J/B cue vs. Break cue

[Pjurcia]

I'm looking to get a new Break cue. My question is, does break (only) cues perform better than J/B cues. I'd rather have a J/B cue, but the leagues I play in, Jumping isnt allowed. So, its not necessary for me to have a jump cue. If a break cue performs better than a combo cue, i'll get that instead. Any thoughts?

Is there any recommendations, around $250?

 

[mdavis228]

I don't think you lose anything to speak of on the breaking component of a J/B cue. They don't jump as well as dedicated jumpers from that standpoint, but they break without any trade off imo.
That said - I'd suggest you go with a JB, and afford yourself the opportunity to learn to jump. You might change leagues, or start in a different one...and if you play in tournaments you'll be at a real disadvantage if you don't have the option.
There is a thread in the Cue Reviews section about J/B cues right now - lots of opinions.
There are also 2 excellent JB's for sale right now - a Rick Howard Mace, and an X-Breaker. Hard to beat either and they're being offered in your range.
Best of luck!

 

[Snookered007]

The Rick Howard Mace, that is up for sale is a great J/B at a good price. Hard to go wrong with that in your arsenal. I have never used a X-Breaker, so i can't give you any feedback on that one. KoinnKid also has a new line of J/B SneakiestPetes. I believe they are in your price range too.

 

[Trent]

JB is the way to go, id rather have a Jump cue and not need it then need it and not have it lol and depending on what league your in make sure the rip is within the guidlines phenolic leather Ex. Carolina cue makes a JB for around 250 i think. id contact them.

 

[8Ball48043]

I'm looking to get a new Break cue. My question is, does break (only) cues perform better than J/B cues. I'd rather have a J/B cue, but the leagues I play in, Jumping isnt allowed. So, its not necessary for me to have a jump cue. If a break cue performs better than a combo cue, i'll get that instead. Any thoughts?

Is there any recommendations, around $250?

Personally I like separate cues for different functions. The phenolic tip is REQUIRED for a jump cue. They are phenominal. But, You get NO CUE BALL CONTROL with phenolic tip. So, my jump cue has a phenolic tip and my break stick has a hard water buffalo.

BTW, I have an all wood schmelke with their #! brass to brass joint which makes an EXCELLENT Break Cue. PM me, if interested.

 

[RBC]

Pjurcia,

That is an excellent question!

My answer is that what makes a cue break well and what makes a cue jump well are opposites, so I recommend both. Keep in mind that we have just come out with "The Break Cue", which is a low deflection or low cue ball squirt break cue.

Here's the thing. Most current break jump cues use a one piece phenolic tip ferrule combo, or at least a traditional ferrule with a phenolic tip. These will usually jump very well, and they break really strong IF you hit it VERY WELL.

We found that most players don't hit it VERY WELL as often as they think. With a high deflection cue shaft, if you miss the center of the cue ball, the high squirt pushes the cue ball to the side causing a less than full on hit on the front ball. You lose quite a bit of energy when you don't hit the front ball square. With a low deflection break cue, like ours, even when you miss the center of the cue ball a little, you still hit the front ball more full or square.


The result is not necessarily a bigger break, but certainly a more consistent one!

Unfortunately, in a normal configuration, a low deflection cue shaft simply does not jump that well. You can jump with it if you have a very hard tip, but it is not as easy as with a jump cue.

So, thats my take on it.

Use a Low Deflection break cue to break with, and then use a Jump cue to jump with.

Thanks

Royce Bunnell
www.obcues.com

 

[chin0]

For the price range, you can get a Predator BK2 which is pretty popular, or contack Joe Bouska. He makes his J/B out of Dymonwood, and this is just my personal opinion, it is awesome! There are many to choose from in your price range. I would suggest get a J/B instead of a break only, because you can always have the jump just in case you need it when you are not playing in your league. Though I am not a fan of jumping balls (Mainly because I suck at it), I'd rather try to kick out of it.

 

[ceebee]

I particularly like to have both specialized tools in my case.

I sell some great Break Cues, made by Auerbach Custom Cues, not Jump-Break Cues.

Jump Cues are easily found, on any website.