Production Cues vs. custom

J

John oleson

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Have a couple Predators, a Pechauer, OB, Viking, Cuetec, etc. Based on my amateur 'feel' they all have decent balance and play well. Am presuming some of the feel, etc., must have to do with length and shafts. Also, the research and development, coupled with mass production facilities allow for quality cues???

Sooo ... the $$ to purchase a custom cue maker's cue, again boils down to an individual's personal preference ... right?

Where can someone go to find the 'perfect' stick?

For now, the nice Predators will have to suffice.

Thanks in advance for responding ... john_oleson@comcast.net
 
John oleson said:
Have a couple Predators, a Pechauer, OB, Viking, Cuetec, etc. Based on my amateur 'feel' they all have decent balance and play well. Am presuming some of the feel, etc., must have to do with length and shafts. Also, the research and development, coupled with mass production facilities allow for quality cues???

Sooo ... the $$ to purchase a custom cue maker's cue, again boils down to an individual's personal preference ... right?

Where can someone go to find the 'perfect' stick?

For now, the nice Predators will have to suffice.

Thanks in advance for responding ... john_oleson@comcast.net
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The perfect cue is the one you like best. Production cues are available and returnable. Cannot beat that. I have 2 true customs. Do not like them. I do not use them. Currently using Predator or Schon H4 for playing.
 
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The predators and Pechauers some will argue it’s over priced. I own several custom cues and the thing with them they are one of a kind. And if it gets damaged it’s not replaceable. I’d rather buy a production cue and it it’s gets damaged oh well
 
From my experience most production cues have a very consistent hit and every once in a while you get a really special one that has THE hit. With a custom cue every single cue has its own unique feel/hit/character. I believe that each cuemaker puts their own twist on how to make a cue hit optimally and that for me is more exciting than playing with a production cue. Really boils down to what makes YOU enjoy the game more.
 
I play Pechauer, have both a Pro and JP series but was curious about what a custom cue offers. I got a Keith Josey and it's also a great cue, but I still take my Pechauer to League competitions. Pechauer grows their own trees, processes the lumber in their own mill, built a machine shop and makes all their own joints, screws, etc. What custom cue maker can top that? There is no perfect cue. Find a butt diameter and weight you like, and a straight stick with a good tip is the perfect cue for you.
 
John oleson said:
Have a couple Predators, a Pechauer, OB, Viking, Cuetec, etc. Based on my amateur 'feel' they all have decent balance and play well. Am presuming some of the feel, etc., must have to do with length and shafts. Also, the research and development, coupled with mass production facilities allow for quality cues???

Sooo ... the $$ to purchase a custom cue maker's cue, again boils down to an individual's personal preference ... right?

Where can someone go to find the 'perfect' stick?

For now, the nice Predators will have to suffice.

Thanks in advance for responding ... john_oleson@comcast.net
Click to expand...

There is no perfect stick, as you will see if reading any "what cue should I buy" posts. 30 people offering 25 different options. Very few players stick with a single cue or shaft for a while, and you never know what you try next that would be your new favorite. Even the ones that swear by some maker or shaft or tip could easily change their minds if they try some other thing or 10 other things. It's very likely if we brought 10 random cues and shafts of a known good quality, any given player would pick out about 3 as very equal and as good as what they play with now.

Years ago everyone said Blue Diamond chalk was the best and made fun of the "high" cost of like $3-4 a cube. Then everyone said the Kamui chalk was the best and also made fun of the $ cost. Now it's some other chalks that are the best and the $20 price is seen as normal LOL It's really all what you are using now that is the best till you try something else.

An older guy I knew would not want to try anything new for very long because in his words "I may like it and then I'd want to swap from what I have and like now".
 
I have had lots of cues over the years. Some were stolen from me at events and some I threw in the dumpster when I gave it up... several times.

I have paid top money over the years, up to $1,000 in today's money, and the best cue I ever had is one that I currently use that I bought second hand for $100. I did swap it for a one piece but was lucky to swap back a few months later. Some players swear by their expensive brand cues but most feel like just another tapered broom handle.

