Billiards, as a competitive sport, isn't ordinarily seen as a rich person's game. The game of the aristocrats might be golf, or even polo. However, billiards can be more than a little expensive. The first place people often (mistakenly) look to cut corners is on the the playing instrument (the cue) itself. This less-than-ideal tactic can be rapidly overused, however, and there really is a fine line that is easily crossed when choosing between the premium end of cues, and the lower, bargain end.
First, the question must be asked: do you desire a billiard cue that's as cheap as it goes, or are you looking for playability and inlay work? At the upper end of the price range of cues you'll get both performance, and inlay. However, nowadays billiard cues can be imported and even though these cues may be priced at the bottom of the range they may still have the inlays -- but lack the performance.
The key is the price range. Anything below $200 is approximately equivalent to any other billiard cue within that price point. This is due to the fact that if the cue is an MSRP of $200, that means it wholesales for a whole lot less. Cues retailing for less than $200 are most likely made overseas where manufacturing can have poor oversight and lower overall standards. So, to be honest, if you've decided to get a $150 cue, unless you've lucked out on a real deal on a premium cue, you would be better off going for a $30 one.
As you break through the $200 tier you start to see more of the premium cue stick lines such as Meucci, Predator, McDermott, or Joss. Most of these cue sticks are created in the United States, but even the ones that are not created here tend to be of a higher quality due to greater manufacturing oversight. Just remember: if you go over the $500 tier then you are most likely paying for greater and more elaborate inlays, and not an increased performance! Avoid this if you're wanting to get the most bang for your buck.
One other tip for conserving cash: join a pool league! This will give you the opportunity to play many highly skilled gaming partners for free, or very affordably. This can serve in lieu of personalized, professional coaching.
First, the question must be asked: do you desire a billiard cue that's as cheap as it goes, or are you looking for playability and inlay work? At the upper end of the price range of cues you'll get both performance, and inlay. However, nowadays billiard cues can be imported and even though these cues may be priced at the bottom of the range they may still have the inlays -- but lack the performance.
The key is the price range. Anything below $200 is approximately equivalent to any other billiard cue within that price point. This is due to the fact that if the cue is an MSRP of $200, that means it wholesales for a whole lot less. Cues retailing for less than $200 are most likely made overseas where manufacturing can have poor oversight and lower overall standards. So, to be honest, if you've decided to get a $150 cue, unless you've lucked out on a real deal on a premium cue, you would be better off going for a $30 one.
As you break through the $200 tier you start to see more of the premium cue stick lines such as Meucci, Predator, McDermott, or Joss. Most of these cue sticks are created in the United States, but even the ones that are not created here tend to be of a higher quality due to greater manufacturing oversight. Just remember: if you go over the $500 tier then you are most likely paying for greater and more elaborate inlays, and not an increased performance! Avoid this if you're wanting to get the most bang for your buck.
One other tip for conserving cash: join a pool league! This will give you the opportunity to play many highly skilled gaming partners for free, or very affordably. This can serve in lieu of personalized, professional coaching.
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Thanks for taking a moment to read this article. If you've got a moment please also take a moment to view: Meucci Billiard Sticks, and McDermott Cues.
