New cue or new shaft?

M

msh1283

Registered
I've been playing seriously for about 5 months now and I've been told I'm playing somewhere between a 5-6 speed. I'm currently using a McDermott C-110. (http://mcdermottcue.com/C110_a.asp) I'd really like to start looking into a better cue that will last me a really long time. I like the overall weight and sturdiness of the McDermott, and I also like how tight the joint is. When I first got the cue, I was worried that I was cross-threading it because of how tight it is. I think that the tightness of the joint may be one of the factors of how much feedback I get from a hit (correct me if I'm wrong), and I do enjoy the high level of feedback that I get from this cue.

It's 21 oz., but it's very back heavy. I played with a house cue the other day which was much more balanced over the length of the cue and I think I liked that a lot better. I'd like a smoother shaft, and I'm not crazy about the taper. The amount of deflection from this thing obnoxious as well, so I've been considering just getting a predator 314-2 shaft to put on the butt, so that I can hopefully keep the things I like about the cue and change the things that I don't. I kind of feel like it might just be a better idea to get a whole new cue instead though.

Any ideas/thoughts/comments? My budget is $400-500.

Thanks,
Matt
 
msh1283 said:
I've been playing seriously for about 5 months now and I've been told I'm playing somewhere between a 5-6 speed. I'm currently using a McDermott C-110. (http://mcdermottcue.com/C110_a.asp) I'd really like to start looking into a better cue that will last me a really long time. I like the overall weight and sturdiness of the McDermott, and I also like how tight the joint is. When I first got the cue, I was worried that I was cross-threading it because of how tight it is. I think that the tightness of the joint may be one of the factors of how much feedback I get from a hit (correct me if I'm wrong), and I do enjoy the high level of feedback that I get from this cue.

It's 21 oz., but it's very back heavy. I played with a house cue the other day which was much more balanced over the length of the cue and I think I liked that a lot better. I'd like a smoother shaft, and I'm not crazy about the taper. The amount of deflection from this thing obnoxious as well, so I've been considering just getting a predator 314-2 shaft to put on the butt, so that I can hopefully keep the things I like about the cue and change the things that I don't. I kind of feel like it might just be a better idea to get a whole new cue instead though.

Any ideas/thoughts/comments? My budget is $400-500.

Thanks,
Matt
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I vote New cue. For now though you might want to reduce the weight bolt in your Mcdermott to make it less butt heavy.:) Than have the shaft sanded, cleaned and resealed. You might like it better than.
 
rackem said:
I vote New cue. For now though you might want to reduce the weight bolt in your Mcdermott to make it less butt heavy.:) Than have the shaft sanded, cleaned and resealed. You might like it better than.
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Hrm, I might try that. I don't want to reduce the overall weight though. I just want it more evenly distributed. Thanks for the quick reply.
 
msh1283 said:
I played with a house cue the other day which was much more balanced over the length of the cue and I think I liked that a lot better.
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That's understandable. Get a new cue!

If you ever get a chance to go to Valley Forge, it's a great place to find a cue. There are hundreds of vendors and a few practice tables where you can test hit the cues. I've just ordered a Scott Shrebine cue. I currently own a Spitz, and an Andy Gilbert. Regardless of which cue you decide on, it will be a step up from the McDermott.
 
msh1283 said:
Hrm, I might try that. I don't want to reduce the overall weight though. I just want it more evenly distributed. Thanks for the quick reply.
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I think McDermott makes great production cues. When I first started playing about a year and a half ago, that's what I started with (see signature for model and nickname lol ;)).

As I later started experimenting with other production cues (Joss, Predator, 5280, Lucasi, Viking, etc.), I always ran into the same problem: The cues were either too light or too back heavy (I learned this only after I played with my friend's custom Ned Morris for a few hours).

