I have started playing in an APA league and need to get a stick. I've done a lot of research online and have narrowed my decision down to either the Viking V101 or the McDermott G201. Looking for suggestions between those two. Anyone played with the G-Core stick that can tell me if it's worth the extra $40 over the Viking? Not looking to become a 'pro' or play at tournaments (I just really enjoy playing) and probably won't be able to test one out before I buy; will just get it online. Thanks.
Viking V101 vrs McDermott G201
- Thread starter AlphaMale
- Start date
Thread moved from the review section. Only reviews belong in that section. Thank you.
If you don't mind the hassle, the majority of online vendors will allow you to return a cue if you don't like it. So you can try them that way... Not as good as trying them side-by-side though. If you just want to receive a cue though and start playing with it, I don't think you can go wrong with either cue.
I own a Viking (basically the same model you are looking at but with a non-Vpro shaft) but have shot with the G-Core as well. I would say each has it's trade-offs, but both are plenty fine. I don't think one or the other will give you an advantage in making balls in the end.
I can say I really prefer the feel of the joint and collars on my Viking, but the shaft is a just a little whippy. Where on the McDermott I like the G-Core shaft (less vibration). It's just simply a personal choice, and as I said I don't think you can go wrong. I prefer my Viking, but my friend likes her McDermotts.
Also, note that the Viking is easier to assemble/dissassemble with the quick-release pin, and it works well and feels solid. The McDermott 3/8-10 pin tends to feel better to a lot of players because it screws directly into the wood of the shaft, but it also takes a little more effort to put together. These comments are just about the pins, not how the whole joint feels. And again, in the big picture it's just a minor trade-off one way or the other.
I would say if you are looking to improve your game over the long term, and if you intend to get a Predator (or other "low deflection" shaft) one day in the near to mid-term, I would suggest just get the Viking so you can put that extra $40 to the new shaft one day.
Good luck.
I have solds hundreds of McDermotts and Vikings over the years, and I like the quality from both cue companies. You cant really go wrong either way. But it has been my experience that the Viking shafts always had a bit longer taper than most McDermott shafts in their basic line of cue models. But then that was before McDermott came out with their G-Core and I shafts.
I have yet to play with any of Vikings new VPro shafts. But from what I can tell from their catalog and website, I dont think that there is too much difference from the shafts they made when I was selling their cues.
But there can be a major difference with McDermotts G-Core shaft. It's interior construction, and shorter length ferrule are designed to contribue to reducing deflection. More so than from what I can tell with the Viking VPro shaft.
But with either cue you always have the option in the future to buy other LD brand shafts to fit your cue. You could even always buy a G-Core or I shaft from McDermott to put on a Viking if you went the Viking cue purchase. Different LD shafts from the various companies all have their different construction ideas, and they all vary in how they feel. So if you went with the McDermott purchase you could still find that maybe the G-Core shaft isn't your cup of tea.
But as you have indicated that your just starting out, with either purchase you need to allow sufficient time to gain your basic skills so that you can really learn how your cue behaves before you start modifying it with other shaft options. Time is essential for learning how to adjust to any new cue bought or for any changes made to a cue with new tips or shafts.
I have yet to play with any of Vikings new VPro shafts. But from what I can tell from their catalog and website, I dont think that there is too much difference from the shafts they made when I was selling their cues.
But there can be a major difference with McDermotts G-Core shaft. It's interior construction, and shorter length ferrule are designed to contribue to reducing deflection. More so than from what I can tell with the Viking VPro shaft.
But with either cue you always have the option in the future to buy other LD brand shafts to fit your cue. You could even always buy a G-Core or I shaft from McDermott to put on a Viking if you went the Viking cue purchase. Different LD shafts from the various companies all have their different construction ideas, and they all vary in how they feel. So if you went with the McDermott purchase you could still find that maybe the G-Core shaft isn't your cup of tea.
But as you have indicated that your just starting out, with either purchase you need to allow sufficient time to gain your basic skills so that you can really learn how your cue behaves before you start modifying it with other shaft options. Time is essential for learning how to adjust to any new cue bought or for any changes made to a cue with new tips or shafts.