Which Sneaky Pete

[Mikey Town]

I'm going to echo others here... IMO, Al Romero makes one of the best hitting sneakies out there. Plus, unless things have changed in the last 3-4 years, you can get a new one made for you within your budget. Plus he also makes a nifty little extension for you that screws into the butt of the cue through a ported butt cap. It's probably the best setup you can get for the money.

If I were to pick from your top 4 choices, I'd go with a Pechauer or a Joss. I'd probably lean towards the Pechauer, as I owned one in the past, and have hit several, and they all play really nice.

 

[Orbitty]

Joss
Meucci is poor quality, Pechauer because the strange pin, McD is OK

I love my pechauer sneaky. it plays great. Also, it's painted red and the wood is of such fine quality, it's a decoration in itself..... What's strange about the pin?

 

[jwe711]

I'd recommend the Scruggs that Itzel has for sale...

In my mind, if you buy a production cue, you'll never get your money back...as a matter of fact, you'll usually loose 40 to 50% minimum via depreciation...

As compared to spending a little bit more, for a custom, and getting a hand made fine as hell hitting machine...that won't loose any of it's value, unless you beat the hell out of it...so, spend wisely...and at the end of the road, you'll at least break even, if not, you might even make a profit...as the custom cues appreciate...rather than depreciate...

I'd also recommend Mottey's, JMW's, Phillippi's, Josey's, Tad's, and any one of the other Elder custom cue building masters...!!!
And, by no means, will I ever say that the other production cues don't hit good...some of them hit like beasts..., I just like the idea that if I sell it, I'll at least get my money back...
Joss, and Pechauer are my pic...of your options listed...

Just my 2 cents...

 

[AtLarge]

... What's strange about the pin?

On many (all?) Pechauer cues, I think the pin is 5/16 x 14 (which is a common diameter and tpi), but only a portion of the pin is threaded: http://billiardwarehouse.com/cues/pechauer/pechauer_pool_cue_p04.htm

 

[Charlie Edwards]

Another sneaky the OP should consider is one made by Ned Morris. Mine hits as good as any custom. He starts with old Valley Supreme house cues and uses premium, old growth high ring count shaft wood. Plays very sporty.

 

[lakeman77]

I've tried several. Best by far are Starkey and Bob Frey. In that order.

 

[ps611846]

Save some more money and go for a Mezz. You will be very happy with your choice.

 

[skogstokig]

i wouldn't recommend the new meuccis to anyone except my opponents.. but i like the pre-dot meucci sneakys

Of your list, Joss. For that price range, I'd also look at the OB. If you like an LD Shaft, you get the OB cue with the LD Shaft. I'd get it before Joss but only because I prefer the LD Shaft.

predators most simple sneaky should be in the price range too