Best Playing cue

[sonnic]

I have limited experiance with different brands of cues. unfortunatly i have only used Viking and Mcdermott. and in my estimation they are very simular. other than that I want to know what brand of cue you would play with under $1000. Which is the best and why?

[audiopro]

Honestly think if you buy a quality cue they are all pretty much the same in playability. But I will just go ahead and say Viking because mine have served me well.

[skor]

I think the poll should be what is the best shaft, in that case it's predator.

leaving the predator out of the equation, I've played with all of the cues that you have listed exept the Joss, with some for 10 min. and some for 2 hours, I have to say that I liked the Schon best.

Now since the shaft is more important, I think that schon makes the best one piece shaft, but if you are going to put a Predator shaft on either one those cue, they will all play the same, the differece in the feel will come from different ballance and different joint type.

If you want to get a good cue for a great price, then how about this combo:
a Lucasi with a 314/Z shaft, lucasi have some nice looking cue and they are cheap, combining it with a predator shaft will give a cue that looks great, plays great, an extra shaft and in a good price :)

[sonnic]

are those inlays for the Lucasi?

[skor]

I'm quite sure that they are

[dags_lax]

Outside the Lucasi and Meucci I have owned one or more of each of those listed. For me the this choice is a no brainier. Schon. In my opinion the only production cue that I have used that compares favorably with the Schon is the Nova. And unfortunately Nubs Wagner isn't making Novas any more.

[dags_lax]

Definitely go with a Lucasi. Then in a few years when the wrap has frayed and the shaft has warped you can take pride in the fact that your money went to profit a Chinese company instead of American craftsmen.

[Tanar]

The only playing cues I have played with for any amount of time is the Predator and Cuetec. The best playing cue is definitely not Cuetec. Like I stated in another post, if I was to buy another cue, I would either go with a P2, Schon or a custom cue maker with a Predator shaft. I love the playability of my current cue, but it is the only Predator design that I care for besides the LE10. J. Pechauer also makes a very high quality cue that plays very nicley. I bought a low end Pechauer for a buddy off of E-bay and the craftsmanship that went into the cue is amazing. But custom is the way to go. Hopefully in 10 years I will be offering my own line for sale.....

[CJK]

I've owned Viking, Joss, Lucasi, Predator, and Meucci cues. In order of preference, for me, it is

Predator


Viking
Lucasi
Joss


Meucci

I think a lot of it has to do with how the cues are weighted, though, as each manufacturer distributes the weight in different ways. I find that my Predator has great weight distribution. It is not distracting in any way. I tried a friend's custom sneaky pete last night, and it felt so butt-heavy that I couldn't shoot with it comfortably. The Joss cues I've owned just didn't really do anything for me. I realize it may have just been where I was in my playing life, but they just... were. The Meucci was another that was a nice-looking cue, but the weight distribution was off. The Lucasis I had (and have -- a jump/break) were all good, solid cues and felt good to shoot with. Nowhere near as nice as my Predator, but good. My next cue (if I can ever decide I want to part with my 3k-1) will be a Predator 2. I always feel weird owning more than one playing cue, because I feel bad leaving a nice cue in my case.

[skor]

Definitely go with a Lucasi. Then in a few years when the wrap has frayed and the shaft has warped you can take pride in the fact that your money went to profit a Chinese company instead of American craftsmen.

you say it will fray and warp just because it is not made in the states, come on get real, do you have any proof for that regarding Lucasi cues.

I respect you for supporting the american industry, but let see you probably have a japanese tv/vcr/dvd etc. at home, most american drive a japanese car, AND your pool cues are made from Canadian maple, African ebony, African ivory, Irish linen, Japanese Moori tip and so on,
your fine american craft pool case - Instroke is made in Taiwan from leather that comes from Europe etc. etc.

Open up your eyes and realize that there is very little american craft left.

