New Production Cue

[RBC]

The 2013 line of OB cues looks alot better than the first models that came out and the prices still seems quite reasonable.
I would like to se more traditional looking cues, like the Jeff Olney one posted by Underclocked and i wonder why OB cues don`t sell a cue extension?
Props for choosing a standard 3/8x10 pin

Kim

Thanks!

The first line of cues did not have any inlays at all. We wanted to get out there in the market while we were perfecting the Infinity Inlays. Our goal has always been to produce custom quality cues, at production prices.

Our cue construction and inlay process is quite different than most cues. Building the traditional splice front construction like is used in the Olney cue just isn't possible while keeping all the benefits of our cue construction. However, we are working on the next generation of Infinity Inlays that will enable us to produce dyed veneers in our inlays.

As for the cue extension, that's become a pretty common question. Many of the custom builders are simply building a simple extension that screws in the back of the cue using the weight bolt threads. This is quite simple, but requires that you remove the bumper to attach it. The other method, like Mezz uses, requires a special bumper that houses a threaded portion for the extension. I think Tiger makes one like this as well. The bumpers really need to thread into the back of the cue, and would need to be custom molded. We have a design for an extension that will use the existing weight bolt threads already on our cues, and won't require you to remove the bumper to attach it. It also won't infringe on a particular patent that exists that has been troublesome for some who have tried to bring an extension to market. It's on the work plan to go into production, but we just don't have a reliable time frame yet. We are still back ordered on most all of our cues, but production volume is catching up and we hope to get it started soon.


Royce

 

[measureman]

Kim

Thanks!

The first line of cues did not have any inlays at all. We wanted to get out there in the market while we were perfecting the Infinity Inlays. Our goal has always been to produce custom quality cues, at production prices.

Our cue construction and inlay process is quite different than most cues. Building the traditional splice front construction like is used in the Olney cue just isn't possible while keeping all the benefits of our cue construction. However, we are working on the next generation of Infinity Inlays that will enable us to produce dyed veneers in our inlays.

As for the cue extension, that's become a pretty common question. Many of the custom builders are simply building a simple extension that screws in the back of the cue using the weight bolt threads. This is quite simple, but requires that you remove the bumper to attach it. The other method, like Mezz uses, requires a special bumper that houses a threaded portion for the extension. I think Tiger makes one like this as well. The bumpers really need to thread into the back of the cue, and would need to be custom molded. We have a design for an extension that will use the existing weight bolt threads already on our cues, and won't require you to remove the bumper to attach it. It also won't infringe on a particular patent that exists that has been troublesome for some who have tried to bring an extension to market. It's on the work plan to go into production, but we just don't have a reliable time frame yet. We are still back ordered on most all of our cues, but production volume is catching up and we hope to get it started soon.


Royce

I know your focus is LD shafts. You have some very nice designs.
I would not buy your cues simply because I'm never going to switch to an LD shaft.I'm just set on that. So why not offer a standard shaft and expand your customer base? Or am I just an old Dinosaur that will soon be extinct?

 

[slide13]

OB is definitely doing the best production cues right now I think. They aren't over done, clean and simple mostly. Especially the more affordable models. I've been tempted to try one even though I'm more of a custom cue guy. The sneakies are really well priced too, great way for someone to get into an LD shaft at a good price. I'd like to see higher end cues coming with two shafts and I think all cues should come with joint protectors....boggles my mind that isn't standard when dropping hundreds on a new cue....it's $5 worth of plastic (this is not OB specific, this is industry wide).

When it comes to Viking, they were my first cue so I have a soft spot for them and I do find the quality to be descent but they need to get away from the gaudy designs and overuse of pearlized plastic. They really need a full revamp of their lineup if they want to be taken seriously. Adding a few traditional cues would be nice, but as long as they're still putting out all the other stuff it'll be hard for them to develope the kind of reputation that would appeal to buyers here. They have a handful of clean designs now, they need to keep those and toss the rest. They're proprietary joint pin is unappealing to a lot of people, but it's actually a really good functioning pin allowing for fast and easy assembly and eliminates the chance of cross threading. Smart design, but probably hurts them in the market.

 

[measureman]

I have been informed that there is no plastic used in the design features of Meucci cues.
Sure looks like plastics.

 

[Playin4Dinner]

playability, simplicity

 

[measureman]

Like to see some domestic production cue makers offer some cues with metal butt caps , and please keep your logos off the shaft . Simple stains or paints without blues , green and red paints on your bottom end cues to discourage people from buying them.

