How much will you pay for a PLAYING CUE - Without seeing it in person?

[Snapshot9]

All the buying and selling that goes on in AZ subforum and even on Ebay, and other websites, I just got to wondering what are people's limits on spending for a cue that you had only saw pictures of, and had not touched to see how it stroked, hit, or more importantly, the balance of the cue.

I am sure someone has probably spent a $1,000 or more on a cue sight unseen, only to discover that something about the cue was not right for them.

I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT CUES ORDERED AND MADE BY A CUEMAKER, I AM TALKING ABOUT USED CUES.

 

[easy-e]

I just bought a new cue from Bobby Hunter for $1,700. I used to own one of his in the past and I know they hit a ton. I took his word that it was perfect and it is. If you ever get the chance to do business with him you will be pleased.

I picked it up in Carson City the night before the Reno Bar table tournament. I didn't intend on using it for the tournament because I didn't think changing cues would be a great idea that close to a tournament. I ended up using it and finished 9-12 in the 9-ball division

 

[Eagleshot]

I'm not sure how much I would - But I have spent $1600.00. I like to think that a respected member here is honest w/ their descriptions and photos. I was and still am extremely pleased w/ my purchase. The cue hits and looks great.

I have hit with a number of cues from the same cuemaker and the balance point was described perfectly.

I guess you have to trust the person and ask alot of questions.

*If you order a custom cue - pretty much the same thing

 

[Methodman201]

Actually, Afew days ago I had run into Some guy. Long story short, This guy
Said he had gotten a call from a man whom had a Meucci cue.
This was not just some cue, It was a David Howard, "Star Of David" Meucci.
He payed $2,350.00, It arrived three days later. He showed me a photo of it and it looked asif someone hit it with a Mack Truck and threw it off a five story building.

!>101 Post<!

 

[crater59]

I was reading on here about some sucker named Hal who paid over $2,000 for a cue sight unseen to some guy called Thingie or Joel or whatever. So this Hal gets the cue and he says its bent and dinged and he whines he wants his money back like everybody on here should listen and sympathize with his plight.
So they go back and forth about it like their lawyers and citing who said what and they decide to have Hal send the cue to some other guy all together and then when this third party guy gets the cue either Thingie will send him some money back or he'll fix it.

I've bought cues up to $1,000 but I bought based on how they hit. I could care less about points or Kookabula wood or Irish Panty wrap on the butt or any of that nonsense. I don't understand how anyone could buy a cue they intend to shoot with and not shoot with it before paying for it.

 

[despotic931]

I was reading on here about some sucker named Hal who paid over $2,000 for a cue sight unseen to some guy called Thingie or Joel or whatever. So this Hal gets the cue and he says its bent and dinged and he whines he wants his money back like everybody on here should listen and sympathize with his plight.
So they go back and forth about it like their lawyers and citing who said what and they decide to have Hal send the cue to some other guy all together and then when this third party guy gets the cue either Thingie will send him some money back or he'll fix it.

I've bought cues up to $1,000 but I bought based on how they hit. I could care less about points or Kookabula wood or Irish Panty wrap on the butt or any of that nonsense. I don't understand how anyone could buy a cue they intend to shoot with and not shoot with it before paying for it.

Making friends I see?

 

[nyneball]

sight unseen cue

I bought a Bluegrass cue on Ebay for $610, sight unseen, and man am I happy.

 

[StormHotRod300]

I see Crater isnt the brightest star in the sky.

Most people buy and sell cue's on AZB or online in general with the presumption that people are being honest about what is being sold.

Every now and then stuff does happen. And for the most part things get fixed, but there is always that one incident that goes wrong, which send the temper flying.

I've bought several cues, from AZB members or online stores. And havent had a problem yet! maybe I am lucky but who knows.

I bought a Gilbert JB, after only seeing the pictures and talking to Joaquin, on the phone for about 30mins. Why? because I trusted in him that he was being honest about the cue. Now, I also know how a Gilbert hits too, so it wasnt like I was going in blind not knowing what it would play like.

I also bought a Cue from BHQ, after only seeing pics of the cue, and not having a clue on how it would play lol, But the cue looked just as good in person as in the pics, and played Excellent too.

Now to the thread question, How much would I pay for a cue? Depends on the quality of the pictures first, if they are high quality digi pics, of the whole cue, and something like a Black Boar or Boti, and the person is a known GOOD seller on AZB then yes, It's worth it. I'd honestly probably put a limit @ 2,000$

If i was dealing with someone like Hal, I'd totally take his word, cuz he is a well known member of AZB.

