First off I think the OP meant that the IDEA of pool is simple, not the execution of excellent play. But he brings up a good line of questioning. I would feel more comfortable with the OP if he had actually played with cues that are custom and expensive, THEN had questions about the differences. Most people are answering his question incorrectly though. I believe he was after specifics as to construction, time, materials. Saying they play better because of feel is how the cue plays, but not why. I know there is a section on AZ for that...but its lame. The main forum is far more entertaining. There are lots of good responses, but none that satisfy the heart of the matter. For my opinion, I believe go with a reasonably priced custom cue maker, and go with the most striped down cue they have. I believe that is a wise way to strike the balance. Jacoby comes to mind.
Thank you for clearing that up.
*Grilled Cheese* posted this in another thread
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There's nothing special about custom cues when it comes to playability.
It's all in people's head. There are materials, and then there is the application and design using those materials. There's no real scientific basis for why someone's custom brand "plays better"...assuming that refers to performance of the cue.
Custom cue makers are not implementing any kind of unique or special technology in construction/design that improves playability. Nor are they using special materials that do so.
What they use isn't much different than what is used in production cues. One difference is custom cue makers can source very high end premium cuts of wood. This only equates to a difference in aesthetic quality. That's about it.
I used to drink the custom cue kool aid, but not any longer. They aren't (from a playability standpoint) any better than a quality mass produced cue. But in some cases worse than production shafts.
That said, what constitutes good playability has nothing to do with the origin or brand of the cue. It all has to do with consistency and a few other criteria. There are many custom cue shafts that aren't consistent.
People who think their custom cue plays better than decent quality production cue suffer from Excalibur Syndrome. Because it was made by the hands of some cue maker they worship in some little shop some where, and because there's hype the cue is great - doesn't mean it makes you make balls. Don't believe me? Then hand your magic custom cue to some APA SL3 and they'll show you how great it plays.
When you put a new cue in your hands and then play great initially with it, you're experiencing what is known as the Placebo Effect. You think the cue is making you play better when it's really all in your head.
However, this effect predictably and eventually wears off. At which point the individual searches out the next great magic cue that will take them to the next level. Hence, the never ending search for the Excalibur cue that will make their game great.
A step toward improving one's game is to unsubscribe from such equipment based thinking and focus on the true source of one's game - themselves. That whole line of thinking is a major burden to carry around in your development as a player. It's unnecessary and harmful baggage.
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