The $3,350 Secret: Why Ariel Carmeli Custom Cues Are The Most Coveted In Billiards
Few names in the world of custom billiards command the reverence and immediate respect of Ariel Carmeli. As of December 23, 2025, the demand for a hand-crafted Carmeli cue remains exceptionally high, driven by a reputation built over three decades for unparalleled playability, rock-solid construction, and breathtaking artistry. These aren't just tools for the table; they are investment-grade works of functional art, with some models fetching prices well over the $3,000 mark.
This deep dive explores the man behind the legend, revealing the proprietary construction techniques that give his cues their famous "hit," detailing the exotic materials he employs, and examining his high-profile collaboration with Viking Cues that brought his custom-level quality to a wider audience. If you've ever wondered what makes a Carmeli cue one of the most sought-after sticks in the game, the answer lies in a meticulous, core-focused approach to cue making.
Ariel Carmeli: The Master Cuemaker's Profile and Legacy
Ariel Carmeli is widely recognized as a master artisan in the custom cue industry, a title he earned through decades of dedicated craftsmanship. His journey began long before he became a full-time cuemaker, as he developed his woodworking and repair skills while employed at the now-defunct Cue & Case Sales.
He officially began hand-crafting custom pool cues out of his Eastvale, Southern California shop in 1994, establishing a legacy that has made his name synonymous with quality and stability.
Key Biographical Details:
- Full Name: Ariel Carmeli
- Primary Residence/Shop: Eastvale, Southern California, USA
- Start of Custom Cue Making: 1994
- Spouse: Debra Carmeli
- Signature Style: Clean, classic designs often featuring points, veneers, and exotic wood inlays. Known for exceptional playability and solid construction.
- Notable Collaborations: Viking Cues (Signature Series, Diamond Collection)
Carmeli's philosophy centers on the idea that a cue must play as good as it looks. This commitment to performance is the core reason his cues are a fixture in the collections of serious players and high-end collectors alike.
The Carmeli Difference: Cored Forearms and Technical Superiority
The single most important factor distinguishing an Ariel Carmeli custom cue is his revolutionary approach to forearm construction. This technique is the "secret sauce" behind the renowned "Carmeli hit" and the cue's exceptional stability.
The Cored Forearm Technique
Unlike many traditional cues, Ariel Carmeli cores almost all of his custom cue forearms. This process involves removing the center material and replacing it with a core, often made of a different, highly stable wood or material. This construction method minimizes wood movement, drastically reducing the chances of warpage and ensuring the cue remains straight for its lifetime.
The result is a playing cue renowned for its strength, stability, and a solid, consistent feel upon impact.
Joint Specifications and Playability
The joint is the critical connection point that transmits the energy of the stroke to the shaft. Carmeli cues are known for their solid, clean construction at this juncture.
- Joint Type: Carmeli typically uses a modified 3/8x10 joint, sometimes referred to as a 10 thread joint.
- Joint Diameter: The butt diameter at the joint is often specified at .850 inches, contributing to the cue's solid feel.
- Shafts: Cues are usually paired with high-performance, low-deflection Ariel Carmeli Shafts.
Players consistently praise the playability of his cues, noting their incredible feedback and the feeling that they can "look forward to shooting" with them, even when compared to other top-tier makers.
Exotic Materials and The Viking Diamond Series Collaboration
Ariel Carmeli’s artistic flair comes to life through his selection of some of the world's most beautiful and rare exotic woods and inlay materials. This commitment to aesthetics ensures every cue is visually stunning.
Signature Exotic Woods and Inlays
Carmeli's creations are a showcase of nature's finest materials. The woods he uses are not only beautiful but also chosen for their density and stability, further enhancing the cue's performance.
- Woods: Ebony, Amboyna Burl, Figured Maple, Tulipwood, Zebrawood, Birdseye Maple.
- Inlays: He frequently incorporates materials like natural Larimar stone and imitation ivory (Ivory IMA) to create stunning, intricate designs.
- Style Variety: His custom work ranges from classic Hoppe Style cues to modern, vibrant Southwest tributes, often featuring stunning veneer combinations.
The Viking Cues Partnership: Diamond Collection
In a significant move to bridge the gap between custom cue artistry and mass-market accessibility, Ariel Carmeli partnered with Viking Cues to create the Diamond Series and Signature Series.
The Diamond Collection is a perfect example of this collaboration, with models like the Blue Diamond and Silver Diamond being crafted to Carmeli's exact specifications. These cues utilize features like full laminate maple cored construction and real maple veneer points, bringing his high-end design philosophy to a production line.
This partnership is a testament to Carmeli's reputation, allowing players who might not be able to wait for a full custom build to experience a cue built with his design principles. It ensures that while his full custom cues remain scarce and highly demanded, his influence on high-quality cue construction continues to grow.
The Investment Value of a Carmeli Cue
The high demand and low supply of Ariel Carmeli's hand-crafted pieces contribute to their significant market value. A new, custom-made Carmeli cue can often command prices in the range of $3,350.00 and upward, depending on the complexity of the inlays and the rarity of the woods used.
The scarcity of his work is a primary driver of this value. Because his cues are hand-crafted by a single master cuemaker, the production volume is inherently limited, making them "very scarce" and in "extra high demand."
For collectors, owning a Carmeli cue is not just about acquiring a beautiful object; it's about holding a piece of billiard history, crafted by one of the most skilled master cuemakers of the modern era. The combination of artistry, technical innovation (cored forearm), and legendary playability secures Ariel Carmeli's place at the pinnacle of the custom cue world.
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