Mezz or McDermott? (or Viking or Joss?)

midnightpulp

midnightpulp

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Hi Guys,

Thanks for all your help in my past "recommend a cue" threads, but after some thought and a little bit of PokerStars fortune, I've decided to bump up my budget to around 350-450. Doing some searches, I've seen many recommendations for Mezz and their standard low-deflection shafts.

I'm checking out this Mezz series: http://www.billiardwarehouse.com/cues/mezz/mezz_z4_series_cues.htm

And this particular McD: http://www.billiardwarehouse.com/cues/mcdermott/mcderm_m2-03.htm

I've been skimming over the Vikes and Josses, but none have really caught my eye. Plus, I don't like the standard 13.25 shaft on the Joss.

Or how about a Josey or Frey sneaky?

I've never been too picky with regards to "hit." I usually don't like at it first, get used to it, then it becomes a non-issue.

Any recommendations?
 
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If you want to give a McDermott a try on the cheap (it's a heckuva price!!!) ... maybe take this into consideration. Lotta cue there for that price.

http://cgi.ebay.com/McDermott-P7-01...eZWD1VQQtrksidZp1638.m118.l1247QQcmdZViewItem


Oh, and BTW, Joe is a GREAT guy to deal with (he may be able to do better if you call him directly for one, and mention you are on AZB). I sure others here can tell you that his service is 2nd to NONE.
 
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I play with a Mezz Z602 (also found on the link you provided).

If you are considering a Mezz, I strongly suggest any of their cues with a stainless steel joint. The shaft screws on tight and solid every time. The cue is just NUTS solid.

The feedback and resonance you get from the stainless joint is great.

I love my cue.

EDIT: I noticed that you were in interested in the their low deflection shaft. They call it the WD700 shaft, it is comparable to the Predator 314/2.

I don't use the WD shaft, I stick with their standard maple tight grained shafts. Both are great in their own respects.
 
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trustyrusty said:
If you want to give a McDermott a try on the cheap (it's a heckuva price!!!) ... maybe take this into consideration. Lotta cue there for that price.

http://cgi.ebay.com/McDermott-P7-01...eZWD1VQQtrksidZp1638.m118.l1247QQcmdZViewItem


Oh, and BTW, Joe is a GREAT guy to deal with (he may be able to do better if you call him directly for one, and mention you are on AZB). I sure others here can tell you that his service is 2nd to NONE.
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Thanks a mil. Beautiful cue. Just the style I like. Veneered points, classic design, and can't beat the price.
 
Pool Loft Dave said:
I play with a Mezz Z602 (also found on the link you provided).

If you are considering a Mezz, I strongly suggest any of their cues with a stainless steel joint. The shaft screws on tight and solid every time. The cue is just NUTS solid.

The feedback and resonance you get from the stainless joint is great.

I love my cue.

EDIT: I noticed that you were in interested in the their low deflection shaft. They call it the WD700 shaft, it is comparable to the Predator 314/2.

I don't use the WD shaft, I stick with their standard maple tight grained shafts. Both are great in their own respects.
Click to expand...

Lol, that was exactly the cue I was looking at. Awesome look. Thanks for the feedback. BTW, what kind of tip are you using?
 
midnightpulp said:
Thanks a mil. Beautiful cue. Just the style I like. Veneered points, classic design, and can't beat the price.
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You're welcome. The way I see it is if you are going to get a McDermott, it might as well be this one. I mean, you could spend 2 or 3 times as much for a different McDermott, but will it play any better than this one??? NOPE. You'll only be paying for more inlays, fancier rings, or something else cosmetic. If you need that though, check out his store, and he has much more expensive ones marked way down too. I figure if you pick this up for 200 bones, you can get a 2nd shaft (like a Predator, OB1, etc.) and still be way under what you are willing to spend. More money for a jump/break, and/or a nice 2x4 case.
 
midnightpulp said:
Hi Guys,

Thanks for all your help in my past "recommend a cue" threads, but after some thought and a little bit of PokerStars fortune, I've decided to bump up my budget to around 350-450. Doing some searches, I've seen many recommendations for Mezz and their standard low-deflection shafts.

I'm checking out this Mezz series: http://www.billiardwarehouse.com/cues/mezz/mezz_z4_series_cues.htm

And this particular McD: http://www.billiardwarehouse.com/cues/mcdermott/mcderm_m2-03.htm

I've been skimming over the Vikes and Josses, but none have really caught my eye. Plus, I don't like the standard 13.25 shaft on the Joss.

I've never been too picky with regards to "hit." I usually don't like at it first, get used to it, then it becomes a non-issue.

Any recommendations?
Click to expand...

Some online stores have the option to turn down the shaft and hence a smaller tip size. I bought a Joss before, which said to have a 13.25mm tip, but was actually 13.03mm the way I measured it.

With your budget, I would pay $20 more and go for the cheapest Schon STL1 since I value quality and playability more.
 
NervousNovice said:
Some online stores have the option to turn down the shaft and hence a smaller tip size. I bought a Joss before, which said to have a 13.25mm tip, but was actually 13.03mm the way I measured it.

With your budget, I would pay $20 more and go for the cheapest Schon STL1 since I value quality and playability more.
Click to expand...

A Schon is always a consideration.

