My advice to you is to purchase the 1st available Gus or Barry that you like. Then save up the next year and get the other..
You are in a win win situation this way..
There is no bad choice..
Here is my opinion..
Gus is the greatest cuemaker of all time... His cues bring a premium because they are some of the best hitting cues and Gus was ahead of his time with the craftsmanship that he put foward.. There is a certain number of them and value on them will never go down.. ( Great investment)
Barry's cues play as good as any, if not better.. They are made to the highest standards as to be expected from the Szamboti name. (Like Father like Son). I feel Barry has brought the level of craftmanship of the Szamboti name to another level.. His points and inlay work are better then have ever been produced (With all respect).. The value of Barry Szamboti cues are creeping closer to the value of his Dad's.. ( Great investment)
As to the point that Barry will make less cues then his father..
I fully expect Barry to be making cues till he reaches Art Cantando's age.
Then we'll add them all up..
Best,
Ken Kerner
Highendcues