MONSTER cues

[$TAKE HOR$E]

Someone posted a thread in the main forum about cues hitting a ton and someone brought up the MONSTER aspect. I looked briefly through all the threads with MONSTER in their title from now until the beginning of 2012. I didnt see anything as to the definition but I could have overlooked it. What I have always wondered is what makes a cue a MONSTER, is it the value, the design, the rarity or possibly just the cuemaker... I can honestly say I dont think I have ever used this term when describing a cue I have had but I have never had any in excess of about $7K. Obviously from a sellers standpoint it is definitely a way to attract attention (same as advertising a truck, bike, car...etc) but im sure a lot of people have noticed over the years that sometimes its thrown around a little to loosely.

The answer could be a combination of most of a few aspects but when you think about it, there is almost a specific criteria. Imo, design would be really close to the top for obvious reasons. For example, a for point Szamboti, Searing or Tasc with an ivory joint a maybe a few inlays will carry a hefty pricetag but does that make it a MONSTER because of the name? There are a lot of cue makers out there that can build a much more extravagant cue for the same price so...??? This may be answered better from a cuemakers point of view.

 

[gunzby]

I've gotta go with design, but also execution of that design. A perfect example would be the Silver Gina. The cue is obviously a monster, but considering the tools of the day it makes it extraterrestrial.

 

[Chrippa]

I've gotta go with design, but also execution of that design. A perfect example would be the Silver Gina. The cue is obviously a monster, but considering the tools of the day it makes it extraterrestrial.

I agree, it has to been done very well.
I´m trying to get access to http://cuezilla.com/ don´t seem to work though. Anyway, I guess that many of you have seen this site and the talk and pics about Monster cues.

Chrippa

 

[scdiveteam]

I've gotta go with design, but also execution of that design. A perfect example would be the Silver Gina. The cue is obviously a monster, but considering the tools of the day it makes it extraterrestrial.

Hi,

I have heard so much about the silver cue Erine made when he was very young but have never seen it. Is this the cue you are talking about and do you know where one can see a pic of it.

Thanks,

Rick

 

[Cornerman]

My small thoughts - a monster status is completely a personal opinion.

I don't know if the Cuezilla forums are still active, but I think most of the panel gave reasons why monster vs not is chosen. And it's not just one thing but rather a combo of plenty of things. The panel all had different backgrounds (which i think was also bio'd on the site) so there wasn't a sweeping consensus on most cues.

I think the beauty of the site is reading the critiques. I hated and loved the fact that we were limited to how many words we could use. I guess that prevented endless gushing and perceived nut-hugging.

Freddie <~~~ there is no checklist

 

[Worminator]

I despise the use of the word when describing a cue. People use the term for a relatively simple cue in the WFS forum all the time. Anyone using the term to describe a cue should be banned. :thumbup:

 

[henchmen3]

The funniest thing I keep seeing is "this cue plays great, or it hits a ton" and the poster cant shoot a lick. The monster is just an opinion in my opinion.

 

[cueaddicts]

Impossible for me to answer this poll. I feel it's a combination of these factors and perhaps a few more such as materials & methods.

 

[9BallKing]

imo

imo,its only a descriptive jargin used to describe something nice in the pool world. To me when I see it ,it means a big cue such as fancy from a top cue maker.

For years people used terms such as, plays lights out/monster/plays great/hits em good/plays jam up etc etc in the pool hall life which is dying out atleast in maryland. Most people never even lived a true pool room life and cant play at all,there were so many terms,tricks,jokes and hustles out there,all I can say is it is what it is. From 7 to 16 i spent a minimum of 56 hours a week plus in a pool room, not braging cause its not a good life at all, but ive seen it all.I am glad I did it and had my time of fun

I agree with Jamie/Worm,,,a cue should be posted and the title speaks for its self, when you see the cue, youll know if its nice or not. Youll see if its a big name maker,then you decide. After all one mans treasure is another mans junk we all dont like the same styles or makers anyway. I think however people should be honest if their cue hits good or not without telling a lie,who wants to buy a beat cue,not me.

 

[Buster8001]

I despise the use of the word when describing a cue. People use the term for a relatively simple cue in the WFS forum all the time. Anyone using the term to describe a cue should be banned. :thumbup:

I completely agree. Monsters are for Halloween and movies.

On a side note; I, do, kind of understand the "hits a ton" notion. I had a Scott Sherbine cue once that, for some reason, no matter how soft or easy I stroked, the damn cue ball would just keep rolling and rolling. I always said the cue had a very "hard" hit. "Hitting a ton" is not a desirable trait for me.

Josh

 

[zeeder]

Anytime I read through the Wanted/For Sale section, or cue gallery for that matter, I always assume that most of what is said is hyperbole. Everyone has different aesthetic preferences and prefers different hit characteristics. That said, I agree that the "size" of the cue has a lot to do with all of the mentioned characteristics. For instance, Searing's Orange Crush may not be the most ornate cue but the design, execution, technique and cue maker makes it a huge cue in my book.

 

[$TAKE HOR$E]

Impossible for me to answer this poll. I feel it's a combination of these factors and perhaps a few more such as materials & methods.

