Three 3 Best Cue Makers in the World

Stew boo

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
On a serious note, I think the best in terms of design is Black Boar. I've never played with one but I've seen some in person/online that look incredible. Of course many cuemakers only do custom orders so they are limited to the design of the customer.
Playability wise I'd go with Garten Bierbower. It's hard to beat a piloted SS jointed cue with a high quality maple shaft. The cue I tried out felt solid yet had a softish feel when striking the ball if that makes sense. I haven't had the opportunity to play with some of the high end cues like a Searing, Szamboti, or Gina but that's my pick based on everything I've played with. Hit is very subjective of course. You can't really compare an old school cue like a Szamboti vs a Southwest because they play completely different and it's just a matter of opinion.
 

Shooter08

Runde Aficianado
Silver Member
A Bob Harris is a cue you get if you want to feel belittled and ripped off at the end of your purchase.
I had a good experience working with Robert Harris prior to I think the Hurricane and Slys debacle. I liked th the two cues we purchased for resale from him. Larry Nevel bought one of them for his girlfriend, so that shows the time frame. I shipped the other to somewhere in Europe w the Intl eBay forwarding service. Shooter08
 

murdoc23

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Maybe I'm biased as I play with one. But Richard Harris with Bluegrass Cues makes the most beautiful, elegant cues for my money. He finds the richest wood and the old school micarta for the ferrules that just make an amazing package. His cues belong in a mahogany lined gentlemen's club where people are smoking cigars and drinking fine bourbon. Amazing!
 

Shooter08

Runde Aficianado
Silver Member
Maybe I'm biased as I play with one. But Richard Harris with Bluegrass Cues makes the most beautiful, elegant cues for my money. He finds the richest wood and the old school micarta for the ferrules that just make an amazing package. His cues belong in a mahogany lined gentlemen's club where people are smoking cigars and drinking fine bourbon. Amazing!
Richard Harris is totally not involved in this conversation. He is a highly respected cue builder known for how well his cues hit. I would love to have a Bluegrass Cue.
 

Shooter08

Runde Aficianado
Silver Member
I'll be honest, I read the title, and the first page. Couldn't contain my enthusiasm and posted a reply. Didn't read the drama.
I get it!! No harm, no foul. Just didn’t want Richards name anywhere involved in the controversy. I would wager, you will only find praise from anyone who has picked up one of his cues. Shooter08
 

murdoc23

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I get it!! No harm, no foul. Just didn’t want Richards name anywhere involved in the controversy. I would wager, you will only find praise from anyone who has picked up one of his cues. Shooter08
For SURE! Richard is a stand up guy, and a heck of a shooter. Had the pleasure of him kicking my butt a couple times!
 

Mensabum

AzB Gold Member
Gold Member
Steve Titus, a self-made engineer, founder of Predator 1994.

This man is the best and there is no comparison. From what he developed in the early 90's to what it is now is amazing. It's equivalent to someone just fixing golf clubs to becoming Titelist.

I am sure he could make very beautiful and elaborate cues if he wanted to but that is 'ifs' and 'what if'. Even with that said he is the best.

Predator is the standard today.
Pffffft. No way. Sorry.
 

AK-Stick

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Well , I’ll say this; I was told by Bill Schick if I was going to play with anyone’s cue other than mine it would be Mike Bender!!!
 

RADAR

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Well , I’ll say this; I was told by Bill Schick if I was going to play with anyone’s cue other than mine it would be Mike Bender!!!
I believe that, I always thought his cues were top notch players for years!
 

Sealegs50

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
My top 5 list has about 10 names. Searing and Tascarella are firmly in. A few guys have passed or retired (Barry and Ernie). So maybe my Top 5 really has 5!

Dennis Searing
The Tascarellas
John Showman
Mike Bender
Ron Haley

Outside of that for me:

Manzino
Hercek
Black Boar
PFD
Paul Mottey

James White
Eddie Cohen
Shelby
Larry Vigus
Astle
Fine list. I’m a little surprised that Randy Mobley didn’t get a mention.
 
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