I've had four cues extensions over the years. The Mezz and Predator are not marketed as add-ons to other brands of cues, but if you can find a cue mechanic willing to do the work and a suitable cue they both use threaded inserts that could be installed into a butt with the right tools. The Lobite is the only AFAIK that has a kit available for installation into other brands of cues.
Note I prefer light cues so I put light weight as a plus, but it may not be depending on how you like your cues balanced.
One type of extension I've never owned but always wanted to try is the built-in telescopic butt extension like
this. However some cue makers I've mentioned this too say it degrades the feel of the cue.
1)
Predator QR2 - Fitted by swapping out the screw-in bumper that has been standard on all their cues for several years now. Uses a modified pin with a big rounded end and a short threaded section
Pros -
Extension is light.(3oz)
Guaranteed to fit any recent Predator cue.
Easy to install, just unscrew the original bumper and screw in the new one.
Short thread makes it quick to assemble and disassemble
Cons -
Once fitted there is a noticeable gap between the end of the extension and the butt of the cue on the two cues I've used it on. (A P3 and an SP2) Predator use several different designs for their butts so this extension has to accommodate all of these.
When removing it the bumper can unscrew with the extension itself and require re-tightening it.
Due to the short thread section and large amount of play due to the design it is possible to install it improperly at an angle
The bumper is in two parts, an inner portion made of metal with the bumper section itself made out of plastic. The plastic is not as soft as the original all-rubber it replaces. Unfortunately for me the two sections have come apart and I'm trying to find out if Predator warranty this part at all.
The bumper sticks out a lot more than the original flat one and tapers to a narrower point that is not very attractive.
If you care about it they don't come with a joint protector. I found an old one from a Predator Air jump cue (Short radial pin IIRC) that fitted it. Mine also didn't come with a protective cloth bag but another friend who purchased one did, so YMMV
2)
Mezz Standard extension - Fitted by swapping out the screw-in bumper that has been standard on all their cues for several years now. Uses a thin metric pin with a tapered point.
Pros -
Guaranteed to fit any recent Mezz cue.
Easy to install, just unscrew the original bumper and screw in the new one.
Fits very snug as all Mezz cues use the same design of squared-off butt
Does not change the appearance of the cue.
New ones come with a joint protector
Mezz also offer a few wood designs and longer extensions if you can find them. They even have a
telescopic version[/Uvery RL] but it is very spendy.
Cons -
Slow to install as it has a fairly long, narrow thread
Relatively heavy. I don't have one any more but I'd estimate at least 6-7oz. I was seriously tempted when I played with one to put it in a drill press and hollow it out.
When removing it the bumper can unscrew with the extension itself and require re-tightening it.
3) [URL="https://www.seyberts.com/cue-extensions/longoni-cue-extension-with-case/"]Longoni Cue Extension - Fitted directly over the existing butt and bumper. Uses internal plastic "teeth" that tighten against the butt.
Pros -
Extension is long.(15.5")
Relatively light given the size (7.2oz)
Fit pretty much any cue.
Easy to install, just slide it on and tighten it.
Quick to assemble and disassemble
Comes with a cloth bag
Cons -
I have an early one and there is no padding in the internal plastic "teeth" and they can scratch the finish on the butt. I have seen newer ones that I think now have some stick-on felt to avoid this.
Only comes in one size
Looks ugly
Made of cheap plastic
You can't comfortably hold the cue near the end of the butt due to the wide diameter of the section used to tighten it.
4)
Longoni Lobite - Fitted by swapping out the screw-in bumper on most of their current cues, purchasing it pre-installed or having it installed afterwards. It can be retro-fitted to most of their older cues. It uses a pin with three "lobe" shapes that create a friction fit into the bumper.
Pros -
Guaranteed to fit any recent Longoni cue.
Very fast to assemble as long as you line it up right.
Fairly light - 7.8" version is 5.6oz.
Available in multiple sizes and two different weight options for the bumper replacement itself
You can get two and do a double extension by fitting one into the other. However unless you are playing in a 12' table I can't see this coming up very often.
They sell an installation kit specifically to allow cue makers to install this into other brands of cue, as long as there is enough material in the butt to cut a thread into it.
The bumper does not come loose when you unscrew the extension.
Cons -
The installation requires permanently gluing the adapter into the butt. This prevents this issue where the adapter can come loose like the Predator and Mezz but makes it a permanent upgrade. I believe this is needed because the friction fit needs a good amount of torque to break the grip. (The friction fit needs a bit of a twist when removing it.) It will also block access to any weight bolt unless it is a thin enough to pass through the opening of the adapter. (Longoni's own weight bolts are OK as they are designed for it.)
The lobes have to be aligned just right to install it properly, which can be a bit fiddly especially in dark Pool halls.
Not many cue mechanics in North America who have the kit to install it. (I think
BA Billiards[\URL] in Los Angeles.)
