Which pool cue is best?

Question

schon vs. joss vs. predator

Answer 1

As fas as build quality, Schon is the best of the 3. Not that the other 2 are bad, it's just a head above. Most Joss's are significantly cheaper though, and it's an excellent cue for the money.

Predator vs. 'other' is a whole different conversation though. Predators use low deflection shafts, which will significantly change the way the cue reacts and feels on any shot. I will not go into the positives and negatives of low deflection shafts, but I will say that many players have had great success with them, and many players do not like them at all. But even the most adamant detractors of Predator shafts would have to admit that they do play differently than traditional cues, and whether or not that is a benefit of hindrance is totally up to the individual.

The best thing to do when buying a new cue is to test out as many as you can. I feel this is especially true of Predator, and you should not buy one until you've hit with one. And the assertion that you must be a power hitting to reap the benefits of a Predator shaft is ridiculous. In fact, most people who use the Z2 shaft would probably be considered finesse players.

Anyway, if you have to buy blind (i.e. not try any of them out) I'd go with Schon. Otherwise, test them all and go with what you like best.

BTW, if you've got the budget for a Schon or Predator, I STRONGLY suggest you look into custom cues. A custom cue will outperform just about anything, and won't cost you much more than those types of cues. Plus, you can have it tailored to your specific likes and dislikes, so you'll get exactly what you want.

Answer 2

I suggest a Wang-Fu cue. I was lucky enough to inherit one but i think they are very hard to find as they are made by a small company in southern China. If you can get your hands on one it's definetly worth it

Answer 3

I like Viking, they make a wide range of cues.

Good quality control, great workmanship.

Answer 4

A Schon or Joss cue is an excellent brand of cue and anyone that has one should be proud to have it. A Predator on the other hand will help you start a blazing campfire.

Answer 5

It's less a question of what is best, than a question of what is best for you.  What is your style of play?  Are you a power hitter, every shot has to be hit full speed?  Then your best choice might be a Predator.  Are you more of a finesse player?  Never hitting any harder than you absolutely have to?  Then maybe Joss is for you.  Are you somewhere in between the two?  Then maybe Schon is for you.

Choice of a single cue is very personal, it depends on a number of factors.  I own 7 now, evey one is different and the one I choose for a particular game may not be the one I choose for something else.  I like my Joss for playing straight pool, my Diamond for playing 9-ball, my stealth for breaking,  my sneaky pete for playing in bars, and even still it depends on a variety of conditions, somedays I'll want a stick a little heavier, other days a little lighter, so I'll switch from one to another.

Simply put, there is no simple answer.  But given the 3 choices, whichever you decide is best for YOU, you'll have made a good choice, all are excellent cues.

Good luck,

-Michael

Answer 6

An 18 ounce vs a 20 ounce from the same manufacturer will feel completly different. I think that it is best to first see what weight you are comfortable with. That's as big a decision as  who made the cue.