I will never order a custom cue again because no-one, not me or the cuemaker, has control over what it will be like. So I am not surprised when I hear others ordering a custom cue that they don't like.

Best to select from a variety and have a play with them before choosing.
 
John oleson said:
Have a couple Predators, a Pechauer, OB, Viking, Cuetec, etc. Based on my amateur 'feel' they all have decent balance and play well. Am presuming some of the feel, etc., must have to do with length and shafts. Also, the research and development, coupled with mass production facilities allow for quality cues???

Sooo ... the $$ to purchase a custom cue maker's cue, again boils down to an individual's personal preference ... right?

Where can someone go to find the 'perfect' stick?

For now, the nice Predators will have to suffice.

Thanks in advance for responding ... john_oleson@comcast.net
Click to expand...
Trade show? Vegas League National Championships venues.
Make sure your able to hit with it first.
Like when in my youth. 60's
All rooms had large amounts of wall racks/cues.
You'd finally find a good stick, then I'd hide it underneath, in the framework for next time.
Even some of those early and late Dufferin house cues can often roll straight, and be a perfect piece of wood.
I remember when those Sneaky 2 pc house cues started showing up in the bars. :)
 
Sometimes the best playing cue is a Frankenstein, like mine. Anyone who knows me can vouch for the number of high end cues I've owned. I've owned Richard Black, Paul Mottey, South West and many others. The best hitting/playing cue I've owned is my current cue. It's a Vintage Huebler with a Mike Webb shaft. The butt looks like it's been through 3 World Wars. But it's absolutely magical.
 
Zerksies said:
The predators and Pechauers some will argue it’s over priced. I own several custom cues and the thing with them they are one of a kind. And if it gets damaged it’s not replaceable. I’d rather buy a production cue and it it’s gets damaged oh well
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Predators are overpriced. Pechauers are bargains IMHO. They will make any production cue in whatever stain color you want, no charge. Outstanding customer service and excellent quality control. The finish on my Keith Josey (an excellent playing cue) can't compare to the mirror-like gloss on any of my Pechauers.
 
ddg45 said:
Predators are overpriced. Pechauers are bargains IMHO. They will make any production cue in whatever stain color you want, no charge. Outstanding customer service and excellent quality control. The finish on my Keith Josey (an excellent playing cue) can't compare to the mirror-like gloss on any of my Pechauers.
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Pechauers are trash
 
Zerksies said:
Pechauers are trash
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Has been said they have the best finish in the business. Will post mine when I get a chance. Of the 2 I have one is a Remember Then edition I do not use. It's a gorgeous closet queen. The other is a beautiful great player.
I have the DEC1 with a leather wrap.
 
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SSDiver2112 said:
Not a very helpful reply. The forum is for giving and finding information. At least a little clarification instead of a snide comment is more appropriate.

I’d love to know why I’m playing with a piece of trash and what I’m missing out on.
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Original poster did not give any valid points just their own opinion
 
WilliamK said:
I have had lots of cues over the years. Some were stolen from me at events and some I threw in the dumpster when I gave it up... several times.

I have paid top money over the years, up to $1,000 in today's money, and the best cue I ever had is one that I currently use that I bought second hand for $100. I did swap it for a one piece but was lucky to swap back a few months later. Some players swear by their expensive brand cues but most feel like just another tapered broom handle.

I will never order a custom cue again because no-one, not me or the cuemaker, has control over what it will be like. So I am not surprised when I hear others ordering a custom cue that they don't like.

Best to select from a variety and have a play with them before choosing.
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I have seen it from both sides, I was really heavily into customs.for quite a while,I had exactly the experience you describe, the last 4 I didn't like, so it happens. Even with exact specs. Balance and taper, and every cuemaker will have there own way. it is something you won't know, till you actually get it, plus the waiting time. And these days, It just comes down to budget in the end.
The thing with production is, if you can find one, with the right weight and balance. For you, your sorted. Some times you just get lucky.its still the same thing, untill you get it, you really don't know how it will play. Regardless of the price.
 
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