I picked up a Viking with opal inlays worth 380 for 200 new. Bought from local pool pro shop where I shoot regularly. Shot with house cues for decades until I finally got tired of wasting time picking out ones with good tips and rolling them to check for straightness.
I have the FK version of this cue. I wrote my own analysis of it. In short, I think it's an excellent progression cue for players looking for that next step into a performance cue without breaking the bank. Mine is at 19oz, which is comfortable for me. The tip size is a tad too large. I prefer 12.5 and below. The Everest is a decent tip, but I do prefer the Sniper over it.
I'm new to pool and only use sticks that are available. I'm looking to buy my first cue with out breaking the bank. Are there any more options or suggestions?
If you start with this!!! You won’t be disappointed!!! I started with those cheap amazon finds and was not pleased with the learning curve of why I need a quality (yet affordable) cue!!! This made life so much easier Hahahha
@@elidavila2258 I bought the stick yesterday. My local billiard store charged me $230. It was well worth it. I won my little $5 entry tournament last night for the first time.
I have had mine for about a few months and I usually have a glove because of my sweaty hands in the summer but when your hands are dry it’s very smooth, I like it since I’ve been playing with it like 7 hours a day almost everyday it’s not bad for it’s price yet I have still never used a cue with a expensive shaft, expect for trying some friends cues but couldn’t tell you since I’ve never played with them for more than an hour.But overall I’m liking it but I like full wood feel cause my first cue is a Viking Valhalla the shaft is fine but it’s got a very stiff hard hit like not like a smooth stiff hard hit if you know what I mean. The avid shaft is nice in my opinion it’s got a nice smooth stiff hit. My next cue I wanna try is a Joss hp shaft. Also with the cleaning part you don’t really need to clean it but playing with it for quite a while, wipe it down with a dry towel or use alcohol wipes but overall seems to stay pretty clean.
Hi Karl, would you mind doing a telling us about the current condition of it? As you said the only thing that concerned you was how the cue would play after 12 to 18 months. P.S: I had purchased one of these and it's almost 20 months old now, so getting your opinion might help me validate my cue as well
I love my J pechauer. I shot with viking from the day i started until just a year ago. My dad bought me my first viking and i just kept with them. They are nice but i always didnt like the extreme taper on then shaft. My carbon fiber rogue shaft 11.8 that came with my J pechauer is amazing the tip it came with is amazing. Unfortunately it is such an expensive shaft. I think the shaft alone is 450 bucks.
Got ya beat Karl! Dare ta to highlight this one. I Bought a 314-3 & it warped in 2 weeks. They wouldn't replace it because I put a different tip on it. They first tried to blame the tip? Then fell back on the claim that a tip done by anyone but Predator, voids the warranty? So, I have a $300 back scratcher! And I've spent over 8k on Predator products in the last 2 years. Im Switching cues
Can one do an aftermarket tapering? most of the players that play with a closed bridge need a tapered shaft... 00:43 say that again bruv, that ko pin-yi, 30k usd ZEN cue, that Peri Duke Aquitaine of Jason Shaw - 6k usd...just sayin.
@@KarlBoyesPoolLifeMany people complain about Avid shafts that often vibrate. so I hesitate to buy it. when you try the test shot. do you feel the same??
@@antondeannova7016 I just received a brand new Cuetec Avid Era cue and I'm a bit dissapointed. First of all they sent me the shaft bended, it played ok but hey, it's a new cue so shaft MUST be straight. Cuetec replaced the shaft, hats off for them. But then the nightmare. It's true what you say, it vibrates... a lot. It sounds like a spring when I hit a ball with spin, in Europe is way more expensive that in the USA. I don't know what to do, It's hard to get used to this awful vibration.
I just bought a FK cuetec cue today! Okay okay. But what does low deflection mean!? I played a couple racks with it just to make sure I liked it and I do. It’s something considered “low end” but is great for the price.
This is a replay to a message here, I post it again if anyone can help me: I just received a brand new Cuetec Avid Era cue 12.75mm and I'm a bit dissapointed. First of all they sent me the shaft bended, it played ok but hey, it's a new cue so shaft MUST be straight. Cuetec replaced the shaft, hats off for them. But then the nightmare. It vibrates... a lot. It sounds like a spring when I hit a ball with spin, in Europe is way more expensive that in the USA. I don't know what to do, It's hard to get used to this awful vibration. What is you expert opinion? Thank you.
