lower end or higher end cues?

W

wizardnblue

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Is it better to buy a high priced cue from a cuemaker who charges less for a cue, or to buy a low priced cue from a high priced cuemaker? There are two cuemakers I like. One makes a fine hitting cue ranging from 300 to 800 dollars,
the other makes cues ranging from 1000 to 3500 dollars. I'd like a 1000 dollar cue. I can get a lot of work from one without a huge name, or get a basic cue from a big name. I have watched the cue making process from both cuemakers and they are very similar and high quality in my opinion. Just looking for opinions, Thanks
 
It sounds like you have formed your own educated opinions for yourself. That's a lot better than what anyone can tell you here.
 
Consideration ....

To me, it comes down to:

1) Balance and feel of the cue.
2) Hit of the cue.
3) Looks of the cue.

I would evaluate the first 2, asigning a rating to them,
like 8.5 or 9.1.

If the first two ratings for each cuemaker were real close,
then I would go with the cue that I like the design and looks of.

I might add that, in my opinion, doing good veneers for points
of a cue like standard 4 pointers should be a standard thing
for a cuemaker, and that the cuemakers that get $1500 for a
standard 4 pointer are indeed, very lucky to be doing so. If
I spend that kind of money or more, I want more in the way of
inlays and looks.
 
if we arent talking about actual hit, and it doesnt sound like we are, then I think I would go with a superfancy cue from the lesser named maker. My reasoning is this, a plain cue from a well known builder is still a plain cue. Its never gonna be worth that much on the secondary market unless he turns into a balabushka or a franklin or something down the road. And nobody is going to pay 1500 or 2k for a plain used cue, i mean if you are going to spend that kind of money on a used cue youd go ahead and order one like you wanted built.
On the other hand if you get alot more cue for the same amount of money from the lesser known builder, then you have a great cue, built like you like it, and down the road if that builder was to become really popular then your cue might jump up in value.
Thats just from the economic standpoint of course, if you have your heart set on owning a cue from a certain builder and you love the hit and you dont care about value down the road, then go with that one.
 
wizardnblue said:
Is it better to buy a high priced cue from a cuemaker who charges less for a cue, or to buy a low priced cue from a high priced cuemaker? There are two cuemakers I like. One makes a fine hitting cue ranging from 300 to 800 dollars,
the other makes cues ranging from 1000 to 3500 dollars. I'd like a 1000 dollar cue. I can get a lot of work from one without a huge name, or get a basic cue from a big name. I have watched the cue making process from both cuemakers and they are very similar and high quality in my opinion. Just looking for opinions, Thanks
Click to expand...

Any chance you can test hit both Cuemakers work? If you can than the choice shall be easier.

Price is an interesting subject, but if a bottle of wine cost 100 bucks and it taste like CRAP to you. But you like the taste of a 7 dollar bottle of wine. The 7 dollar bottle is all you need to be happy.;)
 
scottycoyote said:
if we arent talking about actual hit, and it doesnt sound like we are, then I think I would go with a superfancy cue from the lesser named maker. My reasoning is this, a plain cue from a well known builder is still a plain cue. Its never gonna be worth that much on the secondary market unless he turns into a balabushka or a franklin or something down the road. And nobody is going to pay 1500 or 2k for a plain used cue, i mean if you are going to spend that kind of money on a used cue youd go ahead and order one like you wanted built.
On the other hand if you get alot more cue for the same amount of money from the lesser known builder, then you have a great cue, built like you like it, and down the road if that builder was to become really popular then your cue might jump up in value.
Thats just from the economic standpoint of course, if you have your heart set on owning a cue from a certain builder and you love the hit and you dont care about value down the road, then go with that one.
Click to expand...

I agree.
Kelly
 
wizardnblue said:
Is it better to buy a high priced cue from a cuemaker who charges less for a cue, or to buy a low priced cue from a high priced cuemaker? There are two cuemakers I like. One makes a fine hitting cue ranging from 300 to 800 dollars,
the other makes cues ranging from 1000 to 3500 dollars. I'd like a 1000 dollar cue. I can get a lot of work from one without a huge name, or get a basic cue from a big name. I have watched the cue making process from both cuemakers and they are very similar and high quality in my opinion. Just looking for opinions, Thanks
Click to expand...


Very interesting question. Just from your statement and question, it seems that a primary concern of yours is 'investment value' or 'future resale'. If you are in the financial position to afford anything up to say, $2500, then I would concern myself more with who the cuemaker is vs. whether it's a higher end or lower end cue.

The hotter cuemakers are the ones that either A) have very low production with high demand or long waits (Searing, South West, etc.) or B) have high demand due to their work being superb quality and their price sufficiently less than that of their peers (Gilbert, Judd, etc.).

Don't know if this answers your question, but hopefully it will provide a little food for thought.....

Sean
 
Thanks to all

Thank you all for your input. I have hit them both and I like the solid feel of both of them. As far as resale, I've been playing with the same old cue for about 17 years and I'm hoping to keep a new one just as long. I'm going with the lesser known cuemaker and when it's done I'm hoping to post a few pics to show it off. Happy New Year to all and may all your breaks go your way.
 
wizardnblue said:
Is it better to buy a high priced cue from a cuemaker who charges less for a cue, or to buy a low priced cue from a high priced cuemaker? There are two cuemakers I like. One makes a fine hitting cue ranging from 300 to 800 dollars,
the other makes cues ranging from 1000 to 3500 dollars. I'd like a 1000 dollar cue. I can get a lot of work from one without a huge name, or get a basic cue from a big name. I have watched the cue making process from both cuemakers and they are very similar and high quality in my opinion. Just looking for opinions, Thanks
Click to expand...

The question is what plays better .
And do u have the money to go hi ..If not go low .. and get what plays better good luck ///,---.>>
 
lower end or higher end cues

Buying a cue can be a roller coaster ride. Kind of like buying a new car. The bottom line is playability. If the cue looks great but hits like a mushball, then the looks don't do you any good. If the cue plays and hits as good or better than it looks, you made a good choice. Just remember, "chrome don't get you home". I think cues are like parachutes. You can buy good, or you can buy cheap. I think good is better. If a cuemakers high end cue is less than another's low end cue, there is a reason. Check the balance. Is it right for you. Check the construction quality. Do you see glue lines?? Are the inlays "perfect"?? What about the finish? Is it clean, clear, smooth and glossy? Most low end cues and cheap cues are just that. Buyer beware.
Construction and playability first. Eye candy last.

Dave
 
PoolSleuth said:
Any chance you can test hit both Cuemakers work? If you can than the choice shall be easier.

Price is an interesting subject, but if a bottle of wine cost 100 bucks and it taste like CRAP to you. But you like the taste of a 7 dollar bottle of wine. The 7 dollar bottle is all you need to be happy.;)
Click to expand...
Listen to the Sleuth again great advice......
 
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