Hi Blade;
First, let me say, good luck with your search for a cue and case. It's a nice problem you have. :wink:
Secondly, if you were to find something you like from either Dave Sutton or SCCues, you would be happy dealing with them. They are both real good guys.
Now, on to what I have to show you. I know you indicated that you were budgeting approx $400. for a cue and about $200. for a case. May I suggest that if you were flexible with how you split this money up, you could end up with a better quality cue (more important) and still get a very good case, new or close to new.
I have a test-hit only, like brand new, very unique Joe Callaluca cue that may work for you. If you haven't heard of him, he is a New Hampshire based cumaker and member of azb. His cues look and play incredible, and his reputation is way up there. Ask anyone who knows or has dealt with him and I'm sure they will happily confirm this for you.
As for the cue, the good news is that it started it's life as a Canadian Dufferin house cue. These are a cuemaker favorite for doing conversions as they are high quality and the playability is real strong. Joe did a fancy conversion on this one using camel bone inlays. It weighs 18.8 has a beautiful leather wrap, Juma ferrule, and some gorgeous curly maple.
I paid Joe $550 for this cue and will sell it for the same amount. What I was referring to earlier about whether you might be flexible in how you divide the $600. total you are looking to spend, keep in mind, you can get for instance a new Vincitore 2x4 real leather case for under $100. They are an excellent value and it's a good quality case.
So, whether or not you have an interest in this cue, keep in mind that you can consider other sellers cues in the $500, range still giving you an option for a good case.
Here's the original link from when Joe sold this cue to me. Read the responses, the guys had some fun with this. :grin:
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=143053
Best,
Brian kc