[dags_lax]

The shooters I know that have Lucasis are not dissatisfied with the hit but some of them have had troubles with warping and wraps and uneven ringwork and inlays. Personally I know only a few shooters who use a Lucasi and to hear of these problems when I rarely hear of them from other players, and I know a lot of players, with these troubles makes me suspect the overall quality of the Lucasi.

And yes I know it is a global economy but I do try and support, whenever possible, workers who live in my own back yard, and companies that pay American taxes.

[audiopro]

I have to agree with dags on this. My team captain on Monday night league has a Lucasi and she is very disatisfied with it. She keeps hoping someone at the bar will steal it show she has an excuse to go buy a new cue.

While shopping for a cue a couple years ago I picked up a couple Lucasi's at a local store. I am somewhat of a perfectionist, and have done custom fabrication working myself, and I think the quality level I saw in those cues was very poor.

[skor]

well, you can't get it all for $100 - $200, I'm sure if Lucasi had a line of cues that run for $500 - $1000 you'll see a better job done on this cues.
The big problem with the Lucasi and the other cues in that group, is that you have no adress to go to in case of a problem, unlike the top american brands.

also I think there is some luck involved, one of my friends got a lucasi and it looks great with no flaws in the art work, and 2 other friends got Viking cues, the shaft of one of them got so warped that you can make a bow from it, and the other cue has some cracks on the face of the joint on the butt end.

about the shaft warping on the lucasi, I did say to get a 314/Z shaft :)

[dags_lax]

What separates companies like Viking, Pechauer, McDermott, Schon, Jacoby, and Jackson (to name a few) form many of the newer manufacturers? At any given price point their goal is to make the best cue they can and still make a reasonable profit. The others cue makers (not the craftsmen, but those that got in the business because they seen an opportunity to make money in a growing market) look at a price point and say what product can we put out that will give us the greatest return on our investment.

I am not certain of this but I've heard the Lucasi is just another product from a company that manufactures private label cues.. This company also makes the Players line of cues. If I got straight info, the Lucasi cues are made for an importer out of Florida named Lucas.

[skor]

check this out, I'm sure it will answer a few questions
http://www.azbilliards.com/rogerlong/lucasi.cfm

[DZ314]

So I guess Lucasi cues are not pieces of dog do do. :lol:

[audiopro]

Well that's according to ones guys review.. I still think a general consensus would tell ya they are. :)

[dags_lax]

Of course the Lucasi look to be a good value or people wouldn't buy them. The Yugo looked to be a good value too, basic transportation for not a lot of money. After all they didn't need a valve job the day the came off the lot. That was a few miles down the road. The people that I know that are dissatisfied with their Lucasis didn't buy their cues with warped shafts or frayed wraps. Often the lack of quality and workmanship become apparent only with the passing of time.

[skor]

dags and all the rest of you guys,
You have to understand that market of these type of cues are not aimed to players such as you, who have been around the game for a while and know what you like, it is aimed to the new comers how would like to take part of the sport, I'm sure that your first cue wasn't a $1000 cue, and I know for sure that the lucasi and the other lower end cues will play better then any house cue.
For new players, having their own cue will give them a lot of confidence in their game and will drive them to be better players.
On that note I would like to add that the wrap on my predator cue has fryed and melted into almost one piece wrap, but in weird way it is quite comfortable to me and cue still playes great.
As I said before and I'll say it again the cue is a tool and you must accept wear and tear of your working tools :)

[dags_lax]

A quick look at Seyberts prices shows Lucasi starting at $119 Viking at $112 McDermott at $136 and Pechauer at $207. There are quality alternatives to Lucasi and other imports out there at a reasonable price. I have a Viking and McDermott that I paid $35 and $80 for that have seen tons of use and yes they do show wear and tear. Both are over 25 years old and the McDermott was my daily shooter for probably fifteen years. At least in my opinion these cues didn't wear prematurely.

[audiopro]

Actually both places I play out of Clicks and Trickshots in Orlando, FL, both have very nice house cues. Straight, decent tips and their obviously one piece. I can play just as well with any house cue they have as I can with my own. I just think mine is prettier.. ha ha....

