Upgrade classic cue or buy new one

J510

J510

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Hello, I'm new to the forum but not to the game. After a 15 yr break I'm starting to play a few times a week again. I have a Mcdermott D21 that I purchased new in the late 80's. It is in excellent condition and plays great. I'm looking to either upgrade this with a new LD shaft and send it to Mcdermott for service and a leather wrap or just purchase a whole new cue. I was looking at the Mcdermott G502 which is around $450. I'm also considering buying my friends Predator 5K with 2 314/2 shafts in perfect condition for $500. Going to shoot with it later today to see the difference theses new LD shafts make. My question is am I better off keeping my Mcdermott original and possibly selling it or modifying it. Are the older cues made better than the new ones? Also, what is a fair price for the used Predator 5K w 2 shafts? Sorry for all the questions and the long post. Thanks in advance for any advice...
 
Keep your orginal cue just the way it is. The price you would get for it is not worth what you have in memories from that cue. $500.00 is a lot for a predator. I would suggest you look at what is out there on this forum and thru eBay. Also If you can go to the Super Billiard Expo in Pittsburg next week. It would be worth your wild to talk to several cue makers, maybe try out one of the tournaments and test hit several cues that you are intrested in. I would also suggest you double your amount and and look for that one in million cue that you would be happy with for decades to come. Mitch
 
The D21 is a nice cue and it's collectible. If you still like the cue, I would probably use this as a base, and adapt an LD shaft to it if you end up liking them (not everybody does).
 
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The D series is legendary, great playing, and collectible.

I would keep it, shoot a while with it yet, get anything re-done that needs it.....then play around with some LD shafts to find something you like......and you might go back to the old one like I did anyway. I shoot with a 70's JOSS and have yet to be able to break away from it.

I break with a D-2 McDermott and play with it occasionally. They are simply great cues. :thumbup:


.....and welcome....... :)
 
Keep the old McD! I played for about 10 years, took a 9 year break, and then came back. I tried out one of the LD shafts. I thought it was absolutely terrible. I couldn't (still can't) make a ball with them. I automatically compensate for english based on my years of play. I think you will be frustrated with the LD shaft. At least you will be to start with. You have a good knowledge base from your years of playing. I wouldn't complicate it with a shaft that's going to throw everything off.
 
I have a D23 from way back and it is one of my better hitting cues. I would not buy one of the newer Mcdermotts, they are just not the same quality. A low deflection shaft on the D21 would be a real nice combination. Sometimes a new cue can elevate your interest in the sport, maybe that's why I have nine. My D23 was my first cue and I played with that cue for ten years. To this day I can pick it up and it just feels right.
 
One of the worst refinish jobs I ever experienced was that performed by McDermott on an old HD-1 I used to own. Scot Sherbine at Proficient Billiards does some of the best refinish work in the biz, won't break the bank, and will make your D21 look like new.

Besides...great excuse for a new cue!
 
I just put a new to me Tiger Pro-X shaft on my McDermott from "94 and it has revived it from the dead.

The way I look at in the cue rack now is different, it's uplifting and one of my favorite sticks now, right there with the Mezz...... and I do mean that.
 
I just got back from shooting for 2 hrs with the Predator 5K with 314/2 shaft. It felt great and I definitely noticed the LD shaft difference. I can buy it now for $400 with 2 314/2 shafts. What do you guys think?
 
J510...The Predator was a good deal at $500...at $400 it's a steal. Put a G-Core shaft on your McD and you'll have two great playing cues.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

J510 said:
I just got back from shooting for 2 hrs with the Predator 5K with 314/2 shaft. It felt great and I definitely noticed the LD shaft difference. I can buy it now for $400 with 2 314/2 shafts. What do you guys think?
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Can I change the joint on the extra shaft to accept my Mcdermott D21 3/8-10 pin?
 
I have a D4 that I use as a backup. If you put a performance shaft on your D it will play as good as any cue. My D4 is as straight as an arrow, just like it was 25yrs. ago.
 
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