards Supply store. I had never even heard of all the other brands, I wanted a McDermott. I got the G 303 with the G Core shaft. I love it! I tried a lot of cues out and that's the one I kept comparing all the others to. It was cheaper than most of the other options so I was hesitant. But, after a while I pulled the trigger and I love my cue.
Ok, so here's my .02 cents… Asking which is "better" is very subjective, it's like asking which is better, a Ford or a Chevy? A Fender guitar or a Gibson guitar? Everyone is going to have their own opinion!
Just go try a bunch of cues and decide, don't be in a hurry… take your time and you'll find the cue you love!
I know nothing about custom cues, I have my McD and I love it. My table isn't a Diamond (I've never heard of them until I got on this website) and I just enjoy shooting pool. A lot. Since October, my game has improved tremendously! I play daily in my house, it's just too easy to play, it's right there!
Welcome to AZB, I'm new too… there is a lot of great info on here and a lot of opinions too! But the main thing is that we all love to shoot...