[CJK]

dags_lax may be right about the long-term wearability. I kept each of my Lucasi cues for less than a year. They both held up well when I had them, and the one is still used by a guy from my team. It's now about 2 1/2 years old, and it's starting to show a little wear. The wrap still seems to be all right, but the shaft is showing its age. Then again, that may be a function of his treatment of the cue, because he isn't the most gentle person with his equipment.

[sonnic]

very interesting

[jbenson]

I personally think that one brand of cue is overlooked by alot of people, including myself until i shot with one. I shoot with a Jacoby. Not too many people in my area do use one. I have owned Meucci, Viking, Predator, and Schon. After playing a few hours with the Jacoby, I was sold. To anyone looking into purchasing a new cue, take Jacoby into consideration. The craftsmanship is much better than the other cues I have owned, has a really solid hit, and in the almost 2 years I have had it, shows no wear.

[maughanm]

I'm probably not qualified to vote...I've only use 2 cues in my playing days...a Muecci and a Predator 3k2...Of these two, I'll take the Predator.

[audiopro]

What do you think of your Meucci? My dad has a very old one, about 20 years, and I love playing with it. I like it's balance better than any of my own cues.

The butt-cap cracked, as well as the joint however. He sent it back into Meucci and the repaired all of it, and re-finished it. Sent a new black dot shaft, all for 250 bucks. Not bad for the restore job they did.

[dags_lax]

David Jacoby makes a very good cue. His cues quite popular around here and are becoming better known outside of Wisconsin. I think you will see more of them around in the future. Another cue line that I think you will see more of is the Jackson Custom Cue. Both of these lines have a higher priced entry point than the Vikings or McDermotts. I would estimate close to $300.00.

Like the Pechauer and Schon, these cues are fine examples of quality Wisconsin cue craftsmanship at its best.

[maughanm]

Audio, I really liked the Meucci....but it was an old cue and the only one I seriously played with...Then I ran into this site and started reading about Predator...thought I might upgrade my game a bit with one of those..bought it and have never picked the Meucci back up...matter of fact, I gave it to my kid....The only other cue I have played with that I really liked was an Adams Cue that my girlfriend plays with....It must have around an 11.75 shaft diameter....I don't like playing with a 13mm..smaller the diameter, better the feel for me......mike

[StB]

Mike,

Have you tried the Z shaft yet? I like the thinner shafts as well, but the taper on the Z is different then any other shaft I've played with...quite an investment if I end up disliking it.

[audiopro]

I keep wanting to try a Predator shaft on my cue. It is just hard to justify the cost right now as I am really trying to pinch the pennies to buy a house. And having not played with one, would hate to spend the money and end up hating it.

To make it worse Predator comes up with the LE10, which is a gorgeous cue. Now I have an itch to try to grab one of them. But alas, I look at my pie chart in Microsoft Money only to see I have spent enough on pool supplies in the past fews months as it is..

::::: sigh :::::

So, I think my best path for now is to try a tip upgrade. The LePro's on my new cue are honestly starting to really piss me off...

[StB]

Well, I had a 314, which I absolutely loved. I got laid off a couple of months ago, in the process of selling my house now, and I still want to get a replacement shaft!

[audiopro]

Ouch, selling a house for a shaft!! YOU ARE DEDICATED!!!!

Sorry about the lay off, been there.. Worked construction with some buds from the pool hall for about 8 months until landing another hacker job. :)

[CJK]

If you're going a new tip, I really like either the Moori medium or the Talisman Med. I've just started with the Moori, and the first night out with it I ran the table in league, and had an altogether great night. The touch just felt better than the Talisman (although that may have just been my perception), but the Talisman is a great tip as well. I don't break with my playing cue any more, so I don't worry about the tip getting deformed as much.

If you don't want to invest in a Predator shaft right now, don't shoot with one. You will probably want one.

