How does one buy a cue (not how to choose, exactly)

Linwood

Linwood

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
New to pool, again. Was without a table for 12 years, never really took it seriously when I had one, but now have a nice table and a lot of spare time.

Been practicing, and I know of no issue that a new cue will solve for me, i.e. I am not looking for something specific. But still I want one, just something to personalize a bit all the practice. So yes, the major component I have is appearance, for now. I think I should get a 58/59" cue, 20 oz +/- 1, regular not LD, and a medium cue. I.e. kind of like ordering a vanilla ice cream cone -- just a good, old standard cue.

I have read lots of postings, and watched endless videos on how to choose a cue - hardness, length, etc., but that is not so much my question. Let's assume I decided the basics as above, that narrows it down to what -- a few thousand. Add in some price range and I still probably have a few hundred to choose from.

My question is more about the mechanics of buying, or more precisely how one judges a cue without actually using it, as most places are either online, or even in stores there rarely seems an opportunity to try a cue. And of course most do not want people trying them, and making them look used.

I am sure after years of trading and collecting cues many of you "just know" by brand, year, model, and other aspects. But think back to the beginning (but without forgetting what you already know).

How do you judge a cue you can't try?

Buy it and just resell if you dislike it? Is that the most common approach?

Ensure you see some (reliable?) reviews of it first?

Is there really just not that much difference within a price range, that the question is moot?

Or do you (again, at the beginning of your experience) insist on finding a place where you CAN try it, either someone else with one, or a store that will let you test shoot?

Get one of those old magic 8-balls and ask it?
 
There is pretty much 0 ways to know if you will like a cue, unless you know exactly what you like in a cue, and even then it's a 50/50 chance you won't like it. But there is only a 30% chance of that.

You have a "stiff" or "soft" hit which is based on a bunch of things, joint type, wood used, shaft taper, tip hardness. Then the balance, even, forward or rear and that also varies depending on how forward or rear. Weight is in there also, and kinda is in the same boat as balance. A 19oz evenly balanced cue may feel lighter when you hit than a 19 oz cue that is rear or forward balanced. Then there are shaft sizes and tapers.

I always tell people, if they can, visit a pool hall, make friends with people, play in tournaments with them, once they kick your butt in pool, say "that's a nice cue, can I try a few hits with it?" LOL

Once you find out what you like, you can find out who in that group of local players know their stuff and ask what you may like.

There are quite a few people here from Florida, it may help if you post what pool halls, bars you like to visit, you may have 20 cues to look at very quickly.
 
hang-the-9 said:
once they kick your butt in pool, say "that's a nice cue, can I try a few hits with it?" LOL
Click to expand...

Is the LOL for the "kick [my] butt" or did you mean to imply that is bad form to ask to try their cue, and they will not react well?

hang-the-9 said:
There are quite a few people here from Florida, it may help if you post what pool halls, bars you like to visit, you may have 20 cues to look at very quickly.
Click to expand...

Yeah, mostly "none". Though one has some promise. I do not mean to start any argument, but Florida is a "smoking in bars" state and I really have a low tolerance, so cannot find any active places I can take. Found one tiny place that was super friendly, non-smoking, and has to tiny bar sized tables, so might spend some time there. Right now just shooting on my own table. I'm in Cape Coral near Fort Myers if anyone has suggestions.
 
Linwood said:
Buy it and just resell if you dislike it? Is that the most common approach?
Click to expand...

I think it's that simply. Good news is some companies will let you exchange it. Check their policy. Buy the best you can afford. Treat your self to a nice cue and enjoy it. Get one that has adjustable weights.... CueTec, Predator. It does not have to be expensive. One good cue will last a lifetime if taken care of. They can be customized...aftermarket shafts, mid extensions and so on.
 
No substitute for holding the cue in your hands and trying shots.

Would you marry the best match for you on an online dating site without even a date?

If you can't try, then trial and error is the only option. Buy and sell basically.
 
Linwood said:
Is the LOL for the "kick [my] butt" or did you mean to imply that is bad form to ask to try their cue, and they will not react well?



Yeah, mostly "none". Though one has some promise. I do not mean to start any argument, but Florida is a "smoking in bars" state and I really have a low tolerance, so cannot find any active places I can take. Found one tiny place that was super friendly, non-smoking, and has to tiny bar sized tables, so might spend some time there. Right now just shooting on my own table. I'm in Cape Coral near Fort Myers if anyone has suggestions.
Click to expand...

