Players Classic Birds-Eye Maple with Triple Silver Rings Cue

------------------------------- EDIT: After owning this for about 2 years, I can say that it has served me well. I had to clean it for the first time 4 months ago, and used 1100-1500 grit sandpaper to sand the unlacquered part of the cue. It was starting to turn blue from chalk and lost its smoothness, but after cleaning, it was back to new again. I've noticed on some shots, the top half of the cue bounces or "deflects". High end or "low deflection" cues do not have this problem, but they cost $300+; this is not a low-deflection cue. That has caused me to lose some accuracy on a few of my shots in the past year, but since I'm not playing at a career level, those shots did not hurt my game. Trying out $1000 cues this past year, I must say the Irish linen wrap on this surpasses any of them. No other cue matches the feel and durability of this wrap. Furthermore, I did end up wedging paper in the butt of the cue to hold in the rubber piece. It has not fallen out or moved since I did that a year ago. Additionally, the cue hasn't warped at all in the time that I owned it. I still stand by my recommendation, and I do not plan on getting rid of this cue anytime soon. ------------------------------- I'm new to the game of pool, but experienced enough to finally have wanted my own cue. This is an excellent cue, and I think I will never need to purchase another. PROS: "Irish linen-wrapped" may not mean anything to you just like it didn't for me, but once you hold it in your hand, it makes a world of difference. Easy to grip, even during those tense moments during a match where the crowd is watching and your palms start sweating. The linen-wrap holds your grip well, and lets you complete your shot with confidence. "Lifetime warranty" against warping. This was a huge plus for me, knowing that I have the manufacturer standing by their product against any defects. That kind of commitment to any product shows me it is a company worth buying from. The looks. The crimson color, contrasted by the black linen handle and polished metal base all say one thing "I'm here, and I mean business. This is my pool table buck-o, watch out." The top half of the stick is not coated in lacquer like the bottom part; it is sanded and smoothed so that the cue may glide smoothly across your hand without sticking. (I have played with cues that are lacquered all the way to the top, and it caused me to miss some of my shots). CONS: The rubber bumper on the bottom of the cue occasionally falls out. Not a big problem, I may just stuff some paper in between it and the wood to hold it in place. Could just be a bad rubber piece, since cheap parts like those often vary in size from manufacturing; nothing bad about that. SUMMARY: For the price, some people would call it an investment; I'd call it a good investment. It may be the only pool cue you'll ever need to buy, and at the price, you get quite a lot of quality compared to some of the very expensive cues.

I have purchased hundreds of items from Amazon over the past several years, but I believe that this is only the second item I have ever reviewed, as it has surprised me tremendously. I take pool seriously, and I wanted to purchase a few house sticks for my home table that were not the typical level of play, since I get a fair range of players, who don't always bring their stick. So, I was willing to pay more for a few good sticks, but the details in the many 5-star reviews made me choose this and one other at a comparable price. I will be returning the other two very good sticks, as they do not compare with this player, despite the fact that one listed for about 80% more and was also very well reviewed. On the first go-round I put the ball everywhere I wanted using seriously controlled draw and 1,2 & 3-tip low, middle and high english. This is within minutes of picking it up, and even before any break-in of the tip or otherwise. The tip was well prepared as was the rest of the stick. While I am not saying that it compares with the juiced Bushka, it is definitely not going to be the limiting factor for 99% of players, and it is really a pleasure to use. Simply put- really great stick at a great price. I am actually thinking of juicing one of them, as it would be a real sleeper that would slam some of the very expensive sticks that I see here in several critical areas of play-- and at less than $200 including $90 for juicing, this is really saying something. Obviously there are subjective and player/play-specific characteristics that will affect one's critique and usability of any stick, and it is not generally comparable to having a custom-fitted stick, nor some of the top (much more expensive) alternatives. However, at around $100 it is definitely better than some of the very popular sticks at much higher prices. Finally, looks of a stick rank as much less important to me than how a stick plays, but this is also a beautifully designed and crafted stick. It is classically elegant without being overdone in any way. Great job Players! I will amend this comment after I have juiced one of these, and will let you know if it can rise substantially higher when optimized for tournament play. BTW, although I would not typically waste this much time on a stick at this price point, I mic'd, measured and quantitatively tested this stick and found that substantial craft and care went into it from a numbers standpoint as well as how it plays.

This is the best pool cue I've ever bought for the money. The Le Pro works great on it and is a great fit for the feel of the cue. This cue can make some amazing cross table shots, cut shots, and very rarely miscues, or deflects. The Irish Linen wrap is very high quality and durable and the stick has a great protective finish. Almost plays as well my McDermott and I use this cue very often. I had a question about the logo so I had it authenticated with the manufacturer. The serial number is printed on the bottom ring of the cue. Players is changing their logo and my cue has the more modern one, not the one with the rack of balls. I am very satisfied with this cue and have seen many great reviews for it from the pool community. The price when I bought it a year ago was approximately $40 cheaper then it is now. But for a sub $200 pool cue with a lifetime warranty-this cue I would highly recommend for it's great playability and craftsmanship.

Looks great and plays great

Not what I expected, overall ok

This is an excellent cue. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to any of my friends. The one that I got isn't nearly as dark a red as the pictures would make it appear, but it's quite a clean, classic look. The quality is excellent, and feels well worth the price for what you're getting. You'll probably want to order a case to go with it.

Exactly as described. Not giving 5 stars as I reserve that for items that are beyond expectations.

great 1st cue.