Help choosing a custom cue

Rick

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I would like some of your opinions on choosing a custom cue. I read the forum alot and some of you seem to have alot of knowledge on cues. My two choices are Skip Weston and Keith Josey. The price being equal what cue would you guys choose.
 
In search of a new cue...

Rick said:
I would like some of your opinions on choosing a custom cue. I read the forum alot and some of you seem to have alot of knowledge on cues. My two choices are Skip Weston and Keith Josey. The price being equal what cue would you guys choose.
I honestly have not played with either of these cues, but have heard great reviews about them. My suggestion, find a cue dealer in your area, examinine them for cosmetic problems, take a few shots with many different cues, both custom and production, pay attention to the balance of the cue (does it feel like you have to push the cue or does it feel like it's flying out of your hand when you're stroking), how does it feel when it contacts the CB (vibration, "ping", "tink", hollow hit, etc), don't necessarily worry about the weight of the cue, or what the design of the cue is (this can be adjusted when you order YOUR cue). Find what "feels" good in your hands, not what others tell you feels good to them.
When you find what you like, contact a reputable cue dealer and price compare between dealers.

Best of luck,
Zim
 
Good advice Zim. Rick, I would personally give the nod to Skip, although I have never played with either I like his designs alot better. Also he does hardwood veneers which are ultra sweet.jmo
David
 
I'd recomend, first, that you evaluate your motivation for choosing a custom vs. a production cue: are you more into name recognition, or, most bang for your buck? The reason for this, is, there are two stratas of custom makers (I won't be specific about naming anyone because, with some, it can be a fine line and everyones' got cues from a lot of different makers and their opinion of each one may be different than mine. I'll add too, that makers can move up into the upper echelon and it's based on a combination of product, and, reputation.)

That being said, there's no doubt that you pay a premium for the upper echelons' name and reputation - in some cases, thousands. And it's worth it - if that's what motivates you.
Can you get an extremely similar, feature wise, unit from a lesser known, comin upper maker, for thousands less? - certainly.

If you're factoring in collectiblity, then an upper strata model is probably a better hedge, but the little local up and comer may just end up being the next (fill in the balabuska burton spain zamboti blank). Then you're chucklin every time you whip it out.

PS didn't answer you question - those are both fine cues.

PSS If you'd want to PM me and tell me about how much you're looking to spend, and what features you might like, I could send you a list of my recommendations - I'm not a dealer or connected to any builders, just a player/enthusiast.

Cutty
 
Rick said:
I would like some of your opinions on choosing a custom cue. I read the forum alot and some of you seem to have alot of knowledge on cues. My two choices are Skip Weston and Keith Josey. The price being equal what cue would you guys choose.

Well Rick you have chosen two cues that are almost uncomparable. Skip makes points, maybe the best there is in hardwood. Josey is a CNC guy. In my very biased opinion, since I like points and Skip is a friend of mine, I would go Skip. But other facts are I know how his cues are built and I think they are rock solid. I have heard nothing bad about Josey cues, in fact the few I have seen were very nice, if CNC is your thing.

Joe (---likes sharp inlays
 
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