This revolutionary break cue from Liquid Weight Cues packs a punch thanks to it’s unique patented MAG moving weight system.
I reviewed one of the Liquid Weight playing cues previously. You can find that article here. I found the moving weight system beneficial in the playing cue, but I suspected it would be quite advantageous in a break cue. Having now had the opportunity to review one of their newest break cues, my suspicions were validated. Read on for my comprehensive review.
The following is the break cue I reviewed (Click the image for a larger view):
This cue is 23 oz. and retails for $329.
What makes this break cue different than any other cue on the market is it’s patented moving weight system. According to the manufacturer, the cue is weighted with Stainless Steel bars suspended between powerful neodymium magnets to produce a subtle moving weight. It is crafted from quality premium aged Canadian maple, precision-detail inlaid rings of nickel silver above and below the wrap as well as at the joint and butt plate. A 3/8 x 10 joint, Varnish wrap and Black butt plate. The Canadian maple shaft has a 13.25 mm, black polycarbonate ferrule, and a phenolic/fiber tip. The cue I reviewed weighed 23 oz.
These cues retail between $299 to $339.
The balance point
Because the weight shifts, I was interested to know how the balance point of the cue shifted as the weight shifted from the back to the front.
- With the weight all the way at the back, the balance point measured 16 1/2 inches from the butt end of the cue.
- With the weight all the way at the front, the balance point measured 17 inches
- So there is roughly a 1/2 inch shift in the balance point of the cue as the weight shifts from the back to the front
A little more about the weight system
The weight system in the MAG cue is changeable. You can’t put a fixed weight in, but the manufacturer does sell weight systems from 19 oz to 24 oz that you can install yourself.
Illustrating the shifting weight
The following video is designed to give you a sense of the shifting weight. My strokes are somewhat exaggerated for this illustration, so keep that in mind. When using the cue, particularly in your warm up strokes, you will not experience the dramatic sounds or weight movement you see in the video. However, on your final stroke, you really do feel the shift in the weight forward, delivering that powerful punch.
My experience with the cue
The cue takes a bit of getting used to. You do feel the shifting weight in the cue and that gives it a different feel from a traditional cue. Everything from the warmup strokes in my break “pre-shot routine” when I was standing upright, through to my warm up strokes when I am down on the shot, through to the actual stroke itself feels different.
Having said that, this cue pays off on the break – it hits a ton, and with less effort I feel, than a traditional cue. I did feel the weight slide forward on the final delivery of my stroke through the cue ball, and it felt powerful and satisfying.
I was satisfied with the tip the cue shipped with and while I didn’t get the opportunity to see how it held up over time, it felt good to hit with it and I didn’t feel the need to recommend switching the tip out.
In preparing for this review, I used the cue on and off for about a month. I used the cue in my practice sessions and also brought the cue with me to various league sessions and tournaments in order to get a sense of what other players thought of the cue.
This cue is not going to appeal to everyone. The response to the cue that I received from other players was mixed. Everyone I showed it to was really interested in the cue and thought it was quite unique. They often walked it over to their friends and showed it to them and asked them to try it. Generally, the pool players that tried it fell into two camps.
- Players who have been playing with a traditional cue throughout their pool playing lives and would not consider a new unique experience
- Players who would be open to something new and would consider one if they were in the market for a new cue
- At $329, this cue is competing with some of the high end big brand name cues in the market. Players that would consider paying this much for a break cue had some predispositions to certain brand names that already have market share
In Summary
This is a good cue and one that is worth a look if you are in the market for a new break cue. One concern I do have is resale value in the after-market may be a bit unproven given how new these cues are & given the mixed response I received from the various players I showed this cue to. However, I feel that it is important to keep an open mind as pool equipment keeps innovating and getting better all the time. Those who dismiss this cue just because it is different or not from one of the big brand names might be missing out on something special. The manufacturer does offer a 60 day money back guarantee, so there is little risk in giving it a try.
