Top custom cue makers who's cues appreciate over time.

[QShark]

I understand there's no guarantee a cue purchased today, will retain its desirability and value. In your opinion, who are the top custom cue makers today, whose cues seem to appreciate in value over time?

Thank you!

 

[jasonlaus]

Searing, Showman, Mobley, szamboti

 

[billiardshot]

I Believe AZBilliards Member Newsheriffintwn cue will increase in value, as I did with BHQ Cues..... But reality it a who do someone like..... How many Dieckman 's Cue do you see up for sale ... maybe 3 a year.... His gas cue went for $200, now if you find one maybe $1000 today market.

Newsheriffintwn might be selling for $800, but should be in the $1200 - $2000!!

Any up and coming Cue Makers...... Or what amount you willing to pay!

 

[lord_shar]

Too many good cue-makers to name - Tascarella, Searing, Cohen, Bender, etc...

I personally went with Andy Gilbert back in 2005 because his cues deliver a lot of bang for the buck -- they are great players and range from somewhat sneaky to super-fancy, and other than a lathe, all hand-made with pantograph instead of CNC. I went with an 8-point inlay cue for my player... not sure on its dollar value today, but I'm guessing it has appreciated just because of all the white inlay material. That or it is worthless since it cannot be sold where I live

 

[Stew boo]

I don't think many custom cues will be a good investment like they used to be. The reason the old school cues like Balabushka and Szamboti are valuable is because the kids growing up in that time period knew that's what the pros and rich people had and when they became older and more wealthy there was a low supply and high demand for those cues. Now most pros use production cues like Predator and the older generation who coveted the custom cues are becoming fewer in number. Even over the past few years the Balabuska cues haven't went up in value much even with high inflation.

 

[lord_shar]

Yeah, many newer players are gravitating towards production cues with lower deflection shafts given the lower price point and excellent value. I am also guessing that the ivory ban also limits sales of older fancy cues with said inlays at certain locations, not to mention raises issues with customs.

 

[boogieman]

I don't think many custom cues will be a good investment like they used to be. The reason the old school cues like Balabushka and Szamboti are valuable is because the kids growing up in that time period knew that's what the pros and rich people had and when they became older and more wealthy there was a low supply and high demand for those cues. Now most pros use production cues like Predator and the older generation who coveted the custom cues are becoming fewer in number. Even over the past few years the Balabuska cues haven't went up in value much even with high inflation.

I have a couple customs, nothing insane, but to the tune of $1300 or so. They aren't old, but ones I bought from a cuemaker.

The older ones... I mean... I love them and appreciate the craftsmanship but for the most part they just cost too much for me to personally justify the expense. I don't have nostalgia for them. If I had a ton of disposable income then sure. Of course the ones that did appreciate in value, even $300 was a lot back then but for them to now cost $3000 you're paying for the collect-ability or rarity. And that's fine, but it also severely limits the potential market for the cues. Now if that $300 cue was now $900 or something it would be much easier for a non collector to justify. It's just the nature of collecting though. I have some NES games that I got for $50 that are now worth $200-250 because I saved the box. The reason, nostalgia and disposable income. If I were concerned about the value, I'd sell them now because when it's time for me to retire half the people who were nostalgic for them aren't around anymore.

EDIT: I'm 43 btw, so I'd imagine anyone younger than me cares even less about them. There are exceptions but I don't see any 30 year olds scrambling to pick up a Balabuska either.

 

[Shooter08]

What jasonlaus said. I would add Vigus and Hulsey if you get in not to deep and Hercek. Personally, I think Runde cues for value and availability are a perfect choice if you want an amazing collectible cue but don’t want to break the bank and they have room to appreciate IMHO. I am bias though, just to be upfront. Like you don’t know!

ps. Unique SW cues, the ones you don’t get to see often. I think at some point the SW mystique will wear out for their everyday playing cues. They are nearly priced out of being playable and they aren’t pieces of art. If a Lexus had a ten year wait would you rather than getting a decked out Avalon? About 25% percent of the people I’ve heard rate them, think not for me or nothing special, I’m guessing another 15-20% would never say a word about their feelings to protect their investment. Which is totally understandable. Someone recently posted about old Porsches on here and said for the money they don’t drive like the money, don’t quote me.

 

[CA cue man]

Well it is nice to see an OG Bill Stroud Joss West 1st catalog cue going for twice the sticker price on ebay.

Bill Stroud OG Cue Sold on ebay 05/19/24