Hi Everyone.

[DaveMadeThis]

Came across this site by accident looking for somewhere to buy a cue in Edinburgh. I've recently started playing as often as I can at the Ballroom, Edinburgh.

Used to play pool regularly in my home town about ten years ago and now looking to develop my snooker game which at the moment is pretty poor. The public cues at the Ballroom are fine but I'd like to get my own. Any tips on what to look for/avoid and where to shop in Edinburgh would be much appreciated.

Cheers.

[jim evans]

have a look at adr147 on this site and ebay hes up your end

[Bigmeek]

Dave Not really anywhere in Edinburgh to buy a decent cue. There used to be a shop in Gorgie which had a lot of nice cues, including some John Parris, but it closed down a few years back. Us Edinburgh guys are stuck with ordering up blind off the internet and trusting to luck that the cue will suit or buying second hand from a reliable source.
If you're looking to improve your game I'd recommend you take a few lessons and join the EICA league. Its played on a handicap basis so you'd get a start off the good players. If you need any more info let me know.
PS I play at The Locarno over at Slateford. One of the good Ballroom guys (Carlo) comes over for a game sometimes as we've got some top players at our club. Craig MacGillivray (2011 Scottish Amateur Champion) just to name drop. We've also got rubbish players like myself. lol.

[DaveMadeThis]

Thanks for the advice, do any of the snooker halls stock cues? Had a look in the Ballroom but nothing jumped out. Think I'd prefer to try before I buy as I don't know enough to know what weight etc would feel best so I'll wait till I'm visiting a town with a better shop. Is there anywhere outside Edinburgh you could recommend?

Will have to come and try out the tables at the Locarno, maybe when I get a bit better lol.

[Bigmeek]

Dave Afraid I don't know anywhere in Scotland which has a good selection of cues for sale. Maybe some of the West Coast forum members could suggest somewhere in Glasgow. The Shandon club in Slateford (right next door to Locarno) has a small display cabinet with cues but they're the cheap machine-spliced varieties. Wouldn't want one of these myself.
The best "try before you buy" places are in England and IMO are well worth a visit if you're serious about buying a good cue.
Green Beize cues down near Darlington sell top quality cues as does Craftsman Cues near Leeds. Chesworth Cues in Sheffield have a good selection but can be a bit over priced.
I have a few cues you could take a look at just to give you an idea of what you get for your money. I have a "cheapy" I bought from Andy Travis on the Forum. Mid range Craftsman Century and Mastercraft Eclipse (they're in Shropshire). Currently waiting to take delivery of a C-brand cue from Thailand. All my cues are around the 17.5oz mark with 9.5-10mm tips. Another of the Locarno guys has a stunning Trevor White and someone else has a Peradon. You could proabably gather enough information to help you make up your mind on budget and spec. Good luck.

[DaveMadeThis]

Perfect, I'm often down in Darlington so I'll check out Green Baize on my next visit. Had a look at their site and I'm sure they'll have something in my budget. Cheers again for the advice.