A Great Pool cue for the money

[@MichelePearl]

Thanks!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you once again Michele, I very much appreciate the Super Thanks. Thanks again 😊 ❤️🎱

[@nvpoolshooter]

Pool cues are like golf clubs. If you can play, there's not a lot of difference in performance between expensive and inexpensive, if any. For expensive pool cues, generally, you're paying for fancy inlays in the butt. For a player looking for his first cue, there is no reason to spend more than a couple of hundred dollars. My first cue was an Adams I paid 60 bucks for around 1975. I might be still using that cue today had I not lost it. My second cue stick, a Meucci, I paid 200 dollars for in 1990. Lot of money in 1990. Still using that Meucci today some 34 years later. I did pick up a Players Sneaky Pete off Amazon a couple of years ago for 135 dollars. It's a great no frills cue I would I highly recommend for a players first cue. Your Gator looks like a nice cue. Any newbies viewing this video and reading this comment, you don't need to spend a lot of money on a cue stick. Expensive does not, I repeat, does not equate into better performance.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Very true, it’s more about sound fundamentals than a brand name. There are many players that believe a cue will be their cure all…not the case.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@zanethind exactly Zane 👍🏻

[@JohnBowl14690]

Agree. I had an Adams long ago, then Palmer. I now have Cuetec oldie with Cynergy shaft. Also have a Meucci and JFlowers. I like my Cuetec and JFlowers the best, but any quality build cue is fine. Cynergy and JFlowers are somewhat similar and really neither is better. I also ordered a McDermott Lucky cue for $100. I don't need it, but I want something cheap and different with a 13mm conical taper, which is the opposite of what I normally shoot with. I find that using a different cue on occasion makes me play better for some odd reason.

[@JohnBowl14690]

@zanethind - I bought a fiberglass cue from walmart for $30 long ago. I used it exclusively for bar play. I was scared to bring my Meucci because I didn't want it to get stolen in a bar. That said, I learned to play well with it. It was very straight. Problem is, the collar later litterally fell off. Never seen that happen before. But I used it a good 3-4 years and entered a few tournaments and took 3rd in one of them. It's highly debatable how much better I play with my Cynergy, but at least the collar stays on...lol. Oh....and the tip is 3x better. I should have replaced the cheap walmart tip with a Elk Master, which is a cheap but very good tip.

[@veronicahawthorne3452]

I agree 100%.

[@silvercue9625]

Ron, I have about 20+ Cues and a couple of them were homemade. I have 2 MangoRun carbon fiber, Cues and play quite well with them. They’re only about $230 on Amazon

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Nice Al and thank you for that info 😊👍🏻

[@silvercue9625]

@@ronthepoolstudent if you happen to buy one, and do not like it, I will purchase it from you for the full price

[@silvercue9625]

@@ronthepoolstudent currently my favorite playing Cue is a rhino break shaft with a victory tip matched with the butt off of a player sneaky Pete. That’s about $330. Rhino brakes shaft is 13 mm :-) and I have it weighed at 21.5 ounces. Yesterday during practice I ran seven racks of 15 balls without missing and only a couple scratches on the break

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@silvercue9625 wow, that’s strong play Al 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻 Nicely done 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@JohnBowl14690]

@@silvercue9625 - 7 racks of 15 and in rotation? Or just break and shoot anything as in straight pool? If rotation, you're Josh Filler. On another subject, have you tried the Rhino regular cue? I shot with one and I thought the hit was somewhat similar to the Revo. I was impressed.

[@100fold64]

I have a carbon firmer that came with a Kamui soft, i went and put my Viking vikore shaft back on with an Everest tip and my shot immediately were better and full length shots were more accurate. Im going to put an Everest medium on my other shaft asap.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@100fold64 That’s great Randy. Thanks for sharing and welcome to the channel. As far as tips and shafts is concerned, it’s definitely up to the player. It’s what ever feels the best and what shaft delivers the best performance characteristics. Glad you found a good combo 👍🏻

[@Wicc-lp7fd]

I have a cue that looks similar to your gator,it's a collapsar R Series with pro taper 11mm tiger tip, identical but different names, unfortunately unable to put pics up.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Check out Amazon as they sell the one you’re referring to Wicc. I saw their cue line while searching cues a year or so ago.