I have a Cuetec Avid Seire Era cue and I can assure you 100% that it does not vibrate at all and makes very little noise. Your cue you bought is defective, change it.
Thanks for the good content Karl! I do have 1 question since im planning on buying this cue. Does it have the new cuetec joint size? What i mean by that is will it fit the cynergy 15k which has a 21.3mm joint as long as i know... Would be happy to know since i cant get any information anywhere.
@@KarlBoyesPoolLife Yeah i know that 😀 im just asking because i already own a cynergy cue but i cant find information about joint size on the avid. Thanks for the fast reply
Hey Karl, can you please share your thoughts on the 3/8 x 14 joint as I am not familiar with it. Is female thread cut directly into the shaft (wood) or does the shaft feature an insert material like phenolic, plastic or metal? Thank you!
For me .... I must say ---- I've never ever been concerned nor interested in the inlays and such in the butts; it's the construction itself. Now, I can see concerns about the coatings, yes --- but, you have coatings over the inlays too .... sooooooo !!!! I feel that no matter whether it be paint, decals, inlays --- it's the coating that is concern; yep, I get that but how do you treat a cue??? Is it due to cost for the way you treat your equipment? Now, shafts -- Yes! But a playing shaft shouldn't be effected so much due to regular play but a break shaft may be of worry simply due to the "strike"/impact. Exotics = $$$ (truly, is there a need), of course referencing wood here. CF is a bit different for price variance for the time, yet - price should come down a good bit in general as it becomes more common! Nothing derogatory or negative at all toward anyone or any product!!! Only putting in my 2 cents, just sayin' :) --- caveat >>> not affected by inflation!
Karl I know it's been 4 months and I'm late to the party brother but I appreciate all that you do. You and Niels are, by far, the BEST commentators... Now, I had a question. In these 4 months, have you noticed any degradation with the cue? Planning to buy this. Thanks in advance, mate!
To play 9 balls you have to master the positioning of the cue ball, otherwise nothing will come of it. As in all things, you have to start at level 0, which is 8 ball. Bad advice from the streamer
Hey Karl, I really like this cue, my only concern it's about that "super straight taper", I play a lot with closed bridge and pro taper is normally a must for me, I see you shooting some shots with closed bridge, how do you feel about the "travel" when you're aiming and how about the final stroke? Thanks man sorry I'm late at the video, I just start to follow your channel because I type karl boyes on YT to see your matches with darren at wcop. You guys are dangerous xd
@@KarlBoyesPoolLife well thanks, I think I'm not gonna resist to try it xd, good luck tomorrow dude, what a surprise, you guys supose tu be "out of work" because you're not playing tournaments. Really funny the way you guys look to each other at the end of every match like "darren Idk what the fuck we're doing here but I think we're gonna bring back home the cup" hahahaha good luck, fingers crossed.
Hey Karl, late to the party but I got a couple questions and hope you can help a banger out 😁 I'm currently using a Poison cue with a Venom 2 shaft, Do you know how the avid shaft compares to them Venom? And if you were me, would you spend the money on an upgrade shaft (ie 314) or buy the Avid (complete cue) with a second avid shaft , for basically a few dollars more. I've been playing with a 12mm shaft , ended up breaking the ferrule and went to my spare 13mm shaft, and I just can't get back to form with the 13mm. Money is an issue, so , if you were me, complete Avid with spare shaft, or getting a higher end LD shaft ? Ps; you and Niels are the BEST commentary duo!! Keep doing what you do and all the best ! 👍
Hey I think if you like 12mm you should stick to that tbh, also the avid shaft is actually a good shaft, For the money it’s been better to be honest 😆 Thanks for the nice words too 💪🏻 appreciate it
@@KarlBoyesPoolLife Thanks for the advice! I ended up with an i3 shaft on my Sledgehammer butt 🤣🤣🤣. I love the i3 shaft though, now just need something for the bottom half, lol. Cheers man! Thanks for the reply. All the best and good rolls for ya!!!! 👊
You can get a Joss and have a real cue for the same money that will last a lifetime. When you want an upgrade figure out what you like. Upgrade the shaft with an aftermarket product (the joss isn't LD. ...also LD is not necessary) I've played at a high level without them for years so i can play with both LD and regular just fine.... and so did all the pros pre year 2k. Also Mezz is another really good cue (best production cues in the world) you can get one of them for 500$ or so new. Point being... don't be a dummy ....do NOT buy a Cutec
Karl did you know nitty gritty is a racist term. Nitty gritty is the detritus the collected at the bottom of slave ships. Hence getting down to the nitty gritty. The more you know. Great vids mate keep em coming...