There are no issues with asking to try a cue, but I would not do it unless you chat a bit first about things. You can say you were looking to buy one and ask about theirs, that will often make you a friend right there. During the Seminole tour years there were plenty of good rooms and players in Florida, don't know how things are now. Just keep an eye out for web searches, a lot of times they lead you to closed rooms.
 
Linwood said:
New to pool, again. Was without a table for 12 years, never really took it seriously when I had one, but now have a nice table and a lot of spare time.

Been practicing, and I know of no issue that a new cue will solve for me, i.e. I am not looking for something specific. But still I want one, just something to personalize a bit all the practice. So yes, the major component I have is appearance, for now. I think I should get a 58/59" cue, 20 oz +/- 1, regular not LD, and a medium cue. I.e. kind of like ordering a vanilla ice cream cone -- just a good, old standard cue.

I have read lots of postings, and watched endless videos on how to choose a cue - hardness, length, etc., but that is not so much my question. Let's assume I decided the basics as above, that narrows it down to what -- a few thousand. Add in some price range and I still probably have a few hundred to choose from.

My question is more about the mechanics of buying, or more precisely how one judges a cue without actually using it, as most places are either online, or even in stores there rarely seems an opportunity to try a cue. And of course most do not want people trying them, and making them look used.

I am sure after years of trading and collecting cues many of you "just know" by brand, year, model, and other aspects. But think back to the beginning (but without forgetting what you already know).

How do you judge a cue you can't try?

Buy it and just resell if you dislike it? Is that the most common approach?

Ensure you see some (reliable?) reviews of it first?

Is there really just not that much difference within a price range, that the question is moot?

Or do you (again, at the beginning of your experience) insist on finding a place where you CAN try it, either someone else with one, or a store that will let you test shoot?

Get one of those old magic 8-balls and ask it?
Click to expand...


Here's the thing for someone in your position:

Try the cue you want to buy. Despite all claims, all cues from the same maker do not play exactly the same. I have two custom Ginacues -- with four shafts a piece -- and each cue plays differently and the shafts all play a bit different.

Now admittedly, I have 50 years experience playing pool so I may be able to discern different qualities that a less experienced player might not but nonetheless you will be able to tell difference between what you like and what feels and sounds good and what allows you to play better. Then decide on the looks and what gives you a feeling of pride in ownership.

If you cannot try the cue and are buying online you are rolling the dice. So I would recommend, if you are serious, to wait until there's an event close by or travel to an event where you can try a few cues.

Lou Figueroa
 
This one bought and sold a lot, (IMO), of cues and lost money on most. All under 1k. I finally found a couple that I like and feel good TO ME. I am down to 4 cues and only 1 that I would consider selling.
This one also cannot foresee buying any other cue.
I'll give a name to my favorite cue and like you, he is in Florida ~ Rick Howard, the absolute best playing cue I've ever hit !!!
 
Hey Linwood, you are on the right track. A good quality cue will help you achieve the consistency you are looking for. I suggest you scout out a good dealer who sets up a booth at the tournaments around you. Ask some league players. They will know where the tournaments are and which guys are good. Talk to the cue guy. Tell him you don't much care what it looks like. You just want a good cue that you can pocket a ball with. Try several, if something doesn't jump out, try some more. If the cue guy is any good, you will end up with an excellent cue, that works for you. Should not cost more then about 3 hundred max, unless you really decide on a particular spendy one. I showed up early, lots of open tables, and the guy was still setting up his booth. I held up my 20 dollar Walmart special and said I need something better then this, he just laughed. I told him I had no idea what I wanted to spend or what a good cue was, just needed to hit some. Took 4 over to a table and shot for about an hour, took three back. Asked him to recommend something I might like better then the one I kept. That only took about 10 minutes. One of the first four really felt right. A couple years later, a guy asked me if he could look at my Pechauer. I had no clue what he was talking about. I have not found one yet, that I like better, but I'm not looking.
 
Linwood said:
New to pool, again. Was without a table for 12 years, never really took it seriously when I had one, but now have a nice table and a lot of spare time.

Been practicing, and I know of no issue that a new cue will solve for me, i.e. I am not looking for something specific. But still I want one, just something to personalize a bit all the practice. So yes, the major component I have is appearance, for now. I think I should get a 58/59" cue, 20 oz +/- 1, regular not LD, and a medium cue. I.e. kind of like ordering a vanilla ice cream cone -- just a good, old standard cue.