[@Wicc-lp7fd]

@@ronthepoolstudent yes I've seen on Amazon,but they're all sold out on the UK side,got mine for £50 on eBay.good cue.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@Wicc-lp7fd good to know, thank you 👋

[@veronicahawthorne3452]

I have a Collapsar from Amazon I shoot with. Was only $157.00 I believe. Low deflection shaft, overlay graphics on it. Shoots just as well as my $600.00 McDermott. Very happy with it!

[@chemmii]

Could be a water buffalo hard tip... I only use Players cues, 21 oz. 11 1/2 mm pro taper, with soft cheap blue elk tips. When I first got into pool, I just used house cues, then after I got hooked, I finally bought my first 2 piece cue from Sears for 12.00 and a single cue case for 6.00. Don't remember what kind of tip, but Blackie, the pool hall / bowling alley owner, put the elk tip on it, just like all the house cues had....that was in 1963, for me, seeing I was not out to become a pro, just loved the game, I was never in to buying a real expensive cue. Though I have owned a dozen or more over my life time, the only real expensive cue I ever bought was a McDermott for 225.00 in in 94....when I later got back into pool I looked online for pool cues and ran across the Players cues, bought one for like 80.00 and loved it.!! I now have 3 of them, don't need anything else..lol 😊

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks for sharing your story Chemmii and wow, you’ve been at this for quite awhile. Also, isn’t it crazy how some players think an expensive cue is the answer. It’s not the cue, it’s all about the player. Who needs a $1,000 cue 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@tyronemosley6810]

First low deflection shaft I ever brought was a champion LD shaft..payed 80 bucks for it...loved it.. eventually sold it but for 80 bucks was a great shaft...

[@ronthepoolstudent]

It’s really surprising for sure Tyrone. This Champion of mine, is very similar to my $800. Predator.

[@tyronemosley6810]

@@ronthepoolstudent yeah I shoot with a players butt with a Jacoby shaft...anyways love your videos👍

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@tyronemosley6810 thanks man, I appreciate your support 👍🏻😊 Btw, if I were to pick up a carbon fiber cue, it would be the 11.8 Pro taper Jacoby.

[@tyronemosley6810]

@@ronthepoolstudent I think mine is 12.4..im assuming it has a pro taper but not for sure ..but yeah I love it..made the switch to carbon fiber couple years ago

[@stevenlawrence5733]

The Champion Gator model you refer to I can't find online. Do you have a link to it??

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks for reaching out Steven. One of my viewers said they are no longer available unfortunately 🥲 If you still want a Champion cue, I would look for an 11.75 mm shaft as that is what the Gator has. Hope that helps.

[@johnskulavik7116]

I stick with McDermott H Series cues. I shoot with 17 to 17.25 ounces cues with the balance point being the most important (19 3/8 inches measuring from the butt). I use their Carbon Fiber Defy 12mm and the i3 hybrid 11.75 mm shafts. I use the i3 on bar tables and the Defy on 50 x100 tables. I use HOW Brand tips (medium) shaped like a dime and no thicker the 5 to 6 mm. I break with their Sledgehammer shaft 13mm but I had the shaft joint changed to brass to make it a half ounce heavier at the shaft end with a hard phenolic tip. Forward weight seems to give me better snap breaks. Break cue weight is 18.75 ounces. The H550 with Defy shaft was $800. I'm happy and shooting pretty good for being 80 now.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@johnskulavik7116 Thank you John for sharing 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 ❤️🎱

[@veronicahawthorne3452]

That’s amazing Ron! The cheaper cues nowadays play just as well as the 800 or 1000 dollar cues. I have cheaper cues and more expensive ones, they all play basically the same. Thinking I might purchase a PureX next, but that rubber grip makes me nervous. I hear as it ages, it becomes brittle and starts cracking and breaking off. Yikes. 😱 Maybe if I find a PureX with no wrap or linen wrap, I’ll get that one.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@veronicahawthorne3452 I’m not a fan or rubber myself Veronica. This said, all three of my favorite shooting cues have rubber. After 45 months, they are still like new though. Also as an fyi, do not buy a linen wrapped Cuesoul. I made that mistake and the linen unraveled after ten shots…not kidding!

