Did going from a low-end cue to high-end improve your game?

VTEC John

VTEC John

Well-known member
Just cues, let's leave aside shaft/deflection discussion. I don't mean to commit a sacrilege here, but... If you're playing with, say, a Schmelke with a nice Kamui tip added, I don't see that a more expensive cue is going to help you stroke straighter. As regards other presumed benefits of high end cues (hit?, balance?), on a scale of 1 to 10, how much has an expensive cue improved your runout percentage?
 
Yes absolutely. I’m 6’4” and going to a better newer cue allowed me to adjust the weights to the balance point(s) I prefer. I shoot with a 1.75” shaft extension and a 3” butt extension on both a Cuetec Truewood and a Predator Sport 2. Both wrapless, Both 62.75”. Major difference for me personally.
 
100% folks will play better with a better cue. It’s like the mountain climber game on The Price Is Right, there’s a break over point but until you reach it your skill in relation to your equipment quality will go up. Cost would be the minimalist factor for ability improvement. I know APA 3s that have had 20 cues over 1k and a dozen over 2k and are even money to tank BIH 😂 on the scale tho, in the beginning it should be drastic and almost works its way down…until no matter what cue you play with there’s very little difference in your game..
 
VTEC John said:
Just cues, let's leave aside shaft/deflection discussion. I don't mean to commit a sacrilege here, but... If you're playing with, say, a Schmelke with a nice Kamui tip added, I don't see that a more expensive cue is going to help you stroke straighter. As regards other presumed benefits of high end cues (hit?, balance?), on a scale of 1 to 10, how much has an expensive cue improved your runout percentage?
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since you left out the shaft discussion which is an integral part of the cue's performance capability, I would say to some degree that even the butt has some degree of capability to change your game. the weight and balance for example can have an impact on playability. not saying I can't play with other shots but there is that thing where you feel you are much comfortable playing with a certain cue. for me, having a high-end cue is more of bragging rights or you being identified or just having a cue that is different from the rest of the production cues.
 
No upgrade in the game.
My first (well second) upgrade was nothing but spoiling myself with a nice looking cue.
But some cues do feel different than others and may feel better as players. Not necessarily a high end cue will feel better.
 
Most definitely true for me...when I got a complete from the ground up custom, from arguably one of the greatest cue makers of his era...my choice of balance point, shaft diameter, weight, etc., made a huge difference in my game...
 
I think the OP is asking is a "High End" cue the answer. There is difference between a Custom to the owners specs and a high end expensive cue. I enjoy my $600 Schon an $500-$800 Predators. They would cost most today ... they are not high end but play as good as shooter.
 
hundreder said:
You didn't get it..
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6” pockets are great for the break.
Will Simonis cloth produce better run outs.
Toam10 helps me. Also I use a maple mechanical bridge. Centennial balls are an asset.
My best piece of equipment is the JJ case. Cannot explain that.
 
0.

I actually went from a used McDermott to a brand new cocobolo Tim Scruggs in 1999. I played worse with it. It was my first cue with ivory ferrules. I ended up trying a 314 on it a few months later and have been with predator shafts since.
 
VTEC John said:
Just cues, let's leave aside shaft/deflection discussion. I don't mean to commit a sacrilege here, but... If you're playing with, say, a Schmelke with a nice Kamui tip added, I don't see that a more expensive cue is going to help you stroke straighter. As regards other presumed benefits of high end cues (hit?, balance?), on a scale of 1 to 10, how much has an expensive cue improved your runout percentage?
Click to expand...

I’ve had it go both ways.

I’ve gotten my mitts on a very nice custom and felt and was told my game immediately went up a couple of balls.

I have also switched cues mid-tournament — from a very nice custom to a $25 freebie give-away cue — and gone from not being able to make a ball to winning the state 8ball championship.

Sometimes a cue is just right and other times not so much. Nothing to do with $s.

Lou Figueroa
 
It's all in your head, Fred! 🤷‍♂️
Vanity cues are just that. 🤷‍♂️
Working cues come in various uh visual impact. The tip to ball impact is what counts.
The cue to hand feel is what can seal the deal. Feeling how long the tip to ball contact lasts is very enlightening.
My preference (now) is to a Stealth cue. $70 and 3 piece with phenolic tip minimal ferrule and wood to wood joints. A stiff shaft with a snooker cue like taper to 12 mm.
Marketed as a jump/break cue.
Looks like a bar cue performs like a Balabushca. A Wallabushca for sure. 🤷‍♂️ 😉
 
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