Tag: Southwest cue

Southwest cue – 11-313

This Southwest cue is an example of refinishing performed here at Proficient Billiards.

Both shafts were re-tipped with Big Game tips www.biggametips.com. Big Game Tips hold chalk like no other, control the cue ball like it’s attached to a string.

South West Custom Cues are widely considered some of the most iconic, collectible, and highly sought-after custom pool cues in the history of billiards. Founded by Jerry Franklin in 1982 in Las Vegas, Nevada, they are legendary for their distinct design formula, exceptional forward-weighted balance, and rigid hit.

Because the South West workshop deliberately limits production to maintain meticulous quality control, they have a massive multi-year waiting list for direct orders, causing their value on the secondary market to soar significantly past retail prices.

Key Technical Characteristics

• The Joint and Pin: South West famously uses a proprietary, heavy-duty 3/8×11 brass pin that screws directly into the wood of the shaft. This setup creates an incredibly solid, wood-to-wood contact that delivers a crisp, firm, and resonant hit.
• Aesthetic Blueprint: Their classic style is instantly recognizable. It typically features a 6-point design (three long points and three short points) seamlessly paired with contrasting colored veneers. They utilize premium, high-density exotic hardwoods like Cocobolo, Macassar Ebony, Goncalo Alves, and highly figured Birdseye Maple.
• The Serial Number System: Cues are numbered chronologically by year. For example, a pin stamped with a number like “34312” tells a collector that it was the 43rd cue completed in the year 2012 (with South West starting its yearly count at number 300).
• Standard Configuration: Almost every authentic South West cue is originally built and sold as a matching set featuring one butt and two shafts, alongside their characteristic double-ring accents.

Market Eras and Collectibility

• Franklin Era (1982–1996): Cues built while founder Jerry Franklin was alive. These carry a significant premium, especially early “pre-date” models from the 1980s that lacked serial numbers.
• Laurie Franklin Era (1996–Present): Following Jerry’s passing, his wife Laurie took over operations alongside long-time shop cue-makers like Al Bautista. They have strictly maintained Jerry’s exact construction methods, tapers, and high standards, keeping the brand’s legendary mystique intact.

Southwest cue 2004

This Southwest cue is an example of refinishing performed here at Proficient Billiards.

Both shafts were re-tipped with Big Game tips www.biggametips.com. Big Game Tips hold chalk like no other, control the cue ball like it’s attached to a string.

South West Custom Cues are widely considered some of the most iconic, collectible, and highly sought-after custom pool cues in the history of billiards. Founded by Jerry Franklin in 1982 in Las Vegas, Nevada, they are legendary for their distinct design formula, exceptional forward-weighted balance, and rigid hit.

Because the South West workshop deliberately limits production to maintain meticulous quality control, they have a massive multi-year waiting list for direct orders, causing their value on the secondary market to soar significantly past retail prices.

Key Technical Characteristics

• The Joint and Pin: South West famously uses a proprietary, heavy-duty 3/8×11 brass pin that screws directly into the wood of the shaft. This setup creates an incredibly solid, wood-to-wood contact that delivers a crisp, firm, and resonant hit.
• Aesthetic Blueprint: Their classic style is instantly recognizable. It typically features a 6-point design (three long points and three short points) seamlessly paired with contrasting colored veneers. They utilize premium, high-density exotic hardwoods like Cocobolo, Macassar Ebony, Goncalo Alves, and highly figured Birdseye Maple.
• The Serial Number System: Cues are numbered chronologically by year. For example, a pin stamped with a number like “34312” tells a collector that it was the 43rd cue completed in the year 2012 (with South West starting its yearly count at number 300).
• Standard Configuration: Almost every authentic South West cue is originally built and sold as a matching set featuring one butt and two shafts, alongside their characteristic double-ring accents.

Market Eras and Collectibility

• Franklin Era (1982–1996): Cues built while founder Jerry Franklin was alive. These carry a significant premium, especially early “pre-date” models from the 1980s that lacked serial numbers.
• Laurie Franklin Era (1996–Present): Following Jerry’s passing, his wife Laurie took over operations alongside long-time shop cue-makers like Al Bautista. They have strictly maintained Jerry’s exact construction methods, tapers, and high standards, keeping the brand’s legendary mystique intact.

Purpleheart Southwest cue 17-325

This Southwest cue is an example of refinishing performed here at Proficient Billiards.

Both shafts were re-tipped with Big Game tips www.biggametips.com. Big Game Tips hold chalk like no other, control the cue ball like it’s attached to a string.

South West Custom Cues are widely considered some of the most iconic, collectible, and highly sought-after custom pool cues in the history of billiards. Founded by Jerry Franklin in 1982 in Las Vegas, Nevada, they are legendary for their distinct design formula, exceptional forward-weighted balance, and rigid hit.

