Your favorite custom pool cue maker?

[matthew staton]

I say why wait so long for one of those cues like south west.Yes they play good. Here is a few of my top cue makers That make a awsome hitting cue and do awsome work 1. mike capone 2.Kenny murrell 3.BCM 4.chris nitti just to name a few that I think are worth the money, because if a cue plays like crap but looks good what good is it jmo.

 

[tedkaufman]

I'm heavily considering a Dennis Searing or a Joel Hercek pool cue. I want the best hitting cue made and a high resale value would not hurt. Who is your favorite custom pool cue maker if you could only pick one? What options do you have on yours?

Thanks

Mike

I owned and tried dozens of cues before settling on a Southwest. Eighteen years ago I got on the waiting list. It took three years to receive my cue. I have played with it ever since, and I will never let it go. It's probably worth 3-4 times what I paid for it, but it doesn't matter because I will never sell it. I've never played with a finer cue.

That said, if I were to buy a new cue from a custom maker now, I would get one made by Sheldon Lebow. A great many players here in the NW play his cues, and I've tried at least a dozen of them. They were consistently excellent, and I have not heard one--not ONE!--person complain about his cue in any way. Sheldon is a very smart, intuitive guy and an excellent player himself, and he seems to have that intangible sense of what makes a cue play well. There is a wait for his cues, but I think it is more in the 6 month range. His prices, considering how well his cues play and the quality of workmanship, are very reasonable. You should check with him, of course, but I think a simple wrapped cue, without points, is about $600. That is a great value.

Despite the fact that I own a Southwest as well as a Kersenbrock, I intend to have Sheldon make a dustom cue for me. If you consider the Southwest benchmark I measure all cues against, you should get a pretty good idea of what I think of his cues. His cues are that good.

 

[SirBanksALot]

Sheldon LeBow...!!

Sheldon LeBow is a bit of well kept secret. He does indeed make a hell of a cue. I own one of his and also a cue made by David Tice, another NW cue builder. The Tice cue plays as well any top end cue and has some outstanding, eye catching ring work.

 

[glaze]

All the top cuemakers ofer very well made cues. Hit is completely subjective. Therefore based only on resale potential my list in order is:

Balabushka (the gold standard)
Szamboti (G)
Szamboti (B)
Schrager
Southwest
Black Boar
Tad

Next we can discuss the best chili, the best pizza, collectable cars.........................well, maybe next year.

Hoppe Holidays to All

Szamboti and Southwest have better resale than Hercek and Searing?

If I had all these cues in one room I could narrow it down to the best one for me very easily. It's just not that easy and I will have to order one sight unseen. I do not want to buy one used. I really want a custom made cue with some inlays I pick. A seven year wait is extremely long, but I would do it.

Everything is personal preference. I play electric guitar also and many people would say a 50's Fender Strat is the ultimate bar none. Well I've owned 50's Strats and the best playing Strat I've ever owned is a John Suhr Strat, but this is my personal preference. I'm not trying to buy an original Balabushka. I'm trying to narrow it down to one maker that is making pool cues now and get on his waiting list. I've heard more people say the Searings are just incredible and that a Searing is the best pool cue they have ever played with. This is what I'm looking for. It's nice to see the same six or seven names coming up over and over to help narrow it down.

Mike

 

[skins]

Lord_Shar


If I'm going to pay $2,000.00 or more and wait several years for a custom made cue I really want a cue that plays like an original Balabushka and has earned a reputation in the pool world as being just as good.

if that's what you want than the answer is to get on pete tascarella's list now before it get's out of hand. he's the "balabushka" man for sure! all of his cues are made on george b's old equiptment. or you can call me and i'll design you a one of a kind made by keith josey that rocks!

 

[billfishhead]

Barry Szamboti,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Gus Szamboti

like its a big suprise to the regulars what im going to say

 

[OldHasBeen]

Why not buy an original Balabushka? He is not making any more you know.

Lord_Shar

I do not have a price range I'm trying to hit, so all options and price ranges are open. I know prices for most of the well known custom cue makers start at $1,800.00 and go up from there depending on options. Many of these cue makers have a waiting list of several years, so I'm aware of that also.

If I'm going to pay $2,000.00 or more and wait several years for a custom made cue I really want a cue that plays like an original Balabushka and has earned a reputation in the pool world as being just as good. Many people feel nothing plays as good as an original Balabushka cue, but has any custom cue maker equalled that type of reputation the original Balabushka cues have?

Mike

When you buy an original Balabushka - You don't have to wait - It sure as hell won't go down in value. All I've seen (mine does) plays as well as the day it was made. There is 0 difference in the $2,000.00 price for most of them - Just add the 0 after the 2.

TY & GL

 

[cueball1950]

I myself like both paul Dayton and Russ Esperitu cue. love the way they both hit and that is with their own shafts............................................mike

 

[Bamacues]

I have had the pleasure of playing with many different cues made by lots of cuemakers. There are several great hitting cues, based on your personal preference as to type hit, etc. I have never hit with a cue that provided the feedback and feel, balance, etc (for me) as my Southwest. Many other cuemaker's cues play great, but it was the SW that did it for me....many other folks out there will say the hit of an SW is overated, and to them, it might be. That is why there are different cuemakers with different hits.

