Relatively new player - trying to choose best $500-$750 cue.

[Adict]

Apologies in advance for this question/topic as I'm sure it's already been covered to death and no doubt, will be again and again in the future...

I'm having a hard time trying to decide between a Joss, Schon or a Predator cue as my main playing cue.

I've read lots of conflicting views and comments regarding playability, stiffness, build quality etc. regarding each manufacturer but thought I'd pose the question as to which, if given the choice should I be choosing?

I realise that within individual manufacturers' ranges there isn't much difference between the various cues other than aesthetics - which is fine and I appreciate that.

I guess I'd just like some input from you more experienced players who have most likely had the opportunity to play with cues from different makers. I unfortunately do not as I mostly play at a bar in London which has a lot of American 9' pool tables with a very small group of friends who all (currently) use house cues.

Any help or advice will be greatly received.... Thanks.

[audiopro]

Of those choices I would without a doubt choose Schon. If you like the way a Predator shaft plays, then get a Schon with an additional Predator shaft. At the worst that way, if you dont like the Predator, you still have the Schon shaft... Maybe could sell the Predator...

Everyone I know who has played with a Schon, including myself, has nothing but good things to say about the way they feel. And the construction quality is top notch.

I personally am not to impressed with Joss. I don't think it is a bad product, I just don't think it is as nice as a Schon. My buddy has one, and I have played with it a few times. His is ultra light, but even with that in mind I feel like I am playing with a toothpick. I just don't like them... Personal preference though.

[Adict]

Thanks audiopro for your input.

I forgot to mention that Pechauer was also a contender in the "which cue is for me" contest so please feel free to add further thoughts with that in mind.

For the record - I've never used a Predator shaft and would think I'd most likely order a cue with both a 'stock' (same maker) shaft and a 314 so I can see which one suits my style of play best. I'm happy to spend the money on getting both options as it can only mean good things for the future and as you said, I could always sell the unwanted shaft and claw some funds back if I don't decide to keep it for future use.

[audiopro]

I like Pechauer cues as well... But I think Schon edges out just slightly...

On a scale of 1 to 10 of production cues:

Schon 8
Pechauer 7

If you do decide to give Predator a try, keep in mind it can take a while to adjust to how it deflects, the increased Side it can produce, etc... So I'd suggest at least 6 months of trial with one...

[skor]

Schon butt with a 314 shaft, can't go wrong there....


I've never used a Predator shaft and would think I'd most likely order a cue with both a 'stock' (same maker) shaft and a 314 so I can see which one suits my style of play best

There is no way that the 314 might suit your style, because no regular cue/shaft acts like it and it is something that you'll need to get used to, your aiming system will have to change when applying side spin.

[Adict]

On another note - focussing on Schon now - is there any quality/playability differences between the STL and CX ranges? Apologies if that's a completely lame question (I already realise that the CX series are only sold through a certain distributor) just wondered if one was considered 'better' than the other.

Many thanks.

[skor]

I don't think so....

[texasguy4]

Pechauer kicks butt!

[DZ314]

Custom :twisted:

[spartan]

In that range I would also get the Schon but I would fit it with a Universal Smart Shaft.

[jsggems]

For $800 you can pich up a nice new Mike Capone from Roy at www.INDYQ.com Roy has quite a stock of cues check out his website and if you chose to get one From Roy, tell him Brazil sent ya. Also look at Pat Diveney cues and Steve Klein all within your range, If you got $750 to spend why buy production when a custom will hold resale value where a production cue you loose 50% on resale.

[katokahn99]

You can also pick up a very nice Brian Mordt or Mike Smith for that price-range.