[maughanm]

You got the Z shaft? Just my luck, as soon as I get my extra 314 shaft and get it paid for, they come up with something better! :twisted: Is the Z worth it? What would a poor fella like me do with 3 shafts? It's all I can do to buy gas right now. :roll: I

[CJK]

Many of us are in the same boat. I'm thinking of going to Valley Forge next month and checking out the Z shaft myself. If I really, really, really like it, I guess I'll sell one of my 314 shafts on eBay, or to StB, if he's still looking.

[skor]

I guess we are all in the same boat (except new kid :) ), but realy don't go nuts about it, we are all amateurs here and there are things that should come first, like buying a house and all the shafts and cues in the world can wait for us another month or a year or ten years.
I would love to get a new cue to replace the one I've been using for the last 6 years and when I will get a new one, I know it will a $1000 - $2000 custom cue, but it will be wrong for me to spend that kind of money right now. Right now I rather spend my extra cash on table time in the pool halls, doing that will improve my game, a new cue will not do that for me, It's all comes down to priorities in life, I wish you all to choose the right priority for you.

[Tanar]

I just bought a Z shaft last month and have noticed a difference in the cue. The Z is way less whippy and it doesn't vibrate on some shots like the 314 did. Also, I have always favored a smaller tip diameter, but now, switching between my 314 and Z, I don't notice the tip difference. Either way, if you are not playing with a Predator shaft, when you do, you will notice a difference.

As for a new tip, Audio, get rid of those crappy LePros and stick a Moori, Talisman or Balabushka Hercules tip on your cues. You will notice a difference immediately. I like the medium tip, but it is individual to every person. It is a cheap enough investment, but one that will have a positive impact on your game.

[audiopro]

Right now I rather spend my extra cash on table time in the pool halls, doing that will improve my game, a new cue will not do that for me, It's all comes down to priorities in life, I wish you all to choose the right priority for you.

Well said! Couldn't agree more! Very prudent thinking..


As for a new tip, Audio, get rid of those crappy LePros and stick a Moori, Talisman or Balabushka Hercules tip on your cues. You will notice a difference immediately.

I just played a few racks with my Dads Meucci. He has a Talisman on it, and it is night and day compared to my LamePro's.

Without a doubt They are going bye bye.... I am glad I joined this forum. No one I play with locally changes out tips like you guys here. Thus I may have never known there could be such a difference. Everyone's experience and advice is greatly appreciated.

[DZ314]

That is what it is all about here, exchanging ideas and suggestions. The information here I learn from every day. I feel that I am a better and smarter player since I have joined thanks to you good folks and it is appreciated! 8)

[Nick T.]

To make it worse Predator comes up with the LE10, which is a gorgeous cue. Now I have an itch to try to grab one of them.The LE-X is a great looking cue . . . . if it were much prettier it’d be too nice to shoot with! I have an LE-VIII and an LE-IX . . . . . and the Ten would make a nice three-some! Some things are hard to resist!

[CJK]

I'm just hoping that there isn't a Predator 2 in curly maple at Valley Forge. If it looks as good in person as it looks in photos, and if it hits half as nice as it looks, I might have to get one.

[Rick]

We have these in stock as of right now. We can have this sent to you and with Predator's 30 day money back garuntee... you can't beat it.

[sonnic]

I just have to second that about feeling smarter about the game after joining this forum. Big Thanks to everyone for any input you've given

Sonnic

[audiopro]

We have these in stock as of right now. We can have this sent to you and with Predator's 30 day money back garuntee... you can't beat it.

The LE10? How about layaway!!???!?! :D :twisted: :P

[Rick]

That is no problem... we would like to get 1/4 down, but this is something I can work out with you when you call. thanks

[audiopro]

Ouch, I did not expect that answer... I am going to be playing pool at lunch, and think this over... I may very well be giving you a call Rick...

[Tanar]

Layaway is very tempting, I was ready to sell my 3K6 for that cue before....

