And Excalibur arose from the lake! (Cues)

Member Name: Mcdaddy

Product:	Cues
Date:	03/05/01 (334 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Quality cue, something that any true player should invest in!

Disadvantages: Gets time to get used to it so your play may get worse to start with rather than better!

I have been playing both Snooker and Pool for well over 12 years now. As a result I have had a dabble with some of the cues that have been available on the market. From two piece, to three piece to one piece, made from wood, graphite carbon, even to a dodgy steel one that felt like I was playing with a sledge hammer. That is until I heard the Lady of the Lake calling me.

As I walked closer she threw out to me the cue I have had, and been using religiously, for the last 6 years, Excalibur! It glistened in the morning light, and as I gripped its shiny shaft I felt its power flow through me.

On a more serious note I purchased this cue back in the days when I started to become good enough (in my opinion) to deserve, and need one. So after much looking I ended up in John Lewis, and there it was, the cue of all cues. It was a Riley produced cue, with the immortal signature of Stephen Hendry on the base. It is a two piece cue, weighing 12 KG, as I prefer a lighter cue as it is easier to play positional play, at least I find it easier. The cue itself is made from pine with a black painted lower half, a bronze screw joint in the middle, and the upper half of the cue showing the pale complexion of the wood. The finish is done with a smooth, clear lacquer, giving it its mighty shine. It has a small fibre tip, and after 6 years of hard, continuos play, I have only had to have it replaced once, which was around a year ago.

I have to admit that I am a bit lazy, and most often after a late night session my cue usually ends up in the boot of my car in the case which it knows as its home. For new starters out there this is the worst thing to do with an ordinary cue. The reason being is that climate changes cause the wood to deform, usually in a banana shape, ruining your cue for good. But as I just said this would happen to an ordinary cue, not to Excalibur. After nights of wind, rain, hail, snow, and frost, the cue is still as straight as the day I bough
t it.

After 6 years of rigorous action the cue still has its lacquer in tack, the shaft is still straight, and the bronze joint still shines when it catches the halogen lights from above. It has to be said that even though this cue contains supernatural qualities, something has to be said about the build quality the Riley. If anything was to ever happen to Excalibur I would be devastated, but I would definitely purchase another Riley cue without the slightest shadow of a doubt.

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