good all-around cue stick with good bang for the buck?

Awizzzy said:
McDermott or Joss is a good start..

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::D:D
Click to expand...

Agreed. the main line of "USA" made McDermott G-Core & Joss are also at top of my "readily available, consistently good cues" list in the mid-$200's. One could also add Viking (but I'm generally not a fan of their designs) and Schmelke cues to that list.

I rate the USA McDermott's "G-core" line well ahead of their foreign-made "Star" or "Lucky" cue lines, which I would only consider those if your budget is sub-$150.

I have seen quite a few nice looking Lucasi cues in hands of pretty good players in the hall I frequent, but I just can't seem to warm up to them for whatever reason...

Shane Van B seems to do pretty well with his Cuetec R360, which is not an expensive cue either. Players HXT is also an option.

Once you get upwards of $300, you can start to consider used or entry-level Schons, which are fantastic playing cues.
 
Last edited:
Good "all-around" and good "bang for the buck".Two come to mind depending on your definition of "buck".Andy Gilbert jump/break for about $450 and Schmelke plain sneaky for about $100 !!!
 
I'd second finding a used custom... really depends on what your 'bang for the buck budget' is... new production cues? My pick is a Joss, Pechauer, or Schon.
Try asking around your local room... maybe luck up on something?
 
random512 said:
Hi, Is there a good "all-around" cue stick that has good bang for the buck? Basically a cue stick that gets the nod from forum members as a no brainer cue stick for those who want to start playing now and figure out their ideal cue stick later?
Click to expand...

Cuetec R360
Mezz SP

I would say Players, but I have had crappy Players cues in my hands.
 
It's unimaginable to think you're going to get any kind of consensus opinion. It's rare that anyone here will agree on anything. Just for fun, post this in the NPR section, I bet it becomes a violent thread and will wind up being about Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.
If you're just starting I don't know that you'll be able to really tell the difference from one cue to another. I'd go to a billiard supply and see what retailer might have available for what you'd like to spend. Like anything else, something will appeal to your eye, it could be a Schon, or it could be an Elite or a Player. Try a few, some with a wrap, some without, different weights some may available with different tapers. Then pick the one that feels best. I'd stick with a solid maple shaft to start with and I'd avoid customs of any kind, but I'm not a real fan of customs, you can graduate to them if you feel it suits you. If you develop an interest and become an enthusiastic player it's highly unlikely that this will be your only cue purchase ever, customs and higher end cues will come. If you spy a friend with a custom or a Predator shaft or maybe a McDermott 'I' shaft, or an HXT or OB see if they will let you hit a few with those. Laminated or LD shafts aren't for everyone.
When you do select a cue, try to keep an open mind and avoid "brand prejudice". It just may turn out that you like the Dufferins or Schmelkes and really can't stand the Joss or Schon. Good Luck.
 
Last edited:
I would go with a McDermott lucky, same design and balance as a normal mcdermott at 25% the price. Then you have a good common joint, you can upgrade your shaft if you get more serious Then if you want to get a fancy looking butt later on in life, you have that option. IF you don't plan on ever upgrading your shaft, I reccomend a players hxt for the best bang for the buck.
 
Listen to Ken.....look to get a pre-owned, good condition used pool cue. Whatever you'd pay for a new production cue, add $100 to your price tag and you can get a whole bunch of used cues.......from solid name cue-makers........forget looks and design........just get a great hitting cue that you will enjoy........production cues lose value fast......nowadays most cues seem to lose value but production cues lose the most value versus a really well made custom cue.,,,,,,just avoid purchasing someone else's pool cue mistake.......get what you want, not what's available at the moment.

Matt B.
 
Players will get you started on the right foot. Or you can buy your favorite house cue and pay to have it turned into a two-piece.. you'll still save money and have a cue you're comfortable with.
 
I'm sure you'd be fine with any inexpensive or used cue, as long as you don't get one from Walmart with a screw-on tip. ;)

But one thing you might want to think about is whether you want a low-deflection cue or not. You can read about some pros and cons here if you're not familiar with the idea. I recommend an LD shaft because they stay closer to the line you're aiming when you use english, but I'm sure lots of people would come down both pro and con. Whatever you pick now for your first cue may become ingrained in how you play for some time. Players makes some good inexpensive low-deflection cues if you want to go that way.
 
I've always recommended McDermott to folks looking for their first cue and wanting a good, reliable cue for less $...but now I gotta say Cuetec R360, having tried one a couple of weeks ago and being VERY impressed with the hit.
 
http://schmelkecue.com/billiard-cues/schmelke-cues/r040.html

I ordered this Schmelke R040 Cocobola last year. Starts at $125. Adding many options including the linen wrap not shown, it ran $165 delivered. See the link for all the available options. Call them directly and you can get just about anything you want.

r040-45degree.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top