Which Custom to Buy ? **Help**

be1163

be1163

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
This is my first post and probably the most important for me. I'm going to be purchasing my first custom cue with in the next 3 months and need a little advice on which maker.

There is only 5 makers I'm interested in and would only appreciate responses regarding them. I've been all over the net and cannot find anything that sways my opinion away from any of the following cuses. Which ever one I go with it will be very plain cue (due to a tight budget) with a wood (no wrap) grip.The makers are

- Tim Scruggs
- Dan Dishaw
- Hunter Classic
- ArnotQ
- Viattorre

The only cue above I will be able to try will be the Dishaw due to my location and the number of custom cues in my area (Ontario, Canada). Also the Dishaw I will be able to pick up and save the duties, taxes, and import costs if any.

All responses with personal experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Greg
(be1163)
 
go hit the dishaw if you like it get it if not buy one from one of the other makers if you like thier hit keep it if not sell it! Go down you list that way
 
Custom Cue choices

My pick from your list of the 5 cue makers you are considering would be Tim Scruggs. I've owned a couple of Tim's cues in the past which I wish i'd hung on to. I currently have a Scruggs cue like you are considering buying, a plain cocobolo Scruggs cue with a SS joint (5/16x14). I like this cue a lot and it's one of 5 custom cues I currently own. The cue plays great and it's worth more than I paid for it (I bought it used for a good price) which is a good thing when you invest your money in a pool cue. You don't want to buy a cue and then have the value cut because of poor resale value in case you ever want to sell it.

I've met Tim in person and dealt with him on repairs and cue orders and he's one of the best out there to deal with.

If you want to expand your list I have some other recomendations, but Tim Scruggs is my pick from your list.

SCCues
 
My opinion...go with the Scruggs as far as value and everyone seems to like them.

I had an ArnotQ...nice cue, but a bit firm.

Shorty
 
From your list, I would vote for Scruggs also. Nothing against the others though.
 
I've owned a Scruggs and liked it. Right now I have two of Wes Hunter's cues. Very nice hit on both, he's also a class act.

I would reccommend either one of those.

Jim
 
There is only one on your list I have hit with so my oppinion is limited. But because of the way that cue hit and the number of people out there wanting one of his cues I would also recommend the Scruggs (if limited to the names on your list).
 
be1163 said:
This is my first post and probably the most important for me. I'm going to be purchasing my first custom cue with in the next 3 months and need a little advice on which maker.

There is only 5 makers I'm interested in and would only appreciate responses regarding them. I've been all over the net and cannot find anything that sways my opinion away from any of the following cuses. Which ever one I go with it will be very plain cue (due to a tight budget) with a wood (no wrap) grip.The makers are

- Tim Scruggs
- Dan Dishaw
- Hunter Classic
- ArnotQ
- Viattorre

The only cue above I will be able to try will be the Dishaw due to my location and the number of custom cues in my area (Ontario, Canada). Also the Dishaw I will be able to pick up and save the duties, taxes, and import costs if any.

All responses with personal experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Greg
(be1163)
Click to expand...

I'd suggest you go with the Dishaw if you like it because you'll be able to hit with it before buying. If you don't like it, I guess Scruggs would be your best bet. FWIW, I'd stay away from Arnot. What I've heard is that although he makes a good cue he can be a real pain in the butt to deal with and being in another country only adds to the hassles. I've heard that from more than one person.
 
be1163 said:
There is only 5 makers I'm interested in and would only appreciate responses regarding them. I've been all over the net and cannot find anything that sways my opinion away from any of the following cuses. Which ever one I go with it will be very plain cue (due to a tight budget) with a wood (no wrap) grip.
Click to expand...

What is your definition of a "tight budget"?

From the cue makers you've listed, both Dishaw and Scruggs would be towards the higher end (cost wise), Viattorre would be towards the bottom (again cost wise). I don't have any reference points for the other 2.

One other thing to consider would be your acceptable waiting time for delivery, I know that you'll be waiting a minimum of 12 months for a Viattorre (personal experience). Not sure of delivery times for the others.

