differences in Competitor Series

[FAH]

How much of a difference is there as you move from the cheapest to the more expensive cues within the Competitor Series? Is much of it just cosmetic? Hard to tell from the descriptions.

[nathar]

If there are any differences within the series, it would probably be negligible to all but the most sensitive of players. As far as production cues go, I can't tell much difference between cues of the same make. McDermotts feel like McDermotts, Schons feel like Schons, CueTecs feel like crap. :twisted:

That would be a joke to all you CueTec people.

[blargonator]

i just got my C157 today from seybert's :D
i've only been playing a year or so, and i'm progressing every day, finally i got a few odd jobs (unemployed at the moment) and got enough money for my first cue :D

anywho, as i've never owned my own cue, or put together a McDermott before, i don't know how the joint is supposed to feel while assembling it (sorry if i use incorrect terms). what i do know is cars, and it gives a lot of resistance while i'm assembling it, which has only been a couple times, so it might just be me being a stupid new guy who hasn't used it enough.....but anyway, the tolerances feel very very tight.

being something i worked 9 consecutive hours in the sun on a tree farm, then 8 consecutive hours the next day moving someone's stuff, i don't want to mess it up. is it possible to cross thread the female joint, if so is it easy? it rolls perfect once its together, so i figure thats not it.
anywho, thanks for your time!
p.s. i love playing with it. i can't wait till i'm accustomed to it!

[poohkiller]

is it possible to cross thread the female joint, if so is it easy?

I have had a McDermott Warden that has the same joint type and I found the female joint very massive either.
What might help you a bit more: a friend of mine has a McDermott that is about 12 years old and its shaft still sits on the butt very-very tight. In my opinion it is very difficult to mess up a wood joint, I mean you must be very drunk, very stupid and a quite strong the mess up a joint like that...
One more thing: there are $500+ McDermott cues that has the same joint type and I can hardly believe that McDermott (or any other cheaper or more expensive cue manufacturer) would use a type of joint that breaks down easily.
As for as I know this wood-to-wood joint is also an old one so it has stood the test of time either.

[blargonator]

thanks!

yeah, its fine, i got it registered and everything yesterday. i asked the owner of our local billiards hall and he said something along the lines of "son of a *exploitive*, this thing is hard", but then he said the joints just have get worn in and will become easier over time. its already feeling better.
i'm neither strong, nor drunk, so i don't think i'll be cross threading it any time.
p.s. i love my cue! :D

[Willieboy]

Back in the day, I used to take a bar of soap and rub a little on the male end of things. Seemed to loosen things up.

[tsuguy]

I've got a friend that has a new McDermott that had the same issue and was very concerned about his joint... the bar of soap worked well, but be warned if you are going to add ANY kind of lubricant to the joint make sure to use joint protectors because now the dirt is going to stick to the joint earlier and give you a much greater chance at ruining the joint... it'll screw together easier though! :lol: