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Counterfeit Cues

6/18/2007 12:04:00 AM

Counterfeit Cues

I was in a billiard supply shop the other day and found a Schmelke cue for $150 so I tried, and bought it. Then went to another store and saw the same cue for 90. Upon returning to the first store and questioning the salesman he said the other store is not an authorized dealer. The salesman then called Schmelke and they said the same. Is it possible that the cheaper cues are counterfeit? How can you tell?

Counterfeit Cues

Replies & Comments
  1. hettieGinger on 6/18/2007 12:13:09 AM

    You see counterfeit billiard cues more in small, seedy shops, on the internet in lesser-known retailers, and at flea-markets. They are usually knock-offs of popular cue brands and are supposedly built through slave labor.

  2. hettiebilliardsforum on 6/18/2007 12:18:21 AM

    Apparently Predator cues fell prey (excuse the pun?) to the counterfeit game not long ago. Someone was also making chalk (something predator does not make) with the predator logo.

    They spell the name Predator differently on the fake ones a lot. Like Preodair, etc. with the same logos, designs, etc.

    Here is an excerpt from their press release regarding the couterfeit cues:

    Counterfeit Predator cues and chalks are being offered for sale in the Philippines. We regret that this has happened and want to assure you that we will do all we can to identify and prosecute the perpetrators. The counterfeit cues differ from Predator cues in two ways. First, the fakes bear a logo of noticeably poor quality. When compared to a Predator logo applied at our factory, it is easy to discern the difference and recognize the counterfeit. Second, all new Predator cues come with a Uni-Loc joint whereas the fake cues have a 5/16x14 joint. As for the chalk, Predator Products does not offer chalk and any chalk bearing the Predator mark is counterfeit.

    I've not run across or heard of much counterfeiting that originates here in North America.

  3. hettiekyle on 6/25/2007 10:48:03 PM

    Sounds like the original guy talked you out of returning your cue (and made an extra 60$). How much is the same cue on schmelke website? I just think that if someone's going to knock off a cue they would choose a better known brand (or a custom)and a higher end stick and that they'd be wasting there time and money knocking off a 100$-150$ cue. Here in Halifax the local "pro shop" prices are outragous most of the books they carry are marked up 2-300% so I'd bet the rest of the items have similar margins.

  4. hettiecuenut on 2/12/2008 12:54:20 PM

    I agree with Kyle. I think one of them may have had the cue in inventory for awhile and wanted to get rid of it. Schmelke is not as well respected a cue as say a Meucci, McDermott, or any true custom. Most stores ask full retail for their stuff, but you can find the same things online for quite a bit less. Most dealers probably get 25-50% off depending on the brand.

  5. hettieVince Vera on 12/16/2011 4:11:36 PM

    I am about to purchase a 2nd hand predator cue for a really cheap price. I am in doubt if its real or not based on the poor quality pictures.

    It looks like a Predator QR-1 but I don't get it why the collar of the shaft is brown.

    Id like to know personally if the cue is real or not before I make a purchase.

    How can you tell if a pool cue is counterfeit or not?

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Counterfeit Cues

  • Title: Counterfeit Cues
  • Author: (Hettie Johnson)
  • Published: 6/18/2007 12:04:00 AM