This is a Josh Treadway custom cue just finished up here at Proficient Billiards.
Treadway Custom Cues, founded by master cuemaker Josh Treadway, are highly regarded, top-tier custom pool cues known for exceptional playability, crisp feedback, and immaculate full-splice construction. Josh Treadway learned the craft as a long-time apprentice to legendary cuemaker Jim Buss before launching his own full-time operation. His shop is currently located in Overland, Missouri.
Construction & Playing Characteristics
The Hit: Players widely praise Treadway cues for a medium-stiff, “lively” crisp hit. They offer low deflection and highly resonant feedback without unpleasant vibrations.
Full Splice Artistry: Many premium Treadway designs utilize high-end Rounceville full splices, integrating exotic woods like Tulipwood and Ebony with vibrant, razor-sharp flame veneers.
Joints & Accents: Standard builds frequently feature a Radial pin configuration, Juma or Elforyn joints, and intricate custom dot or notched-diamond inlays.
Finish: Known for an incredibly deep, crystal-clear finish that remains perfectly flush across metal accent rings and wood sections.
This is a Black Boar AS Series cue just finished up here at Proficient Billiards.
Black Boar Custom Cues are widely recognized as some of the finest, most highly coveted custom pool cues in the billiards world, celebrated for combining elite engineering physics with masterwork artistry. Established in 1986 by legendary cue maker Tony Scianella, the shop operates out of College Park, Maryland.
Core Attributes & Engineering
Playability Science: Designed entirely around minimizing energy loss and maximizing cue ball contact time.
Forward Balance: Intentionally weighted and balanced forward to give a heavy, commanding hit.
Signature Joints: Typically engineered with a surgical steel 5/16-14 precision piloted joint for a compressed fit.
Exotic Woodwork: Crafted out of high-grade African Blackwood, figured Birdseye Maple, and rich Cocobolo.
Intricate Inlays: Features high-end configurations of pure gold, fine silver, mother of pearl, and ivory.
Pictured here are some before and after photos of cue refinishing performed here at Proficient Billiards on a Mike Sigel cue.
Mike Sigel cues refer to several distinct eras of pool sticks associated with the Hall of Fame legend nicknamed “Captain Hook”. Depending on the specific era, a Mike Sigel cue can range from a highly coveted custom collectible worth thousands of dollars to a mass-produced import pool stick.
1. The Joss Cues Era (His Primary Playing Cues)
During his absolute dominance in the 1980s, Sigel famously played with Joss Cues manufactured by Dan Janes.
The Style: These featured revolutionary floating-point inlay designs, often built on high-end woods like ebony with ivory detailing and white-with-brown speck linen wraps.
Legacy: These are some of the most sought-after vintage cues by collectors. Joss even builds a replica tribute line known as the 8912 Legacy based on the exact 1989–90 cue line Sigel used in competition.
2. Mike Sigel Custom Cues (Handcrafted Originals)
For a brief period, Sigel tried his hand at being a custom cue maker himself.
Value: These are exceptionally rare, individually signed by Mike Sigel.
3. Production & Import Lines (The Stamped Series)
To tap into the broader commercial market, Sigel licensed his name for mass production.
Meucci “Captain Hook” Series: In the late 1980s, Meucci produced a popular “Captain Hook” series cue featuring signature hook inlays in the butt sleeve.
Overseas Imports: Later on, a line of affordable production cues stamped with “Mike Sigel” was manufactured overseas (primarily in Taiwan). These are two-piece cues typically weighting 18 to 21 oz with Sigel’s autographed decal on the butt. They are common on resale sites like eBay and are valued as beginner-to-intermediate player sticks rather than collector’s pieces.
This is an ebony Southwest cue that we just finished up here at Proficient Billiards.
South-West Cues are legendary, highly coveted custom pool sticks originally founded by Jerry Franklin in 1982. Known for their distinct points, signature pin, exceptional balance, and unique “stiff” hitting characteristics, they are widely considered both premium player cues and high-value collector items. Because of extreme demand, ordering a brand new cue directly from South-West has an estimated waiting list stretching roughly 10 to 18 years, pushing the secondary market value well into thousands of dollars.
Core Key Specifications
The Pin: Signature 3/8 x 11 threaded pin, which heavily influences the solid feel and feedback.
Standard Package: Each genuine custom cue traditionally ships directly from the shop with two matching maple shafts.
Weight Variations: Cues utilizing lighter woods like Birdseye Maple are naturally lighter, while heavy exotics like Cocobolo or Purpleheart lean on the heavier side (often pushing the butt weight past 16 oz).
This is a Showcase cue that we recently refinished here at Proficient Billiards.
