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Hi guys - this is my first post on The Snooker Forum! I've been really enjoying reading a lot of the threads, and look forward to participating in the future!
I was just looking for some knowledgable input as I am looking to buy a decent cue - and I wondered what the general opinion is...
I have about £400-500 to spend on a new cue, and obvioulsy I want to get the best cue I can for my money. Initially I just thought I'd go for one of the entry level John Parris cues because I am aware that most pros use Parris cues, and he seems to be the most respected in the buisness. But I've been a bit surprised to see that there are mixed opinions about his cues. And the more I look into it, the more I start to wonder!
I guess a good cue comes down to the quality of the shaft, and the workmanship. With regards to Parris cues, although there is some debate about whether or not John actually works on any of the cues (particulalry the cheaper ones) himself, I am sure that the workmanship is excellent on them - regardless of who actually makes them. BUT, I would also imagine that JP reserves the best shafts for his more expensive cues. So unless you're a tour player and/or you happen to have a couple of grand to spend, you're going to end up with a "lesser" shaft. Does this mean that you're paying a lot for the name?
For any cuemaker, finding a good piece of wood for a shaft is a matter of luck. John Parris' website talks a lot about how John inspects many different samples from various yards, and rejects all but a tiny percentage. But there's no reason why any other cue maker couldn't stumble across the "perfect" timber for the ultimate cue shaft. And most likley the cue they make with it would cost a lot less.
And without playing down the undoubted skill that goes into making a cue, there surely can't be much of a difference in the standard of workmanship between the top makers? Can there??
So I don't know if I am answering my own question here!? But I guess what I want to know is, would I be better off getting a JP cue for £400-500, or I should I be looking elsewhere?
Thanks for any input/advice!
I was just looking for some knowledgable input as I am looking to buy a decent cue - and I wondered what the general opinion is...
I have about £400-500 to spend on a new cue, and obvioulsy I want to get the best cue I can for my money. Initially I just thought I'd go for one of the entry level John Parris cues because I am aware that most pros use Parris cues, and he seems to be the most respected in the buisness. But I've been a bit surprised to see that there are mixed opinions about his cues. And the more I look into it, the more I start to wonder!
I guess a good cue comes down to the quality of the shaft, and the workmanship. With regards to Parris cues, although there is some debate about whether or not John actually works on any of the cues (particulalry the cheaper ones) himself, I am sure that the workmanship is excellent on them - regardless of who actually makes them. BUT, I would also imagine that JP reserves the best shafts for his more expensive cues. So unless you're a tour player and/or you happen to have a couple of grand to spend, you're going to end up with a "lesser" shaft. Does this mean that you're paying a lot for the name?
For any cuemaker, finding a good piece of wood for a shaft is a matter of luck. John Parris' website talks a lot about how John inspects many different samples from various yards, and rejects all but a tiny percentage. But there's no reason why any other cue maker couldn't stumble across the "perfect" timber for the ultimate cue shaft. And most likley the cue they make with it would cost a lot less.
And without playing down the undoubted skill that goes into making a cue, there surely can't be much of a difference in the standard of workmanship between the top makers? Can there??
So I don't know if I am answering my own question here!? But I guess what I want to know is, would I be better off getting a JP cue for £400-500, or I should I be looking elsewhere?
Thanks for any input/advice!