Things to consider for those forum members buying their first pool cue

[Jimmy_Betmore]

Like the restaurant reviews that give one star because the restaurant had closed at closing time, or they didn't even go in for some other flakey reason.

But if I'm checking out some gadget, and four bad reviews all complain about the latch breaking or the handle being made of brittle plastic, I can either move on or prepare to deal with the broken part. I bought a 4.5-star Amazon kitchen gadget that turned out to be toy-quality construction. How anyone could legitimately have given it more than a 2 after trying to use it is a mystery.

Exactly this. I'll also check the dates of the bad reviews if they're consistent and seemingly legitimate. If there have been nothing but three star and up reviews all the way up until six months ago or so, that could be an indicator of a manufacturing change within the last year or so that led to a lesser quality product.

 

[Jimmy_Betmore]

If you like revolvers, here are a few of my favorites to shoot. The S&W guns a were made in 1977 so they are classics.
The Model 29 is basically a Dirty Harry model with a 6.5” barrel and the 27 is the highly sought after 5” version. Both
are just a gas to shoot and produce flame thrower discharges, especially when using a hot load which is the most fun.

Neither of the cowboy guns are Colt peacemakers, especially generations 1 or 2 that would cost many thousands.
But the guns shoot very accurately despite having just a bare bones iron front sight. And it is a nostalgic kick to shoot.
However, on my CCW, I mostly have listed pistols because of the added capacity. My favorite is a Para P12 .45 cal.

Those old Smiths are so timeless and classy. I've got a few pieces in my "collection" that I'll be looking to move in the next six months or so and am strongly considering using those funds for .22 WMR Smith. I also love the old Colt Detective Specials in .38 Special. But I'm also looking at shotguns and suppressed .22 rifles for quiet plinking and accurizing tinkering. So I won't be pulling the trigger, so to speak, on anything until I hash out exactly what I want. The goal is to reduce the number of horses in the stable while also increasing the fun and practical factors. Hell, I've got a couple cues I'll most likely be moving in pretty much the same timeframe.

Side Note: For anyone who is reading this and has ever seriously wanted a suppressor but hasn't done it, it's completely legal way easier than most people realize. Yes, you do have to register it with the ATF. But Silencer Shop has made the process pretty trivial, really. And the ATF approval times are typically less than a week these days. Just do your research to make sure whatever gun you want to suppress can actually be suppressed and what kinds of adaptors or parts you might need to do it before you actually buy one. Some guns might require a bit of tuning to get them to run properly and reliably after putting a suppressor on them. But that can be part of the fun.

 

[jalapus logan]

This post feels like a 20 years old post.
Production cues offer so many more options.
You have linen, leather, fake leather, rubber or other grips.
A lot of production cues comes with a smaller diameter than 13mm at the tip.

Here is my guide to buying a new cue:

1. If it’s too cheap, then it’s too cheap and not worth buying.

2. Buy a cue from a known manufacturer, that have reputation and you can get feedback on it in forums or groups dedicated to pool.

3. First cue, go with 19oz and make sure that you can adjust it. With experience, you’ll learn that balance point is more important than weight and you will know what weight and balance point is good for you. A balance point of 18.5-19 inch from the bumper is a good start.

4. Only buy a cue that can have an extension added.

5. Buy a cue with a real low deflection shaft (you will in the future so might as just get from the get go, might as well go with carbon)

6. Get a good medium hardness leather layered tip and experiment with different hardness when it’s time to replace it.

7. Get a good case for it.

I could quibble here and there, but mostly agree here. I can only add that one should use the cue you buy and not let it collect dust. Stroke and shot selection will win way, way more games than ane cure ever will.