I am looking for the best bang for my buck. My primary concern is playability, not so much collecting/resale. A custom cue seems the way to go, but I am an amateur outside of production models, so my question to you is what names/brands would you recommend if you were trying to stay under $500?
The best value custom has to be...?
- Thread starter tonto21
- Start date
A good custom or $500? Well custom doesn't always mean better playing, especially for less than $500. A Tim Scruggs sneaky Pete from eBay or there are some Ariel Carmelli sneaky Petes here for about $450.
You can buy a Predator cue with the new 314-2 low deflection shaft for less than $400. Custom or not custom a Predator cue will play well. Some like cues with the OB shafts, you can try that too. And recently reccomended to have a good playing cheap cue, get a cheap cue butt and put a Predator or OB shaft on it. There quite a few very expensive cues that people have put a Predator or OB shaft on it.
Aaron Reidell
Registered
Dick Neighbors makes great cues in that price range. His screename on here is rhncue i believe.
Jeff Olney makes the best value customs on the planet, comparable in quality of materials and craftsmanship to anything of similar design, regardless of price. It is also possible to get one for less than $500 in perfect condition on the used market. My wrapless coco/maple came in about $400 in unplayed condition with one shaft. Good luck.
more than $500 but a great cue for the asking price
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=166848
other than that I would recommend you contact Kevin Varney
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=166848
other than that I would recommend you contact Kevin Varney
Chuck Starkey makes very solid player's cues for mostely under $500
do some research about how his cue plays and you should get some ideas!
plus.... his cues are all one of kind
do some research about how his cue plays and you should get some ideas!
plus.... his cues are all one of kind
I guess when I see the word 'Custom', I'm expecting just that. Something that is one of a kind, made just for me, how I wanted it.
Most of what everyone here is talking about are high end production cues, with adjustable weight bolts. High end production cues are fine. Really. But they're not 'Custom', even if it's in the name.
The best value custom cue is the one that you are thrilled to have, and would have paid twice the price for.
Now the best value, high end production cue... that's another story and one I don't have a good opinion on.
Most of what everyone here is talking about are high end production cues, with adjustable weight bolts. High end production cues are fine. Really. But they're not 'Custom', even if it's in the name.
The best value custom cue is the one that you are thrilled to have, and would have paid twice the price for.
Now the best value, high end production cue... that's another story and one I don't have a good opinion on.
Plain Jane Kenn Murrell..
Best is like Beauty, or How High is Up. Many correct ANSWERS. Lots of GREAT STUFF in the For Sales, and Raffle Section of AZB.
You haven't said anything about weight, taper, splice, joint style, etc. Most makers will do what you want, but need to know what that is - and so do you. I'm not sure you do based on the fact that you've asked such an open ended question. You've rec'd answers about certain makers that you'll likely only ever see one or two joint styles from.
When some one tells you to check out a maker that makes cues predominantly with 3/8-11 flat face joints & super stiff taper & shafts, it's not going to be a good bang for the buck if you are used to playing with a 5/16-14 piloted SS & a very long thin shaft taper.
When some one tells you to check out a maker that makes cues predominantly with 3/8-11 flat face joints & super stiff taper & shafts, it's not going to be a good bang for the buck if you are used to playing with a 5/16-14 piloted SS & a very long thin shaft taper.
I would second this. I just got a new Andy Gilbert. I am very happy to say that it is the best hitting cue I have ever felt. Now granted I got some "extras" on mine (wrapless amboyna burl handle, ebony, windows in the butt sleeve). However, he calculated my price with a starting base of $500 for a plain 4 pointer with a wrap. This means (I think) that you can get one shaft with 4 points, a wrap, and basic woods for $500. I can't see how you could do better. It is hard to put into words how much I love my new cue, and how much it has *improved my game*!!! I have held the jump/break as well, but never hit a ball with it. I do not know if the hit is as nice, though everything else sure is. I have every reason to believe it would play awesome. (I did break one rack at the Super Billiard Expo a few years ago with one, and it was fantastic for breaking.)
Give him a call, he is very good to work with. I will post a review of my cue and dealings with Andy asap.
Thanks,
KMRUNOUT
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Olney olney olney olney olney. Cant beat his price, craftsmanship, style, fit and play!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Top notch!!!!!!!!
Give joe baker a ring hes in the cue makers forum alot and you get alotta cue for the money from him, ive owned two of his cues both were great players.
http://jbakercustomcues.com/default.aspx
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http://jbakercustomcues.com/default.aspx
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