@@KarlBoyesPoolLife I know you're not mate. Sorry if it seemed that I was implying anything. Maybe it came across wrong, didn't mean to be a twat. I found it out a while back when I said it to someone. I like to find out where these daft little sayings come from. Do you know where "back to square one." Comes from.
@@KarlBoyesPoolLife I'm from Hull mate so there's enough shite there anyway. I live in thailand, Koh samui. So if you're over to Bangkok anytime I'd love to come and watch maybe have a knock. Good to here a voice I can understand on these videos mate. Keep it up...
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
I picked up a Viking with opal inlays worth 380 for 200 new.
Bought from local pool pro shop where I shoot regularly.
Shot with house cues for decades until I finally got tired of wasting time picking out ones with good tips and rolling them to check for straightness.
It's good that they also do cheaper options because not everyone can afford those expensive ones. Nice video content. Thanks
I have the FK version of this cue. I wrote my own analysis of it. In short, I think it's an excellent progression cue for players looking for that next step into a performance cue without breaking the bank. Mine is at 19oz, which is comfortable for me. The tip size is a tad too large. I prefer 12.5 and below. The Everest is a decent tip, but I do prefer the Sniper over it.
They have 12.25 tip size now
Great content Karl, thanks for the review.
No problem 😊
I'm new to pool and only use sticks that are available. I'm looking to buy my first cue with out breaking the bank. Are there any more options or suggestions?
If you start with this!!! You won’t be disappointed!!! I started with those cheap amazon finds and was not pleased with the learning curve of why I need a quality (yet affordable) cue!!! This made life so much easier Hahahha
@@elidavila2258 I bought the stick yesterday. My local billiard store charged me $230. It was well worth it. I won my little $5 entry tournament last night for the first time.
Probably the same as the SST shaft which I have on my break cue. Gets sticky with bare hands. Great with a glove.
This shaft is super smooth
and much easier to keep clean and ready to play than my old maple shafts@@KarlBoyesPoolLife
Hi Karl,
How does the cue play without glove
Does it gets sticky easily?
How often do you have to clean it?
I have had mine for about a few months and I usually have a glove because of my sweaty hands in the summer but when your hands are dry it’s very smooth, I like it since I’ve been playing with it like 7 hours a day almost everyday it’s not bad for it’s price yet I have still never used a cue with a expensive shaft, expect for trying some friends cues but couldn’t tell you since I’ve never played with them for more than an hour.But overall I’m liking it but I like full wood feel cause my first cue is a Viking Valhalla the shaft is fine but it’s got a very stiff hard hit like not like a smooth stiff hard hit if you know what I mean. The avid shaft is nice in my opinion it’s got a nice smooth stiff hit. My next cue I wanna try is a Joss hp shaft. Also with the cleaning part you don’t really need to clean it but playing with it for quite a while, wipe it down with a dry towel or use alcohol wipes but overall seems to stay pretty clean.
7hrs a day!? Great job, keep it up. @KyleRRR17
Great video. Good cue. I own one and plays really good.
Jpjouster gud day.. may i know what is the exact weight of the shaft by ounce? Thank u.
@@rodazabate7544 I dont own a scale. My cue is 19oz. I believe the butt is 15.5oz and the shaft is 3.5oz
Great review Karl. I was contemplating on buying one. Now I'm really gonna buy one.
I think you will be happy
Please don’t ever change the intro song
Hi Karl, would you mind doing a telling us about the current condition of it? As you said the only thing that concerned you was how the cue would play after 12 to 18 months.
P.S: I had purchased one of these and it's almost 20 months old now, so getting your opinion might help me validate my cue as well
I think this would be a great starter cue for a novice player.
