What is a good pool cue for up to, and around $100?

Question

I am interested in finding what brand or type of pool cue is best. I know there is wood and graphite, is either better? Graphite seems to glide well, but I know nothing about how well they preform.

I play on average about 5 hours a week for fun. I'm not killer serious about the sport and requiring something overly-fancy, but I want something nice.

I have decided that I want a 19oz cue, I assume this is a fine weight. I know nothing about what type of cue it should have, or how it should be attached. I'm worried that it may bow, I've seen a few get bad in my past, I assume a 'good' cue wouldn't do this.

Also, is there a certain place that is good for buying cues? Meaning good quality & cheap? I am willing to go out of my price range if the cue is way better and costs just a bit more.

I hope I didn't break any rules by asking so many questions in here...

Thanks again in advance for all the help!

-John

Answer 1

try a viking wood shaft

Answer 2

Never, ever, ever consider cues with non-wood shafts. Everything companies like Cuetec say about their cues claiming they're better is complete BS.

Low end Viking and McDermott are pretty good cues and won't set you back too much (about $120). Both also have a lifetime warranty (assuming you buy from an authorized dealer) against warping, so that should not even be a concern. Joss is a little better if you want to spend a little more. Although I've never used one, I know a few people who use Fury cues and really love them (they can be found for under $100). A friend of mine who is a really great cuemaker recommends Shmelke sneaky petes (around $100 too) for anyone looking in that price range.

I've bought several things at seyberts.com and it has always gone well. The carry Viking, McDermott, and Fury. billiardwarehouse.com carries Shmelke and Joss, and I hear they're pretty good.

Before buying online, I suggest you find a shop that carries some of these brands so you can test them out. You'll usually get a better price online though, so after trying them, act like you don't like them and buy online ;)

Answer 3

The guys are hitting it on the nose with Viking and McDermott, others to consider are Stealth (they're making some decent wood shaft cues these days for about 100- 125), Schmelke, and Adams.

I agree with staying away from Fiberglass and Carbon Fibre cues.  If you're worried about warping, rule #1 don't leave the cue sitting in your car day and night, the temp and humidity changes that are constantly occuring will warp it faster than anything else.  Get yourself a decent case, I personally prefer a tube case but that's my taste, and I usually carry a few sticks with me and the case I use most often allows for 3 buts and 5 shafts, I own 7, 5 I use regularly.  One I have is an old 24oz breaker that I almost never drag out anymore.  That's also something you may want to consider, spend the little extra money up front for a 2nd shaft, you can get it the same or different, it would be like having 2 cues for little more than 1.  One option is to get different shaft thicknesses, or different tips.  I have 2 Joss's, with 4 shafts, 2 shafts are exactly alike, it's what I use most often, a 12.75 with a moori medium tip, nothing worse than being out in a tourny, and needing to replace a tip, having the backup is sure a nice thing, the other 2 shafts I flip back and forth on the other but, one is a 13.25, the other a 12.5.  I use these for breaking.  the thick one for 8 and 9 ball, the thin for straight pool.

Also don't forget to pick yourself up some accessories, carry your own chalk so you know how it will play, if you keep it consistant, it will play consistant.  I use masters but silver cup isn't bad.  Also, a tip shaper and scuffer, for the same reasons, keep it consistant.  I like willard's shapers, I keep both the dime and nickle in my bag depending on what size shaft I'm shaping, along with a disk scuffer.

Take some time trying out cues, see what you like, if they won't let you bang a few balls around, I probably wouldn't buy the cue.  They most likely won't however let you chalk it.  But you can get a good idea how soft or hard it hits just running a cue ball up to the rail and back.

Good luck and hope you find a winner

Answer 4

John,

Your questions about playing pool and pool equipment are always welcome. I suggest you purchase a wood cue. Graphite sticks won't warp but that's the only good thing I can say about them.

Look in the phone book for a pool hall in your area and call them. They usually carry a decent selection of McDermott cues and you should be able to pick up a nice 19 oz. stick for around $125.00. The shafts of their cues are all basically the same but make sure you get the size diameter you want. The butts very greatly and the more detailed they are the more costly they are. You're just paying for the ornateness of the cue once you get into the high dollars.

I am a cue dealer so if you can find something you like, email me and I will tell you what the stick costs wholesale. That way you can negotiate a better price for what you want.

I hope that answers your question.

Answer 5

I too would recommend a low end Viking or McDermott cue. Forget about the graphite or fiberglass cues, not really worth the time or money. 19 ounces is a good weight if that is what you feel comfortable with. I believe McDermott and Viking cues have weight bolts that can be taken out and replaced if you decide you want to try a different weight in the future. Much cheaper than buying a whole new cue. I would recommend getting a hard case for your new cue. As long as it's a hardshell case and not a soft one you will have good protection. Keep the cue away from any kind of heat or humidity and keep it in it's case when not in use and you shouldn't have any kind of warpage problems. In the summer time I always wipe my stick down with a dry rag after use. As far as where to buy a cue, All I can say is don't order one through the mail. You want to see how it feels in your hands and maybe even hit a few balls with it if possible to make sure it is what you want. Can't do that through the mail. Happy hunting !