Need help from cue experts - About cue HIT !

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HelloBaby-

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
So here is my story.

I like trying out a new stuff, looking for " the best cue for me " but now I'm lost. Don't really know what to do. I think it's good to share my experience to all ,too . Here is my story.

My 1st cue : Buffalo, nothing to say...

2nd : Schuler - don't really like it, a little soft, maybe because of the shaft taper .

3rd : Bluegrass Richard Harris - I bought this PJ with a tapered to 12,5mm but it plays well, I order a new shaft but it turns out the shaft is too heavy and it kills the balance of the cue, btw it hits nicely stiff.

4th cue : Judd JT-6. Very nice cue with Ivory ferrule, nice balance and hit, regrets selling it .

5th cue : Predator P3, never seen a cue that helps that much, I can do unbelievable stuff with it , but just can't feel anything, and I can't get used to that feeling despite the fact that the playability is phenomenal.

6th cue : Mezz AP , Sneaky, EC-7 ,Axi . the hits feel too hard with the combination : United Joint +Wd700 ( EC-7 and AP ) . I prefer United Joint + Hybrid Alpha ( AP ) or Wawy Joint + Wd700 ( Axi - this one gives me a really nice feel ) . Hybrid pro 2 is just unplayable.

And now, I play with a Old Adam butt ( 3x8/10 SS ) and a McDermott G-core. But it's not bad but it's doesn't feel "right" .

Someone helps me out with a idea what I should get ? I'm thinking about ordering anothter Judd. But want to hear your opinions , too .

I feel like my dream cue is one with a stiff, solid ( but not overly stiff ) with a lot of feedback. I prefer forward balance,too.

Have a nice day !
 
HelloBaby- said:
So here is my story.

I like trying out a new stuff, looking for " the best cue for me " but now I'm lost. Don't really know what to do. I think it's good to share my experience to all ,too . Here is my story.

My 1st cue : Buffalo, nothing to say...

2nd : Schuler - don't really like it, a little soft, maybe because of the shaft taper .

3rd : Bluegrass Richard Harris - I bought this PJ with a tapered to 12,5mm but it plays well, I order a new shaft but it turns out the shaft is too heavy and it kills the balance of the cue, btw it hits nicely stiff.

4th cue : Judd JT-6. Very nice cue with Ivory ferrule, nice balance and hit, regrets selling it .

5th cue : Predator P3, never seen a cue that helps that much, I can do unbelievable stuff with it , but just can't feel anything, and I can't get used to that feeling despite the fact that the playability is phenomenal.

6th cue : Mezz AP , Sneaky, EC-7 ,Axi . the hits feel too hard with the combination : United Joint +Wd700 ( EC-7 and AP ) . I prefer United Joint + Hybrid Alpha ( AP ) or Wawy Joint + Wd700 ( Axi - this one gives me a really nice feel ) . Hybrid pro 2 is just unplayable.

And now, I play with a Old Adam butt ( 3x8/10 SS ) and a McDermott G-core. But it's not bad but it's doesn't feel "right" .

Someone helps me out with a idea what I should get ? I'm thinking about ordering anothter Judd. But want to hear your opinions , too .

I feel like my dream cue is one with a stiff, solid ( but not overly stiff ) with a lot of feedback. I prefer forward balance,too.

Have a nice day !
Click to expand...

Thanks for that. I spent a long time looking for the mythical cue, too, but have concluded it doesn't exist. I've decided to stick with what I have, a warped Chinese made McDermott that's great fun to bash about with.

Out of idle curiosity, have you got rid of all of those cues, or do you have an embryonic collection starting?
 
Sincerely, what you should do in lieu of asking for many subjective opinions is to go to a big event such as DCC, SBE, etc., where many cues can be test hit allowing you to make your decision objectively.

Certainly I can steer you toward what I think you should consider but who's to say you would grade certain characteristics of a cue the same as me. I don't think there is anything that can replace you hitting with a cue in order to make a proper evaluation.

Good luck with your search.

Best,
Brian kc
 
IF you are looking for balance and feel... you really cannot get much better than Jeff Olney.

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=136716

Thread is 152 pages and counting. I have shot with 20+ of his cues and owned several.

Not saying any cue is the mythical perfect cue, but from the cues I have shot with, owned, etc..... Jeff's about as close as you can get. In my very humble opinion Jeff and Cory Barnhart are 2 of the best cue-makers currently making cues.
 
