Not really...
I expected I would get a cue that played at least as well as the one I used to own. I guess I also erroneously expected it to be built right. I'd tell someone who wouldnt spend $100 they are missing out on using a good playing cue.
Many would say the exact same thing to you about a $1500 cue. Who is to say who is right? You saying it about a $100 cue, OR someone telling you about a $1500 cue?
At some point buying a cue is no longer about how well it plays.
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EXACTLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE HAVE A WINNER!
I think we have finally made some progress! This is what I have been getting at all along!! I really hope that you ARE getting something more than just a stick to pocket a ball with if you are spending even $500! If you want pure function, DO NOT SPEND MORE THAN $100. I do not know of a single reason a good player cannot run out racks with a $100 cue. If you do, please let me know.
Now back to the original question. You have finally answered your own question. People are spending their money for SOMETHING MORE than a cue to hit balls with. And they ARE getting what they pay for. If you do not hold the same value on these things, then by all means do NOT buy one.
There is something to be said for pride of ownership. The satisfaction you get every time you pull it out of your case. The fact that you will not run into 5 other people who have the same exact model! These things DO have value!
I am about to be 34 years old. I have played pool for many years. I expect to continue to play pool for as long as I am still alive, have my vision , and am able to walk.
If I buy a $2000 cue today, think about how many hours of enjoyment I will get out of that cue over the years. If you work it out, IT IS PENNIES per hour to really own something that I enjoy greatly. It will end up costing LESS than what I will be paying to rent the table for the same time over the years. At the end of the day IT IS A VERY CHEAP investment in a game that I love.
The SAME people who will tell you that pool is 90% mental will ALSO tell you that having a nice cue won't help your game! I think that is a bit of a contradiction. If it is such a mental game, then why wouldn't having a special cue that gives you a bit of a boost help? If it instills more confidence in you every time you pick it up, how can it be bad?
I am NOT saying it will give you knowledge or skill. I AM saying that if you think it helps you, it just may give you a little bit of an edge.
But really, I have NEVER felt cheated when buying any cue. If you have, then you need to rexamine what is important to you in a cue, and buy that! Just don't knock others for doing the same.
Jw