Showcase Custom Cues are highly regarded custom pool sticks originally crafted by cue maker Clay Etheridge. He founded Showcase Billiards in Westminster, Colorado, in 1980. Known for their distinct craftsmanship, performance, and rare custom builds like their sought-after jump/break cue models, these pieces are highly prized among collectors and players alike.
This Ariel Carmeli cue was just finished up recently at Proficient Billiards.
Ariel Carmeli cues are highly prestigious, world-famous custom pool cues renowned for their exceptional strength, stability, and stunning aesthetics. Handcrafting cues since 1994, Carmeli (formerly based in Southern California and now operating out of Virginia) specializes in utilizing rare, exotic hardwoods like Gabon ebony, amboyna burl, snakewood, and cocobolo. Known for exceptional playability, his signature construction almost always involves coring the forearms to ensure unparalleled hit consistency and structural longevity.
The market for Ariel Carmeli cues splits into two categories: 100% full custom bench-made cues built personally by Carmeli, and the Diamond Signature Series production collaboration manufactured by Viking Cues.
Custom Ariel Carmeli Cues
True custom pieces are handcrafted in highly limited quantities, highly sought after by cue collectors, and built with high-end component nuances.
Design Traits: Typically feature multi-point designs (4-point or 6-point) with sharp, vibrant multi-color veneers (such as blue, purple, or traditional flame styles), intricate hand-cut abalone or imitation ivory diamond inlays, premium textured elephant or pigskin leather wraps, and his signature custom ringwork.
Specifications: Standard custom builds typically ship at 19 to 19.4 ounces with a length of 58 inches. They utilize a signature flat-faced modified 3/8 x 10 joint pin and traditionally include two premium 13mm maple shafts.
This is a limited edition 23/75 Jacoby Predator cue just finished up here at Proficient Billiards.
The Predator Panthera Special Edition series is the premier line of limited-edition pool cues designed and handcrafted in partnership with Jacoby Custom Cues. This long-running collaboration combines Jacoby’s mastery of exotic wood artistry with Predator’s world-renowned low-deflection technology. Because these are highly exclusive collectible runs, they are produced in strictly limited quantities—typically only 100 to 125 units per model—and each cue is individually signed and numbered by the cue maker.
This is a Hurricane cue finished here at Proficient Billiards.
Whitey Spach “Hurricane” Custom Cues
If you are looking for a true custom, collectible cue, you are likely looking for the work of cuemaker Whitey Spach out of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
Craftsmanship: These are authentic, USA-made custom cues known for excellent playability and solid construction.
Technical Features: Spach traditionally utilized a 5/16-14 flat-faced joint. His cues typically feature standard 58-inch builds weighing between 18 to 21 ounces.
Reputation: Highly regarded in the billiards community, particularly for their high-performing jump/break cues and intricate point work (such as 4-point or 6-point designs).
This is a Leon Sly cue just finished up here at Proficient Billiards.
Leon “Sly” Custom Cues are highly respected, premium pool cues handcrafted by the renowned Maryland-based cuemaker Leon Sly. Known for their exceptionally clean craftsmanship, tight construction, and pristine “glass-like” finishes, these cues are highly sought after by collectors and competitive players alike. Tragically, Leon Sly passed away in early 2026, making his existing custom cues rare and highly collectible pieces of billiard history.
Core Features & Construction
Masterful Points: Highly celebrated for razor-sharp point work and intricate traditional veneer combinations (such as the classic Szamboti color patterns).
Cored Forearms: Built utilizing premium woods like highly figured Birdseye Maple, African Blackwood, or Cocobolo Burl, frequently cored with Purpleheart or Maple to ensure maximum stability.
Laminated Handles: Engineered with a laminated maple handle construction designed to keep the cue straight and durable over a lifetime of play.
Premium Wraps: Finished with meticulously installed textured leather grips, including high-end black pigskin or Buffalino leather.
Purpleheart Tonkin Sneaky Pete cue – A Comprehensive Guide to Performance and Craftsmanship
This is a Tonkin sneaky pete cue that was recently here for finish work.
In addition to their functional benefits, the aesthetics of the Purpleheart Tonkin Sneaky Pete cue make it a standout piece. Many players take pride in their cues, often showcasing them in their homes or at competitions. The beauty of the woods shines through the gleaming finish, making each cue a conversation starter among fellow billiards enthusiasts.
The craftsmanship of a Purpleheart Tonkin Sneaky Pete cue goes beyond mere aesthetics; it embodies a rich tradition and a dedication to the art of cue making. Each cue is meticulously crafted to ensure top-notch performance, benefiting players of all skill levels. In addition to providing a great playing experience, these cues are often considered works of art, making them a valuable addition to any billiard enthusiast’s collection.