Kickin' Chicken said:
Sincerely, what you should do in lieu of asking for many subjective opinions is to go to a big event such as DCC, SBE, etc., where many cues can be test hit allowing you to make your decision objectively.

Certainly I can steer you toward what I think you should consider but who's to say you would grade certain characteristics of a cue the same as me. I don't think there is anything that can replace you hitting with a cue in order to make a proper evaluation.

Good luck with your search.

Best,
Brian kc
Click to expand...


I think the OP is French. It is really very hard for us europeans to play with enough cues to form an opinion on what we like or what we're after. Buying blind is risky and enormously expensive, but usually our only option. Here in the UK, I'd say there are only a few hundred serious players, with around 80% playing with Predator cues and virtually all playing with LD shafts.

The custom market is alien to almost all of us.
 
Stop the madness

Stick with one for a while and you may find out you like one of the ones you have tried. Ask one guy and he will tell you Predator, ask me and I will tell you a 30 year old Schon, ask someone else and they will tell you a Gus Szamboti is the only way to go.

Hit is subjective and you are the only one to decide, but I agree that going to a major cue show or tournament with cash in hand is probably the best way to go. Have an idea what you want because you will only get a few minutes to hit with it. Good luck.
 
So I guess people have the same thinking as me :).

Judd, Josey and Olney are exactly the three I want to get.

There is another is Lambros but the price is a little too high for me at this moment.

And yes I'm from France and I can't go to DDC now.

And yes I've bought and sold many cue, now my "collection" down to one :(.

Thanks for all the input, keep it coming pls :thumbup:
 
HelloBaby- said:
So here is my story.

I like trying out a new stuff, looking for " the best cue for me " but now I'm lost. Don't really know what to do. I think it's good to share my experience to all ,too . Here is my story.

My 1st cue : Buffalo, nothing to say...

2nd : Schuler - don't really like it, a little soft, maybe because of the shaft taper .

3rd : Bluegrass Richard Harris - I bought this PJ with a tapered to 12,5mm but it plays well, I order a new shaft but it turns out the shaft is too heavy and it kills the balance of the cue, btw it hits nicely stiff.

4th cue : Judd JT-6. Very nice cue with Ivory ferrule, nice balance and hit, regrets selling it .

5th cue : Predator P3, never seen a cue that helps that much, I can do unbelievable stuff with it , but just can't feel anything, and I can't get used to that feeling despite the fact that the playability is phenomenal.

6th cue : Mezz AP , Sneaky, EC-7 ,Axi . the hits feel too hard with the combination : United Joint +Wd700 ( EC-7 and AP ) . I prefer United Joint + Hybrid Alpha ( AP ) or Wawy Joint + Wd700 ( Axi - this one gives me a really nice feel ) . Hybrid pro 2 is just unplayable.

And now, I play with a Old Adam butt ( 3x8/10 SS ) and a McDermott G-core. But it's not bad but it's doesn't feel "right" .

Someone helps me out with a idea what I should get ? I'm thinking about ordering anothter Judd. But want to hear your opinions , too .

I feel like my dream cue is one with a stiff, solid ( but not overly stiff ) with a lot of feedback. I prefer forward balance,too.

Have a nice day !
Click to expand...

jerry olivier sneaky pete
 
HelloBaby- said:
So I guess people have the same thinking as me :).

Judd, Josey and Olney are exactly the three I want to get.

There is another is Lambros but the price is a little too high for me at this moment.

And yes I'm from France and I can't go to DDC now.

And yes I've bought and sold many cue, now my "collection" down to one :(.

Thanks for all the input, keep it coming pls :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Good morning;

I didn't realize you were in France, so, yes, my suggestion to go to DCC or SBE would be a bit more difficult. ;)

Something else to consider that makes it even trickier when you are unable to personally hit balls with a cue before buying is this:

There can definitely be some variability in how cues play from the same cuemaker. Judd 1, 2, and 3 may not feel the same as Judd #4. And it's the same with any brand of cue.

Some typical characteristics can be determined of how cues from a certain cuemaker will play but it's not universal. A good example is for instance, I love TS cues. Many TS cues have a characteristic <<<ping>>> noise when striking the cue ball. This sharp note indicates that the cue has the kind of hit and feedback I really like. But here's the tricky part; not all TS cues do this.

