Recommendations for English cue?

[Stick]

Have been sifting through a number of cues recently and believe that I now have found the specifications most suited to me -

- 1 piece;
- Maple shaft;
- 10 mm tip (nothing less);
- 58 inches(147 cm);
- 17.5 - 18 ounces naturally weighted;
- 30mm butt

Also require a screw-in telescopic extention.

I am now considering ordering a hand-made cue from the UK and this is where I need some help.

Discounting people like JP and TW (my budget and patience does not stretch that far), which English cue makers should I consider?

I know there are also a few good ones on the forum (Dan Sheldon comes to mind).

Not interested in a "who makes the best cue in the world" debate, but would like to compile a short list of good English cue makers who makes solid hitting, high-quality (e.g. even splices, great finish, etc) and beautiful custom cues within a reasonable timeframe which I can consider approaching for my next purchase.

I am aware of the many good cues from Asia (of which I particularly like the GBL), but for this purchase I wish to concentrate on an English cue.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[DeanH]

Recommendation of English Cue

As you have probably seen from this forum, many of the cue-makers will be able to do what you are after.
As per your title - Recommendation - I have recently had the pleasure in dealing with Dan Shelton and have found him to be very approachable, knowledgeable and professional.
Have you tried his new website that started last week to get in contact with your details? http://dansheltoncues.com/index.html
That is my recommendation :-)
All the best
DeanH

[Neil Taperell]

Your budget would also determine as to which cue maker/s would be best for you to go to . What are you looking to spend ?

Have you considered a second hand cue made by a reputable name , as there are always plenty for sale on this forum .

[Straight strike]

I agree with neil taperell, budget is a deciding factor, and how urgent you need your cue.

[Stick]

Thanks for the replies guys. Yes, budget is important for us mere mortals not related to the Rockerfellar's and I should have included that.

Doing a rough conversion here from my local currency it looks like I am looking at 250-300 pounds. I am, however, flexible.

A good second hand one is a possibility, but then it would have to be really immaculate.

How long I am prepared to wait? Unfortunately not as long as that required by people such as JP and TW.

Dan's cues are beautiful and definately a possibility - I am keeping an eye on them

[DeanH]

Hi Stick.
I also agree with Neil Taperell and Straight Strike's comments.
For your budget you are right in the main-percentile of very good quality new and immaculate second-hand and you will be spoilt for choice :-)
My first recommendation still stands :-D
Good hunting.
DeanH

[Straight strike]

For plain butt , Robin Cook or Tony Wilshaw, for multi-splicing, GBL from Green Baize.

[Straight strike]

But do not forget to mention the balance point and the stiffness of shaft.

[KeithinFrance]

With a budget of £250 - £300, you could get a TW plain-butt cue I think, although you would have to go a little over for the extension.
At that price range, I'd recommend Robin Cook, who makes an excellent cue, and you'd get the extension too in your budget.
You could also try Craftsman Cues, they'd make you a nice 1pc with a Pro shaft for around £220, so no problems with the budget.
I would normally recommend Green baize but you did specify English cues and their cues are made in Thailand, however, they are excellent cues.
You could also get in touch with ADR147 and go through him to get a cue made by Peradon using the Cue Wizard tool. Peradon seem to reserve their best wood for those cues and ADR will get you a 15% price reduction if you order through him.

Hope this helps!

[Straight strike]

Northwest cue (used by John Higgins)could be a good choice too, 200 pounds for a plain butt,cue, you should be abl to get both extensions with 300 oounds. It s a very good hitter, though the finish is not as smooth as Robin Cook.

[Stick]

Some very good cue makers and cues out there which makes selection from a distance that much more difficult.

Thus far I like what I see from Mike Woodridge, Robin Cook and Dan Sheldon.

Must still look at a few others before I decide. Hunt & Osbourne looks very good too, but is expensive.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

[Renegade_56]

I have the same delimna as you stick, being in the US is not an easy place to shop for quality snooker cues. I bit the bullet and ordered the Mike Wooldridge Black Shark, just last week. Can't wait to get ahold of it!

Renegade

[Stick]

I think you made a wise decision going for the MW.

Just read the FAQ on his website just now (some parts are quite funny) and he comes accross as a non-nonsense professional that takes a lot of pride in his work. I like that.

His cues are top class. Please let us know what you think of the cue when you receive it.

[cmccool]

I received my MW Black Shark 3 weeks ago. Everything about the process, including the cue itself, was top notch.

I have well over 20 emails back and forth between Mike and I - all done in a very timely and professional manner.

The cue, case and extensions are all perfect. The cue hits straight, the finish is fantastic and it is gorgeous. If the specs fit you, I can't imagine a better purchase decision. When you factor in the price - it really is a no brainer.


Cliff

[shamreez]

I guess that unless you keep a slightly flexible budget (between 175 - 250) there is no chance you might get a good hand made cue...