Sugartree or Tascarella?

For wood selection and design, Sugartree cues are at the top of the heap, but you just can't beat a Tasc in terms of playability, balance and feel.

For me, Tascarellas are right up there with the best-hitting cues I've ever played with, the other two makers being Tad and Gina.
 
I have had maybe 6 sugartree cues over the years, while the wood used always looks stunning, the playability, hit, feel, whatever you want to call it varied dramatically between. I had a couple that felt dead, two that really felt great, and two that were meh. I have heard that Pete Tascarella is reknowned for consistency in his cues, so if you go down the sugartree route, make sure you try before you buy.
 
Are the dimensions of both cues to your liking? Length, weight, tip width, taper, balance point, etc.? Do you even know what you like best? Do you intend to use the shafts that come with the cue or are you going to use a shaft from a company that specializes in LD technologies? The trial period may not be sufficient if you intend to use a different shaft.

The name of the cuemaker is not enough to predict how you will respond to any particular sample.
 
Assume they are generally the same....

For feedback purposes let's just assume they are generally similar in weight, dimensions, balance etc.... The cuemakers clealry have differences in how they build their cues. Eric obviously has a different shaft taper than Pete; Pete follows traditional construction practices, but if all were equal, in your opinion who builds a better playing cue?

QUOTE=Sealegs50;5044222]Are the dimensions of both cues to your liking? Length, weight, tip width, taper, balance point, etc.? Do you even know what you like best? Do you intend to use the shafts that come with the cue or are you going to use a shaft from a company that specializes in LD technologies? The trial period may not be sufficient if you intend to use a different shaft.

The name of the cuemaker is not enough to predict how you will respond to any particular sample.[/QUOTE]
 
For feedback purposes let's just assume they are generally similar in weight, dimensions, balance etc.... The cuemakers clealry have differences in how they build their cues. Eric obviously has a different shaft taper than Pete; Pete follows traditional construction practices, but if all were equal, in your opinion who builds a better playing cue?

QUOTE=Sealegs50;5044222]Are the dimensions of both cues to your liking? Length, weight, tip width, taper, balance point, etc.? Do you even know what you like best? Do you intend to use the shafts that come with the cue or are you going to use a shaft from a company that specializes in LD technologies? The trial period may not be sufficient if you intend to use a different shaft.

The name of the cuemaker is not enough to predict how you will respond to any particular sample.
[/QUOTE]

Mike Webb :D
 
For feedback purposes let's just assume they are generally similar in weight, dimensions, balance etc.... The cuemakers clealry have differences in how they build their cues. Eric obviously has a different shaft taper than Pete; Pete follows traditional construction practices, but if all were equal, in your opinion who builds a better playing cue?

QUOTE=Sealegs50;5044222]Are the dimensions of both cues to your liking? Length, weight, tip width, taper, balance point, etc.? Do you even know what you like best? Do you intend to use the shafts that come with the cue or are you going to use a shaft from a company that specializes in LD technologies? The trial period may not be sufficient if you intend to use a different shaft.

The name of the cuemaker is not enough to predict how you will respond to any particular sample.
[/QUOTE]

as has been confirmed by many here, both cuemakers make cues that play very well.

beyond that, it's subjective.

Short of you playing with them prior to purchase, and you indicated that you couldn't, then I would suggest going with which style strikes you best.

they are *vastly* different in style.

if you buy it right, either cue can be sold for what you pay + or - a little.

So choose one you like, pull the trigger and see what you think. :thumbup:

or maybe a southwest... :grin-square::eek:

GL

best,
brian kc
 
There is nobody who builds a cue better than TASCARELLA.... Go with the Tasc... You will be very happy...


For feedback purposes let's just assume they are generally similar in weight, dimensions, balance etc.... The cuemakers clealry have differences in how they build their cues. Eric obviously has a different shaft taper than Pete; Pete follows traditional construction practices, but if all were equal, in your opinion who builds a better playing cue?

QUOTE=Sealegs50;5044222]Are the dimensions of both cues to your liking? Length, weight, tip width, taper, balance point, etc.? Do you even know what you like best? Do you intend to use the shafts that come with the cue or are you going to use a shaft from a company that specializes in LD technologies? The trial period may not be sufficient if you intend to use a different shaft.