I have read lots of postings, and watched endless videos on how to choose a cue - hardness, length, etc., but that is not so much my question. Let's assume I decided the basics as above, that narrows it down to what -- a few thousand. Add in some price range and I still probably have a few hundred to choose from.

My question is more about the mechanics of buying, or more precisely how one judges a cue without actually using it, as most places are either online, or even in stores there rarely seems an opportunity to try a cue. And of course most do not want people trying them, and making them look used.

I am sure after years of trading and collecting cues many of you "just know" by brand, year, model, and other aspects. But think back to the beginning (but without forgetting what you already know).

How do you judge a cue you can't try?

Buy it and just resell if you dislike it? Is that the most common approach?

Ensure you see some (reliable?) reviews of it first?

Is there really just not that much difference within a price range, that the question is moot?

Or do you (again, at the beginning of your experience) insist on finding a place where you CAN try it, either someone else with one, or a store that will let you test shoot?

Get one of those old magic 8-balls and ask it?
Click to expand...
To answer your question as asked, you go online, look at the pretty cues, and buy one.

Or you go on eBay, bid or buy one.

I try to judge by hitting from the same maker, but I've certainly bought cues that I never hit with one of the maker's. You take risks sometimes. This one isn't life threatening.

I do use other people's judgement and description of certain cuemaker's cues, but I sometimes have no idea what the description means.

Freddie
 
Your first cue is like your first girlfriend, you might not end up with the best looking one, it's definitely not the one your gonna keep forever, but you get what you can afford and be happy she lets you play with her! You will need to experience more than one to find out truly makes you happy!
 
OK, I'm getting the distinct impression the preference is to find a way to try them.

Or, like my first girlfriend, I can get the first one that looks nice and is available, try for a while, stay very confused, and expect not to be able to score. :mad:

Thanks for the varying advice.
 
Personally I always start at local pawn shops. (love a bargain)..up to like a hundred miles, usually you can find something fairly decent under 300 bucks...have a smartphone with you of course and look it up to make sure you are getting a good deal... I have also bought on Craigslist and Ebay, you can find smokin' hot deals, you just have to be patient and make sure you aren't buying any crap from Hong Kong (Ebay)

I started out 27 years ago with a cheap production McDermott. Pretty sure it was just after the D series concluded it's run when I bought it...cheapest one in the rack ($85) but played like any other Mcdermott I have owned since.

Another way to buy is to find a bunch of people that shoot pool, 40% of them will want to sell you something so they can upgrade their own bag, just the nature of the beast. I actually bought an old McDermott D-15 for two hundred bucks last year because the guy liked shooting with me so he gave it to me for what he paid for it.

For your first cue if you are looking to just see what you want, buy a low level production cue (McD JPech, Joss)...they sell easy because of their low price, and you aren't out a bunch of money when you want to try something different. Plus they are all easily upgradeable since many companies make shafts that fit them.

You will get an idea of what you would like to be different and then in a year or two you will probably go out and buy the actual player that you will have for years to come.

Good luck and happy hunting!
 
What I have done is I always first decide on which cue-makers I'll consider and I stick to it.
No others will be considered unless the cue-maker makes my top 25 list. Those are the
only cues I'm interested in owning even though there are other cue-makers to choose from.

Once you settle on a cue-maker list, then the search simply narrows to either ordering a cue
which can involve years of waiting based upon some of the cue-makers I want or unfortunately,
some of these cue-makers have retired from pool or are deceased. So I browse and search.

It helps to know what you want so that you don't waste time looking at designs that aren't your
cup of tea and so your search is largely based upon what you are willing to settle for or just keep
looking til you find what you like but if you browse and look at every cue, it becomes discouraging.
 
Bavafongoul said:
What I have done is I always first decide on which cue-makers I'll consider and I stick to it.
...
...which can involve years of waiting
Click to expand...

That seems to imply they are custom cues. Since other than appearance and price I have very little to go on, I assumed I would look for only production cues for my first purchase.

Other than uniqueness and potential value increase, is there some reason to consider a custom cue at first?
 
Linwood said:
That seems to imply they are custom cues. Since other than appearance and price I have very little to go on, I assumed I would look for only production cues for my first purchase.

Other than uniqueness and potential value increase, is there some reason to consider a custom cue at first?
Click to expand...

