TheThaiger
Banned
Firstly, I'm from the UK, where there are NO decent cue makers or even retailers. I have ZERO opportunity to try out dozens of different makes and models, so have to try and piece together what I'm after by reading reviews from sites like this, then order via the net. It isn't easy.
I don't have much money at the moment, so need to get this right first time. Resale value's not a priority (no market in UK) , nor is construction, guarantee or where it's produced. I couldn't care less what it looks like - I want to a cue that monsters the balls, not one that makes my opponents swoon.
Anyway, I'd be grateful for some comments on the following questions - I realise this is not an exact science and opinion will vary to personal taste.
1. Will a basic entry level cue in a certain range PLAY the same as one costing three times that price? In other words, is the cost difference generally due to decoration and other cosmetics?
2. Similarly, what about shafts? If I'm looking at buying a Pechauer, for instance, is the shaft going to be the same for every cue they make, irrespective of price? Or do cheap cues get crap shafts and expensive cues fantastic shafts?
3. Is the butt just a bit of wood, or is it integral to how a cue plays? Is it worth paying more for ebony, or rings, wraps, or inlays, or anything else that seems to cost more?
4. Which joint gives a solid hit? I've only played with SS on my current el cheapo banger and an implex, which was too soft for my tastes.
5. Balance - my current cue is more butt heavy, whereas my old viking was front balanced, which I got used to after time, but didn't particularly like. So, how do you know how a particular cue is going to be balanced?
6. How do custom cues compare to production cues? I realise they'll be probably better constructed etc, but what is the difference in terms of HIT? Are they guaranteed to hit better? I know this is subjective and dependent on personal preference, but will i actually shoot better with a custom?
7. Can I haggle over a production cue priced, say, $400? Is there wriggle room with online retailers? Am I right is thinking I can definitely haggle over a custom?
Finally, I'm planning on spending up to $450, but am quite keen to spend a lot less if possible, so bang for buck is more important than looks, status or anything else. I like quite a firm hit, so guess a SS joint is most likely. I'm swaying between an entry level Pechauer or Joss (around $160-$200), or the cheapest Mezz or Schon ($350-450), but could be tempted by a custom like a Frey SP at $350ish.
So, will the entry level Pechs/Joss costing 200 bucks play the same as all singing and all dancing Pech/Joss's costing 600 bucks? Will $350-450 Mezz/Schon's play the same as Mezz/Schon's costing $600-1000?
I don't have much money at the moment, so need to get this right first time. Resale value's not a priority (no market in UK) , nor is construction, guarantee or where it's produced. I couldn't care less what it looks like - I want to a cue that monsters the balls, not one that makes my opponents swoon.
Anyway, I'd be grateful for some comments on the following questions - I realise this is not an exact science and opinion will vary to personal taste.
1. Will a basic entry level cue in a certain range PLAY the same as one costing three times that price? In other words, is the cost difference generally due to decoration and other cosmetics?
2. Similarly, what about shafts? If I'm looking at buying a Pechauer, for instance, is the shaft going to be the same for every cue they make, irrespective of price? Or do cheap cues get crap shafts and expensive cues fantastic shafts?
3. Is the butt just a bit of wood, or is it integral to how a cue plays? Is it worth paying more for ebony, or rings, wraps, or inlays, or anything else that seems to cost more?
4. Which joint gives a solid hit? I've only played with SS on my current el cheapo banger and an implex, which was too soft for my tastes.
5. Balance - my current cue is more butt heavy, whereas my old viking was front balanced, which I got used to after time, but didn't particularly like. So, how do you know how a particular cue is going to be balanced?
6. How do custom cues compare to production cues? I realise they'll be probably better constructed etc, but what is the difference in terms of HIT? Are they guaranteed to hit better? I know this is subjective and dependent on personal preference, but will i actually shoot better with a custom?
7. Can I haggle over a production cue priced, say, $400? Is there wriggle room with online retailers? Am I right is thinking I can definitely haggle over a custom?
Finally, I'm planning on spending up to $450, but am quite keen to spend a lot less if possible, so bang for buck is more important than looks, status or anything else. I like quite a firm hit, so guess a SS joint is most likely. I'm swaying between an entry level Pechauer or Joss (around $160-$200), or the cheapest Mezz or Schon ($350-450), but could be tempted by a custom like a Frey SP at $350ish.
So, will the entry level Pechs/Joss costing 200 bucks play the same as all singing and all dancing Pech/Joss's costing 600 bucks? Will $350-450 Mezz/Schon's play the same as Mezz/Schon's costing $600-1000?
