The two piece was so they didn’t feel different when I was using a two piece or like I was giving them then crappy stick. I can’t find a house cue or one piece nicer then $38. What do you play with at your house?
it’s too cold here for pigs...but chasing elk with my bow sure is fun
I treat guests like gold. I'm sure you like to as well. That does not mean I over-think what cue they use because I GUARANTEE they aren't thinking about it 1/2 as hard as you are. And anyone that had ever played pool in a bar (that's many peoples extent of experience) was a grungy, dirty, crooked, tip-failing, one piece cue. And they had fun. YOU hand them a clean, straight, well-tipped and conditioned house cue that looks like new and they will likely be thrilled!
And it's YOUR room, so it's almost expected that you have your OWN cue. Are you thinking you'll have to lessen your own equipment quality because some schmuck friend guest came over to enjoy your table? What you both play with need to be "Even Steven" looking?
I am being a little snarky but it's only because I get a sense this has little to do with pool or a pool room and more like a decorative venture (see yuppie). To answer your question however I have 4 guest house cues, new, clean, excellent shape in a rack on the wall. Straight as an arrow, 18, 19 an 20oz. They never leave the house so 1 piece works and frankly they wear better than cheap two-piece cues would (the price you alluded to).
I use my player cue or my sneaky pete which I've had 40 years. NO ONE gets to use them. EVER. I don't want to hate on a friend or relative because they were too clumsy or lazy to care for my cue like I do. It doesn't mean I have to cheapen my experience by using the same thing I am providing them. But if your guest is going to "judge you" by the "looks" of the cue you have them use...you need new guests (or they should bring their own).