SO...I quickly made the switch to custom and never looked back! It's sort of odd, though...for instance, I have a Chris Nitti that weighs 19.2oz and feels almost exactly the same (in terms of weight) as my 19.8oz South West! It's because they have different butt/shaft dimensions and a different balance point...so to me, it has not necessarily remained weight that I am most discriminant of, but balance! I like the balance point to be somewhere around 19-19.5" from the butt (fairly forwared-balanced), with dense 4oz+ shafts...

However, coming from a 21oz McDermott, it sounds like you may not want a cue to be THAT forward-balanced...more evenly balanced, I think...

When it comes to buying a cue in the $500 range, good thing is I think you've got a lot of options...

Here are a few cues I would recommend at least taking a look at (coming from someone who played with a McDermott for around the same amount of time, and liked it's feedback and other qualities very much):


Bryan Mordt Sneaky Pete or Ebony Plain Jane
(although the sneaky is probably closer to your weight preference -- and you'd have to ask Erik if a weight bolt could be added or not)

Keith Josey Sneaky Petes

Steve Klein Ebony or Cocobolo Plain Janes

Pat Diveney Sneaky Petes
(quick turnaround time and full customization)

Ariel Carmeli Cocobolo, Tulipwood, or Kingwood Plain Janes
(And they're closer to your weight preference @ 19.6 - 19.8oz)


And again, you could just look at these and ask around about them and other cues...these are just a few that I know of and would recommend. :)
 
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One thing to keep in mind if you're getting a new cue. Since you say you like the 21 oz weight of your current cue, you may want to work with a cue maker to carefully choose woods for a butt that won't require use of a big weight bolt. 21 will be somewhat difficult to achieve without adding a lot of weight, which will tend to keep the butt-heavy characteristic that you don't like. Chuck Starkey doesn't seem to like weight bolts, and would probably make you a nice player in your price range.
 
Alright, after looking around a bit and talking to some people in town, and hitting with a few brands, I've narrowed down my search quite a bit. These were the 3 brands I hit with that I liked and these are the specific cues I found online that looked intriguing to me.

Schon STL-2 (Choice of standard shaft or 314-2)
http://www.schoncues.com/html/stl2.html

Pechauer J13 (Standard shaft)
http://www.billiardwarehouse.com/cues/pechauer/pechauer_pool_cue_j13.htm

Predator 5K2
http://predatorcues.com/predator_cues_5k.html (314-2)

I'm leaning towards the Schon or the Pechauer, but I wanted to see if anyone had experience with these brands or, even better, these models in particular.

Thanks
 
offer

I have a real nice black creek with 2 full shafts for $550.00

Let me know if you'll be interested, its in its prestine condition and worth twice as much in value.

Email me with your email address for pictures.

Thanks
 
msh1283 said:
Alright, after looking around a bit and talking to some people in town, and hitting with a few brands, I've narrowed down my search quite a bit. These were the 3 brands I hit with that I liked and these are the specific cues I found online that looked intriguing to me.

Schon STL-2 (Choice of standard shaft or 314-2)
http://www.schoncues.com/html/stl2.html

Pechauer J13 (Standard shaft)
http://www.billiardwarehouse.com/cues/pechauer/pechauer_pool_cue_j13.htm

Predator 5K2
http://predatorcues.com/predator_cues_5k.html (314-2)

I'm leaning towards the Schon or the Pechauer, but I wanted to see if anyone had experience with these brands or, even better, these models in particular.

Thanks
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If you must go with one of these, I'd say either Schon or Predator...
And if you go with either of those, the STL2 is fine, but I'd just go with a wrapped Predator sneaky instead of the 5k2 (for the money)...unless you really like the butt design.

But again, I'd urge that you at least consider looking at some custom solutions (especially with your somewhat uncommon weight preference and more forward-balanced request). There are tons of options out there...and many for even less than the production cues you're considering!

...maybe you haven't been able to try any customs out because no one in your area has anything that interest you??
 
