scottycoyote said:
looking at a sneaky pete cue, one of the selling points is thats its a full splice. I think i know what that means as far as how the cue is made......my question is, is that something thats special or important.......or are most cues, especially sneaky petes full splice cues usually?
A full splice is where the handle section and forearm are two separate pieces, joined together by a "splice", which is a very solid joint held together by only glue.
Examples are typical one piece cues with points, bar cues, sneaky pete's. So yes, the traditional sneaky pete with points made from a bar cue is a full splice cue. The classic full splice cue is the Brunswick Titlist and Wille Hoppe cues. A lot of old cue makers such as Balabushka, Palmer, and Paradise made cues which were based on the Titlist full splice cue, which Brunswick sold for the purpose in unfinished condition called "blanks". To see if this sort of cue is a full splice, you have to take off the wrap. It will resembles a bar cue in appearance.
Even though you can't see it, most cues with points these days are in three sections, a short forearm with points, which is joined to a handle section, usually straight maple (by screws, dowels, threaded, or other) , which is joined to a butt sleeve. The wrap covers the handle/forearm joint as well, so it gives the appearance of a full splice cue. This is called the "short splice" or the "half splice". The points are referred to as "milled". These are not full splice cues.
Some cue-makers think that the full splice results in a stronger, better playing cue. I can tell you for sure it is more difficult to make! Bear in mind these are opinions and not everyone agrees on the subject.
Here are two that still use the full splice and explain their ideas on why they believe it is desireable:
Bear Cues
Joel Hercek
Chris