[@ERDG516]

I’m in process of getting a cue, I’m going to look at the gator or dragon, spider. Your gator is discontinued on Amazon. In a year or so, I’ll get a Jflowers with SMO shaft or a predator as a reward if my game improves. I want to try a low deflection carbon fiber shaft and see if I like. For a break cue, you recommend hard tip? Great video

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks for that info EDR. As far as a breaking tip, definitely check out the Taom composite breaking tips. They are amazing and hold chalk extremely well. Update on my Champion cue: There is hardly any difference to that of my super low deflection Predator Z3 shaft which I find incredible. I’ve been shooting with it for three straight days now and last night, I was able to run a nine ball four pack with it. Even swerve shots seem the same to me as my accuracy remains the same. This said, I will be using my Z3 after I install the new tip, but it’s great to have confidence that sound fundamentals are really where it’s at.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Btw EDR, the reason I believe the Champion is so much alike to the Predator, it is due to it only having an 11.75 mm diameter shaft. This causes less cue ball squirt imo.

[@ERDG516]

Thanks Ron, I will look at taom composite tip, champion has one $89.00, w/o taom tip. I don’t want spend over $100.00. Your z3 shaft white carbon fiber? Btw, I’m sure in your area,teams are begging you to join their league team. I go to the American Legion in my area to compete with 4-7 apa players, was asked to join. I don’t like apa rules, and not in a team. I beat them but just not consistent with my game. I going later today and go to town on them, our 2 tables are getting facelift with simonis. From navy vet to army vet, peace

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@ERDG516 thank you EDR. The white cue is my Champion maple cue. The only carbon fibers are my Cenergy Breach break cue and AirRush jump cue. Also, I do get asked a lot to play in tournaments as a team member as well as on a league team now and then. As I’ve mentioned before, I did play three days/nights per week on leagues a couple years ago. My issue is that I don’t really like a weekly itinerary or the atmosphere. For that reason, I just help players through my KZbin channel 🤷🏻‍♂️😊❤️🎱 Thanks again and thank you for your service 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@MichelePearl]

@@ronthepoolstudent I had two experiences with leagues in two different billiard halls. Mixed reviews and would not repeat. Way to demanding of my personal time.

[@danieldiffer6909]

Thanks for the video Ron. I have a question for you, what kind of extension is that for your Player pure-x cue? I am looking to purchase one

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Both extensions are for the Predator cue/made by Predator Daniel. They also stack if needed.

[@danieldiffer6909]

Thanks!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@danieldiffer6909 you’re welcome 👍🏻

[@guhnungang8174]

Hi do you have a link to the gator with the same weight and size?

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@guhnungang8174 I ordered mine through Amazon Guhnung. Champion has many models on Amazon.

[@pitchman1974]

Nice video! Anyone ever tried an EO cue? Thinking about ordering one but not exactly sure how the hit feel.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@pitchman1974 Thanks Pitchman1974. Also, sorry but I personally do not know of an EO cue 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@mjg1185]

For the record, I had a conical tapered $400 shaft and I spend another 4 to get a pro taper of the same OEM (GO Customs) and I regret nothing. Just feels so much better.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

A pro taper just makes sense too Martin, why have a cue that changes it’s diameter as you move it through your bridge hand 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@mjg1185]

@@ronthepoolstudentI play a good bit of British pool and they use a conical taper. But here's the thing: either your mechanics are compensating for the taper, or your cue tip is not hitting the ball where you think it is. It's off by about a millimeter. Sounds dissmissable but this game is played in millimeters. That taper raises the tip as it glides along your bridge, and that raises the tip.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@mjg1185 makes logical sense Martin 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@tiendoan6417]

Hey Ron, after a while shooting with the house cue, yesterday I went to the pool hall and finally beat my friend, with some good angle cut too . The final 8ball shot was a frozen railshot and Needless to say , I got quite a bit of compliments for how fast I improved and my stroke for death straight as an arrow after practicing your “3finger loose grip” I really want to buy a cue for myself Looking at this review i really want to pull the trigger on a champion gator. All of them was advertising at low deflection man and the cheapeat one is $75 come with a hard case too, how is that even possible? Im hesitating at this point whether to buy a mcdermott lucky $90 Viking valhalla $101 Or go with a gator $140 that come with all accessories. Let me know…