There is a slight subtlety here that should be pointed out:

I think there are 4 broad categories of cues:

1. Low End Production

2. Customizable (Includes most production cues like Joss, Schon. Mezz, Predator

3. Cues made by custom makers

4. Custom Cues

A low end production cue is what it is. It has a certain weight, construction and tip diameter, also likely using lower grade parts. I would avoid these.

A production cue can be a really good first choice. All of these generally allow some customization in terms of overall weight, shaft size and type and tip. There are roughly two groups of decent production cues, low defection like Predator, Mezz, OB, Poison. some McDermott models, and traditional like Schon and Joss, though you always have the option to use a LD shaft with them.

In the third category, you have cues made by a custom cue maker like Treadway or Gilbert or Barnhart or many others that might be available new or used, but are pretty much set in their design, sometimes by the cuemaker himself, sometimes by another person that wants to sell it. These can be a great way to try a cue from a certain make

The last category is true custom and there you work with the maker and choose woods, design, inlays along with specs of length, diameter, weight and balance among others. Getting a custom cue is really EXCITING. It is unique in the world to you and built exactly the way you want it. Nothing cooler than opening a box with a custom cue you waited a year for like I did with the Lambros I just got.

I would not start there. I would get a production cue that is very neutral and when you start to learn what you like get a custom. After a while, you will start thinking, this is too heavy, or too light or it feels heavy in my back hand, the shaft feels too thick, etc...

What I would recommend in your situation is to start with a neutral cue, meaning 58", 19oz, 12.75 or 13mm and go from there. It is all up to you in terms of the amount of experimentation you want to go through.
 
Linwood said:
New to pool, again. Was without a table for 12 years, never really took it seriously when I had one, but now have a nice table and a lot of spare time.

Been practicing, and I know of no issue that a new cue will solve for me, i.e. I am not looking for something specific. But still I want one, just something to personalize a bit all the practice. So yes, the major component I have is appearance, for now. I think I should get a 58/59" cue, 20 oz +/- 1, regular not LD, and a medium cue. I.e. kind of like ordering a vanilla ice cream cone -- just a good, old standard cue.

I have read lots of postings, and watched endless videos on how to choose a cue - hardness, length, etc., but that is not so much my question. Let's assume I decided the basics as above, that narrows it down to what -- a few thousand. Add in some price range and I still probably have a few hundred to choose from.

My question is more about the mechanics of buying, or more precisely how one judges a cue without actually using it, as most places are either online, or even in stores there rarely seems an opportunity to try a cue. And of course most do not want people trying them, and making them look used.

I am sure after years of trading and collecting cues many of you "just know" by brand, year, model, and other aspects. But think back to the beginning (but without forgetting what you already know).

How do you judge a cue you can't try?

Buy it and just resell if you dislike it? Is that the most common approach?

Ensure you see some (reliable?) reviews of it first?

Is there really just not that much difference within a price range, that the question is moot?

Or do you (again, at the beginning of your experience) insist on finding a place where you CAN try it, either someone else with one, or a store that will let you test shoot?

Get one of those old magic 8-balls and ask it?
Click to expand...



Try to narrow down what you "like". I made a gamble on a cue and I was sorry. Won't get into it. Today's cue sellers don't like you to hit the cues. I blame the brokers and dealers for this and also the buyers that are collectors. This whole "un-chalked" concept is now part of a sales pitch. Everyone and I do mean everyone hits the cue once in there hands. How else could they vouch for it? By look? You can test drive a $100k car but can't hit a $400 cue?

So in my experience try to do a little elimination. Read as many reviews (they are not reviews) as you can. Things that are not much talked about when purchasing a cue is feedback. I find this pinnacle in a cue. I define feedback as the sound and feel the cue delivers when you hit the cue ball. It will sound and feel different for different shots. Center ball will feel stiffer and solid. Of axis in any direction will exhibit more vibration. The further off center the hit the more vibration. It can be subtle to fairly extreme. In my opinion a solid playing cue will handle the extremes with grace. The sound that is derived from these hits are part of the feedback. As you become familiar with your cue (which can take time) you will become familiar with what you can accomplish with your cue.

To address your statement " I know of no issue that a new cue will solve for me,"; I might have to disagree. A cue is the single best investment you could make to improve your game. Is it going to make you draw 12'? Maybe! Once you gain confidence in your chosen cue you will become one with it. That's the way it should be. Ever see those players with a cue they will never let go and shoot amazing? That's the relationship you want with your cue.

