New LD Cue

zman1974

zman1974

Registered
I have played off and on since I was 10, but have never owned my own cue. I either borrowed a friends or used house cues. Now that my son has got the bug I think it's time for me to get serious. We play at least twice a week, and I am hoping to join a league in the near future.

I have done tons of research over the last couple of weeks, and I think a low deflection shaft with a pro taper is what I want. At first, it seemed that a PureX or R360 would be excellent choices. However, I would rather spend a little more if the quality justified that move. I think I have settled on a Mezz EC7 with a WX700 shaft and Kamui Soft tip. A Predator Roadline with a 314-3 shaft is also an option, but from what I can gather Mezz is a much better cue and value overall.

Any comments and suggestions welcome.
 
both play well If you have never played with and LD cue there will be some adjusting. I have a mezz wd700 and it plays awesome easy spin very low deflection but very stiff hit. the roadline is a softer hit low deflection but some people feel its a hollow hit. another great option is Pechauer great prices made in the us and the LD shaft hits and plays awesome. OB cues also play great good prices LD and they have the wood on wood joint so great clean hit.
 
:confused:


I don't know how a low deflection shaft will help.

A good solid Maple shaft is fine.

It's not going to make a difference.




.
 
I have never hit a ball with any mezz LD shaft, I've hit a few racks with some buddies predators, however I'm a big fan of the Jacoby Edge Hybrid. I've been using them for years and haven't had any problems. Another good reason is they're made right here in WI by a family owned company. If you haven't already I recommend checking them out.
 
Jacoby with an Edge hybrid shaft, Mezz or Predator are all good choices for a decent cue. All a little different from each other but each one has their own advantages. Pick one and you wont be disappointed :wink: It takes a little time to get used to a new cue but if you have been shooting with loaners I'm sure you'll adjust easy enough.

Let us know what you end up with and play well with whatever it may be :cool:
 
If you like a softer hit, OB 1+, of all the LD shafts that probably has the less stiff hit. For budget pick and a shaft that plays closer to normal shaft for defection than other LD shafts, the larger diameter Players HXT. Smaller tip HXT will give you more action on the ball and less deflection.
 
Mezz is an excellent and quality choice.
Why not take the WX900, too? Lower deflection and newer technology!

Cuetec and Players are a good choice too, if you simple like a workhorse or to try out things. Still rather angry that Cuetec doesn't do 11.X mm shafts, though.
Sidenote: the Cuetec bumper is of heavy duty, can't say that of Viking or Mezz...

Cheers,
M
 
Mezz is the way to go if you want a production LD cue. I played with the WD700 for over a year before I switched shafts and it was great. I would recommend getting the WX700 because 12.5mm tip might be easier than the 11.75mm of the WX900


Sent from my iPhone using AzBilliards Forums
 
Hi Zman. I was just enjoying the read - but Chopdoc made me think a bit.
I have done some research? ... or perhaps it's just banging balls around, .. IDK.

Anyway - I owned 2 sticks for 40 years, and shot off and on over that time. (A Huebler for me, and a Meucci for a loaner or beater.) About 4 months ago I decided to get back in the game so to speak, and over that time I've either purchased or tried a variety of sticks and shafts. Over that time I have come to one conclusion: LD shafts did not revolutionize or even change the game of pool. Some are very nice, but it just comes down to the degree of deflection a particular stick has. They all have their own unique qualities - and we try to find the one that we relate to the best. For me? it often depends on what I'm in the mood for hitting.

What I've tried:
Predator 314 (snd gen I think)
Predator Z
** (for me it was just more cost than it was worth /FOR ME/.

What I have on order:
Joss HP

What I have:
OB 2+
OB 1+
OB Classic +
Players PureX HTX
Katana (1)

My top three shaft choices: (on most days)
OB Classic+
Joss stock (12.25) ... just got a superb one.
Schmelke standard (12.25 shaft) .. they have some really nice wood.

A LOT of what's going to make you happy should be considered:
1. weight distribution
2. type of hit ... soft, ping, solid, etc. (IMO the joint and tip have a lot to do with that - (and I'm told the ferrule too.)
3. and I think "looks" should come last (at least for me)

Now if I'm going somewhere I'm comfortable, with folks I'm comfortable with - most days I like my Joss (SS joint) with the Classic+ and it's stock shaft as backup. It's a firm good feeling hit with lots of feeback in the finger tips.
If I'm in the mood for a soft hit - I'll take my 40 year old Huebler (Implex joint) and the OB 1+.

