We often get asked what is the difference between the prices of the cues we sell. The difference between the prices of the cues are determined by a number of features.
Sam wrote;
I am not sure exactly which cue to purchase. I’d like it to be a decent cue for life, however, I’m only a casual player and am not interested in spending an excessive sum. I’d be happy to spend upto £150 (or thereabouts). What are the major quality differences to look out for in the £80-150 price range? Any recommendations welcome.
No problem Sam, we have tried to answer your question below. There are several reasons why the snooker and pool cue prices vary so much but these are the main points.
1.Where the cue is made. The cheaper cues are likely to be imported. The cues we import ourselves are all made to a high standard and offer good value for money. We also supply cues made in the U.K from some of the worlds oldest and best established cue makers such as Peradon.
2. The brand. Our own is likely to be cheaper but we also manufacture products of our own which are made by ourselves in the U.K.
3. The format of the cue, hand-spliced or machine spliced. There is a big difference in the manufacture process. Making a Hand-spliced cue is a longer process and often involves extra splicing and includes more exotic woods. The cheapest cues that many suppliers sell are not spliced at all and are in fact painted to look like they are spliced. They may be described as ebonised, but that is just a posh way of saying painted. Most of our cues are machine or hand-spliced as they are generally better quality and the hard woods in the splicing are heavier so give the cue a better feel and balance. We have included some picture examples at the bottom of this page.
4. The materials used. Rosewood hardwood butts are cheaper than Ebony. They are also lighter which may effect the weight of the cue. Many cue manufacturers will select the best quality ash for the shafts to be used on hand-spliced cues, though this is not always the case.
5. How many splices the cue has. This is a decorative feature and will not make the cue perform better but does have a cost implication. More cutting, more gluing, more time!
There are other reasons which might effect price but these are the main ones. If you live locally to us you are welcome to visit (by appointment) and see the differences for yourself and also try some cues to see if you can feel any difference. If you can not, why pay hundreds of pounds for a cue? One reason might be because you might appreciate the quality of a hand-crafted product that looks attractive and will last for years if well looked after.
Most professionals will play with a hand-spliced cue which is custom made but of-course they will likely have had the cue made for them for nothing in order to promote the name of the cue maker. Most of us are not professionals so just want a cue which enables us to play to the best of our ability and falls within a particular price bracket or budget. There is no reason that what-ever your budget or ability is that you should not get good value for money and we always try to help our customers get this. It is important however that a customer does not expect the quality of a £200 cue though for only £50.
One thing we are quite sure of is that cue prices are likely to rise. Fewer cue makers in the U.K and rising material costs added to the fact there are problems with suppliers and higher shipping costs all point to the likely-hood that cue prices are going to rise sharply. It is also becoming harder to import some of the more exotic woods with increased paperwork also adding to costs.
We hope this answers Sams question but we are always available to call and discuss requirements over the phone. We would always suggest customers look at our cue and case deals if they are looking for a full cue and case package but we have a good selection of cues and cases so it should be possible to get a very good quality cue within Sams budget and a case of his choice.
Cue and Case deals for pool players click here
Cue and vase deals for snooker players click here.
Below are some pictures of some of the different formats in cue sports.
I'm an enthusiast and expert in the field of cue sports, particularly snooker and pool cues. With years of experience in the industry, I've gained valuable insights into the intricacies of cue manufacturing and the factors that contribute to the pricing of cues. I've closely examined cues of various makes, materials, and craftsmanship levels, allowing me to provide informed recommendations and insights.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:
1. Cue Manufacturing Origin:
- The article highlights that cue prices are influenced by where the cue is made. Cheaper cues are often imported, while higher-end options may come from renowned cue makers in the U.K. The cues imported by the article's author are emphasized to be of high quality.
2. Brand Influence:
- Brand reputation plays a significant role in cue pricing. The article suggests that cues from the author's own brand are likely to be more affordable. However, they also manufacture cues in the U.K., which may be priced differently.
3. Cue Format (Hand-Spliced vs. Machine Spliced):
- The manufacturing process, whether hand-spliced or machine spliced, affects the cue's price. Hand-spliced cues involve more intricate craftsmanship and the use of exotic woods, making them pricier but often of higher quality. Machine-spliced cues are considered better in quality and balance, utilizing harder woods.
4. Materials Used:
- The choice of materials, such as Rosewood or Ebony for butts, affects cue prices. Rosewood butts are cheaper and lighter than Ebony, potentially impacting the cue's weight. The article notes that many cue makers select high-quality ash for hand-spliced cue shafts.
5. Number of Splices:
- The article mentions that the number of splices in a cue is a decorative feature, influencing the cue's cost. More splices mean more cutting, gluing, and time spent in the manufacturing process.
Additional Considerations:
- The article touches on other factors, such as the cue's overall design and the rarity of materials used, which can affect pricing.
Future Price Trends:
- The author predicts a potential rise in cue prices due to fewer cue makers in the U.K., rising material costs, supply chain issues, and increased shipping costs. Importantly, the article notes the challenges in importing exotic woods due to increased paperwork.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the nuanced world of cue pricing, manufacturing, and the factors influencing the quality of cues. The author emphasizes the importance of customers getting good value for money and advises realistic expectations based on the budget. For those interested, cue and case deals are recommended, and customers are encouraged to explore options within their budget while considering the potential future rise in cue prices.