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@tiendoan6417 Thank you Tien and congratulations on your success. Thanks also for the feedback on your grip hand success. To answer your question about the three cues, I have not shot with the other two cues you are referring to as I can only vouch for the Champion. This said, I’m sure the others would work fine, so it then gets down to budget and personal preference. Please follow up and let me know which cue you ended up choosing. Thank you 👍🏻

[@veronicahawthorne3452]

I’ve heard great things about all 3 cues you mention. Viking Valhalla makes a very good budget cue, also McDermott Lucky cues are very good. I know people that break and run with both these cues. Price nowadays does not dictate performance. As long as a cue is arrow straight and comfortable, you’ll play fine with it.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@veronicahawthorne3452 So true; it’s not so much the cue, it’s more about you 👍🏻😊

[@2869may]

I got a Schmelke, American made family owned.. it's nothing 'fancy' but it's a damn good cue..!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

That’s awesome Nick, it’s what ever feels more comfortable for us 👍🏻

[@MichelePearl]

Cannot go wrong with Schmelke but a buddy changed the tip on mine.

[@2869may]

@@MichelePearl Yes, I changed mine as well, to a Tiger Everest.

[@MichelePearl]

Stick to 5/16/18 or any popular joint size so you can mix it up.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks for that info Michele 😊

[@MichelePearl]

Just get a better shaft and tip 5/16/18 for a cheaper butt. Purex shaft comes with Kamui soft tip. Not piloted mind you and match it. Action, etc.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Right, mine did actually come with a Kamui Soft now that you mention it.

[@Dario-ql8qv]

Michele can u help me buy/build a solid cue for around 50bucks?

[@tiendoan6417]

Is the gator low deflection? They advertise as such

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@tiendoan6417 yes, mine is an 11.75mm low deflection Tien 👍🏻

[@nosuchthing6223]

hello from chicago....what model is your purex...

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@nosuchthing6223 Hello guitar kid. I actually do not know the model but I have searched it online. The HXTc15 looks just like mine. This said, I can’t find the specs on that cue. Mine however; is 18 ounces, has a low deflection Pro taper 11.8 maple shaft and it came with a Kamui med black tip. The only labeling is “HXT” Purex. Sorry not to be more specific but that’s all I know about it 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@MichelePearl]

You know you can change the butt to an adapter butt and get the extension. Did this on my Meucci.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Good to know Michele, thank you 👍🏻

[@azubuikeanthony1283]

Am a pool lover, I can play but not too good at it. But I don't have any good cue. Can I get one from your old cues please?

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Sorry, I do not provide equipment.

[@tomsorlie4197]

Good post. I shoot with a Samsara jump/break tip on a 12.9 Revo shaft. The sound is not pleasing but I'm able to play very well with this super hard tip. I also have the same tip on a 25 oz Action cue - for breaking. I have a Revo with a ' normal ' hard Zan tip and I can shoot okay with it , however , I still prefer the Samsara tip. If you want to see what that would be like get a hold of a BKRush breaker and try playing with it. . Almost identical to the Samsara jump/break tip.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Tom, btw, I actually have run nine ball racks with my Phenolic tipped AirRush jump cue. I messed around with this as I worked on developing my stroke. Also, thank you for sharing your setup, it sounds like you too, prefer the crispness of the hit with a hard tip 👍🏻 ❤️🎱

[@kendellsmith104]

Cuesoul makes a 110 dollar stick it’s the best stick I ever played with no matter the price

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks Kendell for your input. I actually do have a Cuesoul that was priced in that range through Amazon. It’s now wrapped with baseball bat wrap as the original linen wrap began to unravel during the first day of use unfortunately. I was going to return it but the baseball bat wrap, seemed like the thing to do at the time. Otherwise, the cue shoots just fine.

[@JohnBowl14690]

We have a couple of players in our league that use a Cuesoul. Definitely a competitor to the McDermott Lucky.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@JohnBowl14690 good to know John, thanks 👍🏻

[@tribesman1955]

Great video thanks

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@tribesman1955 Thank you Nexus 👍🏻

[@Hateful_8]

Best cue is your own cue) But best cue for the money in 2024 is still cuetec avid.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks for the input 👍🏻

[@OhrnsteinSamet]

hi

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@OhrnsteinSamet Hello

[@MichelePearl]

Purex is great

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Yes Michele, great quality cues 👍🏻😊