Looking for input on my first custom purchase

Nickelsig229

Nickelsig229

Registered
I'm looking for my first custom cue. I've had a Meucci for the past 10 years and its time to upgrade.

I am considering buying a Predator or a Schon if I can't find anything custom in my price range that appeal's to me.

I'm hoping to keep it under 750 but would go to 1000 if the stick calls my name.

Knowing that info what are the names of some custom cues that you think I should look at? I've searched a bunch on the web and the ones I like are over the 1k price range. Those that are under, don't really appeal to me.
 
What exactly are you looking for in the cue? Does it need to be really fancy looking? Points? Inlays? It is hard to make a good suggestion without some direction here.

I will say this. I recently was searching for a custom myself, and I had basically the same budget as you. The three that I was looking at were Rick Howard (used), Omen (used), or a Keith Josey sneaky pete (new or used). The first two would have to be used to fit the budget. They appealed to me as having Southwest-styled cues, 6 point high/low design with similar slotted ringwork. The Josey fancy sneaky would fit well under budget new or used. These had standard 4-point design, but I would have gotten the fancy 3 location inlaid one. None of these would be super fancy, matter of fact, they would be relatively plain as far as pointed cues go, I guess. But all three seemed to have a good reputation as far as quality of construction and woods used.

Of course, I should also mention that, possibly because of the quality that you get for the price of these cues, they don't seem too common on the second-hand market. People just like them so much they hold onto them, I guess. But I can tell you there is now a used Rick Howard on cueauctions.com that used to be owned by my friend. Check it out. I'm assuming that it will be at least $650-700 because I saw bids as high as $550 the first time they listed it, and the reserve was not met.
 
Nickelsig229 said:
I'm looking for my first custom cue. I've had a Meucci for the past 10 years and its time to upgrade.

I am considering buying a Predator or a Schon if I can't find anything custom in my price range that appeal's to me.

I'm hoping to keep it under 750 but would go to 1000 if the stick calls my name.

Knowing that info what are the names of some custom cues that you think I should look at? I've searched a bunch on the web and the ones I like are over the 1k price range. Those that are under, don't really appeal to me.
Click to expand...

I swear by Mike Webb and he is in our neck of the woods, in Pawtucket R.I.

Regards,
Koop
 
Nickelsig229 said:
I'm looking for my first custom cue. I've had a Meucci for the past 10 years and its time to upgrade.

I am considering buying a Predator or a Schon if I can't find anything custom in my price range that appeal's to me.

I'm hoping to keep it under 750 but would go to 1000 if the stick calls my name.

Knowing that info what are the names of some custom cues that you think I should look at? I've searched a bunch on the web and the ones I like are over the 1k price range. Those that are under, don't really appeal to me.
Click to expand...


I would stop by Jacoby web site.

I don't know what you are looking for in a cue, but I would definatley stop by this link and look around...Depending on the materials you want used and how elaborate you make it, you can send them your own ideas for a design and they will build it for you...(within reason).......That is if you don't see something on the site you already like....and they will probably surprise you on the price they qoute you......

Pick your wood, Joint, Wrap, Shaft Taper, etc.... Design your own inlays (if you even want any) and send it to them for a quote.........16 weeks or so later you will have the exact cue you want....very easy to work with....If you call them, you will probably deal with Paul...

http://www.jacobycue.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=1
 
I like a lot of points however I like it to be steam lined and clean. The Josey sticks are beautiful but might be to "busy" for me. I will check out Mike webb and Jacoby.

Thanks for the input so far.
 
Under 1000 you can buy a fancy looking Judd. I just recently bought a jt3 Judd for only 875. His cues hits really nice and his workmanship is really clean. Also, they are nice people to deal with. This cue works for Efren right, so it must be good.
 
lsabado said:
Under 1000 you can buy a fancy looking Judd. I just recently bought a jt3 Judd for only 875. His cues hits really nice and his workmanship is really clean. Also, they are nice people to deal with. This cue works for Efren right, so it must be good.
Click to expand...

I have to second the nomination for Judd (juddcues.com). He makes a great cue and is in your price range. I would also check out Scott Whisler, his craftsmanship is amazing, and I love the feel of his cues. (whislercues.com)
 
Jeff Olney...

...makes a really nice cue with some really great attention to detail. He is a real perfectionist, and this cue falls within your budget.

Olney06composite.jpg
[/IMG]
 
Hello, check out Billy Webb, you can locate him on this forum, under Spider Webb.

Bill makes a real fine cue, however he is not really well know nation wide. Bill makes his own Short Slice forearms, he also uses Butterfly Splices and points combined.

Bills points are so tight that they would float, and his Butterfly Splice are as good as anyones in the Business.

Before you make a decision contact Bill, he is more than worth a look.

Manwon
 
If I didn't have a custom cue, going based on what I've read on the forums, and your price range, I would buy Bama's Olney.
 
Bamacues said:
...makes a really nice cue with some really great attention to detail. He is a real perfectionist, and this cue falls within your budget.

Olney06composite.jpg
[/IMG]
Click to expand...

Nice cue, another Southwest styled cue. Sweet ;)
 
Why do you want a cue? Are you a pool player that is going to use a cue as a tool or do you have other reasons?

If your a player looking for a tool to win tournements, get the cash, etc. I would find a DEALER in your area that has an inventory of cues in your price range. Visit the seller and PLAY with the cues. Should be no problem if they're used. If they're "new" most sellers have demo shafts and you can still test drive. Buy the one that rings YOUR bell....it's about what you like---kinda like women.

If your primary motivation is not to use a cue as a tool buy what you want based on your criteria. Thru diligence buy it at a price so you can sell it without taking a significant financial hit.

Once you've had many cues you'll be able to determine which makers produce cues on a consistant basis that play the way you like. This is also true for other variables such as the JOINT, FERRULES, TIP, etc.

GOOD LUCK!!
 
Nickelsig229 said:
I'm looking for my first custom cue. I've had a Meucci for the past 10 years and its time to upgrade.

I am considering buying a Predator or a Schon if I can't find anything custom in my price range that appeal's to me.

I'm hoping to keep it under 750 but would go to 1000 if the stick calls my name.

Knowing that info what are the names of some custom cues that you think I should look at? I've searched a bunch on the web and the ones I like are over the 1k price range. Those that are under, don't really appeal to me.
Click to expand...


Let me know. i have a very nice BCM bryan Mordt that i could let go reasonable. Has 2 shafts with it. But no points......hits real good.....mike
 
Downey Custom Cues

Check out Troy Downey. His cues play great. He's a really nice guy and stands behind his work. Check out his current line at my homepage. He can also make anything you want. PM if you need more info.
 
We can point you in the right direction but I will give you a real good piece of advice. A cue is an investment. Make sure that you play with a cue by the maker before you paid good money to let him build you a cue. You wouldnt buy a car if you have never driven that model before. What makes a cue so different.

People make this mistake all the time.

Personally, I prefer Mike Capone over any cue maker in the world. He makes the best hitting cue that I have ever held...but thats just me. You may like something totally different.
 
If you can find a Jeff Olney from a dealer or idividual, you'll
be getting an excellent cue.
Also check out Shurtz or Keith Josey.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top