Wanted £200 to find myself a cue.

[1potato2]

I have a birthday next week and my wife has finally agreed to put £100 towards a decent cue for me, I will add another £100 (maybe £150 if i find something i really like making £250 total for the right cue) and get the best i cue i can find at the time. I've looked at JP's and MW's sites and can't see myself getting one of their's new so have been checking ebay daily for 2nd hand ones. Does anyone have any 2nd hand or alternative quality cues from other similar quality cue makers? I want the following specs.........
Shaft: Ash
Tip: 9mm-9.75mm
Weight: 18.5oz-20oz
Make: Prefer John Parris or Mike Wooldridge but happy to take suggestions of similar quality for less money.
Case: As long as it fits the cue and isnt made of bolsa wood i'll be happy.

Any ideas?

[jaffa.johnson]

There is a lot to choose from mate but sounds like you have the right idea to find the right cue rather than a brand. If you want it for your bday you will need to buy second hand or from somewhere which stocks cues. A lot of the cue makers run their business making cues to order only.

JP and MW are out your price range but plenty of others going.

You could contact ADR147 on this forum who will almost certainly have a few you can pick from.

Or theres craftsman (leeds) / greenbaize (cleveland).

I have owned 3 cues from craftsman which have all been fantastic, ADR is easy to deal with as well.

Stu @ greenbaize is nice guy, not bought his cues but he responded quickly to my emails and was helpful.

[1potato2]

TBH I don't need it for my birthday. That's next monday and I don't get paid until Friday. I have waited a year and a half to get a decent cue so a couple of weeks extra wont bother me. And as you say it's the right cue that matters not the badge that goes with it. Someone mentioned ADR147 and someone mentioned loooking at Mastercraft which i will do but If i find I fall in love with a particular cue that is over my budget i will probably bite the bullet and get it then suffer the consequences of being skint for a month.
Ah, who needs to eat more than once a week?!

[old school]

Craftsman at Kippax always worth a visit, 200 + cues on display,two tables to try them on ( 1 x Snooker & 1 x Pool ) . If you are serious and dont extract the proverbial,try before you buy is always the best option.Dave is a grand lad and would happily help you make your choice,even the top end Phoenix or Mark Williams repros are within your budget and should you not find what you are looking for,then "custom build " to your specs starts around the £170 mark (plus postage) well within budget.Check out feedback for Craftsman on this forum,most people are happy once they have visited the showroom.

[itx]

Try Andy Travis on here as well, he can probably do you something really nice and at a great price as well.

[G30 MC]

Have to agree with itx, Andy's cue's are amazing value for money.

[02aleric]

Also recommend Andy, just purchased one off him for a great price and i'm over the moon with it! He's on the forum as Trav

[ADR147]

i imagine i would have something!

[jaffa.johnson]

where abouts in UK are you? This may make you decision easier or harder.

I also think Andys work is good too, I havent owned his handmade cues but he has added front splice to rack cue and put centre join in for me. Top guy and craftmanship as well.

Jason Owen is forum member on here, check out this cue threads, he is making some outstanding cues right now.

Also dont forget MW shark cue is in budget if you fancy something different.

Good luck

[1potato2]

I'm in North-West London. Sharks was an option I've looked at everyday recently but it seems they're sold out. Maybe he can't make em fast enough to supply the demand which tells me it might be worth waiting for. But how long is the wait?

[jrc750]

If you like the MW Shark cue, there is a nice one just appeared on ebay, maybe keep an eye on it or even message the seller and do a deal
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1506791618...84.m1423.l2649

[1potato2]

Yeah thanks but I can't do anything until next weekend anyway, cheers tho.

[andy carson]

think a northwest cue would be in your price range, the few i have tried have all been very good cues.

[deant1982]

All the good suggestions have been mentioned, Craftsman, Mastercraft, Jason Owen (cue guru), Andy Travis, North West etc. You can also get made to spec cues at B&W Billiards (birmingham) if you want to try them. I've had a shot with one of theirs, and they are good value for the money cues. Think they start at about £170 for a custom.

Good luck.

[1potato2]

Yeah I looked at Mastercraft, Peradon, North-West and Cue Craft. I'm also talking with ADR147 about possible cues from his collection. I haven't spoken to Andy or Jason yet but will do aswell.