Pool, as a sport, isn't ordinarily seen as a rich person's game. The game of the aristocrats might be seen as golf, or even polo. Despite appearances, billiards can be more than a little expensive. The first place people often mistakenly look to cut corners is on the playing instrument itself. This tactic can be easily overused. There really is a fine line that is easily crossed when choosing between the more premium end of cues, and the economy end.
First, the question must be asked: do you want a cue that's as cheap as it goes, or are you looking for performance and exceptional inlay work? At the top end of the price range on cue sticks you will get both inlay, and performance. However, these days pool sticks 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 component is actually the price range. Anything below $200 is generally roughly equivalent to any other pool stick within that price range. This is due to the fact that if the pool cue is an MSRP of $200, that means it most likely 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 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 just going for a $30 one, or stepping up to the next price tier which is just over $200.
As you break through the $200 tier, however, you start to see more of the premium cue stick lines such as Predator, or Joss. Most of these cue sticks are created in the United States, but even the ones that are not produced here tend to be of a higher quality due to better manufacturing oversight. If you do go over the $500 point then you are likely paying for elaboration of 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 money: join a pool league! This will give you the opportunity to play many highly skilled billiard partners for free, or very cheaply. This can serve in lieu of personalized, professional coaching.
First, the question must be asked: do you want a cue that's as cheap as it goes, or are you looking for performance and exceptional inlay work? At the top end of the price range on cue sticks you will get both inlay, and performance. However, these days pool sticks 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 component is actually the price range. Anything below $200 is generally roughly equivalent to any other pool stick within that price range. This is due to the fact that if the pool cue is an MSRP of $200, that means it most likely 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 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 just going for a $30 one, or stepping up to the next price tier which is just over $200.
As you break through the $200 tier, however, you start to see more of the premium cue stick lines such as Predator, or Joss. Most of these cue sticks are created in the United States, but even the ones that are not produced here tend to be of a higher quality due to better manufacturing oversight. If you do go over the $500 point then you are likely paying for elaboration of 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 money: join a pool league! This will give you the opportunity to play many highly skilled billiard partners for free, or very cheaply. This can serve in lieu of 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: Arsenal Pool Cues, and McDermott Pool Sticks.
No comments:
Post a Comment