Shelf-life of a cue

TheThaiger

TheThaiger

Banned
Everything has a shelf-life, right? So how long do cues last before they're finished? I'm thinking more about better brand productions here btw, used daily by a banger.
 
TheThaiger said:
Everything has a shelf-life, right? So how long do cues last before they're finished? I'm thinking more about better brand productions here btw, used daily by a banger.
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You might get a more in-depth answer in the ask a cue maker section but here's my take on it. I don't think that cues really have a shelf life like other products do if they are kept in non-extreme atmospheric conditions or unless they are made from substandard materials. If you look around here on the website you'll see cues selling that were made in the 30 to 100 year old range that people will still play with. As I've learned from the ask a cue maker section even the ivory that's on your average custom cue is usually 30+ years old before it's considered good to use and well aged wood is a prized commodity as well. Some of that aged wood for conversion cues and shafts are in the 30 to 70 year old range or more. So I think for a well made and finished cue the shelf life, if it has one could be a long long time.

If you're talking about staying straight and while being subjected to abuse which goes beyond normal use some cues even production cues hold up pretty well for decades while other go down in months. It's all about how well the cue was made and then subsequently cared for. If you take care of your cue you could probably give it to your grandchildren and if they take care of it they might even be able to give it to their grandchildren. Trees can live hundreds to thousands of years and things made from them usually don't fall apart so quickly if made well. With today's clear coating finishes I think that cues may have longer periods of use then ever before. Although even with the newer methods you might have to replace a shaft occasionally.
 
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I would tend to agree with Pooln8r, I don't see that cues have a shelf life if you look after them properly. Don't abuse it, keep it clean and it should last a lifetime. My first snooker cue in the late 1970's was from the 1920's and is as I understand it still being played with today back in England, although I hear the guy who has it now had it made into a two piece. If Ash lasts taht long, IMHO Maple Pool cues that are looked after should last just as long if not longer as Maple has a much tighter grain.

The worst thing people tend to do is leave their cue in the trunk of their car and the heat and humidity just kills it. I am not sure about the newer generation LD shafts though, I'm not sure there is enough data out there yet.
 
Are you saying that the wood that makes up the cue goes through some kind of transformation as a result of age or usage???? I don't think that's possible. There are wooden buildings that are over 1400 years old, still standing and are as sound as the day they were built.

Now if you're saying that a cue may have used up its quota for making balls, much like a putter uses up its quota for making putts on the golf course, that one I'm more willing to believe. One reason you should always have a back up cue; you don't want your regular cue to get too comfortable and think it can't be replaced! :grin:

Besides, shelf life indicates it's been sitting on a shelf. If it gets played with everyday, it keeps the cue in proper fighting trim thus preserving the life.

Brian in VA
 
Longer than your shelf life will be....

May you see 5 generations through their school years with your Pool Cue close by.
 
Shelf life?

Well there are musical insturments that are very old like violins that are still in excellent condition.....I'm sure a well constructed cue could last well over a hundred years.

With todays modern epoxys and glues I would not doubt to see cues like Black Boars and Herceks and such last hundreds of years if properly cared for.


-Grey Ghost-
 
Brian
Dude you have solved the mystery I have been searching for this answer for a very long time, obviously Viking built in a very limited making balls quota on my particular cue:wink:
 
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I've had several cues over 100 years old. Last time I played with my Brunswick 360, I broke & ran a rack with it.
 
A cue, made from properly seasond woods, and properly hung without stress or tension will last centuries. So, in theory it has a finite shelf life, in practice its all about execution.
 
Perhaps you guys aren't giving the answer the OP wants ... if he is looking for justification to get a new cue:grin::grin::grin:
 
If you worry more about how you take care of it (and im not saying that you dont) the shelf life will take care of itself. Considering its a quality made cue.
 
The wood- until it warps ,cracks or has a blow out.
The tip- until worn down too much or delams.
Pins -until manually bent or damaged
Collars and Ferrule and butt cap- until they crack
The finish- until it cracks ,chips,crazes,wears through,etc

Generally any cue that is good when built if cared for properly will last longer than you'll live.
 
TheThaiger said:
Everything has a shelf-life, right? So how long do cues last before they're finished? I'm thinking more about better brand productions here btw, used daily by a banger.
Click to expand...

best bet for Banger is production McDermott
Lifetime warranty.
Factory tune-up every six months.
no extra charge . . . .
shelf life ? I don't keep mine on a shelf !
 
Actually all of your cues have gone bad. They are way past their experation dates. Luckily though I do cue recycling so send them to me then go buy new cues you will instantly jump up 2 balls with fresh cues and you will be doing the environment a favor. Think of how much you will be doing to for the world.
 
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