1998 Chris Nitti cue
This 1998 Chris Nitti cue is an example of cue refinishing performed here at Proficient Billiards.
Nitti Cues are highly sought-after, investment-grade custom pool cues handcrafted by elite American cue maker Chris Nitti out of Orlando, Florida. Active since the early 1990s, Nitti is legendary in the billiards community for building “old-school” traditional cues completely by hand without the use of CNC machines or digital tools. Because his production is very limited, his cues are considered prized collector’s items and high-end performance instruments.
Key Characteristics & Craftsmanship
- Pure Handcraftsmanship: Chris Nitti modifies his own shop machinery to achieve precision inlay work manually. This gives his cues a distinct, soul-infused feel reminiscent of legendary builders like Szamboti, Balabushka, and Gina Cues.
- Signature Materials: He heavily utilizes premium woods like highly-figured Birdseye Maple, dense Ebony, Cocobolo, Purpleheart, and rare Pink Ivory wood.
- Design & Joints: Most Nitti cues feature a Radial Joint pin configuration and ornate, perfectly aligned veneer points, diamond inlays, or custom ring work.
- Completeness & Exclusivity: Cues typically ship as a set featuring one butt and two perfectly matched original shafts, often carrying Nitti’s handwritten signature, year of creation, and serial build number near the butt cap.