My purchase of the Peradon King 3/4 Jointed Snooker Cue (S1393) stemmed from a desire to try out one of the higher quality snooker cues available from this legacy British brand of excellence in the world of cue sports. Peradon, a name traditionally synonymous with craftsmanship and quality, was a compelling choice in my quest for a cue that embodies precision and performance.
Understanding the Specifications
The Peradon King 3/4 jointed snooker cue (S1393) boasts specifications that epitomize its caliber within the realm of professional cues. Crafted from hand-selected, kiln-dried North American ash, the cue’s shaft promises to deliver consistency and strength, essential for precise cueing. The precision-engineered brass ferrule complements the shaft, contributing to the cue’s reliable and durable construction. A summary of the specifications for the Peradon King are:
| Cue Length | 58″ (147.5cm) Full Size |
| Shaft Length | 42″ (107cm) |
| Butt Length | 16″ (40.5cm) – plus 1″ (2.5cm) for the protruding male joint |
| Tip | 9 ½ to 10mm Elkmaster |
| Shaft | Extensively selected kiln dried North American Ash* |
| Butt | Hand spliced genuine Ebony |
| Butt Decoration | Four large Olivewood splices with Sycamore and Plum veneers |
| Joint | Solid brass, ‘Quick Action’ 16″ from butt end |
| Butt End Joint | Yes, Quick Action |
| Weight | Medium 18oz up to 18.5oz or Heavy 18 ½oz up to 21oz |
Initial Setbacks: A Test of Resilience
Out of the box the cue does indeed look beautiful. The ash has a wonderful appearance and the splicing is gorgeous. However, the initial moments of testing the Peradon King cue were met with unexpected setbacks. Within the first 20 minutes, a glaring issue emerged—the cue’s tip detached abruptly, raising immediate concerns about its craftsmanship and reliability. I know it is only a tip that can easily be replaced but it was the fact it was obviously not glued properly from Peradon that irked me.
Furthermore, despite the cue’s £350 price tag, the feel of the shaft fell short of the expected standard for a premium cue. This deviation from anticipated craftsmanship left me somewhat disillusioned, highlighting a disparity between expected quality and actual performance. It was almost sticky to the touch. Not like a £50 cue from Amazon but not what you would expect from a premier cue maker.
Signs of Premature Wear: Questioning Durability
An additional concern surfaced after a mere two weeks of testing—the appearance of patina on the brass of the 3/4 joint. While patina is a natural occurrence expected to develop over time, its rapid onset on such a new cue prompted doubts regarding the cue’s durability and the materials used in its construction.
Redemption Through Customization: Elevating Performance
Determined to maximize the cue’s potential, I embarked on a mission to rectify its initial setbacks. Promptly addressing the detached tip, I replaced it with an old school Elkmaster to restore functionality. Subsequently, I sanded the shaft to achieve the desired smoothness and refined texture expected from a premium cue.
Additionally, I treated the cue with boiled linseed oil, enhancing both its visual appeal and functionality. This process not only improved the feel but also contributed to a more consistent stroke during gameplay.
The Transformation: From Disappointment to Satisfaction
The efforts invested in refining the Peradon King 3/4 Jointed Snooker Cue proved transformative. What was initially a lackluster cue emerged as a piece that exceeded expectations. Its performance underwent a significant enhancement, demonstrating remarkable playability and responsiveness.
Conclusion: Unleashing Potential Through Adaptation
In conclusion, my experience with the Peradon King 3/4 jointed snooker cue was a testament to the cue’s potential, and quite honestly what it should have been out of the box. While it required additional attention and modifications, the cue can evolve into a top-tier instrument for serious players. Whether you want to do that on a brand new snooker cue when there are so many solid competitors at that price point is subjective.
Final Thoughts: A Cue Worth the Effort
Despite its initial flaws, the Peradon King showcases the promise of being a solid snooker cue when customized and refined. For players dedicated to enhancing its performance, this cue holds the potential to become a reliable and high-performing companion on the snooker table. After a few months of play it is still performing well and showing no signs of regressing. I am hoping it will continue so for years to come but that remains to be seen and my confidence was knocked on day one.
This comprehensive review aims to provide insights into the Peradon King snooker cue’s journey from initial setbacks to eventual satisfaction through customization and enhancement.
As an Englishman I really wanted to love this cue and I am a little annoyed that it wasn’t quite what I had hoped it to be from such a legacy British brand.
Is it worth it? Subjective I know, but my personal thoughts are it is worth around £200.
