What are your experiences with pool cues?

Question

I am in the market for a billiard cue to use for local level competition. I have a fiberglass Xcaliber that I bought about 10 years ago. After a hiatus for back surgery, I am back in the game but I want a really good cue that I will shoot with for many years to come. I am looking at McDermott, Viking, Lucasi or, on the off chance a Meucci. What tips do you recommend? What is Moori....etc. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

I've owned a Meucci for over 28 years. It's still a great cue, though the shaft has a bit of 'play' in it. It's more of a finesse cue. Overall, you can never go wrong with a McDermott; even McDermott house-cues are good. They have a very good ferrule, though I have no idea if they still make 'em like they used to. I've never heard of a Moori cue. Needless to say, I haven't played with one. I also have an M8 Mali. I won the cue in a tournament 30 years ago. It's quite a sturdy and dependable cue, for a bottom of the line cue. I also own a Scorpion cue (given to me by a pool hall owner). I've played with it for about 4 years. I'm not overly impressed with it, nor disenchanted with it either.

I haven't looked at pool cues in quite a long time.

My best recommendation is:  a wooden cue, 2 pieces, a good joint and a good ferrule and a good leather tip. Stay away from 's***w-in' tips.

You asked about tips: Le Pro'  is the best (in my opinion) made in France ---it's just a good solid leather tip.

It's really a matter of what feels good to you. Try out several different cues before you buy one. You'll just know which one (or 2) is right for you.

If you can't break with it, it's not worth buying.

I'm glad you've recovered well from your surgery.

Welcome back to the game!

Go get 'em!

Answer 2

I play with a McDermott and it suits me just fine. Compared to some other cues I've tried, the balance point is a little further back, but I think that's more personal preference. I didn't have any problems with the stock tip (Triangle), but I got it changed to a Tiger Sniper which I love. I've heard Viking's and Lucasi's are great entry level cues. Meucci's are very polarizing, some love 'em, some hate 'em, but I haven't played with one so I can't say. McDermott's and Viking's also have lifetime warranties if you purchase from an authorized dealer.

Moori is a type of tip. It's layered and some people swear by them. I've tried two and haven't really liked either, so I'll stick with my Snipers. Both are expensive (for tips), but Tiger also has some cheaper ones which play pretty good too (Everest, Dynamite). Like loriann said, it's best if you can try out different things, maybe ask around at a pool hall or a local store. Tips come in different hardnesses so they provide different kinds of feedback.

Answer 3

I would suggest   McDermott I'm am average player and thats what I have

Answer 4

Quality wise, McDermott and Viking are pretty much the same. Both even have warranties against warpage, which is nice in that price range. I personally prefer the feel of McDermott between the two, but to each his own.

The only Lucasi I ever had much experience with wasn't put together particularly well, and didn't have a hit I liked. It may have just been that one, but it was enough to sour me on the brand.

Meucci has had quite a reputation as having gone down in quality over the last 10 years or so. Take it for what it's worth, but this is from the mouth of professional cuemakers I know, not just players. Plus, just about everything that comes out of Bob Meucci's mouth is hogwash. Somehow he rigged his machine and/or data that he uses to proclaim his shafts are the best, despite the fact that pretty much everyone else who has tested his cues totally contradicts him. That alone is enough for me to never even consider a Meucci.

I would also consider Joss in that type of price range. I'd put them a notch about Viking and McDermott in quality, but they are a bit more expensive.

If you're serious about keep your cue for a very long time, I'd suggest you consider upping your budget a bit and looking into custom cues. There are a lot of great cuemakers out there, and you can probably find something in the $300-400 range that will last practically a lifetime, will be unique and of much higher quality than just about any off the rack cue out there. If you're having a hard time finding something, email me and I'll try and point you in the right direction.

I don't know why Loriann would recommend LePro tips. They are inferior to just about any name brand tip out there. They put then on everything because they're cheap. I know If you want a one piece leather tip, Sumo is 100 times better than LePro.

Moori is a great tip, but the most expensive one out there. If you don't mind spending the money, you'll probably like them, but there are other layered tips that are much cheaper and are as good, or nearly as good as Moori. I use Hercules tips and they work very well and last forever.

Answer 5

i have a VIper cue i won in a tournament about 3 years ago and it still  works really well. its balanced well and is a good straight cue. i really like it.  Viking is also a good brand, but can be very expensive.  if you are looking to be playing for a LONG time, i would suggest that you invest in the Viking.

Answer 6

i punish my girlfriend with them

Answer 7

Out of those i would get a Meucci

A Moori is a good cue tip but hard to find

Answer 8

I have owned all four cues you have mentioned, of them I thought the Lucasi shot best.I owned a Meucci with a red dot shaft, didn't care for it at all, worst cue I have ever owned. I'm not saying all Meucci's are bad, I have heard the older Meucci's are much better quality than the ones manufactured today.

Morri is a layered tip made from pig skin.

Answer 9

Based on my personal experience, (I'm no expert, only having competed 4 or 5 times) I find that if you're looking for a solid cue that will last for years and years to come, take advantage of buying a Viking cue.  Even if you are on a budget, Viking makes their cues to last.  Now, I'm not too familiar with the meucci or Lucasi brands, but from what I've heard, these are more suited for players looking for monstrous power.  McDermott cues, on the other hand, are a little thicker and longer which tend to be the choice for larger players.  McDermott's also tend to have weak, poorly made tips.  All in all, Viking cues would be your best bet if you're going to be playing a moderate-large amount.  They'll last you for quite a while.  Hope I could help.

Answer 10

Got hit upside the head with one. Left a huge lump on my head!