So I have a bit of money I could splurge on a new pool cue (been playing with a Scorpion) and I wanted a low deflection cue. Predators are still out of my price range (between $200-$300) but there are some Lucasis out there that fit. Can anyone tell me anything about them? What's the difference between the LE and Hybrid series? How come the Hybrid series costs about a hundred bucks more? Do low deflection cues really live up to the hype or should I just get better at compensating for squirt and throw?

Here is a discussion on the Lucasis on azbilliards.

I've never used one, but the consensus seems to be that they make only the smallest difference compared to a traditional cue.

they arent a bad cue but nothing special. but good for their price range. i still think low deflection is more of a gimmick as you learn to adjust for it from playing. and it really isnt much of a factor and you should know when it is.

people played for decades and never had an issue with the cues and played as well as anyone now that uses one. even most of the very best dont. so that tells a lot. the ones that do get paid to shoot with them.

for a few hundred find a good used sneeky pete from a known maker. or ask around in pool rooms and you will find a good deal from a broke player.

The cue isn't so important. Just the shaft. Pick any cue you like the looks of and get a good shaft on it. I've tried them all and really like the OB line. I prefer the OB Classic Pro as the classic offers a more firm feel to the hit and the smaller tip diameter of the pro givew more action. These shafts are all going to be around that $200 range. The only other part of the cue that may affect performance is the joint which will change the way the hit feels a little.

And yes, I think the low deflection shafts are much better. When you don't have to adjust for squirt as much it leaves less room for error. It took awhile to get used to, but I know I miss less long shots when using inside or outside english now that I use a high performance shaft. And I didn't miss many to begin with.

the thing i always compare pool cues to is guitars(probably because i'm into both). a great player will be ok with just about anything. give a bad player a 5k+cue and it ain't gonna make a bit of difference. worrying about most of that kind of stuff at a 200ish kind of level is a bit of a waste of time. pretty much any decent entry level cue will be ok. get pretty good and then start wondering about some specifics. look around for a decent used cue your money will go a lot further.