This particular model, the Purpleheart Tonkin Sneaky Pete cue, is noted for its unique blend of functionality and elegance. The design not only caters to aesthetic preferences with its striking visuals but also ensures that each shot is delivered with precision and control. The cues often come with a personalized touch, allowing players to choose from various options that fit their playing style and personality.
Understanding the key characteristics and construction methods of the Purpleheart Tonkin Sneaky Pete cue is essential for any player looking to invest in a high-quality cue. Each element is designed with performance and durability in mind, ensuring that the cue can handle the rigors of regular play while maintaining its beauty and functionality.
Pete Tonkin Custom Cues are highly prestigious, high-end custom pool cues renowned for their exceptional hit, balance, and intricate wood and inlay craftsmanship. Made by award-winning cuethier Pete Tonkin, these cues are highly collectible and typically fall within a premium price range from $4,199 to $6,895+ depending on the complexity of the exotic woods and materials used.
The tall, sharp points are not merely for show; they play a critical role in aiming and shot accuracy. Players often find that these points help in visual alignment during their shots, allowing for a more focused and confident stroke.
Premium materials are selected not just for their looks but also for their performance characteristics. For instance, cocobolo and ebony offer different weight distributions and firmness, which can significantly affect how a cue feels during play. Players often report that specific woods resonate differently upon impact, contributing to the overall experience.
Cored forearms using Purpleheart wood not only enhance the durability of the cue but also contribute to the feedback players receive during shots. The solid, crisp hit that is characteristic of these cues allows players to better gauge their strokes, leading to improved accuracy and consistency.
The modified 3/8-10 pin joint ensures that the cue is securely fastened while allowing for quick assembly and disassembly. This feature is particularly beneficial for players who transport their cues frequently, as it reduces wear and tear on the joint over time.
Key Characteristics & Construction
Tall, Sharp Points: A hallmark of Tonkin’s design is the use of distinct, razor-sharp points with colorful, vibrant veneers.
Premium Materials: Cues commonly feature highly figured burls, exotic ebony, cocobolo, and zircote wood paired with intricate inlays of silver, abalone, or Elforyn.
Cored Forearms: Cues are frequently cored with dense woods like Purpleheart to promote a solid, crisp hit and highly tactile feel.
Modified 3/8-10 Pin: Most modern builds utilize a modified 3/8 x 10 flat-faced joint configuration.
Schon R1 cue that was just here for refinishing work at Proficient Billiards.
Schön Cues is a highly prestigious, small-batch American custom pool cue manufacturer. Founded in 1981 by Terry Romine Sr. and legendary cue maker Bob Runde in Wisconsin, the brand is globally renowned for producing heirloom-quality cues that emphasize a signature “stiff hit”. The word “Schön” is German for “beautiful,” which directly reflects their intricate hand-cut inlay work and use of rare, hand-selected exotic hardwoods.
This Craig Petersen cue is an example of refinishing work performed here at Proficient Billiards.
Craig Petersen (often spelled Peterson) custom pool cues are highly sought-after, rare collectible items crafted by a legendary Chicago cuemaker renowned for his meticulous, multi-step shaft-making process and classic aesthetic. Petersen began making cues in 1965 out of a small room at Chicago’s North Shore Billiards, initially utilizing piloted brass joints and understated “Merry Widow” wood designs. He later collaborated closely with fellow Hall of Fame maker Burton Spain. Because Petersen passed away from lung cancer attributed to clearcoat chemical exposure and left behind a limited production run, his authenticated cues command premium vintage prices.
Key Identifying Features
Piloted Joints: Earliest builds feature a piloted brass joint, while later variants frequently used a 5/16-14 or 5/16-18 joint pin.
Meticulous Shafts: Petersen was famous for a strict 15-step wood conditioning and shaping process that he kept highly guarded.
Premium Materials: Frequent use of high-figured curly maple, bird’s-eye maple forearms, cocobolo points, and traditional Cortland linen or kid leather wraps.
This Schon Elite cue is an example of refinishing work performed here at Proficient Billiards.
Schon Elite pool cues are highly collectible, small-batch custom cues handcrafted in the USA, strictly limited to an edition of no more than 7 cues per design. Because they are made one time only, these elite-tier cues are prized for their rarity, distinctive exotic wood inlays, and the signature stiff hit that characterizes Schön Cues.
Core Specifications
Standard Length: 58 inches.
Weight Range: Typically 19 oz to 21 oz.
Joint Type: 5/16 x 14 piloted stainless steel pin with a phenolic cushioned brass insert.
Shaft: 29-inch hard rock maple shaft, interchangeable, with diameters from 12.5mm to 13mm.
This Rat cue is an example of refinish work performed here at Proficient Billiards.