There are many, many cue makers out there. Probably 10 fold from when I left the sport. I am in the same boat as you. Owned 3 tables and several cues. Then one day I found a career, a wife and children and dropped it cold. The table got sold and the cues went into the closet for 20 years. Went to a bar and had a few beers and picked up a house cue. Played and sent the wife back home to get my cues out of the closet and I was immediately in my zone. I realized how much I missed it and how much I wanted it. I picked up a Gold Crown (always wanted) and purchased 5 cues in about 4 months. I know where you are at.

Your question really stems from budget. What do you have to spend? I have suggestions but, it depends on budget, playing style and what type of cue feedback you want. This has been my experience. Prices have sky rocketed in the custom cue market. For about $1000.00 or slightly below you can get a nice player cue. If you go with some of the bigger names expect to pay double. I am really not sure how justified some of these prices are. Points and fancy rings don't necessary mean a better playing cue. Although they sure are nice to hold and look at.

At this point through my experience for the price, I can only recommend a few that I have had the pleasure of playing with. One would be a Gilbert. You won't find a single bad word about these cues. I am very picky about what I play. You can get a fancy player cue that will shoot fantastic for about $1400. Can't recommend it enough. You can get a plain player for half the price. Wonderful feedback and a very appealing sound. This is always subjective.

I will emphasis feedback and sound because outside of the cue ball doing what you want, what else do you have? It defines the rhythm.

I don't know what type of player you are. I have picked up cues and played them and there is no way I would spend my money on it. Don't care how much it costs.

Look for balance. That you can do without hitting it.

Look for craftsmanship. It's like a woman's toes. If her toes are in good shape then chances are the rest is also. LOL! Look. At the points and rings. Are they all even? Can you tell a craftsman made it.

Weights and lengths are fairly standard. Although balance points are not. Does it feel good? Does it flow through your hands nicely? When you lay down on the cue, does it feel natural.

Shaft taper. I don't like to feel much change while stroking. It's distracting.

Joint type. Not one for big pin cues yet my Gilbert is a big pin and it's one of the best cues I ever owned and you won't rip it out of my hands.


Looks sorta come first. That's what attracts you to the cue in the first place. You do have to look at it for hours while you sit on the sidelines waiting your turn. LOL.

Now your thread will give you a bunch of responses. Probably confuse you more than before you wrote it. I sold or returned 2 cues I bought.

Good luck in your quest. You can PM me if you like and I will show you and even video the different cues I own.

Good luck!









Sent from my iPhone using AzBilliards Forums
 
Here is a couple ideas for you.

1. Bill Lister is in Florida, not sure where exactly but he has over 50 cues for sale at the moment & I'm sure he would let you try a few out. He is a member here & I believe his screen name is billiardbills on here. If you can't find his his website is www.billiardbills.com & I'm sure his contact info is there.

2. I believe if you order a cue from www.seyberts.com they offer a return policy in a certain time frame. Not sure how many times they would allow you to keep returning cues though.
 
Here's my take on it:

Almost universally, all the cues today over $100 are going to be well built and not have any rattles when hitting the ball or other quality issues. So unless you buy a Walmart cue with slip on tips, you will be fine with the quality.

It doesn't matter how the cue "feels" in your hands. Whether the "feel" is the sound it makes at impact with the cue ball, or the vibration that travels to your grip hand, or the balance, etc. The reason it doesn't matter, is you will get used to whatever the "feel" is on the cue you buy in a few minutes of playing.

With that said, buy based on aesthetics and budget. Don't worry about returning it, because you will like how it plays within a few minutes of shooting balls:)

I'm 100% serious on this. Others might think I'm crazy, but this has been my experience playing for 25 years and going through many cues in that time. There was not a single cue I didn't like, or didn't play the same with.
 
I agree with the advice of trying cues from people in local pool rooms. With minor exception, you should be able to try out quite a few styles if you are friendly with the other players and can demonstrate that you can safely handle their pool cues. The first choice I would suggest is which shaft technology you prefer (LD vs. traditional).

If you have access to a local cuemaker, setting up a relationship with him could lead you to a cue that meets your tastes.

The Super Billiards Expo each spring provides the most diverse exposure to the entire spectrum of cue possibilities. There are opportunities to try out many of them or at least to examine how they feel in your hand.

There are no absolute answers. Buy whatever feels like magic to you. Stay with it for a while before you decide to move on. My first real cue was a custom because a friend had one from that cuemaker that I loved. I didn't really like the way my cue felt when it was delivered >30 years ago. That cue is my current league player.
 
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