Tip Replacement
By Bryan Mordt
Ryan from Washington writes...
Q.
Hi there! I have a Viking Cue, and recently the tip fired off during a break... I play at a local all ages place and the house pro said he would replace the tip for $7. He put a new Le Pro on it... and within 2 days it popped back off... he said he would try again with an Elk Master. And again it popped off not by shooting, but I tested it before by putting slight pressure in it with my thumb. I know he's capable of replacing tips, because I've known him for over 2 years and I've seen his work hold... but he seems to think that Viking Cue ferrules are made of a different material than say a Meucci or McDermott. Can you give any insight to what materials he could use? (i.e. tip, tip cement,. etc...) Also, do you know if the ferrules are made of different material? Thanks for your time!
Ryan Jessup, WA
A. Hi Ryan:
I get the chance to work on every kind of cue imaginable. Vikings are no exception. If your Viking cue has the original ferrule on it then there should be no problem. Changing to a different tip will not remedy this problem. There are very few things that can cause a tip to come off. They are:
1. The bottom of the tip was not sanded flat.
2. The ferrule was not faced properly.
3. The adhesive was bad.
That being said let me take a moment to discuss an exception that I have encountered. Fiber ferrules are prone to losing their tips. The reason being that it is not a stable material. It expands when exposed to moisture. It also lacks a solid top so the tip is being glued to 2 different surfaces instead of one. My advice for ferrule replacements, never get a fiber ferrule. I hope this information helps.
Good luck!
Mark asks...
Q.
I'm a college student in Michigan, and I know of no stores around here to buy a good cue. I was looking online at several, but I don't know if I should buy wood, graphite, or fiberglass. I'm looking to spend about $120. I also don't know how heavy I should get it. Is there any advantages to a heavier or lighter cue? Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I have no experience in this area. Thanks.
A. Hi Mark:
I would personally pick wood over any fiberglass or graphite cues on the market. Viking has an model that sells for $120. It has a maple shaft, exotic hardwood, good ferrule / tip, and Irish linen wrap. It's a hard deal to beat. Also check out McDermott. Weight is a personal preference but most people tend to prefer cues in the 19 ounce range.
Frank writes...
Q.
I have an Original Palmer w/two shafts. About 25 to 30 years old.
On Aug. 17, 2000 I was told that the stick was valued between $1200 to $2500.
I do not have a book to verify this. Can you help?
Frank T
A. Hello Frank:
Palmer cues are collected by people but I would have to say that it is a buyers market. When it comes to collectibles mint condition means everything. If it is in mint condition you may be able to get close to a $1000. Very few cues sell in $2000 and up range. Check out Ebay and look at what some old Palmer's are going for. That might give you an idea to the market value.
You might even put it on Ebay with a very high reserve just to see what the bidding is like. If you decide to do that take some very nice pictures and include as much information as possible about the cue. The cue nerds that constantly search Ebay will do the rest.
Good luck!
Kavin from Winslow asks...
Q.
My name is Kavin. would you be able to give me any information on a McDermott and also a Minn. Fats (has a photo on the stick) cue stick made by a DMI sports.
We have both of these sticks on dead pawn (matured) and simply when it comes to cue sticks, we are rather dumb.
Any info. you can send my way would be greatly appreciated.
Thankyou.
Sincerely,
Kavin Moore
Moore and Moore Pawn
A. Hello Kavin:
Thanks for your question. McDermott cue's are good production cues they generally retail from $165 to $800. I can't offer the same credits to your Minnesota Fats cue. They are cheap imports they have little value.
Have a good day, Bryan
Julian asks...
Q.
Really enjoy your column. You are very forthright with your answers. I shoot with an Al Romero Sneaky Pete and a Cousins Custom Cue by Gary Wright. They are both excellent. I use Larry Moran's "Shark Oil" with a 12000 grit abrasive that works perfect for me. I would like your opinion on a good tip. There are many new layered tips that seem appealing. I was suprised that my Cousins came with an inexpensive Le Pro Tip and am thinking of changing. What do you like?
Julian
A. Hi Julian:
Thanks for the kind words. My favorite tips right now are as follows:
WB brand (hard - single layer water buffalo)
Hercules (medium - layered pig skin)
Instroke (medium - layered pig skin)
Moori (medium - layered pig skin)
I like these tips because the all hold their shape well and mushroom very little. They are all very consistent from one to tip to the next.
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