 

[glaze]

I have had the pleasure of playing with many different cues made by lots of cuemakers. There are several great hitting cues, based on your personal preference as to type hit, etc. I have never hit with a cue that provided the feedback and feel, balance, etc (for me) as my Southwest. Many other cuemaker's cues play great, but it was the SW that did it for me....many other folks out there will say the hit of an SW is overated, and to them, it might be. That is why there are different cuemakers with different hits.

Bamacues

I really like the way you narrowed it down to one maker and explained why. What options do you have on your Southwest?

Thanks

Mike

 

[glaze]

I owned and tried dozens of cues before settling on a Southwest. Eighteen years ago I got on the waiting list. It took three years to receive my cue. I have played with it ever since, and I will never let it go. It's probably worth 3-4 times what I paid for it, but it doesn't matter because I will never sell it. I've never played with a finer cue.

That said, if I were to buy a new cue from a custom maker now, I would get one made by Sheldon Lebow. A great many players here in the NW play his cues, and I've tried at least a dozen of them. They were consistently excellent, and I have not heard one--not ONE!--person complain about his cue in any way. Sheldon is a very smart, intuitive guy and an excellent player himself, and he seems to have that intangible sense of what makes a cue play well. There is a wait for his cues, but I think it is more in the 6 month range. His prices, considering how well his cues play and the quality of workmanship, are very reasonable. You should check with him, of course, but I think a simple wrapped cue, without points, is about $600. That is a great value.

Despite the fact that I own a Southwest as well as a Kersenbrock, I intend to have Sheldon make a dustom cue for me. If you consider the Southwest benchmark I measure all cues against, you should get a pretty good idea of what I think of his cues. His cues are that good.

Sheldon Lebow sounds very interesting. If he is that good his cues will go up in value when word get's out in a few years. I will check him out.

Mike

 

[badabing]

Badabing

I've heard more about Dennis Searing than any other custom cue maker and it's nice that you mention his cue with the ss half joint is the best cue you have played with. Thanks for really narrowing it down. What woods were on that cue and any other specific options you can tell me about it?

This is the kind of information I want to hear: This maker, this joint with these woods is the best cue I have ever played with bar none.

Mike

Mike

The owner of this cue told me he owned three Searing cues and this one was his favorite playing cue and I have to agree. The cue had a maple forearm with four cocobolo points. Cocobolo back end with ivory ring. SS half joint with cocobolo joint collars. One of the things that surprised me the most was the cue was only about 18.7 oz. I had been playing with cues in the 19.5-20 oz range and this cue made me start to think lighter! Dennis is making a similar cue for me now and if it plays like this one I will be one happy SOB

Dave

 

[tedkaufman]

Sheldon Lebow sounds very interesting. If he is that good his cues will go up in value when word get's out in a few years. I will check him out.

Mike

I'm sure Sheldon's cues will go up in value. He's a very quiet and unassuming guy and he really doesn't do much to promote his cues. Basically, the players who use his cues do the talking for him. But a lot of them are talking!

I had never heard of him before moving to Oregon three years ago. But when I started playing in local tournaments and talked to players, it seemed like a remarkable number of them played with Lebow cues. Most were only too eager to let me hit their cue, and as a result, I started to appreciate why his cues were so widely used here.

Subsequently, I met Sheldon and have had numerous talks with him on things like joint design, coring, CNC milling, shaft design, shaft stiffness and so on. I can tell you, this guy is devoted to his craft and he knows his stuff. Call him some time and you'll see what I mean (sheldoncue.com or call (541) 741-1947).

In terms of feel, Lebow cues are fairly stiff, similar to the feel of a Southwest. They are also as solid hitting as anything you will ever hit, and every one I've tried was beautifully balanced. The thing I like best is his cues offer excellent feedback on touch shots--a feel you can sense in your fingertips. That same solidness, balance and touch are what convinced me go with a Southwest years ago, and it's why I want Sheldon to make me a cue now.

 

[Mike Templeton]

if that's what you want than the answer is to get on pete tascarella's list now before it get's out of hand. he's the "balabushka" man for sure! all of his cues are made on george b's old equiptment. or you can call me and i'll design you a one of a kind made by keith josey that rocks!

I have to throw in another vote for Keith Josey. I purchased one of his cues a couple of months ago, and I'm playing better than I have in years.

Mike

 

[DJKeys]

Hit

It is so subjective, but I own a Chudy, Capone, Black Boar, Hercek, Scruggs, Southwest, and a Ned Morris.

I don't own a Balabushka but I friend of mine at the pool hall has an original he bought from George in the early 1960's. It has his name inscribed in the lower clear window. He let me play with it last week for about a half hour and I can tell you that there is no other cue that hits like that. Best description would be like hitting with a cue made of unbreakable glass. Amazing.

