How much do I really need to spend on my first cue?

[BigDeal52]

I believe if you can find a Oredator Sneaky Pete for a $100 on ebay you will be real happy and it will be a good cue to learn on.

 

[Bob Jewett]

... The other reason I would go to a billiard supply store is because they know more about care and repair of your cue than Walmart. ...

Usually the cues available at Walmart and general sporting goods stores are crap but it is good to be able to tell the crap from the Shinola, so a visit to the "really cheap and generally shoddy cues from China" section can be instructive.

And while there are some billiard supply stores that do good work, I have had two very bad experiences getting cues retipped at stores including one that involved a wild chisel applied to an original Balabushka ivory ferrule. As I recall, I didn't even get an apology for that one.

 

[California Fats]

Another vote for Player's cues! 3 guys on my APA team bought them, and they are honestly the perfect beginners cue. They have a life-time warranty (even on warpage!) and you can get an additional 10% off by using the promo code "APARULES" When you check out at Seyberts.com

 

[thefonz]

A plain McDermott will do. Best thing about them is that not only are they a good first cue, but a good last cue as well!

 

[accustatsfan]

Usually the cues available at Walmart and general sporting goods stores are crap but it is good to be able to tell the crap from the Shinola, so a visit to the "really cheap and generally shoddy cues from China" section can be instructive.

And while there are some billiard supply stores that do good work, I have had two very bad experiences getting cues retipped at stores including one that involved a wild chisel applied to an original Balabushka ivory ferrule. As I recall, I didn't even get an apology for that one.

Wow! That is an experience.