So I'm trying to pick out my first cue.

[syphinhex]

Hey all,

I guess as some back-story, I'm in my late 20s and while I've played casually since I was a child--in the past few months since moving to my current city I've found myself almost obsessed with the game. It's cheap, gives you something to do, etc. So anyways, I've been going to this place where there's always league players practicing if they're not doing their 'meeting' thing and I'm getting to where I'm actually able to run with them a little. While I still have a good ways off before I feel I would be an asset to a team, I wouldn't mind joining one down the road for some fun--thus I've come to the conclusion that beyond practice, getting my own cue might be a good step in the right direction to getting better.

I'm assuming playing with the exact same cue every time I go out can only benefit me, right? So I've been shopping around and this cue sort of popped out at me and the more I look at others this one continually seems like the one I should get: http://www.vikingcue.com/valhalla-black-ice-i/

It's a Viking Black Ice 1, I'm wanting to get it at 20oz--that's about the weight house cue I like playing with at least. The price is about right, not looking to dump a fortune into a beginner cue so was just wondering if any people who play a lot may have an opinion on them?

Thanks in advance,

 

[pooltchr]

Consistency is the greatest benefit from having your own cue. Most production cue brands have similar characteristics. The shaft needs to be straight and it needs a good tip. Beyond that, most of the cost goes into the decoration of the butt. I do recommend investing in a nice hard case to protect your cue from bumps, bangs, scratches, and the elements of cold, heat and humidity. In time, you may find 20 oz might be a bit heavy, so adjustable weight could become an issue. 19 is a little closer to the weight most players use.

Welcome to the addicts of this fantastic game!