If i had lots of money to spend, I'd probably just make a trip to see the cue in person so I can make a decision right there.

 

[rbgarmon]

i couldnt give over 200.00 without playing with it first because ive found that every cue is a little different. just my opinion.

 

[azhousepro]

I was reading on here about some user who made posts that insulted other users.

He didn't last long.

Mike

I was reading on here about some sucker named Hal who paid over $2,000 for a cue sight unseen to some guy called Thingie or Joel or whatever. So this Hal gets the cue and he says its bent and dinged and he whines he wants his money back like everybody on here should listen and sympathize with his plight.
So they go back and forth about it like their lawyers and citing who said what and they decide to have Hal send the cue to some other guy all together and then when this third party guy gets the cue either Thingie will send him some money back or he'll fix it.

I've bought cues up to $1,000 but I bought based on how they hit. I could care less about points or Kookabula wood or Irish Panty wrap on the butt or any of that nonsense. I don't understand how anyone could buy a cue they intend to shoot with and not shoot with it before paying for it.

 

[wjpjr]

depends on who's selling it . There are some sellers I would buy from on word alone. No limit on money .

 

[rbgarmon]

i dont know if you are referring to me trying to offend someone but i assure you that is the last thing on my mind and i apologize if you took me that way.

 

[yally]

i dont know if you are referring to me trying to offend someone but i assure you that is the last thing on my mind and i apologize if you took me that way.

Don't think he's referring to your post bud. Think he was shooting at the putz above about taking a pot shot at Hal's challenging transaction with Thingie.

Wow, I really wonder how "Kookabula" plays? LMAO

Yally

 

[bruin70]

..........$0...........

 

[jhendri2]

If you order a custom cue - pretty much the same thing

My thought's exactly. What's the difference if I order a cue from Mottey, Weston, White et al, or I buy it from someone in the classifieds. Either way I have bought a cue that I haven't tried.

If we only bought cues we tried first all the custom cue makers would be out of business, as they would only sell in their local area or at shows. I think people buy based on an example of that makers cue they've played with before or the maker's reputation.

Jim

 

[Rich R.]

A lot depends on the circumstances of the sale.

If buying a new cue directly from the cue maker, I would pay whatever was within my budget to get a cue I wanted. Of course, I wouldn't do this with an unknown cue maker.
If buying on the second hand market, I wouldn't spend more than $200, without seeing the cue or having the cue go through a reputable third party for inspection.

 

[breaktime2]

I bought a cue from an AZ member for over $3,000. I am happy with my purchase. I also bought a cue from classicues for $1,750. Again all worked out fine and I am pleased with my purchase. Understand though that these are cues that I don't necessarily play with on a regular basis so if the cue is from a maker I know, I don't need to play with it. If someone wants to sell me one of Gus Szamboti's cues for $5,000, I'd probably go for it.

I do put a lot of faith in who I buy from and this forum is one of the few places I would do that. I even send money before getting the cue. The dealers and members here have not disappointed me yet.

BTW the Mottey and Skip Weston in my avatar are two of the cues I refer to.

 

[poolplayer2093]

900 so far

 

[Tokyo-dave]

I think the question depends entirely on the particular individuals taste when it comes to makers of the cue he/she purchases. If a guy is and always has been satisfied with cues made by Mr. XXX, then he/she is more likely to pay exceptional amounts sight unseen for a cue made by that maker simply because he/she trusts that they'll be getting something they'll likely be satisfied with.
Speaking for myself, I have about 5 makers who's works I'm familiar and impressed with. If I had the cash available, I would be willing to spend around $3-4K for the right looks and right maker. And if I felt good about the sellers representation of the condition of the cue, I'd be willing to pay that much without having first seen or played with the cue in question.
On the opposite end however, everybody I've ever spoken to seems to agree that cues made by Mr. AAA are made extremely well, and play lights out! However, I personally have never seen or played with one. So, without a test drive, I'd be less likely to buy it.
dave

 

[crater59]

I guess I must have inadvertantly insulted someone. I extend my apologies if I have. I just found that whole situation ridiculous.
And as for my reference to Kookabula wood, yes, I made it up, it was intended as a jab at all those cue collectors that think the more exotic the wood the better they will play with it. Or more special in some way. I have met many such individuals and most of my buddies are of that persuasion. It's all in good fun O.K.