Why are cue extensions generally cheap crap?

[Cue crafty]

Just wanted to put this out there and hope i'm not the only one who thinks this. A lot of you good folks on here pay good money for well crafted cues so I hope you will see my points:-

1. Why do 6" (and 3 inch) mini butts all look like they were cut off the top of a broom handle? Surely someone could be making nice quality versions that actually look more like the butt of a cue and feel better to hold?

2. Why are all telescopic extensions made of Nylon/plastic or aluminium, providing no feeling or similar tapered look of holding the butt of a real cue?

You wouldn't want to put a Ford escort spoiler on the back of your Mercedes would you? Seems like a gap in the market waiting to be filled and give us all something to want to add to our shopping list.

[jono*]

It just depends how much you are willing to pay. You can get amazing quality mini butts for 40-50£. But most people aren’t willing to...

[Cue crafty]

It just depends how much you are willing to pay. You can get amazing quality mini butts for 40-50£. But most people aren’t willing to...

Thanks Jono - got any websites where i can view these?

Parting with cash usually coincides with desire for something - in my view if they are desirable enough, people will want them. Its more about ergonomics for me over exotic woods though, I think the feel and look could be improved.

[jono*]

Depends who you order the cue from. I usually get matching mini butts from whom I’m ordering from.

[jono*]

You could always buy a Thai one then change the joint to suit your needs

[Cue crafty]

You could always buy a Thai one then change the joint to suit your needs

Have you seen mini butts that have a slight taper like the cue?

Am considering making one myself. As you say joints are easy to buy on their own.

[billabong]

I had a mini butt made that showed how near the surface all that lovely burl wood was. Loved it, but it divided opinion a lot !

[bobmikeking]

I really like that Billabong. Adam Rogo posted this on facebook earlier today similar idea different execution



I would like to see a mini butt with the the joint end an inverted version of the shape of the base of the cue if that make sense. A continuation of the flat as well would be good to try. The idea being that it feels as much of a continuation of the cue as possible. I hate that dip between the rounded bottom of the cue and the flat edge of the mini butt.

[thai_son22]

i think its just whats accepted in the market today. but to be honest, the cost of extensions are an absolute rip off. i can understand solid wood extensions made purely of "x" wood, but sometimes like £40-£50 quid for a telescopic extension is an absolute joke for a bit of cheaper manufactured metal and plastic.

[the lone wolf]

I agree with you CC.
Custom orders should also be available to the customers specification and design.
I've had joint protectors made for my American Pool cues that look better than the average cue extension.
The focus on aesthetics isn't for everyone, but why not have a variety of options available?

Surely the cue makers would appreciate being able to apply more creativity to their works?

[Cue crafty]

I had a mini butt made that showed how near the surface all that lovely burl wood was. Loved it, but it divided opinion a lot !

That is cool also looks to be similar diameter to your cue or is that a slight illusion due to angle of the photo?

[jonny66]

The cheap plastic/aluminium thing may be in an effort to keep the weight down. You don't want to be screwing a big heavy piece of metal/wood on to the end of your cue do you?

[Cue crafty]

I would like to see a mini butt with the the joint end an inverted version of the shape of the base of the cue if that make sense. A continuation of the flat as well would be good to try. The idea being that it feels as much of a continuation of the cue as possible. I hate that dip between the rounded bottom of the cue and the flat edge of the mini butt.

You've nailed it there! Thanks , that's exactly what I would like.

You would probably need a ball lock joint for a design like this because it may be difficult to twist that shape all the way home. Not exactly like the pic below, but you get my drift?

[IMG][/IMG]

[Cue crafty]

The cheap plastic/aluminium thing may be in an effort to keep the weight down. You don't want to be screwing a big heavy piece of metal/wood on to the end of your cue do you?

For the extendable I don't necessarily care about it being wood, but would like something more tactile for the section you hold and for it to resemble a cue butt more closely.

Ive tried using electrical insulation tape to bind the cold metal, still doesn't feel great. "First world issue" I know, but great innovation was used to think of these in the first place and they have improved the chances of potting difficult balls immensely but I want the innovation to progress because they could easily be much better.

[thai_son22]

The cheap plastic/aluminium thing may be in an effort to keep the weight down. You don't want to be screwing a big heavy piece of metal/wood on to the end of your cue do you?

no but it doesnt mean the market price should be £40 lol