Because the South West workshop deliberately limits production to maintain meticulous quality control, they have a massive multi-year waiting list for direct orders, causing their value on the secondary market to soar significantly past retail prices.

Key Technical Characteristics

• The Joint and Pin: South West famously uses a proprietary, heavy-duty 3/8×11 brass pin that screws directly into the wood of the shaft. This setup creates an incredibly solid, wood-to-wood contact that delivers a crisp, firm, and resonant hit.
• Aesthetic Blueprint: Their classic style is instantly recognizable. It typically features a 6-point design (three long points and three short points) seamlessly paired with contrasting colored veneers. They utilize premium, high-density exotic hardwoods like Cocobolo, Macassar Ebony, Goncalo Alves, and highly figured Birdseye Maple.
• The Serial Number System: Cues are numbered chronologically by year. For example, a pin stamped with a number like “34312” tells a collector that it was the 43rd cue completed in the year 2012 (with South West starting its yearly count at number 300).
• Standard Configuration: Almost every authentic South West cue is originally built and sold as a matching set featuring one butt and two shafts, alongside their characteristic double-ring accents.

Market Eras and Collectibility

• Franklin Era (1982–1996): Cues built while founder Jerry Franklin was alive. These carry a significant premium, especially early “pre-date” models from the 1980s that lacked serial numbers.
• Laurie Franklin Era (1996–Present): Following Jerry’s passing, his wife Laurie took over operations alongside long-time shop cue-makers like Al Bautista. They have strictly maintained Jerry’s exact construction methods, tapers, and high standards, keeping the brand’s legendary mystique intact.

Southwest cue 08-305

This Southwest cue is an example of refinishing performed here at Proficient Billiards.

Both shafts were re-tipped with Big Game tips www.biggametips.com. Big Game Tips hold chalk like no other, control the cue ball like it’s attached to a string.

South West Custom Cues are widely considered some of the most iconic, collectible, and highly sought-after custom pool cues in the history of billiards. Founded by Jerry Franklin in 1982 in Las Vegas, Nevada, they are legendary for their distinct design formula, exceptional forward-weighted balance, and rigid hit.

Because the South West workshop deliberately limits production to maintain meticulous quality control, they have a massive multi-year waiting list for direct orders, causing their value on the secondary market to soar significantly past retail prices.

Key Technical Characteristics

• The Joint and Pin: South West famously uses a proprietary, heavy-duty 3/8×11 brass pin that screws directly into the wood of the shaft. This setup creates an incredibly solid, wood-to-wood contact that delivers a crisp, firm, and resonant hit.
• Aesthetic Blueprint: Their classic style is instantly recognizable. It typically features a 6-point design (three long points and three short points) seamlessly paired with contrasting colored veneers. They utilize premium, high-density exotic hardwoods like Cocobolo, Macassar Ebony, Goncalo Alves, and highly figured Birdseye Maple.
• The Serial Number System: Cues are numbered chronologically by year. For example, a pin stamped with a number like “34312” tells a collector that it was the 43rd cue completed in the year 2012 (with South West starting its yearly count at number 300).
• Standard Configuration: Almost every authentic South West cue is originally built and sold as a matching set featuring one butt and two shafts, alongside their characteristic double-ring accents.

Market Eras and Collectibility

• Franklin Era (1982–1996): Cues built while founder Jerry Franklin was alive. These carry a significant premium, especially early “pre-date” models from the 1980s that lacked serial numbers.
• Laurie Franklin Era (1996–Present): Following Jerry’s passing, his wife Laurie took over operations alongside long-time shop cue-makers like Al Bautista. They have strictly maintained Jerry’s exact construction methods, tapers, and high standards, keeping the brand’s legendary mystique intact.

Wrapless Southwest cue 19-321

South West Custom Cues are widely considered some of the most iconic, collectible, and highly sought-after custom pool cues in the history of billiards. Founded by Jerry Franklin in 1982 in Las Vegas, Nevada, they are legendary for their distinct design formula, exceptional forward-weighted balance, and rigid hit.

Because the South West workshop deliberately limits production to maintain meticulous quality control, they have a massive multi-year waiting list for direct orders, causing their value on the secondary market to soar significantly past retail prices.

