Quality custom carom cue. Who and what to look for?

O

olgoat

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I have played pool for about 6 years. Not a great player but I am a good student :smile: I have a number of nice pool cues and know what I like for looks, hit and feel. The ones I play with most are Ed Young and Cognoscenti. Also sometimes a Bobby Hunter and a Drexler

I am learning (Slowly) to play three cushion and I want to invest in a quality cue. I am not concerned with screwing up my pool came by switching cues. My pool game can probably not get much worse anyways. As a beginner I would like to eliminate the cue as a variable as much as I can so that I can concentrate on the technical aspects of the game and my technique.

I own a Mariposa with a billiards shaft. (Hit seems too soft.) and an Adrian Viguera (the shaft is tapered like a pool shaft. This is what I currently use. Feels to light. I have problems with force follow and getting enough steam on the ball using this cue.

I have used old Shulers (don't care for their pool cues but they seem better for 3C) and two Noel Mendoza's.

I have seen Kilby mentioned here a lot.

I have also read a lot about Dieckman. I know there is a lot of respect for his playing ability and contributions to the sport but honestly it seems like a lot games involved in trying to buy one of his cues. This is only from going through his website and an email exchange on another topic a couple of years ago. My time is as valuable as his is :smile:

I would be interested in any suggestions you might have on which cue builders/makers to look at and what to look for. The only think I know for sure is I want a wood screw and a stiff hit.

Thanks for your time.
 
Ok, I'll take a stab at your question. I have been moving to 3c billiards from pool for a while now. For the first couple of years, I wasn't convinced I needed to change to a real billiard cue. I finally changed my mind. I'm playing with a Helmstetter now. I'm satisfied with it.

I think that there are going to be individual preferences as to tip size, weight, shaft taper, and length, but that it's probably a pretty good idea to go with the same specs the average professional 3c player uses. That seems to be:
tip size: 12mm
shaft taper: conical or European taper. Another word for it is "constant taper"
weight: something close to 18 oz
length: 55 or 56 inches

I'm still not quite sure why some of these specs have become the standard, but I must admit that using sticks with these specs "feels right" when playing billiards. When I go back to pool, I have no problem adjusting to 58", low deflection shaft, etc.

What brand? There are many. Kilby, Helmstetter, Adam, Longoni.. I just noticed a Layani cue for sale on Ebay today for $550. This is a Canadian custom cuemaker. These are supposed to be great cues. Caudron plays with one.

Good luck in your quest

Stefan
 
olgoat, Sound like you from the Chicago area. If so, numerous fine 3C players in the area should be able to let you play with or test their stick.

Its seem more production cue and cuebuilber are using the Radical pin or 3/8x 10 pin, and going to a lesser weight 18 and under.

Check out either PC Billiards or CaromBilliards for carom cues. Custom carom cue - Crown cue , but they use 3/8x10 pin.

Two AZers' might be 12squared and possible Drawman623 for used wooden thread carom cues, or Double-Dave from Netherland for Longoni

Good Luck with your 3C
 
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First you need to set a budget, cause there are many billiard cues out there starting at $200- $5000
If you want a wood joint custom cue, your top choices should be Dieckman cues or Kilby cues, production cues, I have the best billiard cues for the money, I have been playing with a Sang Lee butterfly cue made by Hanbat, like you I wanted a stiff solid hit, that's why I invested in a stiff laminated shaft, I can't be happier, if you need more advise, give me a call @ 248-884-4469 and I will be more than happy to help you
I have about 25 billiard cues 90% of them are wood joint, plus I have 3 layani cue.( I am a Layani dealer), whether you are intrested to buy a cue or not, I probably can answer most of your questions about billiard cues.
PS: next year I will be switching to a Dieckman Cue
 
I think I can provide you what you like at caromcues.com. Kilby....
 