I thought about that after I posted this. You're right, there are more variables that could come into play. Thats a good point and exactly why I started the thread, for other peoples opinions and input.

 

[Espartaco_7]

Playability!!!!

 

[Ken_4fun]

IMO

Production cues like Southwest cues, IMO cannot be considered monsters. The only exception would be a non-production model. There are exceptions to this but if the difference is how many rings it has or wood choice does not make it possible.

Production cues like the majority of Gina cues cannot be considered monsters. One of kind, like the Silver Gina IMO, is indeed a monster cue based on date made, quality, and desirablity.

As noted above, most cues are NOT monsters. Most cues ARE described as monsters.

Ken

 

[$TAKE HOR$E]

IMO Production cues like Southwest cues, IMO cannot be considered monsters. The only exception would be a non-production model. There are exceptions to this but if the difference is how many rings it has or wood choice does not make it possible.
Ken

Your statement is true and some will probably take issue with your 'production' usage but for lack of a better term you are right. The 6 point veneered stable of SW you are referring to could also be called their signature cue, thus making the much more elaborate inlaid cues which they have produced so few of over the years (compared to total volume) their version of a M-cue. Like you said about the Ginas, his numbered model cues such as the 17, 19...etc might not be in that category but his one of a kind loaded ivory and such cues would fit the bill.

 

[gunzby]

Hi,

I have heard so much about the silver cue Erine made when he was very young but have never seen it. Is this the cue you are talking about and do you know where one can see a pic of it.

Thanks,

Rick

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=192545

There's the Silver Gina. If you haven't seen it you will be impressed. On another note one cue maker I would say makes monsters through execution is Dennis Searing. His designs aren't just incredibly sharp, but also incredibly symmetrical. The size of his inlays match perfectly with the cue and this is something I don't see in anyone else.

 

[$TAKE HOR$E]

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=192545

There's the Silver Gina. If you haven't seen it you will be impressed. On another note one cue maker I would say makes monsters through execution is Dennis Searing. His designs aren't just incredibly sharp, but also incredibly symmetrical. The size of his inlays match perfectly with the cue and this is something I don't see in anyone else.

That is indeed a spectacular cue. I didnt read through all the posts but did it ever mention the specs on it? The precision that Dennis is doing is really something and his cues are definitely up there. I would have to say that in todays cue market it would be hard to beat the originality and quality of Bob Manzino, im sure Dennis might even agree. It seems as if every cue that comes out of his shop is different from the last. For those that like the monster cue term, he is probably turning out as many if not more than anyone today....imo that is.

 

[Ken_4fun]

Your statement is true and some will probably take issue with your 'production' usage but for lack of a better term you are right. The 6 point veneered stable of SW you are referring to could also be called their signature cue, thus making the much more elaborate inlaid cues which they have produced so few of over the years (compared to total volume) their version of a M-cue. Like you said about the Ginas, his numbered model cues such as the 17, 19...etc might not be in that category but his one of a kind loaded ivory and such cues would fit the bill.

My point exactly.

 

[gunzby]

That is indeed a spectacular cue. I didnt read through all the posts but did it ever mention the specs on it? The precision that Dennis is doing is really something and his cues are definitely up there. I would have to say that in todays cue market it would be hard to beat the originality and quality of Bob Manzino, im sure Dennis might even agree. It seems as if every cue that comes out of his shop is different from the last. For those that like the monster cue term, he is probably turning out as many if not more than anyone today....imo that is.

Totally agree.
The Manzino, Black Boar and Hercek trio of Tikkler is unreal. The design aspect, execution and color palette chosen is awesome.

 

[TomHay]

Someone posted a thread in the main forum about cues hitting a ton and someone brought up the MONSTER aspect. I looked briefly through all the threads with MONSTER in their title from now until the beginning of 2012. I didnt see anything as to the definition but I could have overlooked it. What I have always wondered is what makes a cue a MONSTER, is it the value, the design, the rarity or possibly just the cuemaker... I can honestly say I dont think I have ever used this term when describing a cue I have had but I have never had any in excess of about $7K. Obviously from a sellers standpoint it is definitely a way to attract attention (same as advertising a truck, bike, car...etc) but im sure a lot of people have noticed over the years that sometimes its thrown around a little to loosely.

The answer could be a combination of most of a few aspects but when you think about it, there is almost a specific criteria. Imo, design would be really close to the top for obvious reasons. For example, a for point Szamboti, Searing or Tasc with an ivory joint a maybe a few inlays will carry a hefty pricetag but does that make it a MONSTER because of the name? There are a lot of cue makers out there that can build a much more extravagant cue for the same price so...??? This may be answered better from a cuemakers point of view.

I think it will have different meanings to different people. In an effort not to up anyone or down anyone the original 2 piece Hoppe was a MONSTER and wholesale on it was $19.95.

The time I write of for me was in the 1960's. You opened the Tube and formaldahyde filled the air and everyone in the room knew someone got a new Hoppe. On that day no one could beat you. The cue itself turned you into Superman. You could feel things on the table you never felt before, you became the MONSTER.

Today it is still one of the most sought after and copied cues.

Yeah, I believe in Monsters and the term has more meaning to me than BFF and things like that.

Solid from the bumper to the tip. It aint about money, its about heart and strength.