Ryan Theewen, formerly known for his work under the brand RAT Cues, is a custom cue maker based in Lincoln, Nebraska. He is well-regarded in the billiards community for his craftsmanship and expertise in cue repair.
Here are some key aspects of his work and reputation:
Custom Craftsmanship: Theewen transitioned from his “RAT Cues” moniker to Theewen Custom Cues. He is known for building high-quality, custom cues, often utilizing stabilized burls and exotic hardwoods.
Performance: Players often praise his cues for their solid hit and performance characteristics, with some reviews describing his shafts as having very little “squirt” (cue ball deflection) and offering a powerful, consistent hit.
Repair Services: Beyond building new cues, he operates Rat Cue Repairs, offering professional services to maintain and restore existing cues. He has even shared instructional content on techniques like using a dent buffer to repair shafts.
Community Reputation: He is highly regarded in enthusiast spaces like the AzBilliards Forums, where members have noted that his work is top-notch and that he is an approachable professional to do business with.
Here are some examples of Schon cues that have been refinished here at Proficient Billiards.
Schön Cues are highly regarded, masterfully handcrafted American pool cues known for their precision craftsmanship, exceptional balance, and signature stiff hit. Founded in 1981 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the name fittingly translates from German to “beautiful”
These two Southwest cues are examples of refinishing work that was done here at Proficient Billiards.
SouthWest Custom Cues are widely considered some of the most sought-after pool cues in existence. Founded in 1982 by the late Jerry Franklin, the brand built a legendary reputation for unmatched quality, balance, and craftsmanship before Franklin’s passing in 1996.
Here is what makes them stand out:
Exceptional Craftsmanship: Every cue is handcrafted using high-end, exotic woods and intricate inlay work. Because they are produced in relatively limited quantities—often cited as only a few hundred per year—they remain highly exclusive.
Highly Collectible: Their status as “the most sought-after” brand means they hold significant value. It is not uncommon for rare or pristine models to command prices in the $3,000 to $10,000+ range, depending on the specific wood, points, and condition.
This is an example of refinishing and restoration work performed here at Proficient Billiards.
The Palmer Model M is a highly collectible, top-tier vintage pool cue from the Palmer Billiard Corporation’s famous Second Catalog, originally produced in Elizabeth, New Jersey during the late 1960s to early 1970s. Often referred to as “The Palmer Supreme,” the Model M represents the absolute pinnacle of luxury and craftsmanship for the brand. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Key Characteristics & Construction
Master Craftsman Build: Because of the sheer technical difficulty of executing its double-wavy inlays, company founder Gene Balner personally handcrafted the Model M cues himself. [1]
Premium Materials: It is heavily embellished with a combination of deep African ebony wood, triple-laminated white veneers, and intensive mother-of-pearl inlays. [1]
Signature Joint & Butt Cap: Features a hand-fitted, nickel-silver joint accented with black and white pearl collars, paired with a matching pearl butt cap and a tiny black rubber bumper. [1]
Custom Personalization: Original buyers could have their names fully personalized and set directly into a combination of ebony and nickel-silver rings. [1]
Standard Package: It was historically sold strictly as a premium package that included two matching shafts. [1, 2]
Market Value & Collectibility
Due to its rarity and historical significance, a genuine, well-preserved Second Catalog Model M is a prized possession in the billiards community. Depending entirely on the condition of the wrap, straightness, and originality of the shafts, these cues easily command well over $1,500 to $3,000+ among custom cue collectors today. [1, 2]
If you are trying to verify or appraise a specific cue, you can often monitor active listings or check past sales for comparison on the eBay Palmer Billiard Cues Page. [1]
This is an example of refinish work performed at Proficient Billiards.
The Meucci European Series cue is one of the brand’s most enduring and popular lines, originally introduced in the mid-1980s as a high-value, colorful option and subsequently brought back due to popular demand. These cues are recognized for combining solid maple craftsmanship with vibrant stains and a low-deflection setup at an accessible entry-level price point. [1, 2]
Key Features and Specifications
Forearm and Sleeve: Crafted from straight-grain hard rock maple, available in a distinct palette of solid color stains (including Blue, Red, Black, Green, Purple, Pink, and Multi-Color). [1, 2, 3, 4]
Standard Shaft: Comes equipped with Meucci’s “The Pro” shaft (29-inch length, 12.5mm diameter) made from a single solid piece of hard rock maple with a 14-inch pro taper. [1, 2]
Joint and Pin: Flat-faced wood-to-wood joint equipped with a standard 5/16 x 18 pin. [1, 2]
Wrap: Features a classic black-and-white Irish linen wrap finished with a protective urethane coating. [1, 2]
Weight System: Uses the Everlock adjustable weight system, allowing players to adjust the total weight anywhere between 18 oz and 20 oz. [1]
