What cue maker makes the best shafts for a "custom" cue? I have always been led to believe that the cue maker is the best source for a replacement shaft(s). Additionally does a cue lose its value if it does not have the original shafts and if so by how much? Should'nt a good cue maker be able to match up the playing characteristics of another custom cue maker? What's the deal? Your opinions are and will be "greatly" appreciated!
Replacement Shafts
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imo- original maker is the best. I do think the cue loses value if it doesn't have the original shafts... 10-20 % more maybe.... a reputable cuemaker will make an excellent shaft to your specs and match up the diameter of the joint and everything BUT many makers won't match fancy ringwork of another maker and sometimes it'll get quite expensive and not look exact as the rings on the butt- for example i had an old Franklin SW shaft matched to another SW by Drexler... He did a good job, but doesn't match exactly of course and cost me 100 bucks just for the rings... it's expensive because they can't just make up 1 ring- they have to make a pretty good amount to do it.. I have had 2-3 other cuemakers just refuse to even touch ringwork - black collar or nothin....I just bought a TNS wrapless cue and the ringwork is the most intricate i have ever seen on a cue- SW style with turquose, veneers etc... I plan to goto TNS to get a predator matched. no one else... if you don;t care about matching ringwork- by all means goto a makes shop and see if you can chat about some good shaftwood and pic a shaft for himn to do... tighter grain, straighter grain premium shafts will cost a little more. If the maker has some old growth wood or some sunken wood- it'll be fairly expensive...
Tangent!! Warning: Possible thread hijack!
I have a custom cue that came with two shafts. One has more growth rings, straighter grain, and is a little heavier than the other.
To be honest, when I got the cue, I was a little disappointed in the lighter shaft. It had fewer growth rings than any shaft I owned, and there was a bit of run out in the grain.
After a few months of playing with my new cue, I've found I prefer the play of the lighter shaft. I still try to rotate my shafts, but if there's anything on the line, it is typically the lighter shaft that I'll use.
Perhaps it is the slight weight difference in the cue, or the (very slight) change in the balance point. Whatever it is, I came away with the lesson that the best shaft is the one that best compliments my play and my cue butt.
Back on topic, sometime in the fairly near future, I plan to order a third shaft to match the lighter shaft. I plan to order from the original cue maker.
Good Rolls,
Rasta
CueJunkiee said:
I have a custom cue that came with two shafts. One has more growth rings, straighter grain, and is a little heavier than the other.
To be honest, when I got the cue, I was a little disappointed in the lighter shaft. It had fewer growth rings than any shaft I owned, and there was a bit of run out in the grain.
After a few months of playing with my new cue, I've found I prefer the play of the lighter shaft. I still try to rotate my shafts, but if there's anything on the line, it is typically the lighter shaft that I'll use.
Perhaps it is the slight weight difference in the cue, or the (very slight) change in the balance point. Whatever it is, I came away with the lesson that the best shaft is the one that best compliments my play and my cue butt.
Back on topic, sometime in the fairly near future, I plan to order a third shaft to match the lighter shaft. I plan to order from the original cue maker.
Good Rolls,
Rasta
