any billiards players can help out?

AD720 · 11-02-2008, 05:17 PM

I used to play A LOT and I really miss it.

Pool cues are like anything else, there are so many to choose from.

I have a McDermott Competition series, MG-21 I believe.

http://www.mcdermottcue.com/Competitor.asp

I played a bunch of cues before I settled. My stepfather who got me into it has a Lucasi, which are really nice but pricey. I like mine quite a bit, it is not fancy looking which is good b/c you aren't shelling out a bunch of cash for inlays and fancy wood. I also really like the "wood to wood" joint since I feel like it makes for a softer feel than a one with a metal piece in between the shaft and the butt.

What is really important is finding the right weight for you. Do you notice when you use house cues what weight you are comfortable with? I'd say 19.5 or 20 oz is probably the middle of the road.

My main recommendation would be NOT to cheap out with a department store cue. Spending 40-50 on one of those is a total waste of money when there are so many good cues between $100-$200. Try ebay.

Once you get yourself a cue make sure you take good care it, watch where you lean it so it doesn't fall and the shaft doesn't get nicked and break with a house cue.

Enjoy your new hobby!

ucubed · 11-02-2008, 05:21 PM

hmmm I dunno if I want to spend that money quite yet til I perfect my shots...as for weight, if I break I tend to use a heavier cue stick probably aboue 20-21oz...other than that I prefer about 18-19oz...it'll depend on different occasions though...as for finding a cue...what are some specific sticks to try and find?

av8tor152d · 11-02-2008, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ucubed

hmmm I dunno if I want to spend that money quite yet til I perfect my shots...as for weight, if I break I tend to use a heavier cue stick probably aboue 20-21oz...other than that I prefer about 18-19oz...it'll depend on different occasions though...as for finding a cue...what are some specific sticks to try and find?

Just one thing I learned in my playing when I was young and single, invest in the nice cue, you can spend months getting good with house cues then go and buy a nice one then spend time getting used to that one. what ever you choose to buy though make sure the darn thing is straight by rolling on a flat surface. about all I can offer.

AD720 · 11-02-2008, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by av8tor152d

Just one thing I learned in my playing when I was young and single, invest in the nice cue, you can spend months getting good with house cues then go and buy a nice one then spend time getting used to that one. what ever you choose to buy though make sure the darn thing is straight by rolling on a flat surface. about all I can offer.

Very good point here.

AD720 · 11-02-2008, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ucubed

hmmm I dunno if I want to spend that money quite yet til I perfect my shots...as for weight, if I break I tend to use a heavier cue stick probably aboue 20-21oz...other than that I prefer about 18-19oz...it'll depend on different occasions though...as for finding a cue...what are some specific sticks to try and find?

I am starting to sound like the coffee guys here, but like I said, IMO a department store cue (like a Coors Light or Pot leaf cue from Sports Authority or whatever) is not going to be too much of a step up over a house cue maybe even a step down depending on where you are playing.

Some brands to look at:

McDerrmott (I'm baised)
Meucci (very pricey)
Lucasi
Viking
Schon
Predator
CueTech (I had one of the composite shaft ones and hated it, some guys swear by it. They make traditional wooden shafts as well).

Edit - be careful with the cuetechs though, I think they pretty much have two seperate lines, one for department stores and one line for real billiard shops.

smitdavi · 11-02-2008, 05:23 PM

Used to play alot..actually took a class when I was at IU. Katie and I are friends with Janette "The Black Widow" Lee...talk about a good pool player lol

SeanGAR · 11-03-2008, 11:22 AM

I use a plain cuetec that cost about 50 bucks. I have played for 3-4 years maybe 10+ games a week and it is still straight and plays well .. a few cracks have developed in the fiberglass but I use it for breaking too and they don't affect play.

Neuromancer · 11-03-2008, 01:07 PM

McDermott makes some nice low-end starter cues and when it comes to value, price and quality, they're right up there...

11-02-2008, 05:17 PM	#1
AD720 I'm nuts for the place Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Andrew Location: The City of BOTL-erly Love Posts: 2,684 Trading: (73)	Re: any billiards players can help out? I used to play A LOT and I really miss it. Pool cues are like anything else, there are so many to choose from. I have a McDermott Competition series, MG-21 I believe. http://www.mcdermottcue.com/Competitor.asp I played a bunch of cues before I settled. My stepfather who got me into it has a Lucasi, which are really nice but pricey. I like mine quite a bit, it is not fancy looking which is good b/c you aren't shelling out a bunch of cash for inlays and fancy wood. I also really like the "wood to wood" joint since I feel like it makes for a softer feel than a one with a metal piece in between the shaft and the butt. What is really important is finding the right weight for you. Do you notice when you use house cues what weight you are comfortable with? I'd say 19.5 or 20 oz is probably the middle of the road. My main recommendation would be NOT to cheap out with a department store cue. Spending 40-50 on one of those is a total waste of money when there are so many good cues between $100-$200. Try ebay. Once you get yourself a cue make sure you take good care it, watch where you lean it so it doesn't fall and the shaft doesn't get nicked and break with a house cue. Enjoy your new hobby!

11-02-2008, 05:21 PM	#2
ucubed Corona Cigars Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Kevin Location: Orlando/Gainesville Posts: 1,571 Trading: (15)	Re: any billiards players can help out? hmmm I dunno if I want to spend that money quite yet til I perfect my shots...as for weight, if I break I tend to use a heavier cue stick probably aboue 20-21oz...other than that I prefer about 18-19oz...it'll depend on different occasions though...as for finding a cue...what are some specific sticks to try and find?

11-02-2008, 05:23 PM	#6
smitdavi Ambassador of Quan Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: David Location: Bloomington, IN Posts: 1,434 Trading: (9)	Re: any billiards players can help out? Used to play alot..actually took a class when I was at IU. Katie and I are friends with Janette "The Black Widow" Lee...talk about a good pool player lol

11-03-2008, 11:22 AM	#7
SeanGAR Crotchety Geezer Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Radford VA Posts: 911 Trading: (3)	Re: any billiards players can help out? I use a plain cuetec that cost about 50 bucks. I have played for 3-4 years maybe 10+ games a week and it is still straight and plays well .. a few cracks have developed in the fiberglass but I use it for breaking too and they don't affect play. __________________ How can you have any pudding if you don't eat your meat?

11-03-2008, 01:07 PM	#8
Neuromancer Will work for Boli GM's Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Marc Location: Lost in translation...near Newnan, GA Posts: 1,417 Trading: (23)	Re: any billiards players can help out? McDermott makes some nice low-end starter cues and when it comes to value, price and quality, they're right up there... __________________ "...pipe smoking is properly an intellectual exercise." ~ Christopher Morley, 1916