Then there are other considerations over how the wood combination will affect play, ebony vs maple, for instance. Steel joint vs phenolic vs micarta vs ivory. Pin size, steel, brass or glass... :confused:

So, as you can see, it becomes somewhat complex and other's opinions are, in large part, very subjective.

All of that said, and understanding that you are at a disadvantage being in France where large numbers of cues aren't available for you to test, I think you have 4 very good candidates on your list.

Judd: Excellent quality cue based on one I have, beautiful fit and finish, personally I don't like the feedback on this cue as much as some other cues I've played with. Efren played with a Judd for some time and, in fact, he may have just received another Judd. He seems to do okay with them. :wink:

Josey: I definitely like Josey cues and I have never heard anything bad about this cuemaker, people seem to love working with Mr. Josey.

Olney: Jeff Olney makes a cue that is not just reasonably priced but they play ABSOLUTELY lights out. I have purchased 4 directly from Jeff and 2 from the secondary market and they all play brilliant. As my main player I alternate between Olney and Scruggs (see my signature line below). Jeff's work is impeccable.

Lambros: I have not had the pleasure but people who I have much respect for say ML cues are up there with the best of the best as for their playability. They do seem to be a bit more expensive compared to the other 3 on your list.

After you make your final decision on which cuemaker you will go with, if it were me, I would then concentrate on which wood, joint material and pin would have the best chance of providing the kind of feel you want.

There you have it, my subjective guide to success. :thumbup:

Good luck to you, Sir.

Best,
Brian kc
 
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HelloBaby- said:
I feel like my dream cue is one with a stiff, solid ( but not overly stiff ) with a lot of feedback. I prefer forward balance,too.
Click to expand...
I have no idea what any of this means.

But, this is what I see...

You don't like Schuler. You love Judds. The play of a Predator for you was phenomenal, but you didn't like the feel.

I suggest a Judd. Ask Judd if he does a low deflection shaft. If not, I would suggest an OB Classic or Mezz WD700 (or whatever the numbers are) screwed onto the Judd.

Freddie <~~~ likes Judd and Schuler
 
trip to DCC cost effective

Unless you have broken even or even made money on your cue sales, it might be cost effective to make the trip to the Derby City Classic or a similar venue.

I am fortunate enough to live only 60 miles from the site of the DCC & spent days trying various cues before making a purchase. Newly covered tables are readily available for your trials & the cue makers & dealers are happy to let you try their products or consult with you on the production of a custom cue.

If you don't find your "dream cue" already made, you could have a custom cue made to your specifications.

The DCC is separated from the state of Kentucky by a bridge so you could tour one of the most beautiful states in the U.S. & have an extraordinary cultural experience.

You might also consider the fact that lessons are usually more cost effective than the search for the elusive perfect cue.

While in Kentucky, you could drive down & study with Stan Shuffett, who is one of the top instructors in the U.S. He provides instruction for everyone from Pros to beginners & treats everyone with equal dedication. He has the humility of a true master.

Once you have studied with him, he is very gracious about email correspondence as questions arise. He also provides you with a copy of his textbook.
 
All that experience with all those cues and you think someone else is going to tell you what you should use?

Just pick one you already kinda like and stick to it for a year but really i dont think you will ever be happy. After a year MOST people wouldnt want to shoot with anything else but their current cue imho.
 
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First I want to say thanks to Kickin'Chicken for your input.

Would you mind tell me the difference "in your opinion" between Josey and Olney ?

Hit are subjective but I seems believe in your subjective. :thumbup:

Thanks again.
 
HelloBaby- said:
First I want to say thanks to Kickin'Chicken for your input.

Would you mind tell me the difference "in your opinion" between Josey and Olney ?

Hit are subjective but I seems believe in your subjective. :thumbup:

Thanks again.
Click to expand...

I bought an Olney and and did not care for the "hit" at all. His workmanship is top notch, but to each his own. You really need to play with a cue first before you purchase....
 
I have to put in a vote for Josey too. Mine is a real solid cue in the upper range of stiffness, but not too stiff. I have fancier and more expensive cues, but I almost never use them because of my Josey.

I also recommend getting his timeless timber shafts, truly outstanding.
 
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