Biloxi Boy
Man With A Golden Arm
Buying a first cue is a big step. For some of us, it is one of our first significant financial expenditures. For most of us, it will not be our last cue purchase . . .
Remember, the old adage "try before you buy" is important in first cue purchases.*
Also, when making your first cue purchase you should stretch and find the best (most expensive) cue within your grasp, and then get on your tip toes, reach higher, and buy a better one. This should give you a cue you will be happy with longer -- maybe forever. If you later have to sell, more expensive cues hold their value better than, well, cheap ones. Where do you think the term "tomato stake" comes from? Check out the prices, every $200 will demonstrate an appreciable step up.
But don't go overboard. You are buying a tool and not a museum artifact. Even with the best care, cues eventually collect a few nicks and show wear. Don't sweat it. Remember, a cue is a tool. Care for it as you would any other one.
*Edit: For those without physical access to a "cue store", this can be difficult, except that most owners are proud of their cues and will readily respond positively to a request something like "I am getting ready to buy a cue, I like the way yours looks, would you mind if hit a couple of balls with it." Even some old curmudgeons find such difficult to turn down.
Remember, the old adage "try before you buy" is important in first cue purchases.*
Also, when making your first cue purchase you should stretch and find the best (most expensive) cue within your grasp, and then get on your tip toes, reach higher, and buy a better one. This should give you a cue you will be happy with longer -- maybe forever. If you later have to sell, more expensive cues hold their value better than, well, cheap ones. Where do you think the term "tomato stake" comes from? Check out the prices, every $200 will demonstrate an appreciable step up.
But don't go overboard. You are buying a tool and not a museum artifact. Even with the best care, cues eventually collect a few nicks and show wear. Don't sweat it. Remember, a cue is a tool. Care for it as you would any other one.
*Edit: For those without physical access to a "cue store", this can be difficult, except that most owners are proud of their cues and will readily respond positively to a request something like "I am getting ready to buy a cue, I like the way yours looks, would you mind if hit a couple of balls with it." Even some old curmudgeons find such difficult to turn down.
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