Is this a good pool cue? And Suggest a good one for $100-$500?

Question

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=250200040384&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=015

Answer 1

By the looks of the detail of pearl inlays this cue appears to be well made and if it were from a known cue maker so you knew by reputation that they use quality woods and what to expect from the hit, this level of detail would be over a $1000.00 because I once bought a Falcon that had far less than this workmanship for $625.00. However, the decoration of the butt may add to the cost but does not make it a good cue. It says its hard rock Maple which is good but you would have to try it to see how it hits to know if it’s any good or not. It could be a very pretty walking stick instead of a pool cue if it doesn’t feel right or throws more ball deflection because it was made with badly formed wood grain or cheap wood that will warp at the drop of a hat.

Answer 2

The item location is the Philippines, most likely all the inlay work is fake.  You want a nice cue made to your exact specs and likes... look into Jacoby custom cues out of WI.  I shoot with one and its awesome.  They are top notch, and the most noted person who shoots with them is Jeanette Lee.

Answer 3

Hard to say because it was "hand made" - you'd have to check it out or talk to someone who has one.  Which is to say, without a known manufacturer, there's no way to even guess.

Answer 4

Like everyone else, it is difficult to judge from the pictures. I can say that there are several cues from the Philippine's circulating around our local pool halls and nobody has complained yet. The price is certainly right. I hope that helps.

Answer 5

A cue that's $50 is probably not that great. I don't really believe it's even a custom cue. It probably came off an assembly line somewhere. There are several excellent cuemakers from the Philippines, but I've never heard of that one. Many of the members at easypooltutor.com are from the Philippines and may be able to tell you about that cuemaker( if they're any good).

If you've got $500 to spend on a cue, go custom. They can build you a cue that looks great and plays perfectly and be fit to you. Check for cuemakers in your area so you can meet and speak with the guy directly, but even if there isn't one around, there are a ton of great, reliable custom cuemakers out there.

If you can't find someone in your area, check out d**k Neighbors Cues. They're excellent and very reasonably priced. KJ Custom Cues, sold from Seyberts, has several designs starting at $375. My cue is made by Jack Madden, and is top notch.

Good luck.

Answer 6

Really hard to say just by looking at pictures. Personally, I'd like to try a stick out before I buy it.  Is it well made? how does it feel in my hands? does it have a good solid hit? Those are just some of the things you need to know. Unfortunately a few photos can't help you with that. There are a ton of good cues in the price range you mentioned. I say just go to your nearest dealer and try some out. Hope you find what you're lookin for.

Answer 7

Considering all the work on it, and the price, I'm going to take a guess and say that you'll probably be glad it comes with 2 shafts because you'll likely need the 2nd one once the first one breaks or warps.  However there is a chance you could be getting a great steal.  It's not unheard of for people who are just starting out on their own in cue making, after apprenticing under someone, to come out with low prices to help sell and build a reputation.  Add to that a look at some of the other listings from the same dealer specifically say Philipines or Malaysia, there's a chance that his costs stay low there so it could be a good deal, you won't know for sure until it's in your hand.

As for a good one between 100 & 500, Viking, McDermott, Joss, Schon, Predator.  In that range there are a lot out there that are very good, each one varies, on what works for you, are you a power hitter? Maybe a Predator or Schon.  A soft hitter?  Joss.  Plus the tip makes a big difference on the stick, my advice, get the LePro tip most cues come with replaced almost immediately with a quality tip, Tiger, Talisman, Moori.