Pool Cue
 

I’m going to take this one straight to the OTD. :)

I’m just starting to shoot a little pool, and would like to get a cue that I could take with me when I go to the bar. I don’t want something too expensive, maybe $100-$150. Anyone know what brand/brands might be better than others? How are the fiberglass wrapped cues?

That is all…

I'd use the Bar cues if I were you. Get good first, than you'll be able to back up the $$$ cue with some talent. Just roll the cue on the table to make sure its fairly straight. Go for a middle weight cue too.

Why don't you try a BJ...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads/billiardteam.jpg

Jorge (Targa Dude):cool:

Reg, I guess what I should have said was; I've just gotten a pool table and have been playing at home every night. I now want to take this new found passtime out to the bar. And I'd like use my own stick.
Sounds like you've played a bit, what do you shoot with?

Targa Dude, I think that one's out of my price range. :)

Cues can range in price from $20 - $2000+ (mass produced v. custom made) depends on craftsmanship and material used (maple, ebony, micarta etc) balance and weight of cue is another consideration ~
My husband and I own Players cues - affordable well balanced cues for "average" players (ie. occasionally playing billiards during winter months only) ;) check out www.cuebuys.com/Playerscues.asp?source=overture or www.cuesforless.com

Lotsa options here. I would stay away from fiberglass ones. You can do more with a wood one when it comes to shaping it. Thats my opinion. The one I have know I spent $130 on its a McDermott. had it for 5 years now.
No inlays or anything special. Took the weight out,glue the stopper back on and sanded down the shaft to get a more consisent play out of it. Instead of the wedge shape shaft. Makes it easier to maintain a solid bridge.
My first one was a custom job, cost too much for the same thing I have in this one. Its all a personel feel. Try out many sticks when you at you local shop. You'll find that you might not like some grips compared to others. You want something that will feel like an extension of your arm. Not something that feels bulky or doesnt sit right in your hand.

Joel

Being you have your own table makes thinsg much different. I have both types but I say go with wood and get somthing middle of the pack. If you do not like it after a while, your guests can always use it , right? You should be able to try a few at the pool pro shop before you buy.

Cheers!

Wood is superior to the fiberglass (cuetek) models...fancy inlays do nothing to aid your game, but they are pretty. Frankly, at $100-150, you are on the low end of the price scale for a really good cue, but into the very servicable manufactured cues. I shoot with an entry level Jacoby custom cue...no inlays, just a plain Cocobolo butt, their J-2 model, 19 oz, pro taper hard maple shaft, 13mm medium "lepro" tip. But it's a $300 stick. For a break cue I also go 19 oz., an imported "Palmer" cue (not to be confused with the very collectable Palmer original window cue) in a "sneaky pete" style...meaning, screw it together it looks like a house cue. It works as a break cue because it has a very hard buffalo hide tip, and a stronger taper shaft than the Jacoby. This one cost me well under $100, but I bought it from a friend who distributes them. In your price range, I'd suggest looking at entry level (meaning no fancy inlays) cues made by either Viking or Meucci. Another option? Cruise pawn shops in your area. A lot of serious pool players are flakes...meaning they often have to pawn some pretty darned good equipment. But really, in the game of pool, it's not the arrow as much as it is the indian. I've seen some of the top level west coast players duke it out in 9 ball tournaments. Their skill level simply blows me away. Me? I can truthfully say I've never lost any money playing pool. That's because I don't bet! :)

I agree with what Paul says - Jacoby (out of Wisconsin) is an excellent cue! Same with Viking and Meucci! Other cue makers in Illinois include Blackheart, Schuler and Marriposa... ("tournament" custom cues are quite expensive) Actually holding/feeling the cue is important when making a purchase decision. Also check out www.cueaddicts.com
Chris and I still consider ourselves "beginners" ergo the Players cues! :D

This is all great information. I've not heard of Jacoby before now, I'll have to find out more about them. I think I've decided between a McDermott or Viking. I haven't seen any Meucci's for less than $300, but I haven't checked the Pawn shops yet.
I agree with 'Not the arrow, but the Indian'. Same is true with Golf, but I wouldn't want to give up my Ti driver :)

Ahhh heck, I forgot...here's the link to Jacoby's site. Though anybody interested should order one of their print catalogs..internet pics don't do the finish of their cues justice. A small family owned firm...I've had my J-2 a few years now, consider myself one of their very satisfied customers.
http://www.jacobycue.com/start.htm
Forgot to add...Leland Pate who (used to anyway) posts here, got a Meucii "Patriot four" cue for free. A NW billiards tabloid had an essay contest, a free cue to whoever wrote an essay describing why they felt they were a patriot. Leland was serving in Afghanistan when I wrote the essay, so I twisted the rules a bit and nominated him as deserving of the cue. He was a shoo-in!
:)

Yes, that was a GREAT story. That all happened about the time I started 'lurking' here.

Phred68 - On the same topic of "pool"...have you been to City Billiards in downtown Mpls? We went there not too long ago with some friends and it was really fun.

Tim's family had a pool table while he was growing up so he is pretty good....me on the other hand...I usually just smack the ball as hard as I can and then the white ball usually just follows anything I hit in into the pocket. ;)

Sarah, No I haven't been there, but it does look like fun. :)
http://www.citybilliards.com/

Right now my Wife thinks that everyone's getting better but her. Even the 10 year old...

You have to watch out for those kids...they'll sneak-up on you all the time. I have nieces/nephews who say..."will you play this game with me..I'm not very good." Then they just clean house on us...:)

Sarah, isn't that the truth! The best shooter in these parts is a 25 year old, a "kid" to me...And the skill level demonstrated by the high school kids who hang at the "family" billiard parlor Cindy & I like to go to is high. I'm beginning to think they all should have to wait until age 21, and learn to shoot on terrible bar tables, like I had to. Giving them a clean envrionment and 9' Brunswick Gold Crowns to learn on just isn't fair to the old folks! ;)

Well, I finally pulled the trigger and picked up a new stick. I went with a Viking VM34. Based mainly on feel, looks, and the fact that it was made three hours away in Madison WI. I went to my local dealer, and with my best ‘I’m spending my last dollar on a pool cue’ got a $210 cue for $130. We’ll see how it plays tonight.

EDIT: Wanted to add that the advice here also played a big part in my decision.
Played with the new cue last night, and it really does make a difference. :)

Hope you got a hard case to go with that. Gotta protect it now. Its alotta work to get knicks out of it.

No hard case yet, but it's next on the list.

Porper makes good hard cases. Cindy's is for 1 butt, 1 shaft, mine for 2 butts, 2 shafts, but they make 'em bigger. The 25 year old I mentioned earlier carries 3 butts, 4 shafts...almost as many "tools" as a golfer. :) BTW, good cue choice. I remember when Viking and Palmer were about the only two out there...now the choices are many.