Yes 💯 agree
I just bought one of these they come in 11.5 now I love it
I love my J pechauer. I shot with viking from the day i started until just a year ago. My dad bought me my first viking and i just kept with them. They are nice but i always didnt like the extreme taper on then shaft. My carbon fiber rogue shaft 11.8 that came with my J pechauer is amazing the tip it came with is amazing. Unfortunately it is such an expensive shaft. I think the shaft alone is 450 bucks.
The CUETEC company made his cue very will, And i think its nice new line AVID that have nice quality cue in that price point .
Agree
250 usd
i got the chroma with 11.75 shaft. i love it so much i sold my svb ghost cue to stick with it thinking about getting the lime one
You still like your chroma?
I'm thinking about getting one, hard to find any RUclips videos one them tho..
Does the shaft have that "muted" or dead feeling like the og 314 predator when hitting?
Playing wiht Predator P3 Curley maple gray limited edition with 314/3 shaft without any weight - 18.2 oz
Got ya beat Karl! Dare ta to highlight this one. I Bought a 314-3 & it warped in 2 weeks. They wouldn't replace it because I put a different tip on it. They first tried to blame the tip? Then fell back on the claim that a tip done by anyone but Predator, voids the warranty? So, I have a $300 back scratcher! And I've spent over 8k on Predator products in the last 2 years. Im Switching cues
I gotta say, Predator came thru! They decided to honor the warranty. Great Customer Service Prevails at Predator!
Damn so you no longer have a back scratcher 🤣
@@KarlBoyesPoolLife Nope. But that's ok....lol
I just Ordered the cue .. What size Shaft you have ? I'm trying to order the 11.75mm but It comes with the 12.75mm
I use like 12.7 mm
Can one do an aftermarket tapering? most of the players that play with a closed bridge need a tapered shaft...
00:43 say that again bruv, that ko pin-yi, 30k usd ZEN cue, that Peri Duke Aquitaine of Jason Shaw - 6k usd...just sayin.
Can you recommend sneaky pate cue stick
Meucci, pechauer, cuetec avid??
I want buy one.
The average pool player is now playing with the Cuetec Skyler Woodward Proof cue. He loves it! With Cynergy shaft
@@KarlBoyesPoolLifeMany people complain about Avid shafts that often vibrate. so I hesitate to buy it. when you try the test shot. do you feel the same??
@@antondeannova7016 I just received a brand new Cuetec Avid Era cue and I'm a bit dissapointed. First of all they sent me the shaft bended, it played ok but hey, it's a new cue so shaft MUST be straight. Cuetec replaced the shaft, hats off for them. But then the nightmare. It's true what you say, it vibrates... a lot. It sounds like a spring when I hit a ball with spin, in Europe is way more expensive that in the USA. I don't know what to do, It's hard to get used to this awful vibration.
Ok to do masses?
I play a 59" 21 1/2 oz cue. 12.9mm
I just bought a FK cuetec cue today! Okay okay. But what does low deflection mean!? I played a couple racks with it just to make sure I liked it and I do. It’s something considered “low end” but is great for the price.
I SVB it. Cuetec cenergy at 17oz with the extension to make it 22.5oz and couldn't be happier
Svb it like it hahaha
What song is in the intro
Song? Can’t find it anywhere I n internet
This is a replay to a message here, I post it again if anyone can help me: I just received a brand new Cuetec Avid Era cue 12.75mm and I'm a bit dissapointed. First of all they sent me the shaft bended, it played ok but hey, it's a new cue so shaft MUST be straight. Cuetec replaced the shaft, hats off for them. But then the nightmare. It vibrates... a lot. It sounds like a spring when I hit a ball with spin, in Europe is way more expensive that in the USA. I don't know what to do, It's hard to get used to this awful vibration. What is you expert opinion? Thank you.
Maybe faulty shaft but tricky to full
Understand without me hitting balls with it
I have a Cuetec Avid Seire Era cue and I can assure you 100% that it does not vibrate at all and makes very little noise. Your cue you bought is defective, change it.
Can you do a review on the predator aspire cue?
Will try yes
Thanks for the good content Karl!
I do have 1 question since im planning on buying this cue. Does it have the new cuetec joint size? What i mean by that is will it fit the cynergy 15k which has a 21.3mm joint as long as i know... Would be happy to know since i cant get any information anywhere.
