technoid101
"fades in, fades out"
Hi everybody. If you’re in the market for good production house cues here is my review of two products. Viking’s, V-110K with the LD Vikore® shaft and Schmelke’s Sneaky-Pete R-065. I purchased these as players about 6 months ago and have been using them equally getting a feel for performance and quality. IMO, they are both fine pieces of craftsmanship and are worthy tools to own. My first consideration when getting ready to purchase from a production house was my cue’s had to be made in the USA. Even with that you have to watch it because some manufactures lower end products are “Engineered” or “Designed” by them but, are actually produced overseas. (Viking and McDermott both do this).
Secondly, I wanted a solid warranty. If I had to send something back I didn’t want any hassles over it.
Ok, first the Viking V110K. Merry widow design with three segmented and six color rings. Shaft Joint rings match. The only drawback I found was the wrap. It’s very fine quality Irish linen that is pressed and waxed but it is very slick in the hand. As the wax wears off I suspect the grip will improve though. The Vikore ® low deflection shaft lives up to its press. With a medium density layered tip, dime shaped, I can hit anywhere on the cue ball with control. The cue is well balanced with a 12-14 inch pro taper and came with the standard 5/16x18 quick release pin. In comparison to a good one piece house cue of the same weight the hit feels, (IMO), dampened but very solid. Final analysis, for ease of purchase, top end warranty and craftsmanship you can’t go wrong with a standard, made in the USA, Viking product. Here is a tip, if you’re looking for a decent deal keep your eye on the websites. I got the Viking as a discontinued model on sale at half the original price.:grin-square:
“Schmelke” the funny sounding name that hits like hell. If you really want a top quality product and don’t mind plain, no frills designs go look at the Schmelke line up. The R-065 is a plain Jane no wrap wood on wood for real sneaky. Put it together and you can’t tell it from a one piece house cue. I selected a Cocobolo butt section and the color is fantastic. It’s a deep reddish brown with black grained highlights. Plus it’s a full four pronged butt to forearm joint with 8 inch points that’s dead center of the section. The pictures on the Schmelke website don’t do justice to their products. Believe me the real thing is much, much better.
I ordered mine with a 3/8 x10 pin for the soft hit feel (IMO) that it brings. Matched to a semi conical taper shaft and a medium hard nickel shape LePro tip, this 18.oz beauty out hits one piece cues every time. I both break and play with this cue because it just works. And to top it off, the price of $160 just can’t be beat for the quality. Made in the USA they only build on demand so you essentially get a cue built to order rather than one of a hundred production run units. This adds to the shipping time but the wait is worth it. Try a Schmelke, you won’t be disappointed.:wink:
Secondly, I wanted a solid warranty. If I had to send something back I didn’t want any hassles over it. Ok, first the Viking V110K. Merry widow design with three segmented and six color rings. Shaft Joint rings match. The only drawback I found was the wrap. It’s very fine quality Irish linen that is pressed and waxed but it is very slick in the hand. As the wax wears off I suspect the grip will improve though. The Vikore ® low deflection shaft lives up to its press. With a medium density layered tip, dime shaped, I can hit anywhere on the cue ball with control. The cue is well balanced with a 12-14 inch pro taper and came with the standard 5/16x18 quick release pin. In comparison to a good one piece house cue of the same weight the hit feels, (IMO), dampened but very solid. Final analysis, for ease of purchase, top end warranty and craftsmanship you can’t go wrong with a standard, made in the USA, Viking product. Here is a tip, if you’re looking for a decent deal keep your eye on the websites. I got the Viking as a discontinued model on sale at half the original price.:grin-square:
“Schmelke” the funny sounding name that hits like hell. If you really want a top quality product and don’t mind plain, no frills designs go look at the Schmelke line up. The R-065 is a plain Jane no wrap wood on wood for real sneaky. Put it together and you can’t tell it from a one piece house cue. I selected a Cocobolo butt section and the color is fantastic. It’s a deep reddish brown with black grained highlights. Plus it’s a full four pronged butt to forearm joint with 8 inch points that’s dead center of the section. The pictures on the Schmelke website don’t do justice to their products. Believe me the real thing is much, much better.
I ordered mine with a 3/8 x10 pin for the soft hit feel (IMO) that it brings. Matched to a semi conical taper shaft and a medium hard nickel shape LePro tip, this 18.oz beauty out hits one piece cues every time. I both break and play with this cue because it just works. And to top it off, the price of $160 just can’t be beat for the quality. Made in the USA they only build on demand so you essentially get a cue built to order rather than one of a hundred production run units. This adds to the shipping time but the wait is worth it. Try a Schmelke, you won’t be disappointed.:wink:
