Ordering of Cue

[Cue-Wizard]

I intend to order a break cue from Viking. My friend who is the local dealer (area rep) of Viking, told me that he could get me a fully customized break cue, the specs of the cue is rather cool. It will cost ard USD400. What do you guys think abt it ?

[Jim]

Unlike many most cue manufacturers, Viking does not have one specific "break/jump" cue to offer it's customers. We will make any of our 77 models into a "break/jump" cue. Seybert's charges you an extra $95. We then put an extra joint right above the wrap of the cue. That way, the middle section (the section from the top of the wrap up to the joint), can be removed, and you have a short cue with which to do jump shots. Most orders we receive for b/j cues, also wish to have a wide tip (13-13.5mm), and a stainless steel joint. For those models that do not come with a stainless steeljoint, a change to a Joint#1,2 or 3 can be had for a very minimal fee. ($15-25). A 13mm tip is a width that stills falls in our "free option" range. If you move up to a 13.5mm tip, there is again a very minimal charge. If you were to order a VM40, and pay for the B/J conversion, the cost would be just a bit over $200. Obviously, to convert a model that has more design/inlays to begin with, will make for a fancier looking B/J cue, but will cost a little more as well. A VM40 converted to a B/J cue, will work as well as a VM1. The difference is just a matter of how fancy a cue you start with.

[Cue-Wizard]

Hi Jim,
I didn't convert into a b/j cue.. I ordered a fully break cue... More stiif taper, half inch ferrule, different type of wood for the forearm and buttsleeve, weight abt 18.5oz..

[Jim]

I apologize for assuming it was a break/jump cue you were talking about. The specs you've laid-out for your break cue sound right to me. I'd probably do the same thing. General concensus says a break cue should be a "stiff/hard" hit, and relatively light in weight. My understanding is that "force=mass X acceleration", and that increasing speed increases force at a greater rate than increasing mass. If that is so, a lighter cue would be easier to bring forward faster. (Any physicists out there?).

i was of the understanding that a jump/break cue was nothing more than a playing cue that "breaks" to become a jump cue. Unless I am incorrect, a break cue would have a different set of specs (like those listed above; stiffer taper, stronger/shorter ferrule, lighter weight, harder tip, etc.)

[Jim]

The term "break/ jump" cue, usually refers to a cue that can be used for either breaking, or for jump shots. The cue specs that work best for each of those shots, are basically the same.