[Nick T.]

I'm just hoping that there isn't a Predator 2 in curly maple at Valley Forge. If it looks as good in person as it looks in photos, and if it hits half as nice as it looks, I might have to get one.The curly maple P2 looks much better in person than it does in photos . . . . especially with no wrap hiding that beautiful wood! I bought mine with the linen wrap and would like to trade it for a no wrap. The hit is good, very solid feeling with good feedback . . . . but the biggest improvement is in the looks.

[sonnic]

gotta say that the curly maple p2 is very plain and wouldn't spend 800 bucks on it especially for the looks... now if the performance was worth 800 i would consider it but if i was going to spend 800 bucks i would buy a 3k series with some kind of design. why is that bar cue looking cue so desireable??? did i walk into the twilight zone? sorry guys you may not agree but i dont see what the big deal is

[CJK]

If you think it looks like a bar cue, then that's fine, and your opinion. My understanding, from what I've seen and read, is that it's a much higher quality of wood, with beautiful grain. The P2 technology is a bonus.

Personally, I'm not into cues with a ton of inlays. I use a 3K-1, not because I couldn't afford a nicer cue when I bought it, but because I think the black with silver rings is a beautiful cue, and it just looks clean and business-like. To each his own, I guess.

Rick, you're really trying to tempt me with that layaway option, aren't you? :)

[sonnic]

gotta say im tempted as well

[Rick]

I have owned many cues in the past and have in possession to many to list and I will be buying one once we have plenty in stock. I think that this cue is visually the best most unique looking cues that I have ever seen. Plus with the new Predator technology you can't beat them. Personally, I like the curly leather wrap and the leopard/curly linen, but I prefer to shot with a no wrap.

[audiopro]

Rick, what is the weight on that guy? The LE10?

[Rick]

I do believe you can get them ranging from 18.5 oz. to 20.5 oz.

[CJK]

Rick, on the Predator 2 curly, what's the price with the ultra-leather, and do you have them in stock?

(Note: I'm hoping you tell me you don't have any in stock, and won't for a few months. :) )

[Rick]

We just received a shipment in and you are looking at $876.00 free shipping. Now these won't last long.

[CJK]

D'oh!

My wife would kill me if I spent that on a cue this month. :(

[StB]

Heh, you only live once.

[DZ314]

Women (wives, gf, fiancee) will get over it, especially since I would assume it is your money. You earned the dough, you have a right to budget it how you see fit within reason. If her idea of within reason is you not spending much of it on your hobbies then that is her problem. I resolved that issue with my wife some time ago by making it clear that I was the one in control of the money. As long as the bills get paid, whatever is left I can do with as I please. 8)

[audiopro]

I agree to a point with Fury's opinion. The thing is major purchases are a relative thing. An 800 dollar cue while not a major purchase to some, is a VERY signifigant purchase to others.

As for them getting over it, sometimes they will. Sometimes they will hold a grudge forever, and it will help build up a hatred for how you handle your money spending. It may not be apparent, but beleieve me it festers..

I think that every choice of great signifigance, should be considered with both persons feelings in mind. Honestly, I want to make my wife/gf/fiance happy too with my decisions. And I want her to think I am responsible and I want her to know I DO value her opinions. BUT, I also DO want to do some things for ME also. My fiance understands this, and we work together with things like this.

I have expressed a high interest in purchasing a 1400 dollar cue. Twice the value of any cue I ever bought before. While this is a ludicrous amount of money in some opinions, she knows the satisfaction I may get from this. And she like me, wants to satisfy the other.

[CJK]

For the most part, I agree, but this is a bad month to spend the money. I just bought a bunch of other stuff this month for my other hobbies, and we're looking at a new vehicle for her and we have a few projects that need done on the house. Until those expenses are through, which should be within a few months, I can't justify pulling out that kind of money for a cue, especially since those cues will be available again at around the same price.

I may make most of the money, but she makes our house a home.

[audiopro]

Nice...

[StB]

CJK,

I just ordered my Z. If you guys still shoot at Andy's on Tues. I'll stop by so you can try it out. That ought to get you drooling for your Curly P2.

[dags_lax]

An interesting marriage you have there CoF. By any chance your wife's name wouldn't happen to be mat, would it?

[CJK]

We normally shoot at around 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, and I'm there at 5:30 on Thuirsdays. Just let me know which day it'll be, and I'll make sure I'm there promptly. Thanks, StB!

[DZ314]

That is right, it is about a mutual understanding rather than her putting her foot down and then then the purchase not even being considered after that. I talk to my wife when I want to buy things which are a significant amount of money. Sometimes she expresses some concern, but usually she knows if it will make me happy then in turn I will be in a better mood and more apt to return the favor and make her happy. ;)

[Tanar]

To almost anybody outside the pool world, spending over $1000 on a piece of wood is ridiculous. It is easily justified with people that have other sports (ie. hockey, basball, etc.) to play as their equipment usually costs twice what a good pool cue would cost.

I am extremely fortunate that I have a girlfriend that understands my passion for pool and even shares it to some extent. We will most likely be living together in the fall and I agree with you all that money spendature of any significance is a decision to be made together. Hell, she even supports my career change to woodworking/milling so I can try my hand at cue-building in the distant future.

[DZ314]

Oh that would be cool to be a cue maker! Good luck dude!

[audiopro]

If you are able to make enough money to get by, being a cue crafter would be a very fullfilling job. When you finish a job you SEE the results in it's whole form.

In my industry there are not to many immediate changes you can see your results in. They are almost all on-going projects. So you are somewhat blind to what any finish product would be.

However when I used to build show cars, and compare before and after pics side by side.. Wow, what a feeling it was to know I built that. And every inch (centimeter to those outside the US, lol..) of it is perfect to me.

Wish you much luck as you venture down the path of designing and constructing cues.

[StB]

We normally shoot at around 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, and I'm there at 5:30 on Thuirsdays. Just let me know which day it'll be, and I'll make sure I'm there promptly. Thanks, StB!


As long as it gets here by Thursday, which it should, I'll be there.

[Nick T.]

An interesting marriage you have there CoF. By any chance your wife's name wouldn't happen to be mat, would it?As in door?

There should be an Off Topic forum for subjects like marriage, money management, etc.

I could contribute a lot to the marriage forum. It's easy - - just like quitting smoking - - I've done it several times!

[audiopro]

I second an Off Topic Forum. I know we all share common interests, and we all have life experiences that could help one another. I hate getting flamed (never here yet) for letting a post get off topic. Just aint cool... So an alt forum would be nice... I know there are a ton of newsgroups and other forums already dedicated to this, but we all somewhat know of each other, and kinda listen well and respect each others opinions..

[Deb]

Feel free to use the Billiard In General - In & Around Billiards for your "off-topic" discussion. :)

In & Around Billiards (http://www.seyberts.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=13)

[CJK]

But.... But.... Most of my contributions are off-topic! :)

[Nick T.]

Feel free to use the Billiard In General - In & Around Billiards for your "off-topic" discussion. :)

Deb, this great decision qualifies you for Administrator of the Month!

[Deb]

Woohooo Why thank you Nick T! *takes a bow*

Gosh I'm so honored! ;)

And to keep this related.....I think Viking & Predator are good cues. However I do use a Predator Shaft on the Viking.

I can't wait for the 4K cues to come out.....time for me to step up to the plate and join the Predator Club!

Hmmmmmmhmmmmmmmmm ;)

[StB]

I was waiting for mention of the 4K series to come up. Any idea when they are coming?

[Tanar]

If I recall correctly, Neil had said something about the new 4K line being unveiled at Vally Forge.

[StB]

I remember that, I was searching all over this board trying to find the post...if I recall though, he was a little vague on that though.