[Hillyer]

Im a bit of a Mcdermott fan. I have a couple of Players cues, a Lucasi, and a Mcdermott. Looking to get another cue soon but cant make up my mind. I was just wondering in your opinions what the best cue out of the box without adding an aftermarket shaft for 250.00 or under and why? Thanks ahead.

[MitchAlsup]

I can find you a Predator with 314 shaft (previous generation) at $256 -- SP4RW

http://www.jjcue.com...orcues_sale.htm

[Hillyer]

 MitchAlsup, on Nov 9 2008, 12:36 AM, said:

I can find you a Predator with 314 shaft (previous generation) at $256 -- SP4RW

http://www.jjcue.com...orcues_sale.htm

Thanks but I already use a 314-2. Im looking for a good ready to go cue at a lower cost without upgrading the shaft. Im debating trying the Lucasi Hybrid. Ive read a lot of good reviews on it. Im not sure if I would like the grip. I think it may take away a bit of the feel of a shot.

[JoeS]

A viking cue will play very similar to a McDermott (out of the box). Both play excellent for their price.

Is the cue a gift? or something wrong the 314-2?

[The_Woim]

 Hillyer, on Nov 8 2008, 07:29 PM, said:

Im a bit of a Mcdermott fan. I have a couple of Players cues, a Lucasi, and a Mcdermott. Looking to get another cue soon but cant make up my mind. I was just wondering in your opinions what the best cue out of the box without adding an aftermarket shaft for 250.00 or under and why? Thanks ahead.

You can't go any higher or try out a nice custom cue? Contrary to popular opinion, there are really nice custom cuemakers who only charge $450-$650 for a very nice plain jane custom.

At the $250 and below price range, you can't really go wrong with McDermott but I would recommend going to a big pool place and testing out the cues before you purchase.

However, if you want to try out a custom cue, you can go to www.daytoncues.com and look at his selection. The sneaky petes and plain janes are priced between $450 and $650 and the wait is only for a month and a half on the simple cues. You'll love the hit.

I play witha Dayton cue.

Yours truly,
The Woim

[The_Woim]

 PoolSleuth, on Nov 22 2008, 01:59 AM, said:

UNDER $250.00 Mcdermott, Viking, and you can not FOOKING go wrong.

Pool Sleuth is right! McDermott or Viking.

I would recommend that you go to a big pool store and test hit these cues because the number one complaint about low end production cues is the quality assurance and consistency. One Viking may hit great while the very same model next out of the factory hits like cardboard. So, if you go and test hit the cue before buying, you won't be disappointed.

There is a pool hall in St. Louis known as the Cue N Cushion and it's a real oldtime pool hall. They also sell used customs and new production cues. It was while visiting this pool hall that I test hit a Viking (in the mid-$300's) that hit as sharp and clean and steady and had that special "feel" that is equal to ANY expensive custom cue I've ever tried.

Good luck in your hunt!

Yours truly,
The Woim

[Nemesis]

Try the Action Elite: http://www.billiardwarehouse.com/cues/acti...lite_series.htm

or the Schmelke: http://www.billiardwarehouse.com/cues/schm...y_pete_cues.htm

[Demondrew]

God, I hope I don't sound like I'm sucking up. . .
I have gone to shooting straight pool with a Big Kahuna cue. It has a great balance (even as a 23oz cue), I love the taper on it and the hit is solid.
I have been a Meucci fan since the mid-eighties. This cue just shoots rings around all but my Meucci sneaky pete.
The Big Kahuna has some deflection that is normal for a stiff hitting cue but not as bad as my old Brunswick (mid-fifties, an uncle’s cue) or my Schon cx-53.
I still get plenty of draw and follow. Where I see the big difference is being able to stun the ball laterally with more control.
A beautiful cue with great fit and finish. $215.00
I find that hard to beat.