Key Technical Characteristics

• The Joint and Pin: South West famously uses a proprietary, heavy-duty 3/8×11 brass pin that screws directly into the wood of the shaft. This setup creates an incredibly solid, wood-to-wood contact that delivers a crisp, firm, and resonant hit.
• Aesthetic Blueprint: Their classic style is instantly recognizable. It typically features a 6-point design (three long points and three short points) seamlessly paired with contrasting colored veneers. They utilize premium, high-density exotic hardwoods like Cocobolo, Macassar Ebony, Goncalo Alves, and highly figured Birdseye Maple.
• The Serial Number System: Cues are numbered chronologically by year. For example, a pin stamped with a number like “34312” tells a collector that it was the 43rd cue completed in the year 2012 (with South West starting its yearly count at number 300).
• Standard Configuration: Almost every authentic South West cue is originally built and sold as a matching set featuring one butt and two shafts, alongside their characteristic double-ring accents.

Market Eras and Collectibility

• Franklin Era (1982–1996): Cues built while founder Jerry Franklin was alive. These carry a significant premium, especially early “pre-date” models from the 1980s that lacked serial numbers.
• Laurie Franklin Era (1996–Present): Following Jerry’s passing, his wife Laurie took over operations alongside long-time shop cue-makers like Al Bautista. They have strictly maintained Jerry’s exact construction methods, tapers, and high standards, keeping the brand’s legendary mystique intact.

2018 Purpleheart Southwest cue

The 2018 Purpleheart Southwest cue is not just a tool for playing pool; it represents a blend of artistry and engineering that appeals to both amateur and professional players alike. This particular cue, crafted with care, reflects the dedication and expertise that Proficient Billiards puts into its work.

This 2018 Purpleheart Southwest cue was just finished up here at Proficient Billiards, where our skilled artisans focus on fine-tuning the details that make each cue exceptional. The finishing touches on this cue included a meticulous polish that brings out the rich, deep hues of the purpleheart wood, ensuring that it not only performs well but also looks stunning on the pool table.

SouthWest Cues are widely considered to be the “holy grail” of custom pool cues, known for their distinct six-point designs that set them apart from the rest. The exceptional balance found in these cues, combined with their highly coveted stiff-hitting playability, makes them a favorite among serious players. Founded by Jerry Franklin in 1982, SouthWest Cues continue to be meticulously handcrafted in limited quantities from a small residential shop in Las Vegas, ensuring that each piece is unique. The craftsmanship and attention to detail create a supply-and-demand mismatch, leading to a direct factory waitlist that stretches between 13 and 18 years. This extreme scarcity has turned genuine SouthWest cues into major collector’s items, with pristine or historical models commanding premium secondary market prices that often range from $4,000 to over $9,000 depending on the exotic woods used and the era of production. For enthusiasts, owning a SouthWest cue is not just about the game; it’s about possessing a piece of art that tells a story.

Core Attributes & Specifications

When considering the 2018 Purpleheart Southwest cue, it’s essential to understand its core attributes that contribute to its unmatched performance and aesthetic appeal.

• The “SouthWest Hit”: Built with a proprietary 3/8 x 11 brass pin and a phenolic joint. They utilize a stiff, short-pro or conical shaft taper that provides maximum energy transfer and a distinctively solid, crisp feedback upon contact.
• Signature Aesthetic: Instantly recognizable by their staggered 6-point designs (three high points, three low points), vibrant multi-colored wood veneers, and precise stitch-ring or deco-ring patterns.
• Exotic Wood Builds: Crafted using heavy, premium dense woods like Gaboon Ebony, Macassar Ebony, Cocobolo, Purpleheart, Goncalo Alves, and highly figured Birdseye Maple.
• The Serialization: Cues constructed after 1993 feature a custom engraved cactus logo on the pin alongside a unique serial number and the year of manufacture, allowing collectors to easily verify authenticity.

The allure of the 2018 Purpleheart Southwest cue extends beyond its physical attributes; it’s also about the community and culture surrounding billiards. Players often share their experiences and techniques, fostering a sense of camaraderie. Whether at a local pool hall or an international competition, cues like the SouthWest become symbols of skill and dedication, uniting players across the globe.

In conclusion, the 2018 Purpleheart Southwest cue stands as a testament to the excellence found in custom billiards equipment. With its unique features, it represents not only a high-performance tool for gameplay but also a collectible item that embodies the artistry of cue making. For those looking to elevate their game or expand their collection, investing in a SouthWest cue is a decision that combines passion for the sport with appreciation for fine craftsmanship.

Ebony on ebony Southwest cue 04-415

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).

Purpleheart and Ebony nosed Southwest cue – 07-361

The company Southwest cues started making cues in 1982. Jerry Franklin began with cue repair as most do in the early 80’s. DPK Kersenbrock helped form Southwest cues. Early examples are unmarked and can be authenticated by Southwest cues. Cues after 93 are easy to identify and have a brass pin with a cactus, date, and number. Jerry passed away at the age of 42. His wife Laurie Franklin and family continue to run the business. Southwest cues are highly sought after and there is a lengthy waiting period for one. Pool Hall Junkies the movie also helped to catapult Southwest cues. Pictured are a few examples of cue refinishing and cue repair that we have performed here at Proficient Billiards.