Does it really play that much better than the McD's, Mezz's, Vike's, etc? What would you say the differences are?

I've never hit with one and haven't encountered any one who owns one.
 
dont spend that much on a production cue. You can get a custom cue from William Dominiak starting at $120. Of Course you can also get much nicer ones for a little bit more. I love the hit of his cues; either his 3/8X10 or his radial pin. http://www.dominiakcues.com/ Get yourself a custom cue!

Ben

BTW I also have a schon stl-2 and love it, just not quite as much as the dominaik 1010 with D2 shaft.
 
midnightpulp said:
A Schon is always a consideration.

Does it really play that much better than the McD's, Mezz's, Vike's, etc? What would you say the differences are?

I've never hit with one and haven't encountered any one who owns one.
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no way man it's mezz hands down!!
 
In this day and age of insufficient wood supplies, I wonder why you wouldn't pick up an older Meucci or McDermott from the 80's. Not only would the shaft wood be better than anything available today, but the butt wood would be much better, also. If you want to go crazy, throw one of today's supershafts on it. Ebay normally has a plethera of these cues. You just have to find someone trustworthy.

tim
 
stikapos said:
In this day and age of insufficient wood supplies, I wonder why you wouldn't pick up an older Meucci or McDermott from the 80's. Not only would the shaft wood be better than anything available today, but the butt wood would be much better, also. If you want to go crazy, throw one of today's supershafts on it. Ebay normally has a plethera of these cues. You just have to find someone trustworthy.

tim
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check out what the butt of the McDermott I linked to is made out of....and he'll have lotsa extra cash to buy one of them so called supershafts. :p
 
Some folks just don't get it. The D series is legendary, especially when compared to the stuff coming out of McD today. $200 for a used one on ebay, adding supershaft is still about $400. Much better wood than that available today. BTW, if this guy wants an older Frey sp with a hoppe ring, cocobolo joint and wrap, you can have mine for $200. Two shafts. Simple holly rings. Bought it in the early 90's when Bob was just getting started. Right of return. Just ship it back without significant damage.
trustyrusty said:
check out what the butt of the McDermott I linked to is made out of....and he'll have lotsa extra cash to buy one of them so called supershafts. :p
Click to expand...
 
trustyrusty said:
If you want to give a McDermott a try on the cheap (it's a heckuva price!!!) ... maybe take this into consideration. Lotta cue there for that price.

http://cgi.ebay.com/McDermott-P7-01...eZWD1VQQtrksidZp1638.m118.l1247QQcmdZViewItem


Oh, and BTW, Joe is a GREAT guy to deal with (he may be able to do better if you call him directly for one, and mention you are on AZB). I sure others here can tell you that his service is 2nd to NONE.
Click to expand...

I didn't click the link, but I assume you're talking about Nielsen's billiards since you said Joe... and I just want to weigh in with complete agreement. That guy knows how to run a business that keeps the customers happy. And that starts with dealing quality products and ends with great customer service.
 
midnightpulp said:
Or how about a custom Frey or Josey Sneaky? Forgot about that option.
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I absolutely love my Josey. He builds very solid cues.

BVal
 
midnightpulp,

This cue selection thing, not so easy, eh??? Hell, I ain't even in the market for a cue and I'm totally confused :confused: :D !!!

Personally, I'd just go with your own hearts decision. It's gonna be tough to choose one from all the good cues mentioned on this thread.

I can almost guarantee, it ain't gonna be the last cue you ever buy ;) !!!

I bought my last cue about four cues ago :eek: . Same can almost be said for my cue cases :rolleyes: !!!

Maniac
 
midnightpulp said:
I'm checking out this Mezz series: http://www.billiardwarehouse.com/cues/mezz/mezz_z4_series_cues.htm

And this particular McD: http://www.billiardwarehouse.com/cues/mcdermott/mcderm_m2-03.htm


Or how about a Josey or Frey sneaky?

I've never been too picky with regards to "hit." I usually don't like at it first, get used to it, then it becomes a non-issue.

Any recommendations?
Click to expand...

For production cue, I would definitely go with Mezz. You can go wrong with em. Well built, high quality product in the market. Predator, falcon and Joss shaft can fit perfectly in a Mezz butt.

But the Mezz shaft has super tight joint even the 5/16-14 piloted are super tight. The sneaky pete are also a very solid hitting cue. Some model are super stiff, so I think you need to try out before purchasing one.

The Axi has wavy joint, meaning it is a wood to wood joint. I have two cue with wavy joint, but I recommend you to go with a 5/16-14, as you can get after market shaft (and any other brand shaft) easily fitted to your mezz butt.

As for Custom cue, Josey and Frey are also highly recommended by most AZ member here.
 
Mezz modified 5/16-14 joint has an amazingly snug fit, compared to the standard 5/16-14 i've tried (Joss, Schon and Mottey), even before it's tightened up all the way. The Mezz model I own with the standard maple shaft hits very stiff, despite the much longer shaft taper and thinner tip than that on Joss or Schon cues i've tried. Lots of people find it too stiff, so I advise you to give it a try before you buy it, if you can. Otherwise you can't go wrong with it, the quality of production is very high. Not sure about the WD700 though, I might not like the hit of Mezz cues if the first one I tried had a WD700 on it. Fortunately it didn't. :)
 
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