In conclusion I would say - don't limit yourself to an LD club/shaft .. be open to options.
Give consideration to what type of weight distribution you like in a stick.
Give consideration to the type of joint you want (SS, phenolic, implex, wood 2 wood, etc.)
Definitely consider your tip choices - do you want soft, hard, medium?

If you have a decent pool hall or billiard supply place near you - ask to try various combinations and sticks. Even if you irritate the sales lady - it'll be worth it when you plunk down your $200 - $500. Good luck in your quest - let us know what you end up with. :-)

EDIT: (note: I AM curious about the Mezz, and may end up getting some merry widow before the end of the year just to see what the fuss is about.)
 
Last edited:
"Research". Fair question. I don't have access to a good local sales shop in Fort Myers. We do have a couple of good pool halls (Diamond in Cape Coral and 8 Ball Lounge in South Fort Myers). I have just started getting back into the game after many years off so, yes, most of my information comes from scouring the Internet. I understand that LD tech doesn't automatically a better player make, and one can adopt to any shaft deflection, and there are MANY awesome non-LD cues out there. I simply want to try LD, and see if it's for me. If not, I can always resell (or use the butt).

What put the Mezz in the front-running position is that II can hardly find any owners who really feel they were disappointed with that purchase.
 
zman1974 said:
"Research". Fair question. I don't have access to a good local sales shop in Fort Myers. We do have a couple of good pool halls (Diamond in Cape Coral and 8 Ball Lounge in South Fort Myers). I have just started getting back into the game after many years off so, yes, most of my information comes from scouring the Internet. I understand that LD tech doesn't automatically a better player make, and one can adopt to any shaft deflection, and there are MANY awesome non-LD cues out there. I simply want to try LD, and see if it's for me. If not, I can always resell (or use the butt).

What put the Mezz in the front-running position is that II can hardly find any owners who really feel they were disappointed with that purchase.
Click to expand...

Go to the pool hall, hang out with the league people and tournaments if any, there should be quite a few people that will let you play a few games with their shafts to see which one you may like. Very few people are so protective of their cues/shafts that they won't let others try them. Unless you are clearly some beginner klutz that bangs cues into tables and lights LOL then I can see them being protective.
 
zman1974 said:
...
What put the Mezz in the front-running position is that II can hardly find any owners who really feel they were disappointed with that purchase.
Click to expand...


Fair enough (and accurate from what I've read as well). I'd be interested in your thoughts once you get it and have used it a bit. Once I get my custom Janes paid off - it's likely my next cue to add to my little collection.
 
I really like the mezz WX900. It is a little unforgiving, but I think the same thing about the ob classic pro I used to have too.
 
zman1974 said:
I have played off and on since I was 10, but have never owned my own cue.
Click to expand...


This doesn't mean much unless you tell us how old you are now.

I've never understood it when people say I've been playing since I was this and that old and no one knows how old they are.

Either give us both numbers or just say how long you've been playing in years.

Get any cue that fits your budget and play with it for the next 10 years.
Then you can go shopping for something else if you even want to.
Mezz is fine. Predator is fine.
I'd spend my money on the Mezz but that should mean nothing for you.
What should mean something to you is to get either cue, get used to it and then see what changes you want.
 
I am 42. I grew up with a neighbor who had a pool table. He competed in leagues; I never had the time. Too busy playing basketball and bowling. Spent most of the time learning by getting beat consistently by him.
 
I like OB shafts. But, since they are not on your radar, if I had to pick another shaft to play with it, it would be MEZZ. You'd be hard pressed to find anyone say a bad word about them.
 
hang-the-9 said:
Go to the pool hall, hang out with the league people and tournaments if any, there should be quite a few people that will let you play a few games with their shafts to see which one you may like. Very few people are so protective of their cues/shafts that they won't let others try them. Unless you are clearly some beginner klutz that bangs cues into tables and lights LOL then I can see them being protective.
Click to expand...


Sadly, our "local" hall closed when the owner died a couple years back. Most of the locals close to home are limited in what's available to try. Most of the kids have McDermotts - and a few of the elders have Meuccis. One kid does have a Predator.
Now: If I head into town (Pittsburgh), I can probably find some variety and better sticks. Paul Mottey has a place called "Breakers" - but I hate the traffic and parking. (not fond of the drive either - but go once in a while - just don't know many folks yet.)

I know your comment was to the OP - but I think many areas have experienced a downturn in good places to play; especially in areas away from larger cities.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top