This purpleheart and ebony nosed Southwest cue – 07-361 is an example of cue repair and cue refinishing work (not for sale) that has been done here at Proficient Billiards. Cue refinishing usually takes about 2 weeks depending on workload.

01-501 Ebony and Birdseye Southwest cue

The company Southwest cues started making cues in 1982. Jerry Franklin began with cue repair as most do in the early 80’s. DPK Kersenbrock helped form Southwest cues. Early examples are unmarked and can be authenticated by Southwest cues. Cues after 93 are easy to identify and have a brass pin with a cactus, date, and number. Jerry passed away at the age of 42. His wife Laurie Franklin and family continue to run the business. Southwest cues are highly sought after and there is a lengthy waiting period for one. Pool Hall Junkies the movie also helped to catapult Southwest cues. Pictured are a few examples of cue refinishing and cue repair that we have performed here at Proficient Billiards.

This 01-501 Ebony and Birdseye Southwest cue is an example of cue repair and cue refinishing work (not for sale) that has been done here at Proficient Billiards. Cue refinishing usually takes about 2 weeks depending on workload.

Southwest cue 08-381

The company Southwest cues started making cues in 1982. Jerry Franklin began with cue repair as most do in the early 80’s. DPK Kersenbrock helped form Southwest cues. Early examples are unmarked and can be authenticated by Southwest cues. Cues after 93 are easy to identify and have a brass pin with a cactus, date, and number. Jerry passed away at the age of 42. His wife Laurie Franklin and family continue to run the business. Southwest cues are highly sought after and there is a lengthy waiting period for one. Pool Hall Junkies the movie also helped to catapult Southwest cues. Pictured are a few examples of cue refinishing and cue repair that we have performed here at Proficient Billiards.

This Southwest cue 08-381 is an example of cue repair and cue refinishing work (not for sale) that has been done here at Proficient Billiards. Cue refinishing usually takes about 2 weeks depending on workload.

Birdseye and Ebony Southwest cue

Early unmarked Jerry Franklin Southwest cue. The company Southwest cues started making cues in 1982. Jerry Franklin began with cue repair as most do in the early 80’s. DPK Kersenbrock helped form Southwest cues. Early examples are unmarked and can be authenticated by Southwest cues. Cues after 93 are easy to identify and have a brass pin with a cactus, date, and number. Jerry passed away at the age of 42. His wife Laurie Franklin and family continue to run the business. Southwest cues are highly sought after and there is a lengthy waiting period for one. Pool Hall Junkies the movie also helped to catapult Southwest cues. Pictured are a few examples of cue refinishing and cue repair that we have performed here at Proficient Billiards.

This is an example of cue repair and cue refinishing work (not for sale) that has been done here at Proficient Billiards. Cue refinishing usually takes about 2 weeks depending on workload.

Jerry Franklin Southwest cue

Early unmarked Jerry Franklin Southwest cue. The company Southwest cues started making cues in 1982. Jerry Franklin began with cue repair as most do in the early 80’s. DPK Kersenbrock helped form Southwest cues. Early examples are unmarked and can be authenticated by Southwest cues. Cues after 93 are easy to identify and have a brass pin with a cactus, date, and number. Jerry passed away at the age of 42. His wife Laurie Franklin and family continue to run the business. Southwest cues are highly sought after and there is a lengthy waiting period for one. Pool Hall Junkies the movie also helped to catapult Southwest cues. Pictured are a few examples of cue refinishing and cue repair that we have performed here at Proficient Billiards.

This is an example of cue repair and cue refinishing work (not for sale) that has been done here at Proficient Billiards. Cue refinishing usually takes about 2 weeks depending on workload.

2010 Southwest cue

The company Southwest cues started making cues in 1982. Jerry Franklin began with cue repair as most do in the early 80’s. DPK Kersenbrock helped form Southwest cues. Early examples are unmarked and can be authenticated by Southwest cues. Cues after 93 are easy to identify and have a brass pin with a cactus, date, and number. Jerry passed away at the age of 42. His wife Laurie Franklin and family continue to run the business. Southwest cues are highly sought after and there is a lengthy waiting period for one. Pool Hall Junkies the movie also helped to catapult Southwest cues. Pictured are a few examples of cue refinishing and cue repair that we have performed here at Proficient Billiards.

This Birdseye maple Southwest cue is an example of cue repair and cue refinishing work (not for sale) that has been done here at Proficient Billiards. Cue refinishing usually takes about 2 weeks depending on workload.