hi nick,
thanks for taking the time to completely answer my question. i clearly understand. for me, i don't have the money to collect fine cue art and if i did, i don't think i would have the decipline to not try them.
i feel i need 2 cues; 1 for home/friends homes - which i think i have now, my new southwest; and 1 for poolhalls - which i haven't found yet though currently it is a recently bought carmeli full splice, but i am still looking. i must have bought 6 or more cues in the last few months in this effort, most pretty good and most full splices and a few plain janes, merry widows. but what i really would like is an somewhat less expensive clone of my southwest so i am 'almost using' the same cue always. maybe a friend here on az will make exactly this for me. then i hope i will finally be settled in with cues.
i wish i could just always just use my sw, just one cue like you; but playing in halls/league i would be too worried every time i get the beers, use the restroom or just waiting my turn to play and keep looking back at my cue to certify it is still there. the anticipitory fear of the despair others have experienced of a stolen loved cue would be to much to worry about and still play well. and i am not a very good player and really play my best when i am nice and relaxed after a few beers, so for sure i can't always keep an eye on it.
i wonder if you have a secret to secure your cochran when at halls?
thanks again,
miles