Avid cues come in 3/8x14 joint bro, so if you go in the cynergy shaft section on there site you can see they have that joint available on the shaft 😀
@@KarlBoyesPoolLife Yeah i know that 😀 im just asking because i already own a cynergy cue but i cant find information about joint size on the avid.
Thanks for the fast reply
@@TheKris400 they come in both 20 and 21mm
@@trungnghianguyen3382 Thanks bud!
Hey Karl, can you please share your thoughts on the 3/8 x 14 joint as I am not familiar with it.
Is female thread cut directly into the shaft (wood) or does the shaft feature an insert material like phenolic, plastic or metal?
Thank you!
Hello I am certain is goes into another joint not the wood, so metal to metal
For me .... I must say ---- I've never ever been concerned nor interested in the inlays and such in the butts; it's the construction itself. Now, I can see concerns about the coatings, yes --- but, you have coatings over the inlays too .... sooooooo !!!! I feel that no matter whether it be paint, decals, inlays --- it's the coating that is concern; yep, I get that but how do you treat a cue??? Is it due to cost for the way you treat your equipment? Now, shafts -- Yes! But a playing shaft shouldn't be effected so much due to regular play but a break shaft may be of worry simply due to the "strike"/impact. Exotics = $$$ (truly, is there a need), of course referencing wood here. CF is a bit different for price variance for the time, yet - price should come down a good bit in general as it becomes more common! Nothing derogatory or negative at all toward anyone or any product!!! Only putting in my 2 cents, just sayin' :) --- caveat >>> not affected by inflation!
from the description it sounds like the shaft is fiberglass coated, like the cuetec cues of old. is that the case?
Yes you are correct feels very smooth
does anyone know how this cue compares to the pure x hxt series cues?
I will stick with my jacoby
What an intro song! Dig it.
Catchy right hahaha
great day man! what are those? 3 inch pockets? this isn't snooker mate lol
Were di u get the red shelf its nice
IKEA 😊
Karl I know it's been 4 months and I'm late to the party brother but I appreciate all that you do. You and Niels are, by far, the BEST commentators...
Now, I had a question. In these 4 months, have you noticed any degradation with the cue? Planning to buy this. Thanks in advance, mate!
Nothing is gonna take me away from Mezz cues!
@office cleaner hahaha
@@jimbojimjs Predator doesn't stand behind their products!
@@jimbojimjsmezz only got sponsor's that's all they got and all the material's they use are copied from predator 😂🖕
Hi where can i buy this cue i try to find it because I live in Sweden so you know where I can buy it in Europe ?
Hello are you on Instagram? If so message me there bro
Hey could you also try the summit cue it’s a pro ld. It’s 202 dollars on some websites.
Yes il get one and do a review 👌🏽
@@KarlBoyesPoolLife thank you i got a player c960 cue and wanted to upgrade I was looking in to this one. Hope it comes out good.
Still waiting for a review mate hehe@@KarlBoyesPoolLife
Sounds like the old fiberglass cues they use to sell
Are you going to do a long term review on it?
Oh yes
Why would $250 be a bad cue? That’s a huge amount of money for a stick of wood shaped by a lathe
It's not the price, it's what you get for the price
first time playing 9 ball worth it?
100% bro
To play 9 balls you have to master the positioning of the cue ball, otherwise nothing will come of it. As in all things, you have to start at level 0, which is 8 ball. Bad advice from the streamer
Hey Karl, I really like this cue, my only concern it's about that "super straight taper", I play a lot with closed bridge and pro taper is normally a must for me, I see you shooting some shots with closed bridge, how do you feel about the "travel" when you're aiming and how about the final stroke? Thanks man sorry I'm late at the video, I just start to follow your channel because I type karl boyes on YT to see your matches with darren at wcop. You guys are dangerous xd
Didn’t notice bro so I think your fine as I use open 95% time
@@KarlBoyesPoolLife well thanks, I think I'm not gonna resist to try it xd, good luck tomorrow dude, what a surprise, you guys supose tu be "out of work" because you're not playing tournaments. Really funny the way you guys look to each other at the end of every match like "darren Idk what the fuck we're doing here but I think we're gonna bring back home the cup" hahahaha good luck, fingers crossed.
link to product or image? what is the full name?
