How do you buy a cue without hitting with it?

[Heyalex40]

Hello All,
I am in the market for a new cue and have see several on this forum that look great and might fit the bill. The problem for me is I don't think that I can buy a cue without hitting with it first. That why I have not had a cue made for me by any of the local cue makers. Have any of you been disapointed with the hit of a cue after you bought it on line, and if so, what did you do? I'm thinking that I'm going to have to go to the BCA show in Vegas to find a cue. Any other shows on the west coast that I might want to go to, please let me know.

Alex

 

[Bamacues]

It can be difficult....

I have even been disappointed with the hit of my favorite cue from time to time, but it was usually me.
Seriously though, you need to hit with different cuemaker's cues if possible to determine what you do and don't like. The real issue is that taking a few shots with a cue doesn't give you all the little subtle things that you will like or not like in a cue that is CLOSE to what you want. One thing it will do for you is that it will certainly eliminate some cues that you don't like right away. You just gotta get out there, ask friends who have cues you like to let you take a swing with it, go to shows, etc, and just dive in. Once a cue feels very close to perfect to you, you can do minor adjustments like tip/ferrule, etc to fine tune it.

 

[skins]

Hello All,
I am in the market for a new cue and have see several on this forum that look great and might fit the bill. The problem for me is I don't think that I can buy a cue without hitting with it first. That why I have not had a cue made for me by any of the local cue makers. Have any of you been disapointed with the hit of a cue after you bought it on line, and if so, what did you do? I'm thinking that I'm going to have to go to the BCA show in Vegas to find a cue. Any other shows on the west coast that I might want to go to, please let me know.

Alex

do a search on the forums for threads about cues the play well, read all the opinions makers cues in these threads, figure out your buget, contact a few makers, talk with them about what your looking for in the hit of a cue, pick a maker and get your feet wet. that's my advise.

 

[bruin70]

if you read between the lines there might be a couple of posters who say more than "i like the hit".

 

[UPlayLucky]

I purchased a custom cue and at first I wasn't used to the taper and the hit. It hit different than my pos sneaky, but that wasn't a bad thing. Now I won't play with anything else.

 

[jazznpool]

I agree with what Bama says and add that it helps to know what your specification range is as far as cue weight, butt thickness, balance, and shaft dimension and flex. For example, I don't like chunky handled cues or cues with the balance too far forward or backward. I like a shaft that is on the "stiff" side but flexible enough to be responsive.

If I ask them, most of the makers I deal with will take down a shaft taper at no labor charge if the buyer finds the cue too rigid. Within reason, the cuemakers and I would like the customer/player to be pleased with their cue purchase. Sort of like custom fitting a cue--but you can only do this if the buyer knows when the cue is flexible enough already.

If you purchase a cue at a show or elsewhere that is close to your spec, as Bama said you can fine tune it to your liking. And, the cue circus continues...

Martin

Hello All,
I am in the market for a new cue and have see several on this forum that look great and might fit the bill. The problem for me is I don't think that I can buy a cue without hitting with it first. That why I have not had a cue made for me by any of the local cue makers. Have any of you been disapointed with the hit of a cue after you bought it on line, and if so, what did you do? I'm thinking that I'm going to have to go to the BCA show in Vegas to find a cue. Any other shows on the west coast that I might want to go to, please let me know.

Alex

 

[staffi01]

First thing to do is read here at AZ!!!! ;o)

I bought several cues here and never was disappointed. Asked the seller about the things that are important for me (weight, balance, stiffnes etc.) and always get true answers from the sellers.

So, i live here in Germany, it´s just a greater risk to buy a cue online, but every transaction went very well.

The only cue which i was dissapointed, i bought here in Germany. So i have to sell it. The cue was right, but not for me.

Last week i got the best hitting cue i ever held in my hands from Taiko, here at AZ.

Good luck in buying the right thing!
Stefan

 

[JimBo]

Hello All,
I am in the market for a new cue and have see several on this forum that look great and might fit the bill. The problem for me is I don't think that I can buy a cue without hitting with it first. That why I have not had a cue made for me by any of the local cue makers. Have any of you been disapointed with the hit of a cue after you bought it on line, and if so, what did you do? I'm thinking that I'm going to have to go to the BCA show in Vegas to find a cue. Any other shows on the west coast that I might want to go to, please let me know.

Alex

If the seller uses the words *Monster hitter* or *hits a ton* I pretty much believe them. Now if a guy says *it's the best hitting cue he's ever owned* or if he says he'll *never part with it*, and then tries to sell it,I buy it.


Jim

 

[psychoblinker]

If the seller uses the words *Monster hitter* or *hits a ton* I pretty much believe them. Now if a guy says *it's the best hitting cue he's ever owned* or if he says he'll *never part with it*, and then tries to sell it,I buy it.


Jim

thats funny.

 

[skins]

if you read between the lines there might be a couple of posters who say more than "i like the hit".

i see nothing wrong with certain self indulging helpful nudges. especially when you know that your "between the lines" are FACTS.

 

[Heyalex40]

Thanks everyone for your input.
Heyalex

 

[mjantti]

I kept on hearing how good and solid Tim Scruggs cues hit and how well they are constructed etc. I was planning on buying a really nice custom cue and decided to take a risk with ordering a TS cue last year. And when I first brought it to my pool club, from the first shot on I knew it was the best-hitting cue I had ever tried. And still remains the best. I've tried a few, not many custom cues though. Well, my friend's Southwest felt pretty nice too... Anyway, by avoiding risks you'll hardly ever win anything...

Well, I spent countless hours comparing cue and hit descriptions from knowledgeable people here in AzB. The very best knowledge is here, you just gotta ask the right questions (and behave ).