Cognoscenti Cues - Precision Billiard Instruments

Though I didn't actually buy a cue, I stopped to have my McDermott Tapered.  It was quite an experience.  Not only does my cue hit better, but it was fun hanging out with Joe Gold.  He definitely has a lot of good stores about the billiard industry, cue making, and life.  It was cold as hell that night, and he even gave me a lift back to my neighborhood.

I was just writing about Chris's Billiards when I remember a number of years back meeting an amazing guy while playing pool one night. He turned out to be Joe Gold and although I doubt he would remember me, (I'm just not that special) I remember his invitation to his shop and my trip there. Cognoscenti Cues is a little workshop that makes "Precision Billiard Instruments". Not only are they precision but extremely (no really EXTERMELY) expensive. Now when I say expensive I am referring to that fact the most of the cues go for well over Three Grand. From what I remember, Joe started making cues in the early 90's, and if you talk to any serious pool player they should recognize the name. The reason for their high cost is their quality and materials. His cues are hand-cut, every inlay, every ring, every individual part made to order for each cue. The second reason was the materials used. From exotic woods like Maple and Cocobolo, to precious metals like pure silver, or striking things like real ebony and ivory. He even allowed us to watch as they cut some inlays from ivory tusks (really cool to watch really bad to smell as the ivory smelled horrible). The shop was amazing, Joe was super nice and my friend and I had a blast, we even had a chance to play with Joe's dogs.

Pros: Precision, Materials, Recognition
Cons: Price
Cost: $$$$$ of 5
Overall Rating: 4.75 of 5
Recommendation: Unbelievable