It’s a cuetec avid 😊
more specific?
I want that intro song
My last name is Boyes as well, wonder if we are related??
Hay Karl, can you send a link where you buy that cue. Thanks
Cuetec website
Hey Karl, late to the party but I got a couple questions and hope you can help a banger out 😁 I'm currently using a Poison cue with a Venom 2 shaft, Do you know how the avid shaft compares to them Venom? And if you were me, would you spend the money on an upgrade shaft (ie 314) or buy the Avid (complete cue) with a second avid shaft , for basically a few dollars more. I've been playing with a 12mm shaft , ended up breaking the ferrule and went to my spare 13mm shaft, and I just can't get back to form with the 13mm.
Money is an issue, so , if you were me, complete Avid with spare shaft, or getting a higher end LD shaft ?
Ps; you and Niels are the BEST commentary duo!!
Keep doing what you do and all the best ! 👍
Hey I think if you like 12mm you should stick to that tbh, also the avid shaft is actually a good shaft,
For the money it’s been better to be honest 😆
Thanks for the nice words too 💪🏻 appreciate it
@@KarlBoyesPoolLife Thanks for the advice! I ended up with an i3 shaft on my Sledgehammer butt 🤣🤣🤣. I love the i3 shaft though, now just need something for the bottom half, lol.
Cheers man! Thanks for the reply.
All the best and good rolls for ya!!!! 👊
would have like to hear what it sounds like
Get me on Instagram il send you video tmw 👏
Karlllll I want to hear sound of the hittttt pleaseeeee
Usa 2024 mosconi cup captain uses it
Anyone else think he said "Kuwait" I thought he was gonna give us a Saudi fact
I came here for the "Pool Life" song and stayed for the review.
I don’t have a but for the shaft
18.3 with defy g709 w/defy
I would disagree with it being a good back scratcher their is no hook on the end.
😂😂 felt ok no joke hahaha
16oz
18.5 ounce
hey karl can i have a carbon cue, i'm from indonesia
Hey can I have a Ferrari
I have a really nice cutec, wish I knew it was made in China
I’ve been upgrading by bag putting this cue into will only down grade it.
play with 20 break with 18
Cuetec cynergy or avid cuetec better for amateurs 🤔
Avid a great starting point Juan
@@KarlBoyesPoolLife im using cuetec cf for maybe 3 years, should i try the avid shaft pal?
For the money it’s definitely worth a go bro
@@juanferris8627 if you wanna go for it, that's fine but its actually a down grade
@@flounderRG23 yeahh bro, i just want to try it not literally too switch my main playing cue 😁
You can get a Joss and have a real cue for the same money that will last a lifetime. When you want an upgrade figure out what you like. Upgrade the shaft with an aftermarket product (the joss isn't LD. ...also LD is not necessary) I've played at a high level without them for years so i can play with both LD and regular just fine.... and so did all the pros pre year 2k.
Also Mezz is another really good cue (best production cues in the world) you can get one of them for 500$ or so new.
Point being... don't be a dummy ....do NOT buy a Cutec
Interesting 🤔
Raid cues by Flacon have a LD shaft and the whole cue is only $125usd
Karl did you know nitty gritty is a racist term. Nitty gritty is the detritus the collected at the bottom of slave ships. Hence getting down to the nitty gritty. The more you know. Great vids mate keep em coming...
Hey paul no didn’t have a clue, as I’m not racist I would never no this 😃
@@KarlBoyesPoolLife I know you're not mate. Sorry if it seemed that I was implying anything. Maybe it came across wrong, didn't mean to be a twat. I found it out a while back when I said it to someone. I like to find out where these daft little sayings come from. Do you know where "back to square one." Comes from.
Don’t worry mate, there’s enough shite to worry about hahaha
@@KarlBoyesPoolLife I'm from Hull mate so there's enough shite there anyway. I live in thailand, Koh samui. So if you're over to Bangkok anytime I'd love to come and watch maybe have a knock. Good to here a voice I can understand on these videos mate. Keep it up...
Why clickbait tho? Like why say it's $134 and then wait till the end to reveal it's double that price? Thanks for wasting my time
Corniest song ever
Ta Ken