Pool isn't ordinarily seen as a rich man's game. The game of the aristocrats might be more commonly observed to be golf, or even polo. Despite appearances, like any other sport, billiards can be more than a little expensive. The first place people often look to cut corners is on the pool cue itself. This tactic can be rapidly overused. There really is a fine line that is easily crossed when choosing between the more premium end of cues, and the bargain end.
First, the question must be asked: do you want a billiard cue that's as cheap as they get, or are you looking for playability and exceptional inlay work? At the upper end of the price range of cue sticks you will get both inlay and performance. However, nowadays 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 characteristics.
The key factor is the price range. Anything below $200 is generally roughly equivalent to any other pool stick within that price point. This is due to the fact that if the pool stick is a manufacturer suggested retail price of $200, that means it wholesales for a lot less and was most likely made overseas in countries like China or Taiwan where manufacturing can have poor oversight and lower overall standards. If you've decided to purchase a $150 cue, unless you've lucked out on a real deal on a premium cue, you would almost be better off just going for a $30 one.
As you break the $200 price point,
The key factor is the price range. Anything below $200 is generally roughly equivalent to any other pool stick within that price point. This is due to the fact that if the pool stick is a manufacturer suggested retail price of $200, that means it wholesales for a lot less and was most likely made overseas in countries like China or Taiwan where manufacturing can have poor oversight and lower overall standards. If you've decided to purchase a $150 cue, unless you've lucked out on a real deal on a premium cue, you would almost be better off just going for a $30 one.
As you break the $200 price point,
The key factor is the price range. Anything below $200 is generally roughly equivalent to any other pool stick within that price point. This is due to the fact that if the pool stick is a manufacturer suggested retail price of $200, that means it wholesales for a lot less and was most likely made overseas in countries like China or Taiwan where manufacturing can have poor oversight and lower overall standards. If you've decided to purchase a $150 cue, unless you've lucked out on a real deal on a premium cue, you would almost be better off just going for a $30 one.
As you break the $200 price point, however, you start to ease into the premium cue stick lines such as Predator, or Joss. Most of these cues are produced in the United States, but even the ones that are not created here tend to be of a higher quality due to greater manufacturing standards and oversight. Just remember: if you go over the $500 tier then you are likely paying for elaboration of inlays, and not an increased play performance! Avoid this if you're wanting to get the most bang for your buck.
One more tip for conserving money: join a pocket billiard league! This will enable you to play many highly skilled game partners for free, or very affordably. This can serve as a substitute for personalized, professional coaching.
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As you break the $200 price point, however, you start to ease into the premium cue stick lines such as Predator, or Joss. Most of these cues are produced in the United States, but even the ones that are not created here tend to be of a higher quality due to greater manufacturing standards and oversight. Just remember: if you go over the $500 tier then you are likely paying for elaboration of inlays, and not an increased play performance! Avoid this if you're wanting to get the most bang for your buck.
One more tip for conserving money: join a pocket billiard league! This will enable you to play many highly skilled game partners for free, or very affordably. This can serve as a substitute for personalized, professional coaching.
About the Author:
Thanks for taking a moment to read this article. If you've got a moment please also take a moment to view: OB Pool Cues, and McDermott Pool Sticks.