Well, to say the least, this is a great way to get all kinds of dealers/ cue makers to voice their opinion. The tough part is it is all personal opinions so the best I can do is share my experiences. Personally, there are just a couple cues that I have been able to just pick up and play with and have no adjustment period. These cues include Tiger Carom, Alcalde, and Musashi. Surprisingly to me (which is why I became a dealer) the Tiger Carom cue line is very reasonably priced and plays fantastic. I also played with a Kibly and liked the cue but wasn't "just right" for me. I currently play with the TG08-03 Tiger model with X-Shafts and a Kamui Black II Medium. You can check out some of the various designs at my website listed below. of course, you'll have to keep in mind that verybody here will tell you the cue they play with is the best! happy hunting!
 
Thanks to all so far. I understand that most of this will be opinion and that's fine. I have found in pool cues that many times the opinions converge on several key points and that is what I hope to see on this thread.

I am concerned about weight. I feel I have better results with a heavier cue but I suspect that is because my technique is not correct as it appears many carom players seem to prefer a lighter cue. (18 oz)
 
Mr Kilby doensn't toot his own horn too much, but he has plenty of options and experience to offer.
 
I currently have 11 Dieckman cues including several that are quite collectable. If you are looking for a cue that is stiff and plays well, please send me a PM. I can save you the time involved with buying a new one, and I would also consider a Bobby Hunter cue in trade.

I've owned Helmstetter, Adam and many Schulers. I prefer the Dieckman personally.

RSCN0384.jpg
 
the weight of the cue will also depend on the person. i'm a slightly bigger guy so i like a slightly heavier cue - 19.2 oz. i have also played with cues that weigh less than 18oz but still like them because the balance was right. you should try to test whatever cue you plan to buy.
 
Hi. the link you referenced didn't lead me to the particular cue you liked. Did it have a specific title? As black-balled noted, I don't blow my own horn here often; I responded more as a courtesy in that I had been kindly mentioned. I would be pleased to work with you to design a cue. Mr. Dieckman is a buddy and also builds a fine cue. Good hunting.
 
kilby said:
Hi. the link you referenced didn't lead me to the particular cue you liked. Did it have a specific title? As black-balled noted, I don't blow my own horn here often; I responded more as a courtesy in that I had been kindly mentioned. I would be pleased to work with you to design a cue. Mr. Dieckman is a buddy and also builds a fine cue. Good hunting.
Click to expand...

Ron. Sent a PM. Sorry about the link. It was the Macassar Ebony and segmented Camphor wrap cue I was referring to.
 
My friend in my opinion...test first a few cues to understand what fits better to your game(weight,size,joint etc.).Then buy a used good one (i believe you can find many with 150-250$) and start training!If you find yourself ready to play again and again then WELCOME to the 3C world which has no return! During this period you will see by yourself what you should have and BYE WHATEVER YOU LIKE THE MOST! If not you will have with a few dollars a cue to enjoy your time..Pool is a very interesting billiard game for NON 3C PLAYERS!!!!!!!
I have a very rare quite new Schuler and i am very pleased.
Greetings from athens Greece.
 
here in Vegas at Best Billiards(one heck of a billiards room) the owner brought in about 8-10 carom cues from Italy, they come with 2 shafts, resin wood shafts, some kind of bright white wood impregnated with resin. They have a built in extension. And a adjustable weight system I will discuss below, its a great solution. They are 100% carom cues not pool cues. I cant remember who makes them it was a 5 letter name I tried to memorize, i'll check later today.

And also adjustable weight system that is very impressive, its not a weight bolt in the back like McDermott uses, Let me describe what I have seen on American cues and then this "System" on the carom cue. Until this carom cue all I have ever seen in adjustable weight bolts are screwed in ffrom the back of the cue, if you want to add a ounce use a longer bolt, or to reduce weight cue the bolt shorter, use aluminium or take it out-all of which mess up the balance point of the cue. And in carom, snooker, and pool it is my opinion that the balance point of a cue is perhaps the most important feature of a cue(I assume all good cues are straight and well constructed). On the Carom cues he has from Italy there is a 12" weight bolt in the back of the cue and on it are from 2-5 threaded weights that you can move up and down the bolt or remove, this is a brilliant solution because If you like a cue with more forward weight you can move them up, back for rear weight, off to reduce weight. This system is the absolute best system for dialing in a cue to your specific taste. I have had cues that I liked at first then after some time I might notice they are back or front heavy-with this system of being able to add/remove and distribute the weight where you want it-is the best solution for a cue possible.