I'll second that. I got a new shaft for the mighty Lucasi and it had a logo on the shaft. This would not bother most people but I shoot sidearm and it kept going back and forth in my field of vision and was distracting.
I finally took some fine sand paper and gently took it off.That dulled the finish a bit so i used some auto wax on it.

 

[Webbs Billiards]

OB is definitely doing the best production cues right now I think. They aren't over done, clean and simple mostly. Especially the more affordable models. I've been tempted to try one even though I'm more of a custom cue guy. The sneakies are really well priced too, great way for someone to get into an LD shaft at a good price. I'd like to see higher end cues coming with two shafts and I think all cues should come with joint protectors....boggles my mind that isn't standard when dropping hundreds on a new cue....it's $5 worth of plastic (this is not OB specific, this is industry wide).

When it comes to Viking, they were my first cue so I have a soft spot for them and I do find the quality to be descent but they need to get away from the gaudy designs and overuse of pearlized plastic. They really need a full revamp of their lineup if they want to be taken seriously. Adding a few traditional cues would be nice, but as long as they're still putting out all the other stuff it'll be hard for them to develope the kind of reputation that would appeal to buyers here. They have a handful of clean designs now, they need to keep those and toss the rest. They're proprietary joint pin is unappealing to a lot of people, but it's actually a really good functioning pin allowing for fast and easy assembly and eliminates the chance of cross threading. Smart design, but probably hurts them in the market.

I've now got an agreement with Viking to produce a line of cues under my direction. But without mortgaging the farm, we've decided to let the customer base choose which cues go to production and which do not. Once we have a drawing ready, I'll present it for feedback at which time you'll need to let me know if you want one, the more positive feedback, the closer we'll get to a prototype. Once the prototype is completed, we'll take pre-orders for the production phase.

 

[Cornerman]

Let's say you have the ear of major production cue makers. What would you want to see in a new cue as far as design-color-wood-stain-wrap?

This isn't about custom makers, or who makes the best cue, or why you should or shouldn't buy a production cue. This is about Production cue design, and imput from players about what they would like to see.

Tulipwood. Bois de Rose, 4-pointers. Extensions.

 

[twal]

I would like to see a wrapless plane jane with some exotic wood for then handle. Some sort of burl, Coco, Wenge, etc... Just keep it simple and let the beautiful wood show through.
Like many have said, standard pins, no bastards.
I would also like to see the line include 60 inch cues and screw on extensions.

I would also like to see the shafts with the option of choosing the taper style and even how long you want the taper to come back and quality of wood, like AAA with a great number of growth rings.

Also the ability to choose the ferrule and the tip would be very nice.

 

[leto1776]

Define "the buying public" you're looking for,because I don't think AZB is it when it comes to production cues. Too many custom snobs and elitists. I honestly believe you'd be better off taking this to a popular Facebook group or something like that. *dons flame-retardant suit*

 

[DAVE_M]

Define "the buying public" you're looking for,because I don't think AZB is it when it comes to production cues. Too many custom snobs and elitists. I honestly believe you'd be better off taking this to a popular Facebook group or something like that. *dons flame-retardant suit*

While I won't hit you with the gas and matches just yet :grin I will say, you are right. AzB is comprised of mostly cue snobs, myself included. I'm up to 3 customs in my case, with another on the way. Of which, I bought two directly from the cuemaker and got exactly what I wanted.
The big thing that turns me off to production cues is lack of options. I prefer wrapless cues, but I do like wrapped cues with a full length wrap. My grip position changes from shot to shot. Having my hand on the wrap, then off, then on ,then off becomes annoying. My biggest complaint is the lack of an extension. Granted it's a niche market for extensions, a lot of people are seeing the light when it comes to using one and how much nicer it is than the rake.

Edit-

Tiger actually makes some nice Production cues.
These are neat and reasonably priced around $400:

These are hideous and close to $1,000:

And here is what we would like to see:

Add an extension and you're good to go.

 

[Webbs Billiards]

The way I see it is yes you guys are a tough crowd, but if I design cues that you guys will buy, I've done it right.

 

[Webbs Billiards]

First up...

***60" w/ Ebony forearm

·*********curly maple handle

·*********ebony butt plate

·*********white joint/butt cap

·*********no rings/stains/inlays

·*********3/8 x 10 joint

Made by Viking Customs $400
8-12wk build time.