I went through a similar process about a year ago and decided on a Viattorre from the references I received and the cost differential. I haven't received it yet, but it should be here within the next month. I was able to get exactly what I wanted, for a significantly lower cost than most of the US cue makers I looked at (Scruggs, Buss, and a couple of others). I wanted a good looking playing cue that I would not be afraid to take anywhere.

just my $.02
jaz
 
Last edited:
you can't go wrong with a scruggs...........hits great........and you can get your money back out of it if you happen to not like it eventually.

not sure how long you've been playing, but trust me, your feel will change over time, so will your cue choices.

the scruggs will hold its value over time and be easy to sell.


i do have to throw in the plug for gilbert though..........you should look into one of his cues.........awesome cue for almost as awesome a price.

thanks

VAP
 
vapoolplayer said:
you can't go wrong with a scruggs...........hits great........and you can get your money back out of it if you happen to not like it eventually.
VAP
Click to expand...

I'd go with the scruggs too. If you're on a tight budget, think about getting a bob frey...his sneaky's go for around 200-300...hit good.

peace
-egg
 
be1163 said:
This is my first post and probably the most important for me. I'm going to be purchasing my first custom cue with in the next 3 months and need a little advice on which maker.

There is only 5 makers I'm interested in and would only appreciate responses regarding them. I've been all over the net and cannot find anything that sways my opinion away from any of the following cuses. Which ever one I go with it will be very plain cue (due to a tight budget) with a wood (no wrap) grip.The makers are

- Tim Scruggs
- Dan Dishaw
- Hunter Classic
- ArnotQ
- Viattorre

The only cue above I will be able to try will be the Dishaw due to my location and the number of custom cues in my area (Ontario, Canada). Also the Dishaw I will be able to pick up and save the duties, taxes, and import costs if any.

All responses with personal experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Greg
(be1163)
Click to expand...

Hi,
Of the 5, I'd choose the Scruggs hands down. You might want to avoid Arnot if you can. Not sure what your budget is but I have access to 3 Brand New Tim Scruggs cues of which 2 of them are his basic 4 point 4 veneers cue. Email me at dooziexx@yahoo.com if you are interested and I can provide you with pictures, specs and pricing for the 3 Scruggs. There are ways to avoid the duties, imports taxes etc when cues are being shipped overseas. Ive sold many cues internationally, esp Canada, and have not had a problem with my customers paying extra for import taxes...
-Erik
 
In EVERY "I need a new cue...what do you recommend" thread, all the custom cue junkies bounce in with their favorite names of cuemakers even when the guy says he wants a production model.

So, I think I'll reverse it and say..."Go production young man...go production".
Get a Joss, Schon, or Helmstetter. It won't be as plain Jane and ugly, and it'll play just as good. (Damn, I feel much better now and I've done my Boy Scout good deed for the day) (I'm also ready to be booed off of the thread) :cool:
 
be1163 said:
- Tim Scruggs
- Dan Dishaw
- Hunter Classic
- ArnotQ
- Viattorre

Thanks in advance,

Greg
(be1163)
Click to expand...

Tough not to sound like a parrot but if my budget allowed I think I would go with a Scruggs. I have a Viattorre on order which should be arriving in a about a month and from everything I have heard they hit great and are much less expensive than the others. As for resale and playability, I have to say Scruggs though.

Koop
 
drivermaker said:
In EVERY "I need a new cue...what do you recommend" thread, all the custom cue junkies bounce in with their favorite names of cuemakers even when the guy says he wants a production model.

So, I think I'll reverse it and say..."Go production young man...go production".
Get a Joss, Schon, or Helmstetter. It won't be as plain Jane and ugly, and it'll play just as good. (Damn, I feel much better now and I've done my Boy Scout good deed for the day) (I'm also ready to be booed off of the thread) :cool:
Click to expand...

No booing from me DM. I've owned 2 Schons and 2 Helmstetters and loved all of them. I hit with a Joss a few times and didn't care for it but Schons and Helmstetters deliver a beautiful hit everytime.

Koop - Still a custom junkie though :-)
 
DDKoop said:
No booing from me DM. I've owned 2 Schons and 2 Helmstetters and loved all of them. I hit with a Joss a few times and didn't care for it but Schons and Helmstetters deliver a beautiful hit everytime.

Koop - Still a custom junkie though :-)
Click to expand...


Go to the other thread and make a choice between List A or B, please.
 
before you do ...

Before you do anything, take the time to

email Bob Owen at Bob@Shurtzcue.com
(Bob is Gabe Owen's father, Gabe is US Open 9 ball Champion)

I just talked to him and he has several nowrapped cues, and a couple
of used ones that you might be able to get a lot more bang for the buck.

Tell him what your price range is and what you want, and he said he
will send you pictures.

Shurtz cues are comparable to Scruggs for a better price.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top