What cue would you recommend for a true beginner?

[Big Arm]

As the title suggests, I am a true beginner to this game. I am obtaining a 5 x 10 Brunswick Anniversary model snooker table to go in my game room. What cues would you suggest that won't break the bank to start with?

[Steve180]

anything just get playing

whats the budget?

[Bigmeek]

Hi Big Arm. As Steve180 posts anything will do just to get started. Probably best to get some recommendations from folks your side of the pond. In UK a machine-spliced cue from Craftsman-cues is good value for around 75GBP. Once you move up to hand spliced cues Craftsman and Mastercraft at around 150GBP are good value. Really depends on how serious you are and how much you want to spend. Cheapy rack cues or from e-bay would be ok if you're just playing for fun.

[Freddie Ng]

MasterCraft and Craftman are the best investment for beginners. Before this, I would suggest/recommend you to head down to clubs or some snooker shops to survey and try out different types of cue before making your decision.
Take some time to look through some old threads, it might gives you an idea and probably solve some of your dilemma/question.

http://www.handmadecues.com/home/20-advice.htm

All the best.

[Woolf147]

I disagree with all cheap version cues. I think that you should choose a hand made cue and never change the cue. You have to choose style of the cue that you like and happy with. I would recommend 2 brands:
John Parris or Hunt and Osborne. I would not recommend Mike wooldridge cue. I think that wooldridge cues are not made in Uk.

If you have money i would recommend you to go for a John Parris Ultimate Cue. It is the best what you can get and it is 100% hand made in Uk. Around £600 for a plain black ebony butt with the proper ash shaft.

[atm147iwish]

As the title suggests, I am a true beginner to this game. I am obtaining a 5 x 10 Brunswick Anniversary model snooker table to go in my game room. What cues would you suggest that won't break the bank to start with?

I disagree with all cheap version cues. I think that you should choose a hand made cue and never change the cue. You have to choose style of the cue that you like and happy with. I would recommend 2 brands:
John Parris or Hunt and Osborne. I would not recommend Mike wooldridge cue. I think that wooldridge cues are not made in Uk.

If you have money i would recommend you to go for a John Parris Ultimate Cue. It is the best what you can get and it is 100% hand made in Uk. Around £600 for a plain black ebony butt with the proper ash shaft.

'that wont break the bank?'...

woolf you are a fool.
and you ll get slated from the wooly fans!

[damienlch]

...I would not recommend Mike wooldridge cue. I think that wooldridge cues are not made in Uk.

hi woolf147, what makes you think mike's cues are not made in the UK?

in response to big arm's query, i would choose a cue with pretty standard specs (Tip: 9.5 to 10mm, Length: 57/58in, Weight: 17/18oz) that i'm comfy with and just start playing... it need not be expensive or handmade... just straight and fairly well-made.

chances are, you will either get used to your cue or as you progress in your game, you'll be able to recognise your cue requirements better... also, if you find that you're not playing well with your current cue, you might want to consider experimenting with different cue tips before changing to a new cue altogether...

[Terry Davidson]

I would also recommend you get started with a fairly standard but well built cue with 57in length, around 18oz, 9.5mm brass ferrule and ash shaft (although maple is OK too).

I have a decent cue here with those specs which is brand new and straight and comes with a short extension and I think I can round up a case. With shipping to Montana included I think I can sell it to you for under $300 which will also include a good Talisman tip.

Terry

[Watford]

I think most of this advice is sound.
I almost agree that it is better to get a good cue and stick with it too but I wouldn't jump in and get an ultimate. You need to play a bit before you understand what you prefer in a cue. But otherwise go standard spec and don't get something dirt cheap. I would have said Craftsman if the first to answer.

Aside the makers mentioned above (and I'm sure Terry's cue would be a good option)
There are some makers priced in between Carftsman and John Parris. Trevor White of who's work I know best is excellent, Coutts, Glover, Robin et al have all been spoken well on the forum. A Thai cue (Master, O'Min, UT etc) would be another option.
Use the search box see what has already been said.

I think you'd better explain yourself Woolf147.....
On what grounds do you make that accusation.

[Freddie Ng]

I think most of this advice is sound.
I almost agree that it is better to get a good cue and stick with it too but I wouldn't jump in and get an ultimate. You need to play a bit before you understand what you prefer in a cue. But otherwise go standard spec and don't get something dirt cheap. I would have said Craftsman if the first to answer.

Aside the makers mentioned above (and I'm sure Terry's cue would be a good option)
There are some makers priced in between Carftsman and John Parris. Trevor White of who's work I know best is excellent, Coutts, Glover, Robin et al have all been spoken well on the forum. A Thai cue (Master, O'Min, UT etc) would be another option.
Use the search box see what has already been said.

I think you'd better explain yourself Woolf147.....
On what grounds do you make that accusation.

Totally Argee

[hotpot]

I wonder out of curiosity if Wolf 147 makes more money from those two brands than the rest

Whoever listen to this geezer must be as barking mad as him .

[poolqjunkie]

You need some time to figure out what you really need.
I would suggest to buy a cue from Terry (shipped from Canada) which I believe is probably good ebough anyway, and you do not need to deal with the more expensive shipping fee from across the pond, and all the waiting period and such.

There is no such a thing as one brand being the best. I also do not buy into the notion that all good cues must be made in the UK (for obvious reason).

[Woolf147]

Hey, first of all I am not making money on cues. I recommend what is better than you do. Mike wooldridge cues are wood sticks from my experience and i will stand my ground on it.
There are no better cuemaker than john parris Ok and so far every one who know the game will recommend his cue strait away.

[hotpot]

Hey, first of all I am not making money on cues. I recommend what is better than you do. Mike wooldridge cues are wood sticks from my experience and i will stand my ground on it.
There are no better cuemaker than john parris Ok and so far every one who know the game will recommend his cue strait away.

Well i think you make a lot of profit on cues , and i have had and do own a john parris and yes they are good but you can get an equally good if not better cue than them for a adleast a third of the price .

I have a cue that cost a lot less more than my parris and imo its as nice no i,ll rephrase that its nicer then my jp .

Before you start rubbishing mikes or any other top makers cues then ensure you make it clear that its your personal view , and its not one shared by others .

To be honest i would,nt buy a toffee apple off you .

[Woolf147]

i am not selling or making money on cues and i am tired of all this BULL S...T
You have a big mouse and i would love to meet you and shut it up.