these cues are about $800-$1500? perhaps a bit more $$, I cant remember forsure. I played with one for a few minutes and without a doubt they are worth the $$$, the only down side is they look like $30 not $300 but $30 Chinese decal cues from a distance. When you pick one up and see how the quality of the cue is, extension, shaft wood etc. then you can understand the price, I dont know why they are putting the decals on them, they would be better left off. IMO. they make the cue look cheap-which is ok for hustling bars, not carom cues...
 
Fatboy said:
here in Vegas at Best Billiards(one heck of a billiards room) the owner brought in about 8-10 carom cues from Italy, they come with 2 shafts, resin wood shafts, some kind of bright white wood impregnated with resin. They have a built in extension. And a adjustable weight system I will discuss below, its a great solution. They are 100% carom cues not pool cues. I cant remember who makes them it was a 5 letter name I tried to memorize, i'll check later today.

And also adjustable weight system that is very impressive, its not a weight bolt in the back like McDermott uses, Let me describe what I have seen on American cues and then this "System" on the carom cue. Until this carom cue all I have ever seen in adjustable weight bolts are screwed in ffrom the back of the cue, if you want to add a ounce use a longer bolt, or to reduce weight cue the bolt shorter, use aluminium or take it out-all of which mess up the balance point of the cue. And in carom, snooker, and pool it is my opinion that the balance point of a cue is perhaps the most important feature of a cue(I assume all good cues are straight and well constructed). On the Carom cues he has from Italy there is a 12" weight bolt in the back of the cue and on it are from 2-5 threaded weights that you can move up and down the bolt or remove, this is a brilliant solution because If you like a cue with more forward weight you can move them up, back for rear weight, off to reduce weight. This system is the absolute best system for dialing in a cue to your specific taste. I have had cues that I liked at first then after some time I might notice they are back or front heavy-with this system of being able to add/remove and distribute the weight where you want it-is the best solution for a cue possible.


these cues are about $800-$1500? perhaps a bit more $$, I cant remember forsure. I played with one for a few minutes and without a doubt they are worth the $$$, the only down side is they look like $30 not $300 but $30 Chinese decal cues from a distance. When you pick one up and see how the quality of the cue is, extension, shaft wood etc. then you can understand the price, I dont know why they are putting the decals on them, they would be better left off. IMO. they make the cue look cheap-which is ok for hustling bars, not carom cues...
Click to expand...

That weight system sounds like a great idea. I agree 100% on the balance point even for pool. I'd be interested in the name if/when you check. Thanks
 
DoubleL Cues

There's a link to this line of Cues (DoubleL) on the Best Billiards website http://www.bestbilliardslv.net/ One of my playing partners bought one in Milan last year. It's a very well-designed and engineered cue, and there are many models to choose from, some, to my eye, more attractive than others.
 
Gongmyo said:
There's a link to this line of Cues (DoubleL) on the Best Billiards website http://www.bestbilliardslv.net/ One of my playing partners bought one in Milan last year. It's a very well-designed and engineered cue, and there are many models to choose from, some, to my eye, more attractive than others.
Click to expand...

Wow.. I can see what Fatboy meant about the decals. That is amazing that they could be that out of touch. I know you 3C guys are flashy bunch :wink: but that is taking it a bit far.

Thanks for the link
 
Such cues are actually nothing new. That interchangeable balance system is not innovative, its been around. There is a pic of Zanetti, back from early 90's taken at a local tourney, hung at the wall of the carom hall that I go to. And he had the same style cue of Longoni. Basically Longoni makes these types of cues as well and these are usually for that "pin game", not for 3C. Although I do not know why the pin players prefer such cues over traditional carom cues.
 
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