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definately go custom....$400 - $500 is not a bad budget for a custom cue...you can get something really good....
 
the thing about custom cues is that, it's great when you know exactly what you like. If you're still searching for something and not sure if you'd like it or not, I'd go with either the predator or the shon.
 
twilight said:
the thing about custom cues is that, it's great when you know exactly what you like. If you're still searching for something and not sure if you'd like it or not, I'd go with either the predator or the shon.
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I would agree with this in most cases, but not necessarily in this one...
He would end up spending either the same amount of money (or probably more) on either the Predator or the Schon, but would not be able to take part in the all too exciting customization process! Lol...

My real concern is that for someone who has been playing for 5 months, the cue can still do some considerable molding of the player rather than the other way around...

If I were in his position switching from a 21oz McDermott which I felt comfortable with, with the exception of the balance point and excessive shaft deflection, I'd go ahead and pick up a heavy custom sneaky or plain jane as close to my weight range as possible (since his McDermott is wrapless already, no "bare-handle conversion" issues), but with a more favorable even or forward-balance to it, and go ahead and toss a fitted Predator (or whatever performance) shaft on there...or better yet, if I didn't mind waiting a bit, hook up with a cuemaker and have it done specifically for him...

There's nothing quite like the help and input of a cuemaking professional when it comes to these things.

By the way, check these out. Reduced deflection, adjustable weight, and custom quality. Fits the bill perfectly! And for LESS $$$$!!!

Bare Bones Playability!
Dominiak "Sweet 16"

Or a little fancier...
Dominiak "WD1014/15"

Shoot...I'd pick up one of those WD1014s with ebony and paduak myself if I didn't already have a stockpile of cues building up in my dorm!...lol (but it goes without saying, I'd go with a conventional shaft...'cuz I'm a traditionalist like dat! :p :D)
 
If you have the money to spare, totally go with the new cue.

Getting something like a low-end Schon, or even a custom sneaky pete like a Diveny, or BCM, and you'll be better off and wont have the problems with deflection.

If you look hard enough there is alot of custom cue's you can afford for 500$ even on the second hand market you have alot of options too.
 
Cues to look at ....

go to http://www.shurtzcue.com/gallery/FrameSet.htm

page left window down, and click on the model numbers: then the whole cue shows up on the right window with specs and price.

140A $400
141A $500
142A $500

320A (has veneers with points for $500)

144A (good design - $650)
322A (good favorite design - $800 though)

Personally, for $500 the 320A is a lot of cue.
 
msh1283 said:
Alright, after looking around a bit and talking to some people in town, and hitting with a few brands, I've narrowed down my search quite a bit. These were the 3 brands I hit with that I liked and these are the specific cues I found online that looked intriguing to me.

Schon STL-2 (Choice of standard shaft or 314-2)
http://www.schoncues.com/html/stl2.html

Pechauer J13 (Standard shaft)
http://www.billiardwarehouse.com/cues/pechauer/pechauer_pool_cue_j13.htm

Predator 5K2
http://predatorcues.com/predator_cues_5k.html (314-2)

I'm leaning towards the Schon or the Pechauer, but I wanted to see if anyone had experience with these brands or, even better, these models in particular.

Thanks
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I've owned and played with Schon cues for years and your first cue listed which is the Schon STL-2 with a predator 314-2 shaft would be a great cue. I have a couple of cues and one of them is an old Schon that I use a predator 314 shaft on and it plays great. I started playing pool with a 21 oz Josswest cue and I didn't know what I was missing (lighter weight cues) the years I used that cue. I don't think you need a cue that heavy with today's fast cloth and plastic pool balls with light cue balls. I play with a cue around 19ozs and that weight feels best to me.
 
I just had this same problem.. I have a McDermott MG-9 (pretty plain).. started out life as a 20 oz because I thought I needed to break all MikeZilla on every shot.. about 6 months ago I took ALL of the weight out.. stick balances like an absolute champ, but deflection was horrible because I had the shaft shaved down to a little under 12mm (some bad advice). Actually, deflection was horrid before I had it shaved down.. thought about getting a new stick, but I still like McDermott, and would have ended up with the same craptacular factory shaft, so I just got myself a 314-2.
 
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