Need Assistance: New Unused Cue Butts: Is This Acceptable?

6/27/2026 9:32:42 AM

Need Assistance: New Unused Cue Butts: Is This Acceptable?

ROLL TEST LINK:

https://drive.proton.me/urls/JKR0CQY7SW#bcX0oGElg31Z

I received 2 brand new never used cue butts via Fedex on Friday and brought them in the house immediately upon delivery. The packaging was minimal: a triangle box, a little bubble wrap, felt sleeves for both butts and well-made joint protectors. Here's a basic breakdown of the facts:

Price: $1000 each butt (without shafts), Materials: Black Palm and Spalted Maple (minimal design, no points, minimal joint rings), Aesthetic Appearance: Excellent, Finish: Excellent, Customer Service: Excellent, Joint Pin/Facing Alignment: Good, Straightness of Butts Using Bearing Rollers: Fair, Straightness When Paired with Shafts: TBA (will pair with Whyte Carbon play/break Shafts), Warranty Against Warpage: None

I've scoured the Internet seeking reasonable and rational explanations for the wobble. My 30+ year old cue butts (and shafts) have virtually zero wobble using this same device. I was initially a little shocked and concerned based on my personal QC reference points.

The spalted maple and black palm were apparently kiln dried and impregnated for stability. I was also told that there's a stainless steel rod down the center of the butt. The wobble appears to be originating from the middle of the butt. One butt appears significantly less aligned than the other.

I understand that an uneven thick finish can sometimes cause perceived straightness imperfections, but the misalignment appears to be originating from the middle of the butt and not where the rollers touch the butt. I also understand that the most important aspect of a cue butt's straightness is the proper construction and assembly of the joint collar and pin which need to be correctly aligned for concentricity.

Here are my questions (simple "Yes" or "No" answers would be appreciated, explanations are optional):

Is the price reasonable for the quality?
Is the wobble acceptable for a higher-end custom cue maker?
Should the butts be sent back to the maker for refund?
Can the butts be repaired if sent back to the maker?
Does the wobble affect potential resale value? If so, what percent of the original investment is lost?
Is there an alternative brand that has higher QC standards, visual aesthetics and resale/investment value for around the same price? If so, which brand?

Logical, rational and non-hyperbolic emotionally-charged anxiety inducing answers would be greatly appreciated. This issue is already causing stress. So, mindfulness and respect will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Zoro

Need Assistance: New Unused Cue Butts: Is This Acceptable?

Title: Need Assistance: New Unused Cue Butts: Is This Acceptable?
Author: Zoro
Published: 6/27/2026 9:32:42 AM