Looking for a decent cue - Mastercue, O'Min

[tabularaza]

Hey folks,

I'm new to snooker and I'm in the market for my first cue.
I had a good look around the forum about cues and found that Mastercue and O'Min make some good cues.

Especially I'm interestet in the Mastercue Probutt and the O'Min Perfect series.
Why these manufacturers?
From what I read Both are high quality for the money. I also found a local dealer who sells both brands and I like to support local business (sounds weird, huh? )

Is there anyone who has some experience with those and are there any major diffenrences (qualitywise)?
I'm mostly interesetd in:
- quality of the wood (if a general statement can be made)
- fit and fish

Or is there no matter and both are good to go for?

[SouthPaw]

Looking for a decent cue - Mastercue, O'Min

They're both decent quality cues for the money, I'd personally choice the Msstercue as they have a very good rep in my club. However if you can try before you buy then I'd pick a cue you feel the most comfortable with!

[SouthPaw]

Looking for a decent cue - Mastercue, O'Min

Sorry just to add I don't think there's a huge difference in quality of ash and exotics... The mastercue shaft will be oiled and butt lacquered iirc, not too sure about the o'min... I'd imagine the shaft is definitely an oil finish.

[Maverick54]

Mastercues are easier to get hold of in this country and wont be fakes. Genuine O'min cues are much harder to get over here but are better than Mastercues in my opinion.(Plenty of fake chinese copies around over here)

Phoenix are also worth a look and are good quality cues. All the above fit a mid range budget.

[tabularaza]

I was lucky enough to play both types of cues yesterday. I liked the O'Min cue better. It just felt right.
Saying that, I know every pice of wood is different but I'll go with O'Min. Their Air-Lock joint feels superior - at least to me.

Sorry just to add I don't think there's a huge difference in quality of ash and exotics... The mastercue shaft will be oiled and butt lacquered iirc, not too sure about the o'min... I'd imagine the shaft is definitely an oil finish.

Actually both have a complete oiled finish

[stejohn]

The O'min air lock joins are really nice and solid, one of the best joints imo. In fact the fake O'min cue i recently bought even had a solid joint so they must have copied it right lol!