Help me buy a pool cue

[CottonEyedHorn]

It's for my father-in-law, who just had a pool table installed in his game room. He wants a decent cue, but he's by no means a pro. 57-58" and less than $100 is our requirement. Can you point me in the right direction? After Googling around, I didn' t realize there were so many to choose from.

 

[HornBud]

Tips and the joint are the two big things. You do not want metal or plastic on the joint, straight wood to wood is what you are looking for. That is if you buy one that breaks down. You can get away with a really cheap cue if you put a great tip on it, something in the $20-30 for a tip.

Are you in Austin? There is a good place on W. Anderson real close to Lamar that is worth investigating.

I got my girl a Sneaky Pete for Christmas, spent about $70 I believe, and she loves it. I couldn't find a design that she was going to like, a pin up girl type of thing, so I went with the plain look, and I reckon I'll inherit that when we upgrade her cue possibly next year.

 

[CanaTigers]

Lucasi makes a pretty good cue for a cheap price and you can always look on craigs list for a bargain.

 

[TexasEd]

beware buying used - make sure it is straight.

Biggest issues for me are that it is straight - a lot of cheaper new ones aren't; and that it is the right weight. I like a 20-21 oz cue

 

[Gen. Applewhite]

definitely find out his personal preference on cues. does he like a wrap on the handle? does he like a tapered shaft or not? but, most importantly, weight.

previous poster mentioned weight and he couldnt be more correct. find out what the old man likes to use, whether heavy or light. 20 oz is probably right in the middle of range, but if hes used to a heavier or lighter cue, matching that with whatever you end up getting is important.

also, is he going to be taking it around or will it just be kept in his house? if its going to be stationary, you might want to go with a one piece. its less flashy, you can get a decent one for not too much. as long as its not leaned against a wall or table for extended periods, it will stay straight. if hes going to want to take it around to pool halls or anything, or if he just likes screwing that bad boy together before a game, definitely two piece.

i bought a used two piece dufferin on ebay about 7 years ago (almost identical to this one link ) i think i spent about 30 dollars on it. it is a little worse for wear, but straight as an arrow. i love this cue, and i love this brand. i see a lot of one piece dufferins at the pool halls, and i usually use them (i keep mine at home). theyve always felt good to me, with good solid tips.

also, i have one of these shaft slickers and i cannot recommend it highly enough. cheap and much easier than talc.

link

 

[Luke Duke]

The Link

Try the link above. They have all kinds of cues. My first cue was a Players. I think that it made a great 1st cue. I've played with just about every brand of production cue and I still think that it is a good 1st cue.

 

[CottonEyedHorn]

Thanks guys for the info so far. This will be a stay-at-home cue. I was going to go with a 20oz, but I'll try to confirm with him if that's what he wants.

 

[cmvUT75]

sterling "sneaky" pete ... damn fine cue stick

cuesight online sales

 

[William Cannon]

20oz is pretty heavy for most people, just make sure he is comfortable using that weight.

 

[Luke Duke]

I also prefer a lighter cue, but most people wouldn't be able to tell the difference anyway. Weights can also usually be changed by replacing the screw in the butt.

 

[CottonEyedHorn]

In reply to:

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[HornBud]

Pete's are great cues, you just have to be extra cautious of them at the pool halls and bars, as they people tend to pick them up if they are just laying around without realizing they aren't house cues.