Play a little pool?
 

Perhaps you only shoot a few after work with the guys. Maybe even joined a league?
Anyway, you might already have a Wal-Mart $39.95 Taiwan made cheapy, and are thinking of something a bit better? Not a 4 or five figures custom, mind you...but perhaps a well made 2 piece factory cue? Maybe feeling a bit patriotic, want something made in the good ol' USA? But for a mere 3 figures? There are several companies to choose from. I can name 3 or 4 off the top of my head that are decent choices. Certainly no shame in uncasing any of them in a pool hall.

Here's a 1/2 hour video of how one of those choices I'd name is made. I've yet to jump on the much hyped yet expen$ive carbon fiber shaft bandwagon. One could do a lot worse than buy a McDermott with a G core shaft. Fancy inlays? That's up to you...they're fun, but don't really improve or take away from the play of the cue.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kj-jkVcYPpw&t=289s

Ooooohhh . . . nice!!

I bought a McDermott in the late '80s, all maple shaft -- what would be called the GS series now, I think. What a lovely, lovely piece of craftsmanship!

I won a 5280 cue in a drawing when Allison Fisher was at an exhibition at a pool joint in town. As the winner I got to shoot a game against her. She kicked my ass. She can drink beer.

One more damned session of watching pool videos. 20 minutes this time.

Oh, I watched it and enjoyed it but just sayin'.

I used to run a lathe in the way back.

I am the best pool player of all time but I'm laying low. Avoiding the attention. Paparazzi.

I still play with an all maple shaft. Also have an 80's McDermott I found in a local pawn shop for $100...A guy needs a spare or two, eh? Actually, I bought it for Cindy, but she prefers her Jacoby cue...another of those 3 or 4 I think are good factory cues.

Sorry I cut off the first 5 minutes or so of the video...It illustrates well that there is more to cue making than turning a couple of pieces of wood on a lathe and putting a screw in the middle. ;)

You can window shop here...but keep in mind there are online dealers willing to discount.

McDermott Pool Cues | Handcrafted Pool Cues & Shafts