My Southwest has a very stiff hit, but is too heavy for me (19.7 oz). All flat faced wood joint cues have a similar hit in my opinion, Chudy and Capone for example.

For Resale I would go with Hercek.

Black Boars have a great hit, but you cannot buy a new one from Tony for at least the next ten years (Has a contract with Lucky). I played with this cue until I bought the Hercek.

The Hercek full-splice is a different animal and has a beautiful hit, combination of the right stiffness with great sensitivity. Piloted ivory joint. I played with this until Ned Morris finished my cue last spring.

I still think Ned Morris is the best bang for the buck, and the best hitting cue I own. Flat faced solid ivory joint with bronze pin.I was blown away by the feel of the Hercek, and the Ned feels even better to me. His waiting list is less than a year, and you can get a nice cue for the $2000 you want to spend.

 

[robertno1pool]

Favorite cue maker

My preference is Paul Mottey and Richard Black - because I own one of their cues (with another maker who will remain unnamed – till I order my next cue). No doubt I am biased. Though the cues I have from them are over ten (10) to twenty (20) years old - is it possible they may have learned how to make better cues since then? I would certainly think they learn and challenge perfection along the way. Much is in the playability of a cue and much is in what people consider artistry relative to inlays, etc. The challenge we all face is when to buy an extra shaft ‘cause a tip might come unglued and when to buy six (6) shafts ‘cause the cue will survive generations.

 

[Voodoo Daddy]

I'm heavily considering a Dennis Searing or a Joel Hercek pool cue. I want the best hitting cue made and a high resale value would not hurt. Who is your favorite custom pool cue maker if you could only pick one? What options do you have on yours?

Thanks

Mike

Disclaimer: This is my opinion End of Disclaimer:

I love Dennis Searing like a brother...he is without question one of the greatest creators of pool cues on the planet. Other incredible talents, Barry Szamboti, James White, Tad Kohora, Vern Horn {RIP}, Pete Tascarella & Ernie Gutierrez make/made some of the most impressive stuff but my favorite would be Gus Szamboti. Gus built history...one cue at a time, plus you cant go wrong owning a GS to either play with or use as an investment..

 

[glaze]

Mike

The owner of this cue told me he owned three Searing cues and this one was his favorite playing cue and I have to agree. The cue had a maple forearm with four cocobolo points. Cocobolo back end with ivory ring. SS half joint with cocobolo joint collars. One of the things that surprised me the most was the cue was only about 18.7 oz. I had been playing with cues in the 19.5-20 oz range and this cue made me start to think lighter! Dennis is making a similar cue for me now and if it plays like this one I will be one happy SOB

Dave

Dave

The SS half joint is mentioned over and over with people who own Searings that say it is their favorite cue. Thanks for telling me the woods that are on the one you tried.

Mike

 

[glaze]

Disclaimer: This is my opinion End of Disclaimer:

I love Dennis Searing like a brother...he is without question one of the greatest creators of pool cues on the planet. Other incredible talents, Barry Szamboti, James White, Tad Kohora, Vern Horn {RIP}, Pete Tascarella & Ernie Gutierrez make/made some of the most impressive stuff but my favorite would be Gus Szamboti. Gus built history...one cue at a time, plus you cant go wrong owning a GS to either play with or use as an investment..

Voodoo Daddy

I'm watching the Antiques Roadshow right now and your post would fit right in as being one of the professionals on that show giving a value for a Gus Szamboti cue along with some of the rich history.

If you had $2,000.00 to $3,000.00 to order the best cue you could from a cue maker making cues today and the waiting list was of no concern then who would you order from?

Mike

 

[glaze]

It is so subjective, but I own a Chudy, Capone, Black Boar, Hercek, Scruggs, Southwest, and a Ned Morris.

I don't own a Balabushka but I friend of mine at the pool hall has an original he bought from George in the early 1960's. It has his name inscribed in the lower clear window. He let me play with it last week for about a half hour and I can tell you that there is no other cue that hits like that. Best description would be like hitting with a cue made of unbreakable glass. Amazing.

My Southwest has a very stiff hit, but is too heavy for me (19.7 oz). All flat faced wood joint cues have a similar hit in my opinion, Chudy and Capone for example.

For Resale I would go with Hercek.

Black Boars have a great hit, but you cannot buy a new one from Tony for at least the next ten years (Has a contract with Lucky). I played with this cue until I bought the Hercek.

The Hercek full-splice is a different animal and has a beautiful hit, combination of the right stiffness with great sensitivity. Piloted ivory joint. I played with this until Ned Morris finished my cue last spring.

I still think Ned Morris is the best bang for the buck, and the best hitting cue I own. Flat faced solid ivory joint with bronze pin.I was blown away by the feel of the Hercek, and the Ned feels even better to me. His waiting list is less than a year, and you can get a nice cue for the $2000 you want to spend.

DJKeys

One thing nice about Hercek is he has an excellent reputation and a great website. Many of the custom cue makers do not have a website to see their work or I have been unable to find websites for many of them. If Dennis Searing has a website I have not found it. Southwest if they have one I can't find it as an example.

Mike