The name of the cuemaker is not enough to predict how you will respond to any particular sample.
[/QUOTE]
 
Follow the rules! ;)

Brian and Koop,
You're breaking the rules! ;) Troublemakers. There are only two options here, thanks for the suggestions though.

Skins, thanks for the guidance.
-Ryan


as has been confirmed by many here, both cuemakers make cues that play very well.

beyond that, it's subjective.

Short of you playing with them prior to purchase, and you indicated that you couldn't, then I would suggest going with which style strikes you best.

they are *vastly* different in style.

if you buy it right, either cue can be sold for what you pay + or - a little.

So choose one you like, pull the trigger and see what you think. :thumbup:

or maybe a southwest... :grin-square::eek:

GL

best,
brian kc[/QUOTE]
 
Brian and Koop,
You're breaking the rules! ;) Troublemakers. There are only two options here, thanks for the suggestions though.

Skins, thanks for the guidance.
-Ryan

IMO only...
The Tascarella will probably be worth more in the long run but I think Sugartree's play better. Sugartree's do exceptionally well on the secondary market as well so, to me, you can't go wrong with either
 
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I have had maybe 6 sugartree cues over the years, while the wood used always looks stunning, the playability, hit, feel, whatever you want to call it varied dramatically between. I had a couple that felt dead, two that really felt great, and two that were meh. I have heard that Pete Tascarella is reknowned for consistency in his cues, so if you go down the sugartree route, make sure you try before you buy.

This has been my experience as well.

I have played more than half a dozen ST cues, and owned three. My experience is the same, IME, they all hit very differently.

I played a 1960s Balabushka a few years back, the original owner let me hit with it for half an hour or so. I bought a Tascarella in 2010 and the hit is the closest to the Bushka than any other cue I have played.

I personally like the type of hit and sound the Tascarella has, and have played with that cue for 5 years now. Plus, Tascarellas (and STs) do hold their value. I think you will find the Tascarella more consistent from cue to cue.
 
You're gonna have to go the the well, Ram....buy them both.
....they will retain their value...eventually keep just one...if you can.:)
 
buying a peter sr built tascarella would be like buying a 61' corvette
 

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I've owned two from each cue maker, and hit with several from each cue maker.

I do not own one from either at present.

I have a stainless steel lined piloted ivory joint cue on order right now
from Tascarella. I have no plans to order another Sugartree.

I do own a Wes Hunter that gives the 7 ball to a Sugartree. I would go that
way if expense is a primary issue.
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=349257
 
To clarify, I haven't played with either, and am wanting feedback from those who may have played with both. I appreciate the Southwest suggestion.

I have bought, sold and traded more Sugartrees than anyone alive. I have played with one for the past 5-6 years straight. They are awesome. I own two Tascarella now and have owned at least a dozen or more in the past. They are very well made and play great. My personal preference is Sugartree. Eric Crisp is making 5 of them for me right now. If you want a brand new one, call Mike at 859-420-8733.
 
For wood selection and design, Sugartree cues are at the top of the heap, but you just can't beat a Tasc in terms of playability, balance and feel.

For me, Tascarellas are right up there with the best-hitting cues I've ever played with, the other two makers being Tad and Gina.

This. I've tried both and for me it's no comparison playability-wise,,,get the Tasc.
 
Same as Grant said, I had a couple of Eric's Cues, all are feels great not dead but the Tasca I had ( newer ones with the longer pro taper ) is a Monster, fit and finish is a 10.
So both are good Cues but for hold the value and a little History you have to buy a Tasc:wink:
Just my 2 cents
Ralf
 
Tasc!!!

I own two Tascs.,never ordered a Sugar. Very happy with Pete's work, and love the traditional style of his cues. I'd go with a Tasc all the way.
 
Baron, very helpful link. I enjoy traditional cues as well. The Sugartree will be somewhat traditional (4 points with veneers--it's from a Davis blank). I'll add another caveat. Both cues are 60" cues, which is tough to find in either cuemaker.
Looks like the Tasc fans are in the lead.
Thanks for the feedback thus far....

From these premier cuemakers, why would you use a Davis blank?
 
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