 

[measureman]

While I won't hit you with the gas and matches just yet :grin I will say, you are right. AzB is comprised of mostly cue snobs, myself included. I'm up to 3 customs in my case, with another on the way. Of which, I bought two directly from the cuemaker and got exactly what I wanted.
The big thing that turns me off to production cues is lack of options. I prefer wrapless cues, but I do like wrapped cues with a full length wrap. My grip position changes from shot to shot. Having my hand on the wrap, then off, then on ,then off becomes annoying. My biggest complaint is the lack of an extension. Granted it's a niche market for extensions, a lot of people are seeing the light when it comes to using one and how much nicer it is than the rake.

Edit-

Tiger actually makes some nice Production cues.
These are neat and reasonably priced around $400:

These are hideous and close to $1,000:

And here is what we would like to see:

Add an extension and you're good to go.

i agree with your assessment of these cues. I look at a lot of production cues on the net and wonder who designed some of them.
Viking being the worst offender.

 

[slide13]

Sounds interesting, I like the simplicity and wood combos. Will there be a sample made so people can see the final result?

How is the balance point on Viking cues these days? I have an older one from early 2000's and it's very butt heavy....I would want at least a 19" balance point at 18.5oz or something like that. Would keep balance reasonable when weight is added up to 19"+.

 

[Webbs Billiards]

Sounds interesting, I like the simplicity and wood combos. Will there be a sample made so people can see the final result?

How is the balance point on Viking cues these days? I have an older one from early 2000's and it's very butt heavy....I would want at least a 19" balance point at 18.5oz or something like that. Would keep balance reasonable when weight is added up to 19"+.

I plan to have a prototype of this one made just to work out the kinks. The cue will likely weigh 19+/-oz without weights due to the amount of wood and the length. Let me know if you want one, can just as easily build more than one prototype.

 

[60inchcueguy]

I would agree that having production cues available in 60" would be very enticing to those of us who use them (and there seems to be more of us all of the time).

 

[trinacria]

if youre starting a new company, i would go with full splice sneakys and a good shaft, than tweek that, do 5 and six points, simple cues with good hit. if you have more than 8 to 10 inlays and its not a custom collectable youre going wrong. keep shit simple, and reliable, like jeans. all these production cues today scream tacky and people lose interest in them immediately( maybe thats the point, to sell more). look at predator, when their new sneaky came out, go to a poolhall and you see ten of them.

 

[twal]

First up...

***60" w/ Ebony forearm

·*********curly maple handle

·*********ebony butt plate

·*********white joint/butt cap

·*********no rings/stains/inlays

·*********3/8 x 10 joint

Made by Viking Customs $400
8-12wk build time.

Just a recommendation.
Use the best quality wood possible.
I would not mind paying another $25 or $50 for a cue that has great looking wood.
On the other hand I would not buy one where the quality is lacking.

Also as for the joint, I would recommend you have at least have one other option.
I lpersonally like the SS 5/16 x 14 piloted joint.
Reason being is the ability to interchange shafts w/o the the issues of the wood to wood joint not being flush. That kind of stuff bugs me.

 

[Webbs Billiards]

Viking Cue Manufacturing, LLC. Will be producing my designs. First up is the WBV-1, a hardwood wrapless cue with no bells and whistles, no frills, just gorgeous wood.

My personal selection is a highly figured birdseye maple cue with a cocobolo handle, with birdseye/cocobolo rings.

We've added some rings to our cue and left the wood choices more open. Ebony, Rosewood, Curly Maple, Birdseye Maple, Highly figured birdseye, Cocobolo.

For $604
You get a 30"/30" 60" cue in your choice of two wood combinations, Vikore shaft, soft kamui tip and a 3/8x10 joint.

For $524
You get a 58" cue in your choice of two wood combinations, Vikore shaft, soft kamui tip and a 3/8x10 joint

For $454
You get a 58" cue in your choice of two wood combinations, Vikore shaft and everest tip and Viking quick release joint.

For $399
You get a 58" cue in birdseye maple / cocobolo, rosewood / curly maple, rosewood / birdseye maple or curly maple / cocobolo. VPro with Everest tip and Viking QR joint.

It'll take approximately 8-10 weeks to build your cue. Payment is due in full at the time of order with no cancellations or returns. Full Viking Warranty. US Shipping is included.

I will also accept orders from authorized Viking dealers for resell.

